A Queenstown tourism company’s today launching a world-first product, allowing guests to get the full James Bond experience.
BLACK’s James Bond Aston Martin experience is designed to cater to the growing luxury tourism market, with guests getting to share a ride in a rare Aston Martin 007 Vantage — one of only 100 in the world, and the only model in Australasia.
The vehicle pays homage to the original Aston Martin V8, which appears in the 1987 James Bond film, The Living Daylights.
BLACK director Nigel Hobbs says the immersive ‘James Bond tour’ is a unique way to experience Queenstown, and has appeal to movie buffs and car enthusiasts.
‘‘Our guests will drive around the stunning Southern Lakes landscapes in the rare Aston Martin 007 Vantage and hear about the history behind the 25 James Bond movies, from their knowledgeable movie-buff driver.
‘‘Naturally, the road leads them to Queenstown’s first boutique gin tasting room, Gin Garden, where guests will enjoy a refreshing Vesper Martini,” he says.
The Aston Martin 007 Vantage car is owned by a Queenstown car enthusiast, who purchased it from a private collection in the UK last year.
It’s got a four-litre, eight-speed transmission with the ability to hit top speed of 313kmh, and go from one to 100kmh in 3.5 seconds.
Along with the Aston Martin roadie, a secondary package includes a private chopper ride to a guided 90-minute snowmobile tour — during warmer months, guests can choose to fly to a local golf course, nearby glaciers, or create their own itinerary with Over The Top Helicopters.
Not a shabby whip: This Aston Martin 007 Vantage, owned by a Queenstown car enthusiast, is the inspiration for BLACK’s new ‘James Bond’ Queenstown experience. PICTURE: DAVID OAKLEY
Hobbs says the unique experience is timely, with Queenstown’s luxury tourism market bouncing back after Covid.
BLACK’s already experiencing a record number of forward bookings and is forecasting to trade 40% above pre-Covid revenue levels.
‘‘We are seeing an influx of high-net-worth individuals travelling here from the US,” he says.
“We are excited to welcome guests back and look forward to sharing our unique and beautiful region after a difficult few years for the Queenstown tourism community.’’
