Inspired by New Zealand pride, the professional athlete’s company will boast custom outdoor adventures for guests of all ages
Luke Romano, former All Blacks rugby player and current Crusaders lock, has unveiled Monarch Pursuits – New Zealand’s first full-service outdoor adventure and travel company. The new brand targets the premium visitor market and will provide tailored itineraries incorporating hunting, fishing and heli-skiing experiences in NZ’s Southern Alps.
Guests are treated to a stay at some of the country’s most exclusive alpine retreats and explore off-the-beaten track locations for a once-in-a-lifetime holiday.
Romano’s passion for the outdoors, hunting in the high country and his pride in New Zealand led to Monarch’s creation, with a team of successful Christchurch businesspeople and an operations team with extensive tourism experience financially supporting the brand.
“Whether it’s an older couple who aren’t interested in hunting and just want to have a high-end holiday package put together and tour around New Zealand, to a group of mates who are coming over to do straight hunting or fishing before spending four-days enjoying all the excitement down in Queenstown, to families who want to do a little bit of everything,” Romano said. “We want to appeal to every individual on the spectrum because we can cater to all their needs.”
The professional athlete-turned-entrepreneur will continue playing rugby for another year and will be actively involved in the business, dealing personally with all clients and, as his rugby schedule permits, participating in the hunting trips.
At age 33, he is acutely aware of the prospect of life after rugby: “I’ve been thinking about doing this for a wee while but wasn’t sure how to go about it. I’ve been fortunate to have the support and financial backing of a team of experts in business and tourism, who know what it takes to be successful. I’m the practical side of the outfit with my hunting and outdoor experience so it’s a win-win for all of us.”