Makingtrax Foundation: Revolutionising Inclusive Adventure Cycling in New Zealand
Led by the Makingtrax Foundation, the Adaptive Aotearoa project is set to revolutionise adaptive cycling in New Zealand’s South Island. Spearheaded by Jezza Williams, a trailblazer in inclusive tourism and adaptive adventure, this project is a direct response to his vision of making adventure truly accessible to all.
Recipient of one of our 2024/5 Community Impact Fund grants, Makingtrax will soon be purchasing two Bowhead Rogue adaptive e-assist mountain bikes, paving the way for inclusive cycling tours. As part of the project, Makingtrax will be developing partnerships with tour operators and local businesses, refining itineraries and ensuring safe, adaptive experiences — laying the foundation for a long-term shift towards inclusive adventure tourism across the region.
Nominated for the grant by our members Ahipara, with whom Jezza co-designed a journey through New Zealand for TCTF mentor, Sophie Morgan. Jezza and Sophie are busy collaborating on industry-wide inclusion training, in conjunction with our members. Read on to find out more about Makingtrax, adaptive adventures and how Jezza’s expertise is helping travel businesses across the world embrace the spirit of inclusive adventure.
What led you to starting the Makingtrax Foundation, and how has its mission evolved over the years?
Makingtrax was started in 2012 a year after I returned back to Aotearoa New Zealand after a life-changing canyon accident in the Swiss Alps. Prior to my injury, I had over 15 years of experience as an international adventure guide and knowledge that I didn't want to let go to waste, so I started Makingtrax. I looked into the adventure tourism industry and realized that more opportunities for people with physical disabilities were required, and brought it onto myself to be the catalyst of change .
Over the last 13 years, Makingtrax has evolved as has my understanding of what is required and what is possible. I'm a very committed person and realize my unique knowledge, experience, and understanding are of great value to the travel industry. Today, Makingtrax Foundation is an adaptive advisory service for both travellers and industry dedicated to inclusive tourism. We believe in best practices through industry education, working with researchers and creating industry guidelines and guidance.
What is the core goal of the Adapting Aotearoa project, and why is it so important for inclusive travel in New Zealand?
Our core goal is to educate, adapt, and enhance people's visitor experience no matter their ability. We believe in total inclusion and integration in travel and adventure.
What are the biggest challenges you feel are currently facing adaptive tourism in New Zealand (and beyond), and how does Makingtrax aim to address them?
The biggest challenge in the adaptive tourism industry is a lack of understanding, assumptions, and minimum standards. Basically, the industry is very inconsistent and misunderstood, even in developed nations like Aotearoa New Zealand.
Makingtrax Foundation is on a mission to work with the industry leaders, regional development organizations, tourism designers, operators, outfitters, and establishments providing guidance to the entire visitor experience. We're also providing adaptive equipment to make everything more efficient, comfortable, and welcoming.. including the incredible Bowhead Rogue adaptive e-assist mountain bikes.
How will the addition of the Bowhead Rogue adaptive mountain bikes change opportunities for people with physical disabilities? And why Bowhead Rogue?
The addition of adaptive mountain bikes in Aotearoa New Zealand is part of Makingtrax Foundation mission to open cycle tourism to people who want to experience the incredible infrastructure known as the New Zealand’s Great Rides a series of cycleways through some of Aotearoa's most spectacular regions.
The Bowhead Rogue is the latest technology when it comes to Adaptive Mountain bikes and the Rogue is the most appropriate model for the customer and conditions. It has over 100km of battery assisted power if required, it is adaptable to the user’s size, it's narrow so can go places other adaptive bikes can't, it's system is off-the-shelf meaning its easily maintained and parts can be replaced if required. Basically, it is a gamechanger.
What kind of impact do you envision this project having on local communities, tourism operators and visitors?
Makingtrax Foundation currently has the only adaptive hire mountain bikes available in Aotearoa New Zealand. This was purchased a couple of years ago. It's opened up the Abel Tasman region and the Great Taste Trail. We work in partnership with the Gentle Cycling Company, our outfitter, who manages the running of the adaptive bike and the tours. Bringing the bike to the area not only provides a very amazing product for visitors, it also is used by local community organizations and locals who could have never had these incredible experiences or get to enjoy the spectacular region with their friends and family.
It also brings awareness to the other operators and establishments that Makingtrax Foundation works with to develop their inclusive practices and accessibility.
Are there any specific partnerships or developments you’re particularly excited about as part of this next phase?
The next phase of Adapting Aotearoa is enormous, we as Makingtrax Foundation and our partnered tour operators, regional development agencies and the larger industry stakeholders are proudly creating a transformation of what Aotearoa New Zealand can offer a visitor with access requirements. Along with our leadership team and research partners at Auckland University of Technology are combining our resources to ensure a meaningful destination for all,creating the adaptive adventure capital of the world. Watch this space.
How do you work with tourism stakeholders to help them become more inclusive and welcoming?
Makingtrax Foundation is an adaptive advisory service for both travelers and industry, although our services are free for travellers. Any business that sees value in our work can employ us, whether thats a one-off project or on a subscription-based advisory service. We work in partnership with tourism businesses, regional organizations, and development agencies such as destination Queenstown and Tourism New Zealand — we’ve also worked on several international projects.
We also create guidelines and educational opportunities and develop the operators' visitor experience through our advisory service, creating best practices in the simplest, safest, and most comfortable way. I (Jezza) have also designed systems and assist operators to acquire adaptive equipment and systems enabling customers participation.
The best way to understand our work is to visit www.makingtrax.co.nz
What does receiving funding from The Conscious Travel Foundation mean for the future of Makingtrax and Adapting Aotearoa?
The funding received through the Conscious Travel Foundation will extensively kickstart the progress of the cycle tourism project in the southern region of Aotearoa New Zealand. Providing a whole new product and extend our reach to more tourism businesses in a previously untapped industry.
Cycle tourism is sustainable, promotes healthy lifestyle, and when it comes to people with physical limitations is a gamechanger of freedom and mobility. It will bring a whole new aspect to creating the adaptive adventure destination of the world.
How can other travellers, businesses, or communities get involved in supporting the work you’re doing?
We're here to create meaningful experiences for everyone, break barriers, and enhance people's knowledge and understanding of possibilities. My lived experience has given me valuable insights that I am proud to share with the world.a
Our website provides an inclusive directory and adaptive experiences although we're ever creating more adventures. The customer’s desire is my personal challenge.
The easiest way to connect is to message me or email jezza@makingtrax.co.nz.
Are there any misconceptions about inclusive adventure tourism that you’d like to change?
There are many misconceptions in the adaptive adventure travel industry, the biggest being assumptions. Everything's relative, and you want to create meaningful adaptive, safe experiences, you need to recognize the importance of experienced advisory services like the Makingtrax Foundation. Just as you would rely on specialists for any high-quality adventure tourism experience, the same level of professionalism and knowledge is essential in the adaptive travel space.
