A shared obsession with exceptional customer experiences
Client
Akaroa Dolphins
Services
Websites & Technology
Marketing & Advertising
Strategy & Planning
Akaroa Dolphins is a family owned business that has provided premium nature cruises in Akaroa Harbour since 2004. With local roots stretching back eight generations, they're driven by a deep connection to their environment and a commitment to personal service. They were the first New Zealand tourism operator to achieve B Corp certification, proving their commitment to quality and care.
- $22 ROI for every $1 of ad spend
- 42% increase in off-season ticket sales
Sustained success on a shoestring budget
Due to fixed boat capacities and strict environmental regulations, the business can't grow by offering more tickets. Nor do they want to. Instead, their commercial success relies on maximising seat sales and ensuring high occupancy across all seasons, including the quieter winter months. With everyone in the close-knit team involved in the day-to-day running of the business, there's precious little time left over for brand management. Instead, they rely on having a partner who can handle the complexities of marketing so they can focus on what they do best: delivering a five-star experience on the water.
Thinking broader, working smarter
Since partnering with Akaroa Dolphins in 2017, we've built a relationship of total trust. We treat their business like our own, pouring as much care and attention into it as we would into any major brand. To meet their business objectives we've taken a highly strategic approach. In 2018 we rebuilt their website so it would have greater appeal for local audiences. This proved prophetic as it stood them in strong stead when Covid shut the country's borders. We've also moved them from ad-hoc promotions to a disciplined seasonal marketing calendar that maximises sales throughout the whole year.
Website rebuild
In 2018 we developed a new website that prioritised the local audience and improved the user experience. Crucially, we integrated their booking and customer data systems, putting a swift end to the manual admin nightmare.
A plan for all seasons
We developed a structured annual marketing calendar that hits key seasonal milestones, including school holidays and Christmas gifting.
"Skis for Seas" campaign
A classic example of Mint innovation. Noticing that rough weather on the ski fields left families searching for something else to do, we launched a tactical campaign encouraging Cantabrians to "swap their skis for seas". By unearthing this opportunity we were able to transform a traditional low-period into a commercial win.
After nearly a decade of collaboration, we've become a seamless extension of the Akaroa Dolphins team. Our expertise and attention means they can stay immersed in their daily operations while we keep the marketing engine humming. Whether we're out on the water capturing high quality content or developing niche campaigns to fill mid-winter lulls, we're proud to walk with Akaroa Dolphins every step of the way.
22:1
Return on ad spend achieved on Meta
42%
Increase in off-season ticket sales
The "Skis for Seas" campaign led to a 42% increase in sales compared to the previous winter season.
On Meta, we achieved a 22:1 return on ad spend. That means for every $1 they spend on ads, they see $22 back in profit. (To put that in perspective, the industry average is closer to 5:1.)
Because we strategically shifted the focus to domestic marketing in 2018, they had a ready-made local audience that kept business flowing when the borders closed.
"We first started working with Mint seven years ago. One of the first things we did was refresh our website. Within the first year we experienced 20% growth, which was just phenomenal. Mint also helps us on a monthly basis with our digital marketing. We've broken records right, left and centre and we put this down to the amazing work Mint has done. Mint is an extended part of our team – they're like family. We feel safe and secure, and know they've got our back. My advice for someone looking for an agency is: push through the fear, make sure they're in line with your values, and get set for growth."
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