All blogs

Building a Seasonal Fleet Partnership with Tourism Innovation Group

Case study19 October 2026

Project Snapshot

Project Details

Overview

Customer

Tourism Innovation Group

Sector

Tourism & Passenger Transport

Service

Seasonal Fleet Leasing

Locations

Queenstown Lakes

Fleet Delivered

Custom Mercedes-Benz Sprinters

Vehicle Configuration

12-seat and 7-seat passenger vehicles built to customer specification

Commercial Model

Flexible Seasonal Leasing

Delivered Through

Maugers Rentals

The Challenge

Tourism Innovation Group operates a range of premium tourism transport services throughout the Queenstown Lakes region, where the quality and presentation of every vehicle forms part of the customer experience.

As their operation continued to grow, they needed additional fleet that met their own brand standards and operational requirements. Off-the-shelf vehicles weren't the answer. They required vehicles configured specifically for their operation.

Just as importantly, they needed a commercial model that reflected the realities of seasonal tourism. Demand fluctuates throughout the year. Owning or leasing additional vehicles year-round would leave valuable assets sitting idle during quieter periods.

The challenge was to build a fleet solution that provided capacity when it was needed, without creating unnecessary cost when it wasn't.

Our Solution

Working through Maugers Rentals, we partnered with Tourism Innovation Group to design a fleet solution around the way they operate.

The first stage of the partnership delivered two custom-built Mercedes-Benz Sprinters, including a 12-seat and a 7-seat vehicle, each configured to Tourism Innovation Group's exact operational and brand requirements.

Alongside the vehicle builds, we developed a flexible seasonal leasing model that allows additional fleet to be introduced during peak tourism periods and returned during quieter months.

Rather than forcing the customer into a standard leasing arrangement, the agreement was designed to move with their business.

Delivering the Fleet

The project combined vehicle sourcing, specialist fit-out and commercial flexibility into a single solution.

Working alongside Tourism Innovation Group, we:

  • Built vehicles to the customer's exact operational specification.
  • Configured each vehicle to meet their presentation and brand standards.
  • Developed a seasonal leasing model aligned with tourism demand.
  • Established fleet arrangements that allow capacity to expand and contract throughout the year.
  • Created a scalable partnership capable of supporting future growth.

The result was a fleet solution designed around the customer's business, rather than asking the customer to adapt to a standard fleet product.

The Outcome

The initial deployment has laid the foundation for a long-term partnership. Following the successful delivery of the first vehicles, discussions are now underway to build a further seven Mercedes-Benz 519 Sprinters as Tourism Innovation Group continues to expand.

The project has also strengthened our presence in the Queenstown Lakes region, demonstrating how tailored fleet solutions can support businesses operating in highly seasonal environments.

Capability Demonstrated

Capability

Outcome

Fleet Strategy

Seasonal fleet model aligned with customer demand

Vehicle Specification

Custom-built passenger vehicles to exact operational requirements

Flexible Leasing

Fleet capacity able to expand and contract with seasonal demand

Tourism Sector Experience

Solution designed specifically for a premium tourism operator

Fleet Procurement

Specialist vehicle sourcing and delivery

Long-Term Partnership

Fleet programme expanding beyond the initial deployment

Commercial Flexibility

Leasing model developed around customer operations rather than standard terms

Looking for a Fleet Partner?

Whether you're expanding your fleet, replacing ageing vehicles or looking for a leasing model that reflects the way your business operates, Cross Country can help.

Working through Maugers Rentals and backed by the wider Cross Country network, we design fleet solutions that balance operational performance, commercial flexibility and long-term growth.

Talk to our team about your fleet requirements.

Fleet guides

Take the full fleet with you.

Specs, dimensions, payload, fuel and feature lists for every vehicle we run — downloadable PDFs ready to share with your team.