Napier Travel Agents

After leaving school, Clarence David Cox started working for the NZ Railways Department and for a time, was their youngest stationmaster (working on the Wairarapa line). However, as a budding entrepreneur he soon tired of the job.

In search of new opportunities, he formed C.D. Cox Ltd., relocated to Napier and opened a real estate and travel business in 1920.

He rented a front office in a Tennyson Street building (currently occupied by Pioneer Insurance). Clarence was successful in obtaining the New Zealand Government Tourist Bureau Agency, which in those days issued tickets for all forms of transport.

 

Shortly after WW2, Clarence built a new single storey building in Tennyson Street (now owned and occupied by Napier Computer Systems). In 1946 his son Peter joined the business as financial controller and administrator with an active involvement in both divisions of the company. He was followed by another son, Bonn, who had recently returned from a stint in London working for Thomas Cook where he gained huge insight into the travel industry. Bonn quickly established himself as a leader in this field, breaking into the international travel market which proved challenging.

He acquired the best communication technology and in the 60s when all the telex machines and screen typewriters were going simultaneously they sounded like an orchestra in full swing!

 

Finally the youngest son Tony also joined the family business, accepting responsibility for the real estate division after Clarence retired.

 

The company continued to expand and on 1st April 1960, relocated to bigger premises in Dalton Street which they still occupy today.

 

In 1970, Cox World Travel organised their first international, 28-day group tour of Japan, Bangkok, Singapore Hong Kong, Macau, and Sydney (meals included) at a cost of $1420 per person! It should come as no surprise that the wider Cox family have travelled extensively, having experienced everything from backpacking to ultra luxury.

 

In 1984 Eric (one of Peter's Sons) returned from London to join the family business in the travel division. Six years later Malcolm (another son), who was based in Melbourne, came back to focus on real estate. The company continued to flourish and grow as each generation became involved and in 1992 the two businesses, still trading as C.D. Cox Ltd., separated and the real estate division, Cox Partners, moved into its current premises in Emerson Street & Cox World Travel stayed in Dalton Street.

The two businesses have always been inspired by a vision of excellence. We are committed to our slogan ‘It’s our name above the door’.

 

The Cox family have also been actively involved in local government and community groups – between them, Clarence, Peter and Bonn served many years as councillors. In addition, they have contributed to service and sports clubs, various boards, music and theatre. Peter was New Zealand’s first candidate to gain a seat on the world body of The Universal Federation of Travel Agents Association with its headquarters in Monaco. He eventually became World President and in 1992 he was a recipient of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his significant contribution to tourism and civic services.

Eric has also been a Justic of the peace since 1996.

 

This close-knit, caring family have blended their talents – and shared them too. Over the decades they have embraced sound, traditional values and fostered client loyalty. It’s no small wonder that they have been so successful.

 

Today Cox World Travel is run & managed by Eric Cox with his eldest daughter Jaime continuing the family tradition joining the business in 2011.