Calder & Lawson Travel is Founded
Alastair Calder and John Lawson establish Calder & Lawson Travel in Hamilton East after leaving an established travel company.
Building a Reputation
Calder & Lawson develops a strong reputation for service, honesty, and customer care. The University of Waikato becomes an important client.
The First Travel & Learn Tour
The inaugural Travel & Learn tour departs in partnership with the University of Alaska, visiting Washington, Arizona and Alaska.
Rapid Expansion
Travel & Learn expands rapidly with destinations including Western Canada, the Middle East, Greece, Egypt, Israel, South America and Northern Queensland.
A Dedicated Programme
A dedicated Travel & Learn unit is established within the University of Waikato.
A New Chapter
Calder & Lawson purchases the Travel & Learn programme from the University of Waikato. Bruce Hosking and the operation relocate to the Hamilton East office.
Exploring the World
The touring programme expands into China, Russia, the Baltic States, India, Eastern Europe, Germany, Austria, Sri Lanka and North America.
Journeys is Launched
The Journeys collection debuts, offering small-group travel centred on scenic rail journeys, cruises and relaxed exploration.
Walking in Style Begins
The first Walking in Style tour launches in Britain under the leadership of Ron Read.
A Taste of Italy
Alastair Calder develops and leads the first Gourmet Walking Tour through Italy.
Calder & Lawson Tours is Born
Following extensive customer research and a brand review, Calder & Lawson Tours is established as a specialist touring company.
Tour Collections Expand
Product categories are formalised into Travel & Learn, Journeys, Walking and Cycling tours.
Ownership Changes
Alastair Calder retires from Calder & Lawson Travel. Calder & Lawson Tours is acquired by Alastair Calder, John Matheson and Leen Van Duin, while Calder & Lawson Travel is sold to House of Travel.
Leadership Transition
Bruce Hosking steps back from day-to-day management to focus on tour development. Claire McDonald takes responsibility for operations.
Growing the Portfolio
Calder & Lawson Tours now offers 22 Travel & Learn tours, 6 Journeys, 5 Walking tours and 1 Cycling tour.
Remembering Claire McDonald
Claire McDonald passes away after stepping away from the business due to ill health.
New Management
Rosanne assumes management responsibilities following the departure of Cath Gerbich.
A New Generation
Kevin and Meredith Palmer purchase Calder & Lawson Tours, beginning a new chapter in the company's history.
Navigating COVID-19
International travel comes to a standstill. Through innovation, resilience and initiatives such as a COVID call-centre contract, the company retains its team and successfully navigates one of the most challenging periods in its history.
Discovering New Zealand
New Zealand touring expands with itineraries including Discover the East Cape, Gibbs Farm, Springtime & Autumn in Otago, Top of the South Island Treasures and Aotea Great Barrier Island.
International Travel Returns
International touring resumes as Calder & Lawson continues expanding its portfolio of premium small-group experiences.
Introducing Escapes
The Escapes collection launches, featuring slower-paced, longer-stay journeys with immersive local experiences and premium accommodation. The inaugural tours explore Tuscany and Provence.
Still Guided by the Same Values
More than four decades later, Calder & Lawson Tours continues to be guided by the principles established in 1984: integrity, personal service, meaningful travel experiences and genuine care for every traveller.