"Adrienne inspired us in some ways with starting Ahu," Mr Brown said. "We thought 'she's trying to support the local CBD and grow the CBD as well'. We thought 'why don't we get on board and support her' . . .it's about supporting local business and promoting products that are made in Rotorua. That's our vision."
The business is still in its early stages, with the Browns working to get the word out about the tours and talking with local accommodation providers. They envisage tours starting in a month or so, appealing to domestic and international visitors.
"A lot of people arrive, they don't know the layout of the town when it comes to shopping destinations, where you go, what to buy and some don't have transport or much time," he said.
"This cuts out the guesswork."
Mr Brown has worked in tourism for 18 years, he and his wife own Maori Experiences New Zealand and New Zealand Maori Weddings and he's also a tour guide for Tamaki Tours. So he reckons he's learnt a thing or two about what people want.
"Visitors like supporting local businesses that produce local products," he said. "That's what I have found in tourism."
The tour includes a full commentary from the moment guests are picked up, talking about "what makes our city vibrant and alive", Mr Brown said.
With NZ Maori Weddings Mr Brown, a celebrant and Maori priest, performs weddings for international guests wanting Maori culture incorporated into their big day. He's excited about his latest venture, although laughs it may end up being more his wife's thing.
"We wear a lot of hats, it's about variety, it keeps us doing things out there with people," he said.
While he can see a lot of potential for the shopping tours - "other things that we can tag along", Mr Brown is just keen to get it out there and see how it goes.
"I am looking forward to it. The businesses that have come on board are excited," he said. "We want to get Rotorua talking about it and give visitors two hours of retail therapy."
