In loving memory

Oliver “Oli” John Newbegin

Date of death January 21, 2026

Service Details

Tuesday, 27 January 2026

Westpark467 Wairakei Road, Burnside
Christchurch
Canterbury
8053Get directions

Obituary

On January 21, 2026, aged 89 years. Darling husband of Vicki, former husband and dear friend of Sue, loved and respected brother-in-law, much loved uncle, and a great friend and mentor to many.

A visionary entrepreneur who brought ideas to life: co-founder of the Porsche Club of NZ, co-founder of United Travel, Passport United, Southern Cross Tours, Slalom Ski Lodge and Grasmere Lodge, and also a keen jazz musician with a lifelong passion for music.
Sincere thanks to the staff of Ward B1, Burwood Hospital for their care of Oliver. Please email memories to vjn2@xtra.co.nz. Flowers respectfully declined. A celebration of Oliver’s life will be held at Westpark, 467 Wairakei Road, Burnside, on Tuesday, January 27, at 10.00am, private cremation to follow.

Guestbook

I drove Southern Cross Tours from December 1975 to January 1977. They were the original camping tours of New Zealand (along with MoaTrek). The tours had a fun and comfortable night between Rotorua and Wellington, or visa versa, at Slalom Ski Lodge in Raurimu. I also took at least one school ski trip to Slalom for a week. While I never met Oli, I often heard his name mentioned. He was obviously a pioneering and visionary leader in New Zealand's tour and travel industry. I'm sorry we never met. Vale Oli. Requiescat in pace
Brett NewlingJanuary 26, 2026

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