Friday, June 12, 2009

Security website launched

The Australian Government has launched a new website to help travellers learn more
about security measures in place at airports around the country.

TravelSecure is designed to be a one-stop portal for travellers looking for
information on security measures at airports. It will feature tips on how travellers
can clear security checks more efficiently.

The site will also be available in Arabic, Chinese, Japanese and Spanish.

Affordable winter warmers on the menu at Botswana Butchery

Great food in one of Queenstown’s most stylish restaurants just got more comprehensive with a range of new menus from Botswana Butchery, including the Express Experience Lunch.

The celebrated eatery has launched its mouthwatering winter menus, including a lunchtime Express Menu for only $15.

Located in the beautifully-restored Archers Cottage in Queenstown’s historic precinct, with spectacular lake views, Botswana Butchery is renowned for its unique dining experience under the steady hand of Executive Chef and co-owner Leungo Lippe (pronounced Luno Lippy).

And now the emphasis on fun, innovative dining, which Leungo and his staff have honed to a fine art, continues with a playful and interesting menu to suit every palate and budget.

“The restaurant may look quite formal, with its gorgeous colourways, luxurious velvet chairs and stylish ambience, and we’re certainly proud of our great service, but there’s nothing stuffy about the food we serve,” he said.

“We want people to come in and enjoy the atmosphere, drink in the views, get toasty in front of the fire, and really relax and enjoy the vibe. And the feedback we’ve had so far is that we’ve hit the nail on the head with the new $15 Express Menu allowing diners to enjoy the full Botswana experience but with a condensed, faster service menu that includes winter warmers such as ‘Arrogant’ French onion soup, Butchery Bangers & Mash and Botswana Bourguignon Pie.”

Leungo’s focus is on fine cut meats as well as wild and organic foods, so the introduction of the winter lunchtime Express Menu has provided him with the culinary challenges he enjoys.

Alongside the lunchtime Express Menu, Leungo has developed a range of other lunchtime dishes for the full a la carte menu, including coconut, lemongrass and lime mussels, and a nut brown parmesan and herb gnocchi.

The evening menu is painted with even more mouthwatering dishes, such as braised shoulder of Cardrona lamb, wood-grilled crayfish and roasted duck leg. For dessert, there are classics such as crème brulée, as well as a tantalising pineapple tarte tatin.

Botswana Butchery is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week, between 11am and 11pm (last orders will be taken as late as 11pm). Reservations are recommended – call 03 442 6994 or e-mail botswana@goodbars.co.nz

Hot deal - Tahiti

Radisson Plaza Resort Tahiti in association with Mondo Travel are offering a deal that is too good to ignore! 6 nights staying in a Standard Ocean View Room plus a bonus of 1 free night for only $1995 pp twin/share. Pay for 6 nights stay 7!!! Includes daily breakfast and all return airport transfers.


· Travel must be completed between 01/06/2009 and 01/12/2009

· Sale ends 30th June 09


For further information and packages email info@tahiti-tourisme.co.nz or call 0800 955 655

New cost-effective Heli Hikes launched


Pure Adventure Queenstown, a boutique private guiding company that specialises in creating unique and exceptional guided experiences around New Zealand’s Southern Lakes region, has introduced new Heli Hike products to its extensive portfolio.

The company, renowned for its intimate knowledge of the environment, exclusive access to backcountry areas and friendly, professional service, has added a full range of cost-effective Heli Hike products, each customised to meet client needs and desires across a range of budgets and timeframes.

Working with some of the South’s best helicopter companies, the Saddle Heli Walk includes a six-minute scenic helicopter flight over historic Skippers Canyon and Moonlight Creek, followed by a stunning ridgeline decent starting in alpine tussock at the saddle with ever increasing views of Queenstown.

The Lake Heli Walk is a nine-minute flight over historic gold-mining areas before landing beside a pristine mountain lake tucked among the peaks. There’s a well-formed track suitable for all ages and abilities, with a walk time of just one to two hours, around this stunning lake.

The Simply Remarkable Heli Hike features a 12-minute helicopter flight through and around Queenstown’s majestic Remarkable mountain range to Pure Adventure’s secluded exclusive area. The helicopter trip is followed by a walk of up to three hours from a height of 3000ft down a gentle downhill gradient with stunning lake views, then a 4WD trip back to base.

The Cecil Peak Heli Hike is all about hiking at altitude. Passengers fly across Lake Wakatipu and land on remote Cecil Peak. There’s time for hiking and spectacular views at 4000ft, before the trip’s topped off with a flight back to Queenstown.

Full day heli hikes and walks include Forest and Stream, with a 16-minute flight over lakes and mountains before walking amongst ancient forests and streams. It’s suitable for all ages and takes between two to four hours with an exclusive 4WD exploration on the way back to Queenstown.

The Huts is a two-day, one night trip with a scenic helicopter flight to an exclusive wilderness area, followed by a hike to a shepherd’s hut for a night in the back country. Suitably rested and with a hearty Kiwi breakfast inside, there’s a hike and 4WD trip back out to civilisation the next day. There are no trails in this area so good footwear and a reasonable level of fitness and agility are required.

The Glacier Walk thrills with an exhilarating helicopter flight past spectacular mountains, ice fall, rivers and lakes before landing on a glacier within the Southern Alps. A trip to discovery takes guests among ice pinnacles, glacial lakes, deep blue crevasses and cascading waterfalls.

Last but not least, there’s The Premium Package, five days of stunning helicopter-assisted walking and activities in New Zealand’s internationally renowned World Heritage parks and private mountain wilderness areas.

“It’s a visual feast of sights and walks in exclusive areas and pristine alpine environments that’s breathtaking in every respect,” said Pure Adventure managing director Stephen Robertson.

“This is the ultimate trip where we work closely with clients to arrange their days so they get absolutely the experience they want. This package includes airport to airport service, gourmet picnic lunches, a personal Kiwi guide, six hours of helicopter time, and four nights of six-star accommodation at Blanket Bay, acclaimed as New Zealand’s best luxury lodge. It’s absolutely the best.”

Pure Adventure can also organise a private Charter Day for clients who want to totally customise their day.

“We know people’s time is valuable, so we’re happy to use our knowledge, with a helicopter that’s theirs for the day, to enjoy access to more than 400,000 acres of private land and walk in our World Heritage parks. It’s something really special.”

Mr Robertson stressed that with many of the Pure Adventure Heli Hike packages, there was the option for clients to be met by 4WD if they preferred not to walk.

Pure Adventure works with a small guide-to-client ratio to ensure the best possible experience, and each trip works to an agreed itinerary, confirmed budgets and client timeline.

“Client safety and comfort are key,” said Mr Robertson. “Stringent safety procedures are in place and all guides are highly qualified, experienced and have extensive training.”

Pure Adventure Queenstown staff are passionate about sharing their love for New Zealand with others and are committed to environmental/wildlife protection where possible.

www.pureadventurequeenstown.com

Kea Campers: Solar panels on all campervans

‘Free-camp’ for up to four days.

Kea Campers operate a fleet of more than 400 campervans in the New Zealand market, part of a fleet of more than 1200 luxury campervans in New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, and Namibia. For the New Zealand market Kea Campers operate five different models in two, four or six berth layouts.

All Kea Campervans have solar panels for generating their own power to heat the hot water, run the lights, etc on board the campervans, allowing them to free-camp for up to four days. This is a strong selling point for peak periods when some of the camping grounds can become fully booked, or for people who like to get away from the mainstream and camp more in the open rather than having to go to a camp ground to plug in for power.

Range of new experiences on offer in Skippers Canyon, Queenstown

Skippers Canyon Jet Ltd in Queenstown combines heritage, scenery and adventure to deliver one of the most diverse tourism experiences in New Zealand.

They are the only company allowed to operate a jet boat on the Shotover River in Skippers Canyon, an area rich in gold mining history blessed with dramatic scenery. It also offers a 4WD adventure along the famous Skippers Road, an experience in itself, and a heritage tour of the area including a visit to Winky’s gold mining museum, rich with Skippers Canyon memorabilia.

Skippers Canyon Jet Ltd has recently imported two new OKAs (pronounced ‘okkers’) to increase its fleet to five. An OKA is a 4WD designed to meet Australian military vehicle requirements and enables the company to transport passengers into Skippers Canyon during winter.

“We’re the only company operating these vehicles on the Skippers Road and they really do give you the ultimate 4WD buzz! It also means our customers can enjoy our adventures all year round,” said Matt Rhodes.


The company is also venturing into the C&I market, now offering corporate team building programmes for groups of 10 to 120 people. The museum has been renovated to include a purpose built barn for use as a conference facility in the heart of the Canyon overlooking the river 100m below.

www.skipperscanyon.co.nz

New glacier hot pools a hit on the West Coast


A selection of hot pools fed by pure glacial water set in lush rainforest has proved a winning formula for The Glacier Hot Pools in Franz Josef.



Open since November last year, The Glacier Hot Pools has become one of the most popular attractions on the West Coast of the South Island, according to Marketing Manager Kerry Walker.

A selection of hot pools fed by pure glacial water set in lush rainforest has proved a winning formula for The Glacier Hot Pools in Franz Josef.



Open since November last year, The Glacier Hot Pools has become one of the most popular attractions on the West Coast of the South Island, according to Marketing Manager Kerry Walker.

“The pools and the setting are the perfect way to rest and rejuvenate in Franz Josef after a busy day of activities, either during the day or into the evening under a canopy of stars,” said Ms Walker.

www.franzjosefglacier.com

Monday, June 8, 2009

Website Caters for South Island-bound Travellers

Planning a holiday in the heart of the south has never been so easy!

Christchurch & Canterbury Tourism has revamped its website www.christchurchnz.com to provide visitors with a series of innovative new trip-planning tools including interactive maps, regional itineraries, traveller recommendations, and a seamless real-time online booking system for flights, car hire and accommodation in the South Island.

Visitors to the website will also be able to access exclusive on-line deals, unique offers and quality destination information.

“This new site responds to travellers’ imaginations – it’s a showcase of ideas, recommendations and powerful imagery that captures the heart of a region that stretches from Kaikoura to Aoraki Mt Cook,” says Christchurch & Canterbury Tourism chief executive Christine Prince.

“Essentially no trip to New Zealand is complete without seeing the iconic South Island and as the heart of the South, Christchurch is a must-see destination.”

Demand from travellers for quality information about the South Island has been steadily growing over recent years as the island has emerged as a destination in its own right. The world’s leading publisher of travel books, Lonely Planet, has just released its first travel guide dedicated to the South Island in response to the demand.

“The richness and diversity of the South Island is all captured in our new portal. Once you log onto www.christchurchnz.com we’ll be able to give you a wealth of choices, with everything you need to book and plan your South Island trip.’’

www.christchurchnz.com

Phone users can plan their next Queensland holiday using a new free download application

The application delivers maps and tourism products in real time and on-location.

The Tourism Queensland developed iPhone app includes a mapping service allowing users to search for and contact holiday products in Queensland including accommodation, events, attractions and tours. It provides descriptive content and an active phone number, email and website links for direct connection. It also contains regularly updated top 10 lists of the most popularly-accessed Queensland holiday products, a direct link to the Queensland Holidays RSS feed and an e-Newsletter subscription service. Holiday products can be overlaid onto maps anywhere in Queensland; for example if a user finds an attraction in Cairns, the app can show them information like the nearest hotel or transport provider.

For more information visit www.queenslandholidays.com.au/iphone.cfm

Celebrating 80 years of Outback train travel - 2009 is the year to travel on The Ghan

The legendary Ghan celebrates 80 years of service this August, and now is the perfect time of year to ride on these rails. The north-south transcontinental journey covers 2,979 kilometres and encounters spectacular and diverse landscapes; from the rusty reds of the MacDonnell Ranges surrounding a town called Alice, gateway to Ayers Rock and the Red Centre, then north to Tennant Creek, Katherine and the tropical splendour of Darwin. www.gsr.com.au

Darwin makes a splash with a new wave lagoon!

Forget Surfers Paradise or Bondi – Darwin is the place to catch the surf as a new AU$17m wave lagoon is now open. Producing 10 different wave pattern ratings, with heights of up to 1.6m, the pool is part of a redevelopment of Darwin’s vibrant waterfront and offers safe swimming for all the family. The wave lagoon is open daily from 10am – 6pm. Admission is AU$8 (£4) for adults and AU$5 (£2.50) for children. Boogie boards and water tubes are included in the admission price.
www.waterfront.nt.gov.au

SAA Moves to Daily Flights out of Perth

In a sign of confidence in the Australian market, South African Airways will move to daily flights out of Perth, Western Australia from September 1, 2009.

According to Thevan Krishna, SAA’s Head of Australasia, the move reflects the airline’s strong support for the Wallaby route and recognition that more Australians are visiting Africa for business and pleasure.

www.flysaa.com

Taronga’s “Roar and Snore“ Moves onto Sydney Harbour

Taronga’s Zoo’s new-look overnight accommodation program, “Roar and Snore“, now has a dress circle location amid the Zoo’s wildlife and overlooking spectacular Sydney Harbour in Australia.

The cliff-top location boasts ultra-comfortable safari-style tents, each with a view of the Harbour and Sydney’s majestic city skyline and is a the base for the tours and wildlife encounters with Australia’s famous wildlife from kangaroos and koalas to emus and possums throughout the overnight stay at Taronga.

Calendar & Bookings
Roar and Snore takes place every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening. We also run every night during NSW school holidays. Additional nights may be available during high tourist season or on request.

Please note: Roar and Snore is very popular and most nights are booked well in advance. Please visit our web-site to check on available dates. Bookings can be made through Ticketek on 132 849, www.ticketek.com or at your nearest Ticketek outlet.

Family Nights (for adults and children over 5 years of age, min 1:3 adult/child ratio)
Adults-only Nights (must be over 18 years of age). Please inquire for available dates.
Exclusive Nights: An exclusive Roar and Snore can be booked for your special group only. A minimum 34 people required for Friday and Saturday night bookings. Some flexibility may be possible for weekday bookings.

Pay For One Night, Unwind For Two

The Hilton Family Asia Pacific offers guests two nights for the price of one

Asia Pacific - Monday 1st June 2009…Time for a break? How about one that is twice as long? You deserve it! Hilton has announced its latest offer for guests staying at any of its 46 Hilton Family Hotels in Asia Pacific - the “2 for 1 Holiday Sale”. These exceptional times do call for exceptional offers and Hilton is letting you treat yourself to a vacation that doubles your value.

Hilton’s “2 for 1 Holiday Sale” is available for bookings made from 1st June 2009 until 31st July 2009 and valid for stays any day of the week from 1st June 2009 until 31st August 2009 . To add even more value to your double vacation, stay on a weekend and the offer encompasses lazy breakfast until 11am, late check out up to 6pm and kids stay and eat for free .

The Hilton Family “2 for 1 Holiday Sale” really gives our guests two times the value for the price. Whether you choose to stay for two nights and pay for one or six nights and pay for three – you end up with twice as much vacation. There has never been a better time to stay, whether you’re a regular hotel visitor or someone on a budget and looking a holiday with amazing value.”

Pack your bags and get ready to double up as the offer is only available for a limited time. Bookings must be made by the 31st July 2009 for any date between 1st June 2009 and 31st August 2009.

Pacific Blue Announces Direct Flights from Brisbane and Sydney to Hamilton, New Zealand

Pacific Blue has launched a two week sale to celebrate the announcement of its new international direct flights from Australia to Hamilton, New Zealand beginning the first week of September.

The airline announced it will offer six direct flights between Australia and Hamilton each week – three flights from Brisbane and three from Sydney. Connecting fares will be offered via Sydney to and from Perth, Melbourne, and Canberra.
Pacific Blue will operate a Boeing 737 aircraft on the new direct Sydney and Brisbane services.

Regular lead-in fares on commencement of the new routes will be at least 25% lower than lead-in fares currently available for connecting flights from Hamilton to Brisbane or Sydney on other airlines.

�� Sydney-Hamilton: - Special launch fare of AUD$202* one-way on the internet. - Regular lead-in fares will start from AUD$232* one-way on the internet.

�� Brisbane-Hamilton - Special launch fare of AUD$232* one-way on the internet. - Regular lead-in fares will start from AUD$262* one-way on the internet.

Fares are on sale from 10am today, with the special launch fares available until 17 June 2009 or until sold out, for travel from 1 September 2009 until 17 December 2009.

Movie World Goes Birthday Crazy!

It’s birthday mania at Warner Bros. Movie World, as the iconic theme park celebrates its birthday with special kids and a special birthday offer...

Tomorrow ten sick ‘Starlight Foundation’ children and their families will have big smiles as they cut the cake and meet their favourite characters as they celebrate Movie World’s 18th birthday. In true birthday spirit, and to celebrate Queensland’s 150th birthday year, Sea World, Movie World and Wet’n’Wild are giving kids free entry to their favourite theme park on their birthday*.

This special birthday offer lets kids combine their two greatest loves – birthdays and theme parks! The offer is available for kids aged from 3-13 years and allows them to visit their favourite theme park within seven days either side of and including their birthday. Also for a limited time only, MyFun members that register their kids’ birthdays will be able to pre-purchase up to four tickets at half price for family and friends to visit with the birthday child. That’s 50% off one day admission tickets if you register and purchase before 30 June 2009! Warner Bros. Movie World brought Hollywood to the Gold Coast when it opened in 1991. It was the first movie based theme park in the southern hemisphere and has been a cornerstone in entertainment on the Gold Coast for 18 years.

Over the years, Movie World has attracted numerous Hollywood stars including Anne Hathaway, Steve Carrell, Gerard Butler, Goldie Hawn, Kurt Russell, Mel Gibson, Melissa George and Abigail Breslin.

* This offer is exclusive to MyFun members so to be eligible, parents or children with valid email addresses must join** MyFun.com.au and register their birthday. Free admission birthday offer is valid until 30 June 2010 only for children aged 3 - 13 years inclusive. Conditions Apply. Pre-purchased tickets at the 50% discount offer must only be used on the child's birthday and in conjunction with the free birthday entry. Valid for up to four tickets. 50% off one day admission tickets available only if you register and purchase before 30 June 2009. $4.95 booking fee applies per transaction through 133FUN (133 386). **MyFun is free to join.

Travelodge Wellington Announces Opening Special

Travelodge Wellington will re-open its doors in early June following a multi-million dollar refurbishment and to celebrate is offering a hot opening special of NZ$140* per room per night including breakfast for two people.

The centrally located Gilmer Terrace hotel is the second Travelodge in New Zealand with its sister property, Travelodge Palmerston North, opening a year ago.

The new look Travelodge Wellington has been 8 months in the making and its NZ$11 million transformation now makes the 132 room hotel one of the best 3.5 to 4 star hotels in the city.

“The hotel is in a prime location in the centre of Wellington’s financial and shopping hub, yet close to key attractions such as Wellington Zoo, the Wellington Cable Car and Te Papa Museum of New Zealand, it is also only a five minute walk from the harbour,” said Shaarn Letele, Hotel Manager, Travelodge Wellington.

The rooms have been completely revamped, from light fittings to security cards and new LCD televisions. The conference rooms have also been given a face lift, making Travelodge Wellington the ideal venue for small to medium sized conferences for up to 100 delegates. The hotel’s foyer has been transformed and the existing restaurant now has fresh, modern décor.

In line with the revitalised Travelodge brand in both New Zealand and Australia, the style of Travelodge Wellington is fresh and modern with an emphasis on delivering comfortable hotel accommodation, complete with up-to-date technology.

“The new-look Travelodge Wellington offers guests a fresh and modern accommodation choice in centre of the city. The friendly and efficient service of the Travelodge Wellington team will make this hotel a smart choice for value conscious business and leisure travelers,” said Mr Letele.

For more information about Travelodge Hotels visit www.travelodge.co.nz or www.travelodge.com.au. Alternatively, call 1300 886 886 Australia wide or 0800 101 100 NZ wide.

Delicious New Surprises at this Year’s Aroma Festival

Indulge in the most wondrous sensory experience this winter as Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority presents the 12th annual Rocks Aroma Festival – a paradise of coffee, chocolate, tea, chai, spice and all things nice on Sunday 19 July.

For the first time ever at Aroma you can explore the exotic taste sensations of South America, Asia, Europe and the Middle East all at the stunning harbour-side environment of The Rocks. There will be free entertainment at four unique destinations with the music matching the theme of the region. This year you can even take a camel ride from The Orient to The Oasis!

From 10am–5pm The Rocks will be a caffeine-lovers heaven as Australia’s biggest coffee festival takes over the streets with more than 100 stalls, six stages of live entertainment, a Domestic Coffee Machine Expo as well as cooking and coffee-making demonstrations throughout the day.

Try delicious coffees for just $2 a cup or warm up with exotic teas, fine chocolate, fragrant spices, decadent sweet treats and aromatic chai. With more than 100 different stalls to choose from, you can discover new and out-of-the-ordinary delights all in the one scenic location at The Rocks.

Escape to The Oasis at Hickson Road Reserve and be magically whisked away to exotic lands with Turkish coffee, belly dancing, sweet treats, palm trees and even camel rides! Samba your way to First Fleet Park and soak in the colour and vibrancy of the South American Latin Quarter and taste Brazilian teas.

Bask in the gentle serenity by the water at Campbells Cove at The Orient and try some exotic herbal teas, classic brews, Japanese coffees, chai and spices.

The Continent will feature European style and pizzazz with the best blends from Italy, France, Spain as well as delicious sweet treats from Portugal and Holland. Follow The Continent along George Street to The Rocks Square and Overseas Passenger Terminal forecourt and you will feel like you’re in Little Italy with espressos in the piazza and accordions in The Square.

Sydney’s favourite winter event attracts more than 100,000 people each year so mark your diaries and warm up with a steaming brew and drink in the unique atmosphere of Aroma.

There is something to see and or do around every corner in The Rocks. Catching public transport to The Rocks is simple and there is also car parking nearby.
For more information visit www.therocks.com

WHAT: The Rocks Aroma Festival
WHEN: 10am–5pm, Sunday 19 July 2009
WHERE: The Rocks
COST: FREE

Shangri-La’s Fijian Resort and Spa named best resort for families in the South Pacific

Shangri-La’s Fijian Resort & Spa has been named number one of the Best Ten Resorts for Families 2009 in the South Pacific, through a survey carried out by Holidays with Kids magazine.

During the survey members were asked to nominate the best family Resort based on criteria including facilities and activities for children, the quality of childcare and babysitting services, kids clubs, standard of service and staff hospitality and the standard of accommodation, location, value for money and overall experience.

“This is fantastic news for us and we are extremely proud of this achievement as it follows close on the heels of our win in January this year of the Trip Advisor Award recognising us for being the best for families,” said General Manager, Daniele Vastolo. “We continuously look at new ways to enhance the guest experience at our Resort and in particular our youngest guests who visit our island home here at Yanuca. “We want them to have as much fun as possible and to feel at home the moment they step on the island so we now have a special designated area for them in the lobby where they can register for our Little Chiefs Club and also get information about the activities and facilities at our Resort while their parents check in at the reception desk.

“In our efforts to continuously enhance our services for families the Resort is installing new equipment at our award winning Little Chiefs Club playground as well as a sail shade for children at our main Lagoon pool area,” Mr Vastolo said.

Mr Vastolo also paid tribute to the staff of the Resort and said without them this award would not have been possible. “There are many “hidden heroes” at our Resort who often go the extra mile for all our guests and who welcome all the children who visit our home with open arms,” Mr Vastolo said. “I am amazed at the natural warmth and care displayed by our staff at all levels and how the children, who visit our Resort, respond to this.”

The Resort has a complimentary Little Chiefs Club with daily programmes for all registered kids in-house and a “kids eat and stay free” programme for children under 12 and stay free programme for children up to the age of 17 years old.

NZ$1000 per person discount towards airfares when booking island escape cruises in Vanuatu

Island Escape Cruises in Vanuatu have A FANTASTIC OFFER to really make their 5 night cruises in Vanuatu an ATTRACTIVE DEAL for those clients looking for a cruising holiday over the NZ winter months.

Book a 5 night cruise around the unspoilt tropical waters of Vanuatu, on one of the following departure dates, and book before 30 June 2009 and your clients will receive UP TO NZ$1000 PER PERSON TOWARDS THEIR AIRFARE COSTS (International and Domestic fares from Vila to Santo and back to Vila - excluding the airlines taxes)

5 Night Cruise departure dates:

14 June 2009
21 June 2009
July (5th - 10th) 2009
02 August 2009
06 September 2009
27 September 2009
04 October 2009

5 night cruises are priced from NZ$3295 per person share twin/double so these costs could be reduced by up to $1000, bringing them down to NZ$2295 per person. Cruises include all meals, wine with dinners, all shore excursions, snorkelling equipment and kayaks and small boat exploration, fishing equipment and guides.

During July the ship is undertaking shorter 3 night cruises around Espirutu Santo … these cruises are priced from only NZ$1695 per person - they are not eligible for the NZ$1000 bonus offer.
During the month of August and mid September, the vessel is now booked out for private charters and dedicated fishing groups.

The vessel features only 10 cabins, taking a maximum of 22 guests and is available for private charters for that special extended family group, or corporate company trip away. Dates currently still available for private charters are: 30 Aug/04 Sept & 20/25 Sept.

After the 04 October cruise, the vessel will return to NZ for our Spring/Summer months and she will undertake her regular cruising programme in the Marlborough Sounds (Nov/Dec) and the Hauraki Gulf (Dec/Apr). In April 2010 she will return to Vanuatu for the next season May/October 2010.

Sunshine Guarantee @ Layana Resort & Spa, Koh Lanta, Thailand

The “adults-only” Layana Resort & Spa is offering a refund for each full day of rain. If it rains continuously between 10.00am and 05.00pm the resort will pay back THB 1,000 per room per day. The promotion is valid for all guests staying at the resort from 1 July until 23 December 2009.

The credit must be spent in the resort during the stay and will not be redeemed for cash. The management will notify the guests every day at 05.00pm if the day has qualified for the credit refund. The Resort reserves the right to terminate the promotion at any stage on written notice. For more information please visit: www.layanaresort.com

Layana Resort & Spa is an award-wining exclusive boutique resort with 50 rooms and suites nestled on Koh Lanta Island, facing a white sandy beach and set against a picturesque backdrop of forested hills. Laid out amid tropical gardens and designed to harmonize.