Queenstown Snow Season Update

Scheduled Opening Dates
Coronet Peak 5 June www.nzski.com
The Remarkables19 June www.nzski.com
Cardrona Alpine Resort 24 June www.cardrona.com
Treble Cone 25 June www.treblecone.co.nz
Snow Park 26 June www.snowparknz.com
 
Coronet Peak/The RemarkablesThere will be more fun for novice skiers and riders on the slopes of Coronet Peak this winter thanks to a significant upgrade of the ‘Big Easy’ novice area which includes a bew state-of the art quad chairlift. The meadows double chairlift will be replaced with a new express quad chair which includes a range of safety features, including an automatic loading carpet – a first in the Southern Hemisphere.

New automated system to revolutionise lift pass checks
There will be no frustrating fishing around for passes tucked inside ski gear as skiers and boarders access the lifts at Coronet Peak and The Remarkables this year. NZSki is introducing a world leading, radio frequency ID system which includes microchips on all passes that can be read through clothing while safely stored in a ski jacket or pantspocket.

The new system is similar to those already installed in many North American and European ski areas, however the NZSki system will be the world’s first fully integrated, stored value card. This integration allows guests to purchase NZSki product online, which will automatically be loaded onto the pass for direct to lift access. And the passes are re-usable, once guests have their pass and set up a customer profile, it can be loaded with credit or product each time they visit an NZSki mountain for years to come allowing for a seamless, direct to lift, direct to rental or direct to lesson experience.  Alternatively the pass can be linked to a credit card with skiers and riders able to go directly to the lift where the day lift ticket value will be debited from their cards real time.  The same process can be used to purchase other NZSki product including lessons, retail items and food & beverage.

Cardrona Alpine Resort
New for 2010 The Valley View Quad/ Phase one - summer 2009/10
Valley View Quad chairlift installation
Former Captains fixed grip quad chairlift being relocated to open up more terrain, extending below the Whitestar Express down to Speed Straight
FIS homologated downhill course
A 40 metre tunnel will feature on the Comeback trail
An additional carpark at the base of the lift for easy access to the Valley View Quad
Benefits
Now 4 quad chairs - more chairlifts than any other South Island mountain
More intermediate and advanced terrain than previously
600m vertical (formerly 390)
345 hectares (formerly 320)
FIS homologated downhill trail
Tunnel provides uninterrupted access from Captains basin to the Whitestar lift during race events on the new downhill course - runs will stay open during races

Treble Cone
New initiatives for 2010 winter season
An international standard big air and an extension of its ski improvement programme are just two of the new initiatives announced today by Treble Cone Ski Area as it gears up for the 2010 winter season.
A site in the Main Basin has been identified for a permanent big air kicker, built to FIS (Federation International de Ski) specifications. The purpose built feature will compliment the natural freeride terrain Treble Cone is renowned for and provide a spectacular venue for international standard Big Air competition overlooking the famous Treble Cone view.
Treble Cone has a strong focus on high-end improvement and for 2010 it has extended its Ski Achievement products to cover eight weeks from mid-July to mid-September. Courses include two dedicated Women’s Ski Weeks, designed by women for women and aimed at the intermediate to advanced skiers and boarders wanting to move to the next level. There are also Ski Achievement Week Camps starting every Monday from 19 July through to 13 September and an All Mountain Riders programme for snowboarders wanting to take full advantage of Treble Cone’s legendary terrain under the expert guidance of Treble Cone’s instructors.
2010 will also see the start of a staged five-year road improvement project, starting with the installation of a small length of barriers in key points along the mountain access road. And for those who want to check out the conditions from anywhere in the world, Treble Cone has installed a new webcam system that will take high resolution images, not only static shots of the ski field, but also panning from the Lake, up the Main Basin to the top of the six-seater express. The images will also be relayed to screens at the base building so skiers and boarders can check out the weather at the top and in the Saddle without leaving the comfort of the café.

Cutting Edge Apex iPhone is one of a kind

Kiwi-owned company Apex Car Rentals has launched the first ever New Zealand car rental iPhone application – allowing customers to book an Apex rental car anywhere, anytime.
Using Apex’s new iPhone App, within less than a minute, your booking is complete better still, next time you make a booking it’s even faster, because the App is smart enough to remember all of your personal details and preferences.
What makes this new technology extraordinary is how intuitive and easy it is to use.

Itunes download link:  http://itunes.apple.com/nz/app/apex/id348033832?mt=8
Web Info Page: www.apexrentals.co.nz/iphone-info.aspx

Skyline’s personalised photo packs

The Skyline Gondola photo packs now have the ability to be completely transformed into a unique photo album that allows completely personalised packages! The new software and cutting edge technology allows Skyline to completely personalise everything from images and newsletters to specials offers and events.

Trans-Tasman autumn schedule to Queenstown

Air New Zealand will increase trans-Tasman capacity between Australia and Queenstown by a further 30% this coming ski season, taking the total number of direct services to 13 per week.

Flights from Auckland will also increase by 30% over the same period, with four direct return services per day.


The Air New Zealand trans-Tasman autumn schedule follows:
March

NZ 0232	SYD ZQN	1000-1455	Saturday
NZ 0231	ZQN SYD	1555-1710	Saturday
NZ 0236	MEL ZQN	0715-1230	Saturday
NZ 0237	ZQN MEL	1330-1510	Saturday

Brisbane – Queenstown/No direct flights
Queenstown – Brisbane/No direct flights
April

NZ 0232	SYD ZQN	1000-1500	Saturdays
NZ 0232	SYD ZQN	1000-1500	Good Friday (April 2)
NZ 0232	SYD ZQN	1000-1500	Easter Monday  (April 4)
NZ 0231	ZQN SYD	1555-1710	Saturdays
NZ 0231	ZQN SYD	1555-1710	Good Friday (April 2)
NZ 0231	ZQN SYD	1555-1710	Easter Monday  (April 4)
NZ 0236	MEL ZQN	0715-1230	Saturday April 3
NZ 0237	ZQN MEL	1330-1510	Saturday April 3

Brisbane – Queenstown/No direct flights
Queenstown – Brisbane/No direct flights
May
No direct  flights



Qantas
The Qantas trans-Tasman autumn schedule follows:
March

QF 121	SYD ZQN	0855-1350	Wednesday,  Saturday & Sundays
QF 122	ZQN SYD	1445-1555	Wednesday,  Saturday & Sundays

Brisbane – Queenstown/No direct flights
Queenstown – Brisbane/No direct  flights
Melbourne – Queenstown/No direct flights
Queenstown – Melbourne/No direct flights             



Pacific Blue

Pacific Blue will be flying Queensland skiers straight to the slopes this winter with two direct flights a week from Brisbane to New Zealand’s ski capital of Queenstown from the end of June.
The seasonal flights on Fridays and Sundays will double Pacific Blue’s international services into the winter resort, which are currently two flights a week from Sydney operated on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
The Brisbane-Queenstown flights will begin on 25 June and the last seasonal service will be on 12 September, providing a total of 22 return ski flights and adding over 3,000 seats to the Queenstown market from Australia.


March

DJ 88	SYD ZQN	1030-1540	Tuesday & Saturday
DJ 89	SYD ZQN	1430-1755	Tuesday & Saturday

Brisbane – Queenstown/No direct flights
Queenstown – Brisbane/No direct flights
Melbourne – Queenstown/No direct flights
Queenstown – Melbourne/No direct flights
April

DJ 88	SYD ZQN	1030-1543	Tuesday & Saturday
DJ 89	SYD ZQN	1430-1755	Tuesday & Saturday

Brisbane – Queenstown/No direct flights
Queenstown – Brisbane/No direct flights
Melbourne – Queenstown/No direct flights
Queenstown – Melbourne/No direct flights
May

DJ 88	SYD ZQN	1030-1543	Tuesday & Saturday
DJ 89	SYD ZQN	1430-1755	Tuesday & Saturday

Brisbane – Queenstown/No direct flights
Queenstown – Brisbane/No directFlights
Melbourne – Queenstown/No direct Flights
Queenstown – Melbourne/No directFlights

BACKPACKING GOES HIGH-TECH WITH LAUNCH OF NEW TRAVEL SITE

Get ready for a revolution in backpacker travel! Planning for that iconic Kiwi getaway is about to take a giant leap forward. Backpacker Campervans has introduced a new hi-tech website that uses Google Maps to allow travelers to build their own adventure around New Zealand.

An industry first, the website – www.backpackercampervans.co.nz – will allow international and homegrown backpackers to custom-build an itinerary for their perfect Kiwi travel adventure – and change it along the way – from any computer or laptop.

Backpacker Campervans has created a website that encompasses Google Maps and geo-coded travel information to completely do away with confusing paper maps and bulky guide books. Travellers select popular driving routes – including Auckland to Waitomo, Taupo to Wellington or a south island adventure to Queenstown – and customise the journey to suit by adding points of interest along the way. These include camping grounds, scenic highlights, dump stations, activities and iconic Kiwi attractions. Daily updates come from various sources such as Tourism New Zealand and TOP 10 Holiday Parks so information is always current. 

Quinton Hall, Chief Information Officer for Backpacker Campervans’ parent company Tourism Holdings Limited (thl), says the new site’s Route Planner gives tech-savvy backpackers a ground-breaking and novel way to create a holiday experience to remember.

“If you chose a particular driving route you can then add points of interest like bungee jumping or a native bushwalk, or find a quiet place to camp around New Zealand,” explains Mr Hall. “You can also share your itinerary instantly with other people, including family members back home or friends you meet along the way.”

Information and customised travel maps can be shared via Facebook, Twitter or other networking programmes as well as via regular email. Backpackers can now comment on the company’s blog and will soon be able to upload their travel photos and leave reviews or feedback about places they’ve visited to help other travellers plan their journeys.

The site, which has been carefully researched by thl and developed by Gen-i, operates from Microsoft Office SharePoint Server (MOSS). Gen-i won Microsoft’s 2009 Business Productivity Portals and Collaboration Solution of the Year partner award for its work on the web platform. thl ordered a complete overhaul of its online technology to facilitate the new site, including upgrading servers, networks and telecommunications.

For more information, visit www.backpackercampervans.co.nz

LAN BRINGS FORWARD DELIVERIES OF BOEING 787 DREAMLINER AIRCRAFT

LAN Airlines S.A. and its subsidiaries, (“LAN” or “the Company”) (NYSE: LFL / IPSA: LAN), one of the leading airlines in Latin America, today announced that the Company signed an agreement with Boeing to adjust the delivery of ten Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners to be incorporated into the Company’s long haul fleet. This new delivery schedule anticipates by three years the arrival of this aircraft, previously scheduled for 2014 and now expected starting in the first semester of 2011.

In this way, LAN becomes the first airline in the western hemisphere to receive the Dreamliner, which is expected to revolutionize the airline industry, incorporating the most advanced technology. These ten aircraft are part of the original order for 32 Boeing 787s placed by LAN in 2007, 26 of which will be owned and 6 leased.

The Boeing 787-8 undertook its first test flight in December 2009 and is expected to begin commercial operations in 2010. It has the capacity to seat approximately 250 passengers, providing a unique in-flight experience due to innovative technological advances featured inside the aircraft cabin. In addition, this is the world's most efficient aircraft reducing the effects of global warming, so the 787 is considered as the new Green Aircraft.

The world’s first Bavarian beer garden in a business lounge

Real Bavarian flair combined with high class ambient - status customers and Business Class passengers from Asia Pacific travelling to Europe now can look forward to another highlight on their journey.

On 23 March 2010, Lufthansa launched its renovated Business Lounge in Terminal 2 at Munich Airport with a world’s first: the Business Lounge incorporates features of a traditional Bavarian beer garden with a modern-day twist.

In cooperation with Munich’s Franziskaner brewery, Lufthansa is giving passengers the chance to relax at beer tables and enjoy draught beer tapped from the barrel with Bavarian pretzels. The beer garden is integrated into the refurbished Business Lounge in the Schengen departures area (Gate Area G) of Terminal 2. On a total floor space of 1,100 square metres, the lounge is equipped with more than 300 seats and has many new opportunities for passengers to catch up with work or simply unwind and relax. ”Lufthansa is continuing to invest in customer comfort despite the present, difficult economic situation,“ observes Thomas Klühr, Group Representative and Head of Hub Management Munich. “The newly refurbished Business Lounge measures up to the high quality that our passengers have come to expect from our product.“

The new Lufthansa Business Lounge is an unparalleled opportunity for Australian passengers to experience Bavarian flair while transferring to connecting flights into Europe. With a total of 93 destinations offered, Munich Airport is Lufthansa’s gateway into Europe. During its summer schedule 2010, Lufthansa offers around 20 daily code share flights with Star Alliance partners from Australia and New Zealand to Munich.

Besides a re-designed bistro area, the Business Lounge offers six new satellite bars and a long bench seat that can accommodate up to 28 passengers. Passengers can sink into the inviting leather-upholstered armchairs for a while, and enjoy peace and quiet in the comfort zone. The more industrious have 18 workstations, some equipped with integrated computers, to choose from. From any seat in the lounge, passengers can surf the net with their laptop or check their emails. Two large screens in a separate TV area provide entertainment in a choice of television programmes. Also available are two shower rooms, complete with hair dryer, towels and a range of toiletries.

Altogether, Lufthansa offers passengers seven lounges on a total area of around 4,500 square metres in Terminal 2 at Munich Airport. The newly refurbished Business Lounge is sited opposite Gate Area G 28

Auckland Airport moves a step higher in top airports list

Auckland Airport has moved up a spot in this year’s Skytrax Best Airports of the World list, moving up from its tenth position to ninth, and remains the only airport in the Southern Hemisphere named in the top ten.

The next best airport in the Southern Hemisphere is Brisbane coming in at 18th and Cape Town coming in at 19th. No other New Zealand or Australian airports made the top 20.

The Skytrax World Airport Awards for 2010:

* Singapore
* Seoul Incheon
* Hong Kong
* Munich
* Kuala Lumpur
* Zurich
* Amsterdam
* Beijing
* Auckland
* Bangkok
* Vancouver
* Kansai
* Centrair Nagoya
* Helsinki
* Copenhagen
* Frankfurt Main
* Tokyo Narita
* Brisbane
* Cape Town
* San Francisco

Q1 Resort & Spa to show landmark support on climate change

The iconic crown on the top of the world’s tallest residential tower, Q1 Resort & Spa, will go dark for sixty minutes for Earth Hour 2010 on Saturday 27 March from 8.30pm.

Q1 Resort & Spa will join an estimated 100 other iconic landmarks around the world as they switch off their lights for Earth Hour, marking their commitment to the environment.

The global event created by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), will reach new heights this year, with the world's three tallest buildings - the new Burj Khalifa in Dubai, CN Tower in Toronto and Taipei 101 in Taiwan – among those joining Q1 Resort & Spa to go dark for Earth Hour.

During Earth Hour, the lights on Q1 Resort & Spa’s iconic rooftop crown will be switched off to make a symbolic point about power usage.

The extinguishing of the power to the crown will be the first signal to the Q1 Resort & Spa team who will be on duty to ensure reception lights are dimmed in unison and tea light candles are lit.

Resort guests are also encouraged to join in by turning the lights out in their rooms and will be given complimentary glow sticks at the time of check-in.

BIGGEST EASTER EGG HUNT IN NEW ZEALAND

Twilight Eggs-Travaganza

The giant Eggs-Travaganza Easter egg hunt is held during the 4 days of Easter between 11am and 2 pm, at the Amazing Maze 'n Maize huge cornfield maze. On Sunday night there will be the first ever twilight Easter egg hunt by torchlight between 7pm and 9pm; bring your own torch and bring the whole family for a hilarious night out. The Easter bunny will be found running around hiding around 8,000 eggs throughout the maze, and the mission is to find the bunny, find the eggs, and then find your way out of the 6 hectare or 8 kms of paths in the maze.

During the average 50 minutes in the maze you will come upon more than 100 kernels of knowledge, or trivia signs giving you an insight into the history of transportation. These signs will also have colourful Easter egg pictures attached to them. Match the post numbers with the pictures on the game sheet and claim even more Easter eggs. A quiz can also be completed about transportation to fill in the time while being happily lost, or it serves as a scorecard for the more competitive visitors.

The giant corn maze is cut into a design featuring a vintage car and a boy on a skateboard. This is wonderful Easter weekend entertainment for all family members. Visitors take a flag into the maze with them and wave it to attract help from the lifeguards. They can also opt to buy a maze map for $2 to take with them with an unconditional money back guarantee if it is returned unopened.

There are many different ways for different age groups to experience the mazes, with something to appeal to everyone.
Day Mazes are extremely popular with families, school trips, and social outings for clubs. School holidays are particularly busy and the maze activities are especially well liked by babysitting grandparents. There are many games and activities available to play with around the perimeter of the maze to keep visitors entertained for hours. Games are deliberately planned to support old fashioned family fun.

This year the Amazing Maze season finishes on May 2nd when it is harvested for animal feed.

The Amazing Maze is located adjacent to Spookers at Kingseat, Karaka in South Auckland. It is open 7 days a week from 10am – 5pm. The Easter Bunny will be in the maze from 11am – 2pm each day, and there is a special Easter egg hunt on Easter Sunday from 7pm -9pm. BYO torch.
Prices are $35 for a family of 2 adults and 2 children, or $8 child and $12 adult.

See www.maze.co.nz for more information.

Reluctant to Sell ... Bach Owners Sit Out NZ Property Sales Plunge

Bach owners increasingly rent out their holiday homes in order to get through the current property sales plunge - that's the evidence from one of the leading holiday home marketplaces.

Domegos.co.nz, the NZ holiday home website, says the number of properties that are offered for rent has increased at a record growth of 24% in the past three months.

Dennis Klett, director of Domegos, says: "Reluctance to sell in a period where property prices are falling has pushed a lot of bach owners to look for alternative ways to make capital gains on their holiday home."

In turn, this trend has resulted in an increased number of people renting out their second homes for the first time.

Dennis Klett comments: "Many have owned a second property for years but have been content to hand the keys to family and friends or let it sit empty - now they are realising that they can put it to good use and cover costs until the property markets pick up again."

Last year, UK-based Domegos launched its free website in New Zealand and currently has a portfolio of more than 5,000 holiday homes in New Zealand and all around the world. The website charges neither a yearly subscription fee nor a commission for helping owners to rent out their holiday homes.

"While other sites charge up to NZD 200 per year for promoting holiday homes online, our zero-cost alternative has successfully convinced many owners to offer their properties for rent for the first time" said Marco De Gregorio, co-founder of Domegos.

One page is assigned for each bach, comprising more than 17 photos, an interactive Google map, and an availability calendar, making the website an essential part for bach owners seeking to make some extra-money. All baches are promoted in New Zealand and nine other countries in five different languages.

For more information please visit http://www.domegos.co.nz

BA loses football team to Virgin

Despite traditionally being the carrier of the country's football squad, British Airways have managed to lose the role of Official Airline Supplier to the England World Cup to rival Virgin Atlantic.
Virgin boss Sir Richard Branson announced earlier this week that the England football team would fly on his airline to the World Cup in South Africa instead of British Airways.
Branson said the carrier would provide England manager Fabio Capello and his 23-man squad with their own Airbus A340-600 plane.
It will fly the team from London Heathrow to Johannesburg on 2 June in complete luxury with the longest fully flat bed in Business Class, a state-of-the-art in-flight entertainment system and a menu tailored specifically to the players' needs.
The squad will also get through security faster as Virgin Atlantic's Upper Class Wing at Heathrow's Terminal 3 has a private security channel.
"It is a great honour for Virgin Atlantic to be carrying the England team to Johannesburg" said Branson.
"We promise they will be looked after in style by our world-class cabin crew, so that when they arrive in Johannesburg they are fit and ready to take on the world!"
According to the Daily Mail, the football team traditionally uses British Airways planes to travel to international events.

Dragon to headline Winter Festival Mardi Gras

While ‘July Snow in Queenstown’ isn’t as catchy as ‘April Sun in Cuba’, snake eyes will be on paradise this winter when Dragon comes to Queenstown for the 2010 American Express Queenstown Winter Festival. 

Festival organisers are proud to announce Kiwi rock legends Dragon as the headline act for this year’s Air New Zealand Mardi Gras to be held on Tuesday 29 June.

Festival Director Simon Green says it’s a real coup to secure one of Australasia’s most popular bands of all time for the Southern Hemisphere’s biggest winter party.

“We’re expecting a really memorable concert that’s uniquely Queenstown as our way of celebrating the start of winter.  What a buzz, particularly for Kiwis and Aussies, to get the chance to enjoy the much-loved anthems “April Sun in Cuba”, “Are You Old Enough”, “Rain”, “Young Years” and “Still in Love” performed live against the backdrop of our awesome alpine scenery.

“Dragon is up there with iconic Kiwi bands like The Exponents, Hello Sailor, Split Enz and DD Smash in terms of its contribution to New Zealand’s music history.  The Mardi Gras playlist includes all the Dragon classics so there’s bound to be plenty of dancing and singing along.”

Featuring a star-studded local and international line-up, the Air New Zealand Mardi Gras is one of the major free community events of Queenstown’s 10-day Winter Festival which runs from 25 June to 4 July 2010.

Also on the bill is Australian sensation The Jefferson, a four-piece melodic rock band who will be touring New Zealand and Australia in July before recording their debut album.  Local stars include The Cartel, the Sequin Sisters and a special appearance from the Lindauer Top Blokes.  A host of Queenstown’s young upcoming bands will also perform on the Rockformation Stage on upper Beach Street.

Mardi Gras sets Queenstown abuzz with music, entertainment and food stalls from 5.30pm onwards on Winter Festival’s Tuesday evening.  As always, Mr Green is expecting big crowds at the Earnslaw Park and Beach St stages which will rock to a range of local and international performers.

“It’s a real locals’ night out with friends and family wrapping up warm to enjoy the entertainment, food stalls and staving off the winter chill with the Lions’ special mulled wine concoction.”

For more festival information visit www.winterfestival.co.nz.

Queensland coping well after cyclone

Cyclone Ului has failed to do any major damage to Queensland tourism infrastructure, according to early reports.The tropical cyclone slammed into the Whitsunday Coast on Sunday. Winds of up to 200 km/h flattened trees and tore air-conditioning units from walls.
Airlie Beach took a battering but Tourism Whitsundays chief executive Peter O’Reilly says the physical damage there appears relatively minor.
The cyclone caused booking cancellations and led to island resorts being evacuated and some beaches closed because of dangerous surf conditions, but industry leaders are confident of a swift recovery.
O’Reilly says Easter trade will help, the clean-up shouldn’t take long and the situation should soon return to normal.
Queensland Premier Anna Bligh said Ului represented more bad news for a region where the tourism industry had been hit by the global financial crisis.
“It will take some places weeks, at the very least, to fix broken windows and be fully operational again,” she said. “We are characterising it as a significant event with severe damage in some pockets, but not a catastrophic event.” She said her government would talk to affected businesses to see what help it could offer.
The storm was downgraded to a rain depression after weakening rapidly once it struck land.
Written by: Peter Needham

KLM may offer commercial biofuel flights in 2011

Dutch airline KLM, part of Franco-Dutch Air France-KLM has expressed its desire to offer commercial Biofuel flights from 2011.
KLM spokeswoman said the proposed Biofuel flights are not a pipe dream: "We have proven it is possible."
Last year, the airline operated a 1.5 hour Boeing 747 flight over the Netherlands, with one engine running on a mixture of 50 percent sustainable biofuel and 50 percent traditional kerosene. The other three engines on the history making flight ran on 100 percent kerosene.
The spokeswoman said the launch date for commercial biofuel flights would depend on developments in the industry, such as suppliers and certification.
The spokeswomen said she did not know to what degree commercial flights would use biofuels but said that test flights had taken place where all four engines used 100 percent biofuels.
KLM chief executive Peter Hartman said the biofuel used on the flight reduced CO2 emissions by up to 80 percent compared to conventional kerosene.
Aircraft account for an estimated 2-4 percent of global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.

Avis to operate self-service kiosks at Sydney Airport

Avis car rentals have unveiled a new offering at Sydney Airport which sees clients able to collect details for their rental car through a self-service kiosk option. The new service is available to all customers with an Avis Wizard number, regardless of whether or not they have an existing reservation. Avis clients can bypass the terminal counter and go straight to the kiosks located in the ground floor Avis section of the domestic terminal car park. They then drive to the exit boom gate where they simply show their drivers licence and rental agreement and then depart. Clients will also be able to change select booking details on the kiosks for any last minute corrections, such as return location and vehicle.

Cairns to Auckland

Pacific Blue will commence twice weekly direct services from Cairns to Auckland today. The second flight will be on Saturday.

Storm batters Perth airport

Severe storms in Perth overnight have caused damage to the Qantas Domestic terminal at Perth airport.

The carrier said some flights may experience delays. It has issued a waiver, allowing passengers to make date
changes to an existing itinerary for travel on or before March 24. Other options available to travellers include re-routing a ticket to a different destination operated by Qantas or a ticket credit. No refunds will be
given.

Flights at the international terminal have resumed normal operations.

BA counts costs

British Airways has estimated that the current industrial action by cabin crew will cost the airline £7 million ($11.5m) per day. Cabin crew out of Heathrow have voted to strike for a total of seven days.

Aussies still travelling to NZ

New Zealand has recorded continued growth from the Australian market, with arrivals up 4.3% in February compared to last year.

Mondo specials

Tahiti - 5 nights from $1439

Hawaii - 4 nights in Honolulu from $1899

Aitutaki - they'll PAY YOU $1 to visit!

www.mondotravel.co.nz

Yo ho ho and a bottle of fun:

Fullers GreatSights Bay of Islands introduces a special overnight pirate cruise these school holidays where kids will stay, play and eat for free!

To celebrate the upcoming school holidays, Fullers GreatSights is inviting families to take to the seas this April on-board its overnight Bay of Islands cruise ship, the MV Ipipiri.

For one night – and one night only – the Ipipiri will be transformed into a pirate ship with Captain Phil at the helm as the crew and passengers embark on an adventure that will see them exploring the sheltered waters of the Bay of Islands and searching for pirate treasure!

The pirate adventure will depart Paihia on Friday 16, April and for every paying adult, one child will be able to stay, play and eat for free. That means for $249, one adult and one child can take the plunge and enjoy a night away with all activities, food and accommodation included.

According to the fearless Captain Phil, “These ‘olidays it’s time for all those scallywags out there who’ve been working ‘ard at school, to join me an’ me ships mates on a swashbuckling adventure around the Bay of Islands, as we solve the clues on the Ipipiri treasure map an’ find the long lost treasure! Arrr and as for those landlubber parents, you’ll also be able to enjoy the beautiful sights of the Bay of Islands as the sprogs are kept entertained with a host of activities an’ surprises throughout the day.”
 

Activities will include kayaking, snorkelling, sandcastle competitions and quizzes  - as well as a the hunt for the Bay’s elusive treasure! And for any parents who don’t behave you’ll be made to walk the plank!A special child friendly menu will also be available on the cruise.

For more information, or to book your stay, visit: www.overnightcruise.co.nz/pirate

Fact box information:

• Costs:
  • $249 per adult twin share
  • One child free for every paying adult; $124.50 for every additional child
• Itinerary for Pirate Cruise:

o    12.30pm Scallywags and Pirate Parents to check-in at the Maritime Building

o    1.00pm All pirates depart the Maritime Building to Opua to board Ipipiri

o    1.30pm Ipipiri departs Opua.

o    1.30pm - 3.00pm Ipipiri cruises through the sheltered waters of the Bay of Islands. Afternoon Tea is served (assortment of freshly baked muffins and coffee/tea.)

o    3.00pm - 5.30pm Afternoon activities including kayaking, snorkelling, sandcastle competitions, etc

o    6pm – Quiz

o    6.30pm – Dinner is served for parents and children

o    8.30pm – Cheese platter served for parents

o    Breakfast as per normal including commentary on the wildlife and ecology of the bay

o    10am – Arrival

Please note that optional coach transfers are also available from Auckland: 

·          7.30am GreatSights coach departs SkyCity Auckland 

·          11.00pm GreatSights coach arrives in Paihia

·          4.30pm GreatSights coach departs Paihia

·          8.10pm GreatSights coach arrives SkyCity Auckland. 

See www.overnightcruise.co.nz for more details.

HOT DEALS FROM THE RADISSON PLAZA RESORT TAHITI

What: 4 Nights getaway at the Radisson Plaza Resort Tahiti from $1416 per person – stay 4 nights but only pay for 3.

Where: Radisson Plaza Resort Tahiti

Cost: From $1416 per person

Includes: Return Economy Q class airfares flying Air Tahiti Nui ex Auckland to Papeete,

airport transfers throughout, 4 nights accommodation. Includes all pre payable airline surcharges and levies.

Bonus: Free internet

Book Before: March 31

Travel Dates: 10 Mar - 31 Sep 10 (except blackouts:  Auckland to Papeete 05-22 April and Papeete to Auckland 25 March-05 April)

For more information visit www.tahiti.co.nz

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

What: Family Package - 4 nights at Radisson Plaza Resort Tahiti from $4430 per family

Where: Radisson Plaza Resort Tahiti

Cost: From $ 4430 per family (depending on room type)

Includes: Return Economy Q class airfares flying Air Tahiti Nui ex Auckland to Papeete,

airport transfers throughout, 4 nights accommodation. Includes all pre payable airline surcharges and levies.

Bonus: Receive free breakfast daily and free internet access. Kids receive 50% off meals (children 2-12 years)

Book Before: March 31

Travel Dates: 10 Mar - 31 Sep 10 (except blackouts:  Auckland to Papeete 05-22 April and Papeete to Auckland 25 March-05 April)

For more information visit www.tahiti.co.nz

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What: 4 Nights Romance at the Radisson Plaza Resort Tahiti from $1790 per person

Where: Radisson Plaza Resort Tahiti

Cost: From $1790 per person

Includes: Return Economy Q class airfares flying Air Tahiti Nui ex Auckland to Papeete,

airport transfers throughout, 4 nights accommodation. Includes all pre payable airline surcharges and levies.

Bonus: Free breakfast daily, free internet access and free 30 minutes duo massage

Book Before: March 31

Travel Dates: 10 Mar - 31 Sep 10 (except blackouts:  Auckland to Papeete 05-22 April and Papeete to Auckland 25 March-05 April)

For more information visit www.tahiti.co.nz