Land of the Long Sandy Beaches

Forget the long white cloud for a moment and head to the land of the long sandy beaches, Terengganu in Malaysia. With a spectacular 240km of coastline facing the South China Sea and beautiful islands such as Redang, Perhentian and Kapas, it’s the perfect destination for Kiwi beachcombers and scuba enthusiasts.

“Terengganu’s breathtaking islands are known as the emeralds of the east because of their crystal-clear emerald waters,” says Shahrin Mokhtar, Director of Tourism Malaysia Sydney. “For those looking for an escape from the stresses of their concrete jungle, the pristine beaches and rich sea life are the perfect hideaway.”

One of the islands, Redang, is renowned for world-class diving facilities. Dive sites include Terumbu Kili with its rocky seascape encrusted with both soft and hard corals at about 15 metres, and slopes down to 20 metres at the sandy bottom; Big Mount, which offers divers a chance to observe everything from macro life-forms to possible encounters with whale sharks; and Mini Mount with its numerous cowries, spider shells and large aggregation of colourful Christmas tree worms carpeting coral blocks. It’s also a famous site for night diving.

Tanjung Tokong is another dive site not to be missed. Large Napolean wrasse, parrot fish, jacks and unicorn fish are a common sight here, besides the many chromodoris nudibranchs and green staghorn corals. Other popular dive sites include Tunnel Point, Tanjung Cina Terjun and also the Marine Park Centre.

Redang also has two historic shipwrecks — the HMS Prince of Wales and the HMS Repulse — that sank at the beginning of World War II, setting the stage for the Japanese occupation of Malaya.

Accommodation choices in the region include everything from eco adventure camps, idyllic beachside retreats, houseboats and luxury resort accommodation. Some highlights on Redang include:

Berjaya Redang Beach Resort, set amidst the turquoise blue waters of Teluk Dalam. The resort features 220 tastefully furnished rooms and suites in Malaysian-style chalets. The 130 elegant and luxurious guestrooms and suites on the hillside are the Redang Hill View and Redang Sea View categories. Laguna Redang Island Resort

Berjaya Redang Spa Resort, located in Teluk Siang on the southern side of the Redang. Perched on a cliff 140 feet above sea level, it commands a spectacular view of the South China Sea. Set in lush tropical rainforest, it offers 100 cosy chalets. www.berjayahotels-resorts.com

Laguna Redang Island Resort, which is located at Long Beach (Pasir Panjang). The resort offers 222 comfortably furnished rooms ranging from standard to suites housed in 12 blocks of authentic Malay architectural wonder, reminiscent of a traditional village setting. www.lagunaredang.com.my

Whether you’re looking for a fun-filled adventure holiday of diving, snorkelling, swimming, squid fishing, camping, canoeing or jungle trekking, or prefer having a perfect holiday by just lying in the shades of swaying coconut trees, enjoying the cool breeze doing practically nothing, consider Terengganu in affordable Malaysia.

The best time to visit is between March and October and flights arrive daily from Kuala Lumpur, Penang and directly from Singapore.

Terengganu: Where Nature Embraces Heritage.

www.tourismmalaysia.co.nz

More than a third off selected sailing holidays!

Sunsail Yacht Charter’s 35th birthday promotion continues to dazzle holidaymakers with its massive 35 per cent off selected boats and dates*.

The world's leading sailing holiday company turns 35 this year and to celebrate, it is giving customers a whopping 35 percent off selected last-minute bookings from their base in the Whitsundays, north Queensland.

Hundreds of holidaymakers happy to take their holiday at short notice have already benefited from this extraordinary deal and now Sunsail Yacht Charters has released dates through until 18th December 2009.

And this is in addition to Sunsail's other 35th birthday promotion where customers can get $35 cash back simply by saying 'Happy Birthday Sunsail' when they confirm any new booking for any destination before the end of the year!

"We have been overwhelmed by the response to our birthday promotion,” said Sunsail's marketing manager Kim Lehmann.

“The next few months in the Whitsundays are absolutely beautiful and holidaymakers can really take time to explore this magical aquatic wonderland at their leisure with these great deals.

“With some really low airfares at the moment too, cruising the beautiful Whitsundays has never looked so good.”

Established in 1974 with sailing flotillas in Europe, Sunsail grew rapidly in the 1980s and 1990s to include bases in the Mediterranean, the Caribbean and Thailand.

Australian and New Zealand operations were established in 1994 followed by the Seychelles, Tonga and Croatia, and, more recently, Malaysia and Tahiti.

Today, Sunsail Yacht Charters has 29 bases in 20 countries as well as a Beach Club in Greece and offers yacht charter holidays, sailing flotillas, participation in regattas, corporate and team-building events and five RYA approved sailing schools.

For up-to-date information on Sunsail's 35th birthday offer of a 35% discount off selected boats and dates in the Whitsundays - including the current available timeslots - check the special offers page on the website: www.sunsail.com.au. For more information or reservations call 1800 803 988

New Zealand Named as a Top Destination – Condé Nast

For the sixth year in a row, New Zealand has been ranked in the top five best destinations in the world by readers of the prestigious Condé Nast Traveller magazine.

The awards were announced last night in the UK. New Zealand was placed second after Italy as ‘Best Destination’. Turkey was third and Australia was fourth. Italy scored well on the quality of its food and restaurants, culture and climate

Tourism New Zealand chief executive George Hickton said it was a great result for New Zealand given that British travellers had been hard hit by the economic downturn and were looking to holiday closer to home.

“The UK is probably one of the toughest markets in the world to get noticed in. Travellers have access to the lowest airfares in the world, which means they have a huge amount of choice.

“For UK holidaymakers to recognise New Zealand as their favourite long-haul country is a huge achievement in this competitive marketplace and one which the New Zealand industry should be most proud of,” Mr Hickton said.

Air New Zealand took second-place in the long-haul airlines category.

Understand the Signs of the Night in a Brand New Show at Stardome

Of all the beautiful constellations in the sky, the signs of the zodiac are the most intriguing … and the most significant to astronomers.

Specially dedicated to these constellations, Signs of the Night – Zodiacs is a brand new show developed by Stardome Observatory that looks at each of the 12 constellations of the zodiac and the intricate stories behind their existence.

Featuring imagery by legendary digital artist Kagaya Yutaka from Japan, Signs of the Night – Zodiacs is visually spectacular, incorporating elaborately detailed images that will leave visitors with a special understanding of these signs.

The show is choreographed to beautiful music and presented live by a Stardome astronomy presenter.

Signs of the Night – Zodiacs is a limited edition programme, running only on Tuesday 1, Tuesday 8, Tuesday 15, and Tuesday 22 September 2009. It is appropriate for adults and families with children 8 years and older.

Bookings will need to be made early to avoid disappointment.

Signs of the Night – Zodiacs – Tuesday 1, Tuesday 8, Tuesday 15, and Tuesday 22 September 2009, 8.00pm at Stardome Observatory, One Tree Hill. Tickets $25 per person. Programme includes 90 minute planetarium show and courtyard telescope viewing. Telescope viewing subject to weather conditions - a raincheck is provided if viewing is not possible. Bookings are essential. See www.stardome.org.nz for details.


FOR MORE DETAILS & IMAGES PLEASE CONTACT:

Dave Waller or Barbara Leyland
Ph 624 1246


ABOUT STARDOME OBSERVATORY:

Stardome Observatory has created an environment that brings together astronomers and enthusiasts and inspires a love of the sky and the science behind it. Every year the organisation uses the best blend of education and entertainment to share its passion with close to 60,000 New Zealanders.

The observatory’s facilities include an amazing 360° digital planetarium, the 0.5m Edith Winstone Blackwell Zeiss Telescope, and the Nustrini research telescope.

Situated in Auckland’s One Tree Hill Domain, Stardome Observatory is New Zealand’s leading astronomical attraction and invites you to enjoy the view.

A full list of public show times is available at www.stardome.org.nz.

New Zealand Named as a Top Destination

For the sixth year in a row, New Zealand has been ranked in the top five best destinations in the world by readers of the prestigious Condé Nast Traveller magazine.

The awards were announced last night in the UK. New Zealand was placed second after Italy as ‘Best Destination’. Turkey was third and Australia was fourth. Italy scored well on the quality of its food and restaurants, culture and climate

Tourism New Zealand chief executive George Hickton said it was a great result for New Zealand given that British travellers had been hard hit by the economic downturn and were looking to holiday closer to home.

“The UK is probably one of the toughest markets in the world to get noticed in. Travellers have access to the lowest airfares in the world, which means they have a huge amount of choice.

“For UK holidaymakers to recognise New Zealand as their favourite long-haul country is a huge achievement in this competitive marketplace and one which the New Zealand industry should be most proud of,” Mr Hickton said.

Air New Zealand took second-place in the long-haul airlines category.

Aoraki Mount Cook perfect backdrop for wedding proposal

Love was in the air at one of New Zealand’s most romantic retreats this week as Wellingtonian Mike Watt popped the question to long-term girlfriend Marrissa Bey.

Mr Watt had planned to take Marrissa to the iconic Hermitage Hotel at Aoraki Mount Cook and propose to her over dinner in the hotel’s award-winning Panorama Restaurant.

To his delight, hotel staff came up with a cunning plan to help him make it a night to remember.

Together they surprised his bride-to-be with a romantic six-course candlelit dinner in the privacy of their top floor room overlooking Aoraki Mount Cook and the Southern Alps.

Mr Watt agreed to lure Marrissa away for a pre-dinner drink while staff set up the room. A waiter was supposed to lead them to their table but Marrissa was a little surprised when they ended up back at their room.

The couple were then treated to a sumptuous meal with the ring being served as the surprise ‘seventh course’.

The bride-to-be was over the moon and immediately accepted.

Mr Watt says they were both were blown away by the staff who put so much effort into making their night special and memorable.

“The Hermitage went above and beyond to make our special night spectacular. The hotel holds a special place in our hearts now and we’ll be back for many years to come.”

The Hermitage General Manager Andrew Cleverley says he was delighted with the way the proposal went – and the end result, of course!

“We were really honoured to be part of Mike and Marrissa’s special moment. It was very emotional for all of us and we’re thrilled for both of them.

“I completely understand why people choose to propose or get married here. The natural beauty, isolation and stunning surroundings at Mount Cook set the mood perfectly and provide a real wow factor,” he says.

The couple are not only planning to return to The Hermitage soon but are now looking into holding their wedding there.

LAN EXPANDS NETWORK WITHIN SOUTH AMERICA

LAN has announced further expansion of its flight network within South America, introducing new routes and increasing services in several existing markets.
The airline group has just commenced double daily flights from Buenos Aires to the “garden city” of Tucuman, in Argentina’s north.
It has also inaugurated daily flights between the colonial city of Cordoba, in Argentina’s geographical centre, to Lima, Peru.
And it has added a third daily flight from the wine growing region of Mendoza in Northern Argentina to the Chilean capital of Santiago, for a new weekly total of 21 services.
These increases follow LAN’s recent introduction of two weekly flights between Lima and the Colombian coastal city of Cartagena de Indias, and the start of domestic services within Ecuador, with flights initially linking Guayaquil, Quito and Cuenca and plans for more routes by early 2010.
All of the new flights are operated by Airbus A320-family aircraft, which LAN uses exclusively on services within and between South American countries.
As well, the airline has increased nonstop services from Lima to Madrid, Spain, moving from four weekly Boeing 767-300ER flights to daily services.
The additional services expand LAN’s South American network to more than 50 destinations, providing even greater travel options for both tourists and business travellers.
They will be included in LAN’s popular South America Airpass, which provides convenient and affordable flights within and between the nations of South America.
“Leisure travel to South America is still increasing, despite the global economic downturn,” said Rodrigo Contreras, General Manager Australia, New Zealand and Asia for LAN Airlines.
“We are continuing to respond to or anticipate demand for leisure travel by increasing flights within and between the countries of South America,” said Mr Contreras.
LAN, a member of the oneworld global airline alliance, offers daily flights from Auckland to Santiago, the capital of Chile and most popular Australian entry point to South America.
The dual class Airbus A340-300 flights connect in Santiago with onward LAN services throughout Chile and to other South American destinations.
For more information or to make a booking call LAN reservations on 09 308 3352 or visit www.lan.com.

hard rock hotel penang unveils giant guitar

Wellingtonian John Primmer has brought the Kiwi love of ‘big little things’ to Penang by unveiling a giant 5.5m (18 ft) by 2.1m (7ft) guitar in front of the lobby entrance, signifying that Hard Rock Penang will be opening its doors in Batu Ferringhi on September 19.

“Almost everyone will identify with this iconic feature and it’s something that can be seen from far away,” said Primmer, Hard Rock Penang’s General Manager, during the unveling ceremony at the hotel. “We offer more than just a job. Our mantra is ‘All Is One’ and with this event we wanted to make our staff’s first day at work unforgettable!”

Loud music was of course a feature of the ceremony, which saw around 200 hotel staff with painted faces and balloons marching about 1km to the hotel afterwards.

In addition to the giant guitar, both the hotel and the café will be filled with over 500 pieces of memorabilia of rock stars from different decades – as in all Hard Rock establishments around the world.

Overall, there are now 71,000 original pieces owned by the Hard Rock group making its collection the largest and most valuable on the planet.

The hotel boasts 250 rooms and suites, most with sea views.

There will be five food and beverage outlets at the Hard Rock Penang. These include the world famous Hard Rock Cafe, an all-day dining restaurant known as Starz Diner, a pizzeria by the poolside, The Shack swim-up pool bar and the lobby bar, which is part of the reception desk to get the party started straight away.

Bookings can now be made for travel from 19 September onward with a special opening package:

Starts at RM368++ for Hillview Deluxe and RM418++ for Seaview Deluxe
The offer is valid from 19 September through to 18 December 2009
Includes a 1 night stay, breakfast for 2 adults and 2 children (under 12 years old) and a Limited Edition Platinum Record Souvenir


www.hardrockhotels.net

Kakadu Bird Week

Birding enthusiasts will refocus their binoculars on Kakadu National Park next month when Gagudju Lodge Cooinda hosts the inaugural Kakadu Bird Week.

Kakadu National Park in Australia’s Northern Territory covers 19,000 square kilometres of World Heritage-listed land and is home to one-third of Australia’s entire bird species. The Kakadu Bird Week program from 10 to 17 October is designed to cater for both experienced and beginner bird watchers. All guides involved in the week are endorsed or being trained by Birds Australia, and have extensive knowledge of the Kakadu region.

For the keenest birders, there will be long treks in the sandstone country to search for White-throated Grasswrens and other endemic birds with Kakadu’s resident magpie geese, whistling ducks, black-necked storks and the little gems of the bird world, such as the azure and the beautiful forest kingfishers.

For the beginner bird watchers, there will be small interactive groups helping to identify the different bird species from the bushland teeming with birdlife.

Gagudju Lodge Cooinda has fantastic packages starting from $1550*, that includes 5 nights accommodation, daily breakfast, lunch and dinner, a Yellow Waters Billabong sunset and sunrise cruise and the Kakadu Bird Week birding field trips. A range of accommodation options are available for the birding enthusiasts and supporting tour options for friends and family who don’t share a passion for birding.

Don’t miss this terrific opportunity to learn about Australia’s incredible birdlife in the world famous Kakadu National Park.

For more information on Kakadu Bird Week contact: reservations@gagudjulodgecooinda.com.au

Fly United Business Class Sydney to New York return from $6323* including taxes

Continuing a commitment to providing competitive fares across the trans-Pacific, United is offering the following sale fares:


· Fly Business Class Melbourne to Los Angeles return from $5999 plus taxes of $306*

· Fly Business Class Sydney to Los Angeles return from $5999 plus taxes of $324*


· Fly Business Class Melbourne to New York return from $5999 plus taxes of $312*

· Fly Business Class Sydney to New York return from $5999 plus taxes of $324*


Alison Espley, General Manager Australia and New Zealand, United Airlines said; “Our business class offering across the trans-Pacific is truly a market leader and we are very pleased to be providing our customers with a quality product at such competitive fare prices.”

This offer is available for ticketing until 24 September 2009 and for departures immediately until 16 December 2009.

* Taxes subject to change until time of booking.
Conditions: Ticketing must be completed by 24 September 2009, within 24 hours after reservation, or 14 days before departure (which ever comes first) when purchasing from your local AFTA travel agent, or, at time of booking via www.unitedairlines.com.au

Hard Rock Penang

It’s your honeymoon, so why settle for quiet romance when an exciting newlywed experience beckons at the Hard Rock Hotel Penang. You could be also be the first newlyweds to cross the threshold when the hotel opens its doors on September 19.



“It’s a very special place,” said Wellingtonian John Primmer, Hard Rock Penang’s General Manager. “With absolute beach frontage guests can spend the evening watching the sun set over a moonlit or candlelit meal by the pool.”



Hard Rock Hotel Penng boasts an incredible oversize free-form pool, the largest of its kind in Penang, private cabanas, a luxury spa and fully-equipped gym. There are also five food and beverage outlets including the world famous Hard Rock Cafe, an all-day dining restaurant known as Starz Diner, a pizzeria by the poolside, The Shack swim-up pool bar and the lobby bar, which is part of the reception desk.



As a special launch offer, Hard Rock Hotel Penang has put together two unforgettable honeymoon packages to start your marriage on the right note:



Seaview Studio Suite Package

For a honeymoon suite that is out of the ordinary, choose a rock-inspired, contemporary seaview studio suite at a roomy 53m2. At the Kings Club Lounge, enjoy a quiet morning breakfast and a little afternoon tea, followed by an evening of canapés and cocktails while watching the sunset. This package includes:

Two night’s stay in the Seaview Studio Suite ‘tricked out’ with premium modifications
Welcome drink
Flower bath
Gourmet breakfast at Kings Club Lounge on the second day
A bottle of sparkling juice / wine
Cloud – Nin - couple spa treatment at Rock Spa
Candlelit dinner at the private cabana by the beach OR moonlit private dinner on your balcony
Be treated like a king at the Kings Club Lounge


Lagoon Deluxe Package

If you’re looking to impress your new bride, book into a lagoon deluxe room where you can jump right into the pool from your own room’s balcony! This is a Hard Rock Hotel innovation and the first to exist in Penang. Be one of our first guests to experience the freedom of waking up and jumping right out the window into the pool – so rock’n’roll, leave the tv where it is! Package:

Two night’s stay in a Lagoon Deluxe Room
Welcome drink
Breakfast in bed on second day
Breakfast at the private pool deck in your room on third day
One bottle of sparkling juice / wine
Cloud Nine couple spa treatment at Rock Spa
Candlelit dinner at the private cabana by the beach OR private dinner by the pool at your private pool deck

Hard Rock Hotel, Penang: rolling out the red carpet for newlyweds. www.hardrockhotels.net

NZ’s Otahuna Lodge on top US travel list

The prestigious Otahuna Lodge in New Zealand has been voted one of the world’s Top 20 International Hideaways in the United States’ most influential luxury travel reader’s poll.

The luxury seven-suite Lodge gained 17th place in that category in Andrew Harper’s famous Reader’s Choice Survey for 2009. Villa Feltrinelli in Italy was top of the list. Otahuna Lodge was also voted the 11th best Food and Wine Resort in the world – impressively gaining the highest place given to a property outside of the US.

Just 20 minutes drive from Christchurch on NZ’s South Island, Otahuna Lodge is an exquisitely renovated 1895 mansion that now caters to the most discerning of travellers. It is an ideal place from which to explore Canterbury’s extraordinary scenery, from lush private gardens and wine country, to golf courses, skiing and fishing spots. Suites start at NZD $500 a night per person in low season or NZD $750 a night per person in high season. Tariffs include breakfast, all drinks and nightly five-course degustation dinners with matching NZ wines created by renowned Executive Chef Jimmy McIntyre. Otahuna Lodge is a member of Relais & Châteaux and a Preferred Property of the Virtuoso Hotels & Resorts Program.

Otahuna Lodge’s owner, Hall Cannon, said the win confirmed how sought-after the Lodge had become in the international travel market in the two years since he had reopened it with partner Miles Refo. “Americans in particular are absolutely in love with New Zealand and the feedback we’ve had from guests who’ve stayed at the Lodge has been fantastic,” Mr Cannon said. “This latest listing confirms for us that we are providing a destination that leaves a great lasting impression in travellers’ minds.”

Andrew Harper’s Hideaway Report is arguably the most important and most well-regarded US travel reader’s poll, calling itself the “longest-running and most reliable poll of its kind among affluent and sophisticated travellers.” Andrew Harper’s is a travel membership society based around an anonymous inspector, Andrew Harper, who travels the globe in search of the world’s most extraordinary experiences.

The Andrew Harper Hideaway Report’s readership is an exceptionally well-travelled group, with this year’s respondents holidaying an average of 38 days a year, and 70 percent planning to travel as much if not more in the coming 12 months

Bookings: Phone +64 3 329 6333. Visit www.otahuna.co.nz

Preferred Golf Club™ Offer

As a part of Preferred Golf Club™, Terrace Downs Resort has been given the unique opportunity to present a fantastic gift to a selection of its loyal guests - a complimentary, one-year membership to Preferred Golf Club. This membership has no auto-renewal or financial requirements.

This membership, valued at $US295, entitles you to a complimentary round of golf with every consecutive two-night stay at our hotels as well as access to golf at more than 60 renowned Preferred Golf Club resorts including The Broadmoor, Pinehurst Resort, Ojai Valley Inn & Spa, The K Club and more.

Member Benefits Include:
- A complimentary round of golf with every two-night consecutive stay at participating resorts
- 24/7 access to the Preferred Golf Club Desk for hotel reservations and tee times
- Best available published room rates
- Priority early check-in/late check-out
- Upgrades based on availability
- Exclusive hotel offers and partner promotions
- 25%+ savings on daily fees at select resorts

For golf and restaurant bookings please phone 03 318 6943 or email info@terracedowns.co.nz

Tahiti Pensions

Tahiti Tourisme has launched a brand new website, making an affordable and authentic trip to Tahiti and Her Islands easier than ever before. Allowing holidaymakers to research family pensions, guesthouses and B&Bs throughout the five archipelagos, www.tahiti-pensions.com is the ideal resource for planning that holiday of a lifetime.

www.tahiti-pensions.com contains information for 256 accommodation options across Tahiti and Her Islands’ five archipelagos; the Society Islands, Tuamotus, Marquesas, Australs and the Gambiers. For the very first time, a fully monitored classification system has been put in place by Tahiti Tourisme, which enables visitors to plan their stay safe in the knowledge that the properties are of the highest quality, and are being continuously regulated and assessed.

Family pensions and guesthouses are one of the best ways to experience the rich culture and heritage of Tahiti and Her Islands. Owned and run by Tahitian people, the pensions give visitors the chance to get to know the locals and to ensure that the region’s cultural heritage is preserved. With insider knowledge on the best surfing spots, hiking trails, secret beaches, fishing spots and local history, the pension owners will provide guests with a unique holiday experience.

For more information go to www.tahiti-pensions.com or www.tahiti-tourisme.co.nz or call 0800 TAHITI