Generation Y continues to whine

We have all read about Generation Y being a tad self-centered and greedy and now new research released by Expedia.com has confirmed it. The world’s largest on-line travel company found that 24 per cent of Australians aged 18-24 were most likely to complain in order to secure a free upgrade on a flight or in a hotel.

And that’s not all. They demonstrated their fondness to gripe about fellow guests or passengers and whine about the quality of their food and service. Others even admitted to carrying a bag of tricks along with their overnight bag. Nearly five percent posed as business travellers to secure a free upgrade.

The survey did confirm, thankfully, that some Gen Y kids were brought up right. According to Expedia many preferred to seek out the great online deals that ordinarily would not be in their means. Almost half of the group surveyed also booked a hotel with the highest star rating their budget would allow.

But where there are birds, there are also bound to be a few peacocks. More than 11 percent of men admitted they would ‘go up a star’ in order to impress their partner. Shamefully, women outranked the men with 20 percent declaring they would indulge their man by ‘going up a star’.

As for the men, they were clearly seeing stars and birdies in this category. A further 43 per cent were willing to ‘up-star’ at a property with a pool and spa compared to just 30 per cent of women.

“‘Up-starring’ is a great option for travellers looking to treat themselves whilst on holiday. Nowadays, with so many hotel deals on offer and airlines continuing to you can take the savings and ‘up-star’ to a higher class hotel for the same price as an undiscounted lower-star hotel,” said Expedia’s marketing manager, Louise Crompton.

She also cited that spending a little time researching and considering the options was the key to securing a little more luxury for the same cost.

Written by: Jill Walsh – Melbourne

Thai Airways Resumes Direct Services from Bangkok to Johannesburg

In a strategic move to consolidate its network across five continents Thai Airways has announced it will resume four weekly direct services from Bangkok to Johannesburg commencing June 2, 2010.

At a reception in Bangkok on Tuesday night, Thai’s President, Piyasvasti Amranand outlined the airline’s intent to expand and increase the carrier’s international and domestic network which will also include direct services to other key destinations throughout Asia, Australia, Europe and North America.

South Africa is an important destination with its strong national economy, trade and investment. With Johannesburg the aviation centre and gateway to South Africa, and host of FIFA World Cup 2010 from 11 June to 11 July 2010, Thai will cast its net wide to not only increase capacity and but to also secure cargo business on the lucrative Bangkok-Johannesburg route.

To coincide with the launch, Thai is offering a number of special promotional fares for single or group travel to Johannesburg in Royal Silk Class and Economy Class as well as an array of package tours by Royal Orchid Holidays. Royal Orchid Plus members will equally benefit, with the accumulation of special mileage points on roundtrips from Bangkok-Johannesburg during the period from 1 June – 31 August 2010.

Thai’s Executive Vice President, Commercial Department, Mr. Pruet Boobphakam confirmed that Thai will operate four flights per week on the Bangkok-Johannesburg route and return, departing Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, with a flight time of 11 hours. Operating Boeing 777-200ER aircraft with 292 seats, configured into 30 seats in Royal Silk Class and 262 seats in Economy Class, the airline is expecting to enjoy strong loads upon the commencement of the new service.

Flight TG703 will depart Bangkok to Johannesburg at 01.15 hrs, and arriving in Johannesburg at 07.30 hrs on the same day. Flight TG704 from Johannesburg to Bangkok will depart at 13.40 hrs, arriving in Bangkok at 05.55 hrs on the following day.

View Thai’s “Fly Together” Promotion for two or more passengers travelling together in Royal Silk Class on www.thaiairways.com

Information With Style

Achieving a golden hat trick in service standards, InterContinental Wellington now has three Les Clefs d’Or concierges on its team.

Ingmar Becker, concierge supervisor at the hotel, is one of four new national members recently inducted into the Hotel Concierge Society Les Clefs d'Or New Zealand, bringing the New Zealand total to 28, giving him the right to wear the internationally recognised gold crossed-keys emblem on his lapel which indicates exceptional guest service.

InterContinental Wellington chief concierge David Cochrane says it is very satisfying to have three members of his concierge team ‘keyed’, giving a clear indication of the excellence of the hotel’s on-site training.

“It’s all about helping people – what might seem a major problem for the guest will often be quite a standard question to us, easily sorted.”

Ingmar has been assisting the Wellington hotel’s guests with anything and everything they might need help with since coming to New Zealand from Germany in August 2007.

“It was clear early on that Ingmar’s eye for detail and attitude towards guests would make him an asset to our concierge service.”

Les Clefs d’Or (literally meaning Keys of Gold) has a long history of promoting quality service in the tourism industry, membership now comprising an international network of over 3,500 of the industry’s most respected professionals in 40 countries.

The Les Clefs d’Or concierge is the local ‘guru’ and patient friend for the international traveller, often providing a link between a community and the valuable guests that visit. He or she provides the best possible advice on restaurants, outings, shows, sporting events, tours, shopping and all other services, and keep up to the minute on all the latest developments – effectively giving the visitors the keys to any city via the knowledge on offer.

The non-profit organisation chooses its members for their experience and commitment to the industry and carefully selects individuals for what they offer their guests and the society.

Potential members are subjected to an intense series of tests and interviews and must demonstrate they are discreet, open, courteous, empathetic, multi-lingual and often quick-witted, as well as having extensive knowledge of their own surroundings - their hotels, communities, cities and country before they are deemed worthy of the keys. Concierges are required to "get a feel" for clients and their needs without hesitation and resolve them in a very short time

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) comprises the InterContinental, Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn brands in New Zealand. All of Wellington’s Les Clefs d’Or members are at IHG properties - three at InterContinental Wellington and one at Holiday Inn Wellington. The group also has a Les Clefs d’Or concierge at both Crowne Plaza Christchurch and Crowne Plaza Queenstown.

Further information about Les Clefs d’Or New Zealand is available at www.hotelconciergesocietynz.org


Image: Wellington’s Les Clefs d’Or members with NZ’s Les Clefs d’Or president (left to right): Phil Shearer (Holiday Inn Wellington), David Cochrane (InterContinental Wellington), Jason Eade (InterContinental Wellington), Franz Staufer, President of Les Clefs d’Or New Zealand, and Ingmar Becker (InterContinental Wellington).

Best Western International Adds a New Destination in Thailand

Best Western International - The World’s Largest Hotel Chain® - has signed on its newest resort in Thailand and in doing so, also added a new destination to its growing portfolio around the Kingdom. Following a renovation project, the Phanganburi Resort & Spa on Koh Phangan is set to open in November 2010.

The 105 room resort is wonderfully situated on popular Haad Rin Beach at the south of Koh (Island) Phangan, close to shopping, entertainment and nightlife enclaves and in the heart-of-the-action when it comes to the island’s world-renowned Full Moon Parties.

“Our newest resort is ideal for party-goers who want to enjoy a peaceful sanctuary after a wild night. The Best Western brand is the perfect match for the resort, as the market to Phangan seeks comfortable and affordable, value-for-money resorts. Best Western International’s standards will also position the property well to entice guests from Germany, France, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Israel, Australia and the US which are the main markets to Phangan,” commented Best Western International’s Senior Manager for International Development – Asia, Mr. Rashane Sala-Ngarm.

The resort boasts its own tropical beach front, while facilities include two swimming pools, on-beach restaurant, outdoor pool bar, spa and traditional Thai massage service, tour desk, mini mart, currency exchange service and a function room catering to a range of meetings and events in a stunning tropical ambience.

Offering welcoming and comfortable accommodation, all 105 guestrooms and cottages feature a private balcony and are fully equipped with satellite TV, broadband internet, telephone, in-room safety box, mini bar, refrigerator, individually controlled air conditioning and private bathroom with hot and cold shower.

www.bestwestern.com

New Zealand’s Top 5-Star Resort Lowers Prices for 2011 Rugby World Cup

Queenstown’s five-star Millbrook Resort is bucking the trend of excessive price hikes during the 2011 Rugby World Cup by aligning with Tourism New Zealand and Air New Zealand to extend an offer of great rates, great value and great hospitality.

The multi-award-winning resort, which enjoys the flexibility of being an independent accommodation operator, is not only holding prices at previously advertised rates, but is proactively discounting 25% off specific room types, with ‘Earlybird specials’ for those who book now.

“For Millbrook Resort, the Rugby World Cup is about enticing as many international visitors, especially South Africans, Australians and English, to visit New Zealand and be forced to watch the All Blacks walk off with the cup,” said Millbrook general manager and keen rugby fan David Onions.

“The Rugby World Cup’s all about showcasing New Zealand and supporting our national team, not about crass profiteering. As an independent resort we can set our own rules and don’t need or want to follow any price hike trends.

“We’re offering honest Kiwi value because we want our guests to be repeat visitors to New Zealand, not just one-off ‘trippers’ here for a single event. This is the ultimate opportunity to showcase our country and showcase Millbrook, our chance to shout out to the world about what we do and what we have to offer.”

The Earlybird Specials on offer from Millbrook, available for stays between September and November 2011, will be subject to change in the countdown to the tournament.

Details are available on the Millbrook website www.millbrook.co.nz and the resort’s marketing team is already working on tailored packages for families, corporate groups and ‘groups of guys’ looking for all-inclusive packages including golf, spa or other activities.

The rate strategy is already working as Millbrook is receiving strong bookings for RWC 2011 from organisations such as UK Old Boys Rugby clubs, tour groups from top US colleges like Harvard and even rugby lovers from Perth, Australia.

Although Queenstown isn’t hosting any RWC 2011 matches, the resort town is expecting strong flow-on business both before and after the event. Millbrook, at the luxury end of the market with rooms from $250 to $1600 a night, is already reporting high demand.

“If you offer value and service you will get the customers,” said Mr Onions.

“What could be nicer than sitting at Millbrook with a bunch of South African fans watching Richie McCaw lift the Webb-Ellis up in triumph? We’d be mad not to invest in that.”

Queen Mary 2 Australian Circumnavigation to go on Sale July 13

Cunard Line has announced that Queen Mary 2’s much anticipated circumnavigation of Australia will go on sale on Tuesday July 13.

More than 2500 people have already registered their interest in joining Queen Mary 2 on her historic voyage around Australia in February 2012.

Cunard said today that bookings would open at 9am (AEST) on July 13 for Cunard past passengers as well as people who had registered interest in the voyage.

The general public in Australia and New Zealand will be able to make bookings from July 14 through a travel agent or by calling Cunard.

The opening of sales in Australia, before other international markets, is a first for Cunard and reflects the expected popularity of the cruise in the local market.

Ann Sherry, CEO of Carnival Australia, which represents Cunard, said the public response to the circumnavigation had been exceptional.

“Since we announced this voyage in March, we’ve had more than 2500 people register on our special website, which equates to more than 5000 potential passengers given most people will travel with a partner,” Ms Sherry said. “Based on this early interest we’re anticipating heavy bookings when the voyage goes on sale.”

The largest ship ever to visit Australia, Queen Mary 2 will call at eight Australian ports during her time Down Under including Sydney, Fremantle, Adelaide and the Whitsundays as well as maiden visits to Cairns (Yorkey’s Knob), Darwin, Melbourne and Brisbane. Her circumnavigation will also include a call at Bali.

Passengers will be able to choose from three roundtrip circumnavigation options – a 22-night voyage departing Sydney on February 14, 2012, a 20-night voyage departing Fremantle on February 8, 2012 and a 21-night voyage departing Adelaide on February 11, 2012.

The Australian deployment will be the longest Queen Mary 2 has been based in one country outside of her northern hemisphere home ports of Southampton and New York.

Ms Sherry said pricing for the voyage would be announced prior to July 13.

Expressions of interest can still be logged at www.queenmary2.com.au/register

Designed to reflect the best of Cunard’s heritage and traditions, Queen Mary 2 is one of the most spacious ships at sea. She carries 2620 guests and more than 1200 crew, and boasts 10 restaurants, five pools, the largest ballroom at sea, the largest library at sea and the world’s first floating planetarium.

Dinner with the Stars at Mt Hutt

An entirely new dining experience is being launched in the ski resort town of Methven this winter.

At 2086 metres above sea level, iconic Canterbury ski area Mt Hutt is to host a series of public dinner functions aptly named ‘Dinner with the Stars’.

By day the Mt Hutt restaurant serves hearty breakfasts and lunches to thousands of hungry skiers and boarders but now, recognizing the opportunity for a unique dining experience in Methven, ski area owner NZSki Limited will make the restaurant available on Friday evenings throughout winter.

Held in the cozy Huber’s Hutt, the diners can enjoy not only a hearty winter’s meal but also the dramatic starry skies and nighttime alpine atmosphere every Friday night, starting in July.

Ski Area Manager, David Wilson, believes ‘Dinner with the Stars’ at Mt Hutt is sure to be a highlight of any visitor’s ski holiday to Methven.

“Visiting the ski area at night will be such a unique experience for guests. A ‘Dinner with the Stars’ could be for a special occasion dinner for a group, a night out with a difference – or just a treat to spoil yourself.

“Guests will also enjoy a unique insight into what happens on the mountain at night - there is a surprising amount of activity going on. We’ll even be offering guests the chance to have a ride on one of our snow groomers or on a skidoo around the mountain. For kids there will be a chance to go for a sled ride with our huskies.”

Mt Hutt’s head chef is already busily preparing a variety of weekly menus with local wines to match.

Tickets for the evening begin at just NZ$80 for an Adult and $55 for kids and include transport from Methven to Mt Hutt return as well as dinner. Numbers are restricted to 80 people per night with bookings taken on a first in, first served basis.

To book, or for more information, please contact the groups coordinator, groups@nzski.com or telephone ph 0064 (0)3 302 8811.

BA strike looms

British Airways cabin crew will walk out for four separate five-day strikes in May and June.

The strikes, announced by cabin crew union, Unite, will begin on May 18, ending on May 22, with three further strikes beginning on May 24, May 30 and June 5.

Unite members rejected a fresh deal for cabin crew earlier this month. The union said there was a turnout of 71% of the cabin crew it represents, and 81% voted against BA's offer last week, which sought to resolve the dispute over pay and
working conditions.

Nothing Like Australia ....

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nothinglikeaustralia.com

Australian travel trends emerge

Over the past 10 years the number of Australians choosing to travel overseas has increased significantly, while domestic travel has stagnated, according to research from Roy Morgan.

Findings released today at the Outbound Tourism Now and Into the Future business address show that 67% of 50,000 Australians, surveyed annually for the research, took a domestic holiday in the past 12 months, in 2000 it was 65%.

The number to have travelled overseas in the past 12 months grew from 12% to 20%.

Overseas holidays continue to remain cheaper than domestic holidays, up from $102 per day in 2000 to $142 in 2010, but still less than domestic, which was $116 and now $159.

According to the research, short to medium haul overseas destinations are the most popular, in 2001 the UK was the most likely destinations for Australians, today its New Zealand.

More are also choosing to travel to Fiji and Thailand, with an increasing number wanting to travel to Japan, Germany, Spain and Portugal.

The number of bookings being made through retail agents has also changed significantly. In 2007 they represented 77% of bookings, today it is 61%; meanwhile
online bookings have grown from 6% to 11%.

From Travel Weekly

The wider Waikato set to wow Fieldays visitors

Every year, the New Zealand National Agricultural Fieldays attracts large numbers to the Waikato region. Over the four days of Fieldays, thousands flock to Mystery Creek Events Centre. Accommodation facilities in the area are occupied months in advance, resulting in visitors staying in smaller towns on the fringe of Hamilton. For these guests, the local community charm of these townships is not often experienced and is a great promotional opportunity for the town. So get into the rural spirit and show these visitors who has the finest town in the Fieldays BIG Little Town Festival.

With the help from local i-sites, there are many ways to be involved in The Big Little Town Festival. The more creative and original the ideas are, the better. Parades and school art installations are promoted in the festival although the most prevalent aspect of the festival is the retail window dressing competition. Stores embellish their window displays in what they believe to be the essence of Fieldays. The retailers compete for cash prizes and contribute to the overall honored award, the Fieldays Big Little Town Community Festival Trophy.

The initiative was launched in 2008 and has seen many towns benefit from showing their support with the biggest agribusiness exhibition in the Southern Hemisphere. The festival encourages towns to get in the Fieldays spirit by celebrating the rural roots of the Waikato. Consequently, this encourages the guests to spend time in the region by enjoying the attractions, cuisine and shopping on offer.

Towns which have already registered in the Fieldays BIG Little Town Festival are; Matamata, Morrinsville, Tirau, Putaruru, Tokoroa, Cambridge and Te Awamutu.

Judging takes place on 8-10 June with criteria based on innovation, imagination, presentation and agricultural focus. Each town will be judged by a local personality, town Mayor and a Fieldays representative. This is your towns chance to be involved in the biggest event in the Waikato by displaying your towns community character to the thousands of visitors in the region.

For more information about the Fieldays BIG Little Town Festival please contact the competition coordinator, Gemma Antoniadis on 07 843 4497.

New Zealand National Agricultural Fieldays will be held 16 to 19 June, 2010 at Mystery Creek Events Centre, ten minutes south of Hamilton. Fieldays is proudly supported by strategic partners; The National Bank and the University of Waikato.

Travelex Wins Foreign Exchange Tender at Christchurch Airport

Travelex has been awarded the concession for foreign exchange and banking services at Christchurch International Airport (CIAL).

“We are pleased to announce that Travelex will be the new operator effective 1 July 2010,” said CIAL Chief Executive Jim Boult. “Travelex has significant experience with foreign exchange at other airports around the world, so we look forward to a successful partnership.”
There will be four Travelex sites at the airport, which will be progressively relocated as different stages of the new terminal construction project are completed.

christchurchairport.co.nz

PHOTOGRAPHIC EXHIBITION SHOWCASES HIDDEN SPACES OF NEW ZEALAND’S MUSEUMS

Visit the Otago Museum’s latest exhibition for a peek behind-the-scenes of museums and galleries all over the country!
The Vault, opening this Saturday, showcases the intriguing and hidden places where we store our nation’s natural history specimens and cultural treasures. Contemporary photographer Neil Pardington has brought together 40 glimpses of back-of-house collection storage areas – including collection storage areas at Otago Museum.
The large format, richly colourful images include photographs of animals and birds in taxidermy storerooms, paintings fastened to sliding storage walls, specimens in jars, rooms full of mannequins, Māori artefacts, buildings full of army vehicles, textiles, card catalogues and much more.
The exhibition tours to Otago from Christchurch Art Gallery – with special additions made to give the exhibition at Otago Museum a local touch. Recreations of actual storage areas, along with other intriguing exhibits, provide the Otago community with an opportunity to discover the real story of what goes on behind-the-scenes in the storage, care, management and display of Otago’s own collections.

With The Vault’s opening weekend coinciding with International Museum Day, you won’t want to miss your opportunity to meet the artist as he shares the story of The Vault exhibition in an in-depth presentation and personal talk. You’ll also have the opportunity to venture into the Otago Museum’s collection storage areas with special guided tours, hosted by the people who take care of them.

THE VAULT
15 MAY – 1 AUGUST 2010
OTAGO MUSEUM SPECIAL EXHIBITIONS GALLERY, LEVEL 1

OPENING WEEKEND 15-16 MAY 2010

OPENING THE VAULT WITH NEIL PARDINGTON
INSIDE THE VAULT PRESENTATION
Saturday 15 May, 2pm
Barclay Theatre, Level 1
FREE!

ARTIST FLOOR TALK
Sunday 16 May, 2pm,
Special Exhibitions Gallery, Level 1
FREE!

COLLECTION STORE TOURS
Sunday 16 May, 11am, 12pm, 1pm and 3pm
Meet at the Information Desk
Bookings essential – contact the Information Desk, ph 4747474 FREE!

ROYAL CARIBBEAN ANNOUNCES WINTER 2011-12 CARIBBEAN CRUISES

Royal Caribbean International has announced the cruise line’s winter 2011-12 Caribbean cruise season aboard Voyager of the Seas from New Orleans and Mariner of the Seas from Galveston, Texas. Voyager of the Seas will debut in New Orleans as the largest and most innovative cruise ship to homeport in the city, and offer a third convenient Gulf Coast city to embark on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

“If you are planning to visit the USA at that time of year, these cruises are perfect for a warm escape onboard some of the most innovative cruise ships in the world. Guests can now choose from three vibrant Gulf Coast cities – New Orleans, Galveston, Texas or Tampa, Florida - to embark on a memorable Royal Caribbean cruise holiday,” said Adam Armstrong, commercial manager Royal Caribbean Cruises Australia.

There will be 45 sailings aboard Voyager of the Seas and Mariner of the Seas from November 2011 through April 2012 calling at eight unique Caribbean ports. These itineraries are in addition to the recently-announced short Western Caribbean cruises on Jewel of the Seas from Tampa. Royal Caribbean’s winter 2011-12 Gulf Caribbean cruises are now open for booking and include:

· Voyager of the Seas offers seven-night Western Caribbean cruises sailing every Saturday from New Orleans’s newly renovated Julia Street Cruise Terminal

· Mariner of the Seas will take over from Voyager of the Seas at Galveston offering two alternating seven-night Western Caribbean itineraries

Royal Caribbean also has a wide range of exciting shore excursions on offer such as:

· Swimming with the graceful Southern Atlantic stingrays at the world-famous Stingray City on "Stingray City Sandbar Swim & Snorkel" in Grand Cayman.

· Soaring through trees on the “Chukka Canopy Experience” in Jamaica.

Voyager-class Mariner of the Seas and Voyager of the Seas are two of the world’s 10 largest and most innovative cruise ships at sea. Both ships feature the cruise line’s iconic rock-climbing wall, the Studio B ice-skating rink, nine-hole mini-golf course, an in-line skating track, a full-size basketball court, and the Royal Promenade, a boulevard of boutiques, restaurants and lounges and bars. Voyager of the Seas features the cruise line’s signature Portofino Italian restaurant, while Mariner of the Seas offers a second specialty restaurant option, Chops Grille steakhouse.

www.royalcaribbean.com or call 0800 102 123

World’s first Cookie Bar comes to Queenstown

New Zealand icon Cookie Time is on countdown to opening the world’s first Cookie Bar in Queenstown.

The innovative new Cookie Time store and Cookie Bar will open on Monday May 17, a showcase outlet designed as a world-class retail experience the company plans to franchise throughout the world.

Customers can lean on the Cookie Bar and enjoy hot, freshly baked cookies, hot chocolates and ice cold milk, all while listening to New Zealand music and reveling in views of Queenstown’s Village Green and surrounding mountains.

The Cookie Time store is the company’s first retail outlet outside of its Christchurch headquarters.

It will be an interactive brand experience featuring Apple touch screens that highlight the company’s 27-year history since Kiwi brothers Guy and Michael Mayell developed New Zealand’s first giant chocolate cookies. It will also have a ‘Pick and Mix’ wall where customers can fill a bucket or box with their favourite pick of Cookie Time’s cookies.

World-renowned Weta Workshop is bringing a touch of Hollywood to the store, with fun design elements the Cookie Time team is keeping under wraps until opening day.

“We’re absolutely thrilled with how the store and bar is coming along,” says Cookie Time general manager Lincoln Booth.

“We’re giving away thousands of free cookies on our first day. The store will be open from 8am to 7pm to ensure everyone gets their cookie fix.

“Queenstown attracts visitors from all around New Zealand and all around the world, and we’re sure this new addition to the ‘bar scene’ will be welcomed not only by visitors but by locals as a real drawcard.”

Cookie Time began 27 years ago, delivering fresh cookies to dairies in Christchurch. The company has since grown to become New Zealand's favourite cookie brand. The Queenstown store will be a very different offering to its nationwide retail model, according to Mr Booth.

The Queenstown location was chosen for its high number of national and international visitors.

Cookie Time has a long-term commitment to Queenstown, having invested a six-figure sum in the Queenstown store at a time of recessionary uncertainty.

DINE WITH DISTINCTION AND SLEEP IN STYLE

Att: Queenstowners!!

Queenstown locals are being given the opportunity to dine with distinction and sleep in style in a special promotion to win the ‘Ultimate Weekend’ at the newly-refurbished Distinction Nugget Point Boutique Hotel.

They can be in to win two nights at the unique property in a luxurious Presidential Suite, which boasts spectacular views across the Shotover River.

All locals have to do is dine at the hotel for breakfast, afternoon tea or dinner before June 30 2010 to go in the draw to win the ‘Ultimate Weekend’.

‘The Ultimate Weekend’ prize includes two nights for two in a Presidential Suite with champagne and canapés in-suite upon arrival, breakfast in the Breakfast Room each morning and a 3-course dining experience in the hotel’s dining room - Birches - with a bottle of wine.

There is also a late check-out, car parking, free wireless internet and the use of gym and squash facilities. The total prize package is valued at $3000.

Executive Chef Rob Hunt, who has worked in some of the world’s finest restaurants, believes those dining at Birches are in for a mouth-watering experience.

“Dining at Birches will be an experience in itself, because I create only the best dishes in classical French style, using the highest quality local ingredients,” he said.

“Come and sample our truly indulgent afternoon tea, with its light-as-air French style pastries, exquisitely prepared sandwiches, petite scones and other melt-in-the-mouth delicacies, or treat yourself to an unforgettable dinner experience with dishes such as the loin of local Cardrona Merino Lamb with braised fennel and olive puree, buttered thyme, garlic roasted potatoes and a lamb jus.

“Having the opportunity to win an amazing weekend on top of that means diners can literally have their cake and eat it too!” said Mr Hunt.

Distinction Nugget Point would like locals to see the hotel as a ‘home away from home’, somewhere where they can sink into an overstuffed armchair in front of a roaring fire and are encouraged to put Chef Hunt’s Michelin-star culinary expertise to the test.

“We have a small, rather luxurious and very engaging property here, and we’re proud of the extremely high levels of service and standards we offer visitors or guests,” said General Manager Ken Edwards.

“We welcome locals with open arms and look forward to giving one of them a very special chance to come and stay.”

Terms and conditions for ‘The Ultimate Weekend’ apply.

nuggetpoint.co.nz