The tourism benefits claimed by those in the industry are inflated, while the vehicles themselves are “carbon credit-munching monsters”. That's the opinion of Andrew Penniket, the Wanaka-based Otago Conservation Board member who first called for a national ban on campervans. He has told the Otago Daily Times that the Government needs to show some leadership on the issue and promote better travel options for tourists.
The program for the inaugural Thames Heritage Week is out now. The 9-day festival 06-14MAR incorporates over 20 events detailed on website www.thamesheritage.co.nz
A $4.5 million walking track at Lake Tarawera, a joint venture between the Department of Conservation and local iwi, Tuhourangi, is under threat of court and protest action from some locals. A Tuhourangi descendant, Rotorua man Metcalf Hawe, told the paper he was concerned about the environmental impact a track would have on the area. “This place is fragile enough as it is. It has taken 130 years for it to come back to how it is. We also have a lot of wahi tapu [cemetery] mass graves in the area. “I wouldn’t walk along that area. The ones who do go, know that area and they come from the local marae here.” Mr Hawe said if the trail went ahead he was prepared to protest and seek a court injunction to try to stop it.
The Interislander is the ferry service which crosses the Cook Strait between the North and South Islands of New Zealand. The 92km, 3 hour journey between Wellington and Picton is one of New Zealand's most iconic trips and one of the most spectacular in the world. Rates start from $75 per person.
Qantas wish to advise the release of the following short-life economy fares from New Zealand to Nadi available for sale until midnight Monday 22 September 2010. for travel until 26 June 2010.
Crowne Plaza Auckland has a special daily delegate rate on offer for booking in February. Book and confirm a new meeting before 28 February 10 for meetings held before 30 April 10, and take advantage of a special Daily Delegate Package rate of only $59 incl GST per person (minimum 20 delegates). The Daily Delegate Package includes welcome tea and coffee on arrival, morning and afternoon tea, lunch in the hotel's Aria Restaurant, presentation screen, whiteboard, flipchart, facilitator's stool and toolkit, two NZ Herald newspapers, fresh fruit throughout the day, conference pads and pens.
Princess Cruises in the US is cruising back to the future with an offering that used to be the norm. Its passengers are being given the chance to invite friends and family aboard on embarkation day, joining them for a fourcourse dining room lunch with wine, a ship tour and even a souvenir photo before wishing them 'bon voyage'. The programme's cost is US$39 per person. It will debut in March in the ports of Los Angeles and Fort Lauderdale, then on to New York, San Francisco and Seattle.
Tourism Western Australia is looking for Kiwis who love to travel, thrive on fun and adventure, and enjoy a top-class road trip. They want two New Zealanders to take part in The Extraordinary Taxi Ride – an epic journey across Western Australia visiting some of the world's most astonishing locations. Flights, accommodation, tours, adventure and the taxi ride are all inclusive. Those who love playing up to the camera should visit www.extraordinarytaxiride.co.nz, select the journey leg they want to go on, and say why Tourism WA should pick them. Applications opened yesterday, and each winning entrant must be available to travel between April and June 2010.
Every week Travelzoo search 1,000+ companies for their very best sales and compile a Top 20(TM) list. This website is great (I recommend it anyway). Click here to sign up, just scroll to the bottom of the page and enter your email address.
Qantas has announced that Qantas Platinum Frequent Flyers will have complimentary access to Jetstar's new Akarana Lounge, including up to two qualifying guests. Other passengers flying Jetstar will be able to pre purchase entry online at www.jetstar.com for NZ9.99 per adult or at the Akarana Lounge entrance for NZ15.00 per adult. Jetstar this week opened its new domestic departure lounge in part of the area formerly occupied by the Auckland Domestic Qantas Club. It offers free food, drinks, entertainment, and workspace with computer terminals and wireless connectivity whilst you wait.
Scotland is inviting people across the globe to don their kilts and enjoy a highland fling with friends at the world's first 'Worldwide Ceilidh'. The Worldwide Ceilidh website is jam packed with applications, which allow Scotland fans worldwide to give themselves a Scottish makeover. After kitting themselves out in a kilt and sporran, taking their online partner by the hand and dancing a Scottish ceilidh reel, revellers can invite their friends and family to join in wherever they may be in the world. Visitors to the website, Facebook and Twitter fans will be amongst the first people who can join in the online fun.
With a huge selection of depots nationwide, budget is offering fantastic, affordable car rental rates for the ski season – book in advance! Sales until 31 May 10. Travel 1 April – 31 October 10.
This exciting new tour allows you to master the ancient craft of managing a gondola around the waterways of Venice. Take advantage of the reduced rates available for sale until 28 Feb 10. Priced from $147pp (travel 05 Apr–31 Oct 10).
Active Asia has developed stopover packages in Kuala Lumpur for the Malaysia Grand Prix 2-5 April 10. Priced from $899pp twin share, the package includes three nights in a three-star hotel with breakfast daily, return airport transfers and return transfer to the circuit plus a one-day F1GP entrance ticket for 4 April. One and two-night options are also available, as are hotel upgrade options.
Rotorua's Tutanekai St will host a new “boutique” night market from 4 March 2010. It is hoped the Thursday night Rotorua Night Market will draw visitors and locals into the central city after dark. The Rotorua Post reports that 30 stalls will operate in the precinct and there will be entertainment, such as cooking demonstrations.
