Travelscoop

Universal Orlando has released a new vacation package starting 28 May to coincide with the spring 2010 opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The package includes a four-night hotel stay and admission to Universal Studios parks starting at US$285 per adult, or US$829 for a family of four, at a hotel near the park. Also included: early park admission, breakfast at the Three Broomsticks restaurant and Universal Express Access passes to select attractions and shows. www.universalorlando.com

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The Innovative Travel Co. advises their specialist Ski & Board programme SKIMAX is offering great early booking deals for the new 2010-11 season at Whistler. One package, saving 40% on 7-night stays in a Studio Junior Suite at the Westin Resort & Spa, is priced from A$889pp twin including a 6-day lift pass. Stay 7 / Pay 5 nights in a Studio Valley View Suite at Pan Pacific Mountainside from A$965pp twin including a 6-day lift pass. Both offers are valid for travel 25 November to 16 December 10 and must be booked by 30 April 10. Prices for other dates are available.

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The Coromandel is home to some of the finest artists and crafts people in the country, and for three weekends in May, over 25 artists are opening their studios with an invitation to all. This year will mark the 5th annual Great Coromandel Arts Tour, and the weekends are 30 April -2 May, 7- 9 May and 14-16 May. Tickets are $12.50 and will be available from mid March online through iticket.co.nz Ticket holders receive a unique tour map, which contains all the details required to find the studios and meet the artists.

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A British couple has become the first couple in New Zealand to get married on a waka. Gaynor Halpin and Barry Gounds were married on the Styx River in Christchurch last week in a ceremony arranged for them by Katoro Maori Journeys and New Zealand Dream Weddings. According to a report in The Press, proceedings began with a traditional Maori powhiri and haka. Afterwards the bride and groom were escorted onto the waka called Te Kowhai. Maori warriors paddled the pair out onto the river and were married while on board.

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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.

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Journey to the soaring Dolomites with a visit to the spectacular Lake Misurina, with breathtaking views across a myriad of snow-capped peaks from the Tre Cime di Lavaredo. There will be plenty of free time to explore the famous mountain town of Cortina. Rates start from $256 per person.

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Spend the morning discovering the rich layers of history that make up the romantic city of Verona including a must see visit to Juliet's balcony! Then, in the afternoon, travel to the Valpolicella wine region with a visit and wine tasting at a well known winery. Rates start from $320 per person.

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A fascinating and varied excursion to some of Veneto's stunning historic towns and villages such as Bassano del Grappa and Asolo, a visit to one of the area's breathtaking Palladian villas and a taste of Italy's world famous Prosecco. Rates start from $245 per person.

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Experience real Thai lifestyle at Baan Hua Haad Homestay. Your friendly hosts will teach you cooking techniques and you can also explore the local orchards by bike. Completing a memorable trip is a visit to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. This is a great tour for those who have seen all the major sites or just want to get off the beaten track! Rates start from $1673 per person (shared facility basis).

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Join this tour of Guangzhou's most famous historical sites as well as experiencing the culture of the local people. Sites include YueXiu Park, the Five Rams Statue and a visit to the Nanyue Kingdom Tomb Museum. You will also visit the 1000 year old Six Banyan Temple and the ceramic exhibition centre. A great introduction to the city! This tour is just $47 for 2 people - that's buy one, get one free! Offer available for travel until 31 Dec 2010.

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Prices are Ex Wellington & Christchurch. Ex Auckland From $799pp share twin. Includes two FREE nights & continental breakfast daily! Your Family Holiday Package Includes: Return Economy Class airfares to Rarotonga flying Air New Zealand ex Auckland, Return airport transfers, accommodation & bonus offers as specified.

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4 nights from $699 per person share twin staying at Beachside Resort including Air New Zealand return economy class airfares from Auckland. Great value-adds including breakfasts at some properties Amazing stay pays including stay 6 pay 3 at Shangri-La's Fijian Resort & Spa! Travel: 27 Feb – 26 Jun 10 (unless otherwise specified).

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Air New Zealand is pleased to release new Shortlife Economy Class Wholesale fares ex Auckland, Christchurch and Queenstown to Brisbane and Gold Coast and ex Wellington and Dunedin to Brisbane for sale until 28 February 10.  Travel to be commenced and completed between 20 Apr – 26 Jun, 20 Jul – 23 Sep and 12 Oct – 12 Dec 10. Travel is not permitted in either direction between 27 Jun – 19 Jul and 24 Sep – 11 Oct 10.

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Air New Zealand is pleased to advise extensions of our Shortlife Economy Class Wholesale fares ex Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch to Rarotonga, Samoa, Tonga, Vanuatu, New Caledonia and Tahiti, for sales to 28 February 2010.

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Air New Zealand is pleased to release new Shortlife Economy Class Wholesale fares from Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch to Fiji for sales to 28 February 2010. Travel to be commenced and completed between 16 Apr - 28 May 10.

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