Let's stay/play in our own backyard!

PurePods

PurePods is a total immersion, totally private experience of your own slice of the beautiful New Zealand landscape. Your PurePod is made of heavy duty glass so you can see everything – from the starry night skies above to the native plants growing beneath your feet. Pull back the sliding doors on all three sides and indulge in the isolation.

The PurePods are designed from the foundations up for environmental sustainability and minimalist luxury.

There are six PurePods scattered throughout Canterbury - from Kaikōura to Banks Peninsula. Every PurePod location is distinct, with dramatic landscapes, beautiful views and a compelling story. The PurePods are solar-powered. operating fully off the grid and are deliberately without a wi-fi connection. You are safe, dry and warm, you have a flushing toilet, an awesome shower and a kitchen – while totally surrounded by the best of Pure New Zealand.

The Flying Fox

Eco-friendly accommodation situated on the Whanganui River. Accessed only by aerial cable car or boat, this retreat offers a range of unique accommodation nestled in the Whanganui National Park. With everything from camping and glamping to comfortable cottages there is sure to be something to suit. Local activity options such as canoeing and biking also offered in package rates.

Check out this amazing retreat in Whanganui.

Flights over Milford Sound

The flight from Queenstown to Milford Sound is an unforgettable insight into a natural realm at its unspoilt best. Home to some of the most dramatic scenery in the world, these remarkable views can only truly be appreciated from above.

Woodlyn Park

One of the top ten most unique tourism accommodations in the world.

Choose to stay in Hobbit motel rooms, a navy patrol boat, train carriage or war plane!

Located just 2 minutes from the famous Waitomo Glow Worm Caves.

Magic Cottages at Takou River

Award Winning Eco Luxury tucked away just outside Kerikeri and the Bay of Islands, Magic Cottages at Takou River are beautiful, luxury retreats on the banks of the picturesque Takou River. The secluded romance of Magic Cottage was voted one of the Top Ten Luxury Lodges in New Zealand.

Non stop service between Auckland and New York now on sale!

Air New Zealand has released new Longterm Economy, Premium Economy and Business Premier fares to New York, for sales effective immediately, for travel from 15 October 2020.

The new longterm fully inclusive New York Economy fares start from $949.00, Premium Economy from $2349.00 and Business Premier from $4889.00 one-way.

Fares are now available for the new non-stop service which commences 29 October, and indirect options between Auckland and New York for travel from 15 October 2020.

Fares are common-rated ex Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.

Economy Skycouch is available.

Hayman Island re-opens

Following a two-year redesign in the wake of Cyclone Debbie, the private-island resort in Australia has rebranded as InterContinental.

Guests can choose from three room styles: Classic, Executive and Suites. All Classic Rooms offer a king-size bed, separate bath and open-plan dressing room, as well as a view of the lagoon. The Executive Rooms are one-bedroom suites that look out over the pool, with some featuring direct swim-out access. Each three-bedroom Suite boasts its own private pool, deck with gardens and views of the beach.

As for dining, guests will find woodfire oven pizza and Italian dishes created by “theatrical chefs” at Amici Trattoria. Bam Bam features Pan Asian food with a “fresh Australian twist,” and Pacific, Hayman Island’s signature bar and restaurant, serves everything from a gourmet breakfast buffet to a romantic dinner overlooking the ocean.

Plus the resort's location allows the chance to tick a few items off the bucket list in one trip. Book a snorkeling or diving excursion to the Great Barrier Reef, or plan a day trip to see the secluded sandbars of Whitehaven Beach, one of the best beaches in the world.

Tanzania bans single-use plastic bags

A plastic bag ban in Tanzania will enforce a total ban on single-use plastic bags from 1 June 2019, reports World Journeys. The use or importation of plastic bags, including carrier bags and shopping bags, will become illegal and offenders may face heavy fines.

Travellers intending to arrive at any Tanzania airport and border point, including Zanzibar, are advised to avoid packing any plastic bags in their in luggage as they could face penalties on arrival. Items purchased at an airport before boarding the aircraft should also be removed from plastic bags. Similarly, transparent zip-lock plastic bags that some airlines require passengers to use for keeping liquids, cosmetics, toiletries etc are also not permitted and should be removed before disembarking. Plastic bags are also banned in the other African travel destinations of Kenya, South Africa, Uganda, Malawi, Rwanda and Madagascar.

JFK airport's new TWA Hotel - room with a view!

The former TWA terminal at JFK Airport has been transformed into a swanky new hotel. The TWA Hotel opened recently on 15th May 2019. It has a retro aviation theme, including staff in vintage uniforms from 1975.

The most anticipated feature of the new property is the rooftop infinity pool and bar, giving guests views of JFK runway while sipping on a Mile High Spritz with elderflower liqueur, vodka and prosecco. Keeping with the theme, a Lockhead Constellation L-1649A aircraft has been transformed into a cocktail lounge. Coffee carts are dotted throughout the property, plus there’s a 929m2 fitness centre, six restaurants and eight bars.

Qantas operates world's first zero waste flight

Qantas made history on the 8th of May after taking to the skies in the world's first zero waste commercial flight.

The QF737 service, which travelled from Sydney to Adelaide, produced no landfill waste as part of a company wide commitment to cut 100 million single-use plastics by the end of 2020, and reduce waste by 75 per cent by the end of 2021.

Qantas domestic CEO Andrew David said the flight was about "testing our products, refining the waste process and getting feedback from our customers."

The Sydney to Adelaide flight would typically produce 34 kilograms of waste, according to Mr David, which is 150 tonnes annually.

Curious as to what your in-flight meals will be served on? Passengers can look forward to containers made from sugar cane and cutlery made from crop starch, both of which are compostable.

It’s a great step in the right direction, but there's more hard work to come - in order to honour the company's pledge to remove 100 million single-use plastic items every year by the end of 2020, Qantas and Jetstar will have to replace 45 million plastic cups, 30 millions cutlery sets, 21 million coffee cups and 4 million headrest covers with sustainable alternatives.

Destination Vancouver

Vancouver delivers urban sophistication, gastronomical decadence, local wines and exciting outdoor activities, all wrapped up in a picture-perfect parcel. It doesn't matter what time of year you visit, because every season comes with its own collection of stand-out sightseeing attractions, things to do and places to go.

You'll never run short of fun things to do. You can enjoy Capilano's Rainforest Explorer programme (pictured), the Aquarium, BC Sport’s Hall of Fame, Science World and the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre. And don't forget to take a walk along Vancouver's famous seawall walk alongside Stanley Park.

Air New Zealand's Auckland to Vancouver non-stop flights operate all-year-round. The flying time is around 13 hours.

To find out more, call the office or visit www.tourismvancouver.com

Fiji: Resort Review

First Landing Resort and Villas

This property prides itself on being a traditional intimate resort with a true bula pride and spirit.  The staff really exude the Fijian friendliness and hospitality they are renowned for.  

There is a range of accommodation including traditional bures, apartments and luxury private villas. The owners have recently completed 13 new garden and beachfront villas, each with their own plunge pool!  These are set along a quiet, golden sand, tidal beach, which enjoys the beautiful Fijian sunsets. They are of a 4-star standard, offering total privacy, and have extra services such as a pantry pack (for basic shopping before arrival), a BBQ service, turn-down service with a night cap and a villa manager for private and express check ins.  They are within easy walking distance of the resort and all it has to offer: sports bar, restaurant, large pool, activities bure, kids’ club, boutique and Day Spa. There is an entertaining cultural show 3 days a week, including dances and customs from neighbouring Pacific islands. 

First Landing also has the added bonus of a private jetty from which you can embark on a day-trip or an island transfer. For day trips we can certainly recommend Oolala Tours who looked after us beautifully on a snorkeling day-trip to a private island.  If you are looking for a relaxed, homely stay or a few nights pre or post an island holiday, then First Landing is a great choice and only 25 minutes from/to Nadi Airport.