australia & new zealand 2019
Your Australia & New Zealand adventure begins here! I’m so delighted to show you our wonderful holidays to Australia and New Zealand. We know, which ever you choose, you’ll have the most brilliant time. In fact we feel pretty certain that you’ll go again. And probably again. Why so? Draw up a list of all the ingredients that make the perfect holiday and you’ll find them all, in glorious abundance, Down Under. The scenery will take your breath away, the beaches run on forever, the wildlife is prolific and different from anywhere else in the world, the indigenous cultures are vibrant, the cities world class, the food and wine are to die for and the people are lovely, laid back and truly welcoming of anyone from the ‘old country.’ And whenever, or wherever, you decide to pause for breath, we will have found the perfect roost, whether a boutique townhouse hotel or a working cattle ranch, an island escape or a room with a view of the big blue yonder. When we set up Prestige Holidays back in 1989 we did so with a mission, to offer unparalleled expertise to our customers. Then, as now, we only offered destinations which we knew intimately, and our passion was to ensure that our customers got the holiday they deserved. We are proud to continue this tradition to our new as well as our existing destinations. We know that our clients place great trust in us and, in Australia and New Zealand, will find the experiences that we offer will be hugely interesting and their holidays immensely rewarding. We are more than happy to stake our name on our ‘new worlds’, backed by our Prestige Pledge to hand-pick only those places that will make your tailor-made holiday special. But please don’t just take my word for it, I encourage you to call us and discover this for yourselves. Best wishes
John Dixon Managing Director and fellow traveller
Call or ask your agent to call on 01425 484044
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why book with prestige We can truly say that we are Australia and New Zealand specialists - this allows us to share with you the indepth knowledge gained over many years by our team who promote and visit JUST Australia and New Zealand! OUR TRAVEL AGENTS PARTNERS trust us to look after you, their valued clients, and throughout the UK there are a host of independent agents who share our passion for providing holidays that not just meet, but exceed, your expectations. We are very happy to recommend one local to you. Prestige Holidays 1 Fridays Court, High Street with youHampshire, in mind.BH24 No1JA two Ringwood,
WE PLAN your holiday people are the same and likewise no two holidays are the same - this is your individual, much-anticipated holiday tailormade by one of our team who are on hand from initial quote stage through to Reservations: 01425 480 400 your return and they will takeFax: personal responsibility for all aspects of your holiday. 01425 470 139 Email: enquiries@prestigeholidays.co.uk
WE CHECK and doubleTicketing/Admin: check all arrangements to ensure your holiday runs smoothly 01425 470 448 and delivers the experience you expect. We always go that extra mile as we want you to return with lasting memories of a great holiday. Canada Portfolio: 01502 567 222 Email: canada@prestigeholidays.co.uk
WE FEEL SURE you won’t be disappointed with Australia and New Zealand as a Specialist Sales: 01425 480 600 holiday destination. Our clients are always surprised by its natural beauty, quality of hotels and experiences, but while you’re travelling if something isn’t quite right, then we are on-hand and you can contact us via a 24-hour emergency telephone number. HOLIDAY VALUE is, quite rightly, important and we will give you the best price for your holiday arrangements. Hotel and tour prices vary according to the season and often special offers are received that we can pass to you. We deliberately do not include any international airfares in this brochure as they change regularly and we will give you the best fare available at time of booking. FINANCIAL PROTECTION is so important when booking a holiday and we are proud members of ABTA and the Association of Independent Tour Operators (AITO). You can relax in the knowledge that your money is safe with us. We hold an Air Travel Organisers License granted by the Civil Aviation Authority (ATOL 2509) so all flight inclusive holidays are 100% ATOL protected.
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contents australia Australia Map Australia Introduction
6 - 37 6-7 8-9
Independent Tours & Fly-Drives Spirit of Australia Outback Explorer The Kimberley Frontier South Western Explorer Melbourne to Adelaide via the Great Ocean Road Sydney to Melbourne Coastal Drive Pacific Coast - Sydney to Brisbane Wildlife, Outback & Wine of South Australia Classic Tasmania
New Zealand Map of New Zealand New Zealand Introduction
38 - 61 39 40 - 41
Fly-Drives 10 11 12 13 14 14 15 16 17
Places to Stay City Hotels 18 - 21 The Red Centre 22 Outback 23 Luxury Lodges of Australia 24 - 25 Great Barrier Reef Islands 26 - 27 Beach Stays 28 Vineyard Hotels 29
Classic New Zealand North Island Highlights South Island Discovery Volcanoes and Vines Southern Lakes
42 - 43 44 45 46 47
Places to Stay City Hotels - North Island City Hotels - South Island New Zealand Luxury Lodges Wilderness & Wildlife Stays
48 - 49 50 51 52 - 53
Explore More Escorted Touring Great Walks of New Zealand Rail and Ferry Motor Homes Car Rental
55 - 57 58 59 60 61
Explore More Great Walks of Australia Australian Wildlife Adventures Rail - The Ghan & The Indian Pacific Cruising Motor Homes Car Rental
31 32 33 34 - 35 36 37
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general information Getting There Stopovers Booking Conditions Important Information
62 - 63 64 - 65 66 67
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wildlife
Darwin
page 16
Kakadu National Park
Discover Australia’s unique wildlife.
Katherine
Derby Broome
Kununurra
NORTH ERN TERRITORY
Port Hedland Exmouth
Alice Springs
Dolphin Quest
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Maritime Museum
RN Dockyard
Harrington
Uluru
KingsSound Canyon
Aquarium and Zoo
e
Th
Monkey Mia
an Gh
Sout h Aus tral ia
Ocean View Golf
Kalbarri
City of Hamilton
Geraldton Great Sound
Indian Paci
Kalgoorlie
fic
Perth Yallingup
Belmont Hills Golf
Esperance
Margaret River
Albany
Rockaway
South Shore
Port Royal Golf
Indian Pacific page 33
Turtle Hills Golf Club
Travel the longest, straight stretch of rail track in the world across the Nullabor Plain.
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G reat A ustralian b ight
Luxury Lodges Horseshoe Bay of Australia page 24-25
A collection of Australia’s finest stays in remarkable places.
PEACE OF MIND: ALL OF OUR HOLIDAYS ARE 100% ATOL PROTECTED
Great Barrier Reef page 26
T h
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gr
G ulf of St. George’s Golf C arpentaria Daintree
Explore the remarkable marine life of the Great Barrier Reef with a stay on one of its islands.
e at
Port Douglas
Atherton Tablelands Mission Beach
Airport
ri bar
Cairns
e
r
r
Townsville
Airlie Beach
ee
Spirit of Australia
f
The Whitsundays
page 10
Our essential itinerary to Australia. Tucker’s Point Golf
QUEENSLAND Mid Ocean Golf
Fraser Island
Hervey Bay Sunshine Coast
Brisbane Manguri rn
Byron Bay Sou the
Coober Pedy
Barossa Valley
New
Flinders Ranges
Hunter Valley
Adelaide Kangaroo Island
Coffs Harbour
- Gr eat
n ew south wales Indian Pacific
Canberra
Port Macquarie
The Ghan page 33
Sydney Jervis Bay
Follow in the footsteps of the Afghan pioneers with a journey between Adelaide and Darwin.
VI CTORIA Yarra Valley
Great Ocean Road
Melbourne Apollo Bay
Phillip Island
Launceston
TAS MANIA Hobart
Call or ask your agent to call on 01425 484044
Australia by Rail Ghan Indian Pacific Great Southern (2019) Ghan & Indian Pacific
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welcome to australia Australia is an astonishing melting-pot of unique wildlife, ancient cultures, epic landscapes and some of the most incredible, natural wonders to be found anywhere on the planet. New South Wales needs no introduction. Here you’ll find Sydney, sitting on a natural harbour, framed by the world-famous Opera House and Harbour Bridge. A few hours out of the city brings you to the grey-blue eucalyptus haze of the Blue Mountains or the rolling vines of the Hunter Valley. Travel north along the coast to find dolphins in Port Stephens and learn how to catch a wave on the surf beaches of Byron Bay. Queensland a state of two halves. The southern region is home to vast swathes of beach such as Surfers Paradise, the sunny, state capital Brisbane and the aptly named Sunshine Coast. The northern reaches of Queensland sit within the tropics and it’s here you’ll find the World Heritage-listed double acts of the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. Then there’s the islands, including the 74 Whitsunday Islands, that sit right in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. The Northern Territory is home to Uluru (Ayers Rock) and the majestic rock formations of Kata Tjuta (The Olgas). Alice Springs is in the middle of the Red Centre and a hugely important hub for the Royal Flying Doctor Service and School of the Air. Darwin, the state capital is in the far north, flanked by two exceptional national Parks. Kakadu, famed for its wetlands and ancient Aboriginal rock art and Litchfield, home to cascading waterfalls and cool waterholes. Western Australia stretches from the top of Australia to the bottom. The Kimberley covers the top, much of which is only accessible by air, 4WD or on an expedition cruise. Western Australia also has its own World Heritage-Listed site. Ningaloo Reef is 162 miles of pristine, fringing reef teeming with tropical marine life including the mighty whale shark. In the South you’ll find the friendly city of Perth and further south still, the beautiful Margaret River, renowned for its world-class wine. South Australia is a diverse state of outback, wine country and wildlife. If it’s wine you’re looking for then the Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale and Adelaide Hills are all within touching distance of Adelaide. Exceptional wildlife encounters can be found on Kangaroo Island, widely regarded as Australia’s ‘Galapagos’ and the Eyre Peninsula, where you can swim with sea lions and dolphins. For accessible outback the purple-hued Flinders Ranges offer huge skies and abundant wildlife. Tasmania is everything that’s great about Australia rolled into one. It boasts the cleanest air, the clearest waters, the freshest seafood and world class cool-climate wines. Combine this with alpine national parks, world heritage wilderness areas, pristine beaches and a resonant, convict history that can be found across the state but perhaps most evocatively at the Port Arthur Historic Site, on the southern tip of the island. Victoria here your choices are quite simply endless. From Melbourne, regularly voted as one of the most liveable cities in the world to the Mornington Peninsula where you’ll find quaint beach huts, walking tracks and cellar doors with evocative names such as Ten Minutes by Tractor and Foxeys Hangout. In the Yarra Valley you’ll find world-class wine, hiking trails and epic views in the Grampians and mind-blowing coastal scenery on the Great Ocean Road.
Call or ask your agent to call on 01425 484044
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Independent Tours
Spirit of Australia - 14 days This itinerary is a classic and the perfect introduction to a magnificent continent, encapsulating the true spirit of Australia. From the glorious city of Sydney, its iconic harbour skyline framed by two of the most recognisable structures on earth, to the very centre of the Australian Outback where you’ll stay within a kangaroo’s hop of Uluru before flying onwards to Queensland, home to the Great Barrier Reef, undisputedly one of mother nature’s greatest gifts.
Days 1-4 Sydney: on arrival at Sydney Airport, you will be transferred to your chosen hotel for a 4-night stay. The list of Sydney-side attractions is endless but we’ve included a harbour cruise, with a local operator who offers a relaxed, small group experience on a 52ft motor yacht. Other must-do experiences include the Bondi to Coogee walk, perhaps treat yourself to a drink in the rooftop bar at the Coogee Pavilion afterwards. A swim in the Bondi Icebergs pool, a Bondi landmark for 100 years, and a performance at the Sydney Opera House (we can get you behind the scenes too!).
Days 7-13 Port Douglas: after a few days you’ll swap desert trails for the emerald green canopy of the ancient Daintree, the world’s oldest surviving rainforest followed by the aquamarine hues of the Great Barrier Reef. Based in Port Douglas for 7 nights with car hire included, you’re perfectly positioned to enjoy all that tropical North Queensland has to offer. We’ve included an outer reef catamaran sailing trip on one day of your stay but other reef experiences are available including scenic helicopter flights. Keep your eyes peeled for crocs with a wildlife cruise on the Daintree River or head inland and go chasing waterfalls through the Atherton Tablelands. Hotel choices: HHHH Mandalay Apartments HHHHH Coconut Grove
Day 14 Departure Tourism Port Douglas and Daintree
If you want to explore further afield then look to the vine-clad hills of the Hunter Valley or the cool haze of the Blue Mountain, both less than 2 hours from Sydney. Hotel choices: HHHH Spicers Potts Point (BB) HHHHH Shangri La Hotel (BB)
Days 5-6 Ayers Rock Resort: from Sydney fly to Uluru (Ayers Rock) for a 2-night stay amidst a landscape which is as far removed from a city skyline as you can get. Sunrise and sunset tours are the order of the day here and we’ve included an Uluru sunset experience. If however you want to splash out, why not stay at Longitude 131°, a luxury desert base-camp where your meals and exclusive touring are included and you can watch the ever-changing colours of the sunrise over Uluru, quite literally, from the comfort of your bed. Hotel choices: HHHH Desert Gardens HHHHH Longitude 131°
what’s included • Hotels as shown or similar, on a room only basis unless otherwise stated • Private arrival transfer in Sydney • Tea at Sea cruise on Sydney Harbour • Shared arrival and departure transfers in Ayers Rock • Sunset drinks tour in Ayers Rock • Great Barrier Reef cruise • Car rental in Queensland
our prices HHHH from £1922 per person based on twin share HHHHH from £4133 per person based on twin share
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Independent Tours
Outback Explorer - 9 days Follow in the footsteps of the early Afghan traders and travel the length of Australia’s soul-stirring outback aboard the legendary Ghan train.
Day 1 Alice Springs: on arrival at the airport you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel. Gateway to the extraordinary, natural wonders of the Red Centre, Alice Springs is also home to the Telegraph Station Historical Reserve, School of the Air Visitor Centre and impressive collection of Aborginal art galleries. Your hotel: HHHH Doubletree by Hilton
Day 2 Ayers Rock: an early start takes you via a camel farm where you’ll learn more of the impact these mammals had in opening up central Australia. Next to Uluru (Ayers Rock), for an afternoon base tour and walk to Mutitjulu water hole. Visit the Uluru-Kata Juta Cultural Centre before enjoying an outback sunset with nibbles and drinks. Your hotel: HHHH Desert Gardens Hotel
Days 6-7 Kakadu National Park & Arnhem Land: you’ll be collected early this morning for your Kakadu and Arnhem Land experience. Highlights include a guided walk at Nourlangie Rock, cruise on the Yellow Water Billabong and a 4WD adventure into Arnhem Land. Your hotel: HHHH Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel (L)
Day 8 Kakadu National Park/Darwin: explore the World Heritage Area of Ubirr and ancient rock art galleries, before a Guluyambi Cruise along the East Alligator River. Return to Darwin in time for dinner, around 7.30pm. Your hotel: HHHH Doubletree by Hilton
Day 9 Departure
Day 3 Alice Springs: after viewing an Uluru sunrise travel to the domed rock formations of Kata Tjuta (Olgas) where there’s opportunity to explore before returning to Alice Springs in time for dinner, around 7pm. Your hotel: HHHH Doubletree by Hilton
Day 4 The Ghan: travelling deep through the heart of Australia, The Ghan offers the perfect balance of comfort and immersion. From your cabin (see page 33) watch the remoteness of the outback pass by before enjoying the company of fellow-travellers over dinner. Off-train excursions in Katherine give the opportunity for exploration. Your hotel: The Ghan - Gold Service (BLD) Day 5 Darwin: on arrival you will be transferred to to your hotel. The Northern Territory’s capital is a melting pot of cultures laid out under warm, tropical skies. The Mindil Beach Sunset Markets are a Darwin institution and a good place to buy a picnic to enjoy on the beach. Your hotel: HHHH Doubletree by Hilton
what’s included • Hotels as shown or similar, on a room only basis unless otherwise stated • Private arrival transfer in Alice Springs • 2 Day Escorted Ayers Rock Coach Tour from Alice Springs • Gold service aboard The Ghan including all meals • Shared arrival transfers in Darwin • 3 Day Escorted Kakadu and Arnhem Land Tour
our prices HHHH from £2410 per person based on twin share
Call or ask your agent to call on 01425 484044
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Guided Adventure Tours
The Kimberley Frontier - El Questro, Gorges and Purnululu - 11 days An epic, guided journey through the awe-inspiring landscapes of the Kimberley, one of the last remaining wilderness frontiers on earth.
Day 1 Broome: on arrival at the airport you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel. With a rich and colourful pearling history, Broome is a gateway to the wild Kimberley wilderness. Explore the town and learn the stories behind the pearling industry at the Pearl Luggers museum before wandering along Dampier Terrace, home to some of the finest pearl brands in the world. Your hotel: HHHH Seashells
Day 2 Gibb River Road: your small-group, guided tour starts today. Visit the infamous Boab Prison Tree, and journey along the Gibb River Road to Windjana Gorge and Tunnel Creek before continuing on to the Fitzroy Crossing. Your hotel: Fitzroy Crossing River Lodge (LD)
Days 3-4 Geikie Gorge & Purnululu National Park: explore magnificent Geikie Gorge before moving on to Halls Creek
Day 7 Home Valley Station: enjoy a soak in the natural thermal hot pools of Zebedee Springs and a hike towards Emma Gorge. Then cross the Pentecost River to Home Valley Station for sunset drinks against a backdrop of the Cockburn Range. Your hotel: HHHH Home Valley Station (BLD) Days 8-9 Gibb River Road: re-join the Gibb River Road as you head for Bell Gorge. After lunch in Manning Gorge there’s opportunity to see the Wadjina rock art in Galvans Gorge. The following day is spent at Bell Gorge, where you can hike, swim beneath a cascading waterfall and enjoy the birdlife. Your hotel: Bell Gorge Wilderness Camp (BLD)
Day 10 Derby & Broome: you’ll head back to Broome via the Wilinggin King Leopold Range Conservation Park and Derby, arriving late afternoon. Your hotel: HHHH Seashells Day 11 Departure
and the Purnululu National Park, where you’ll spend 2 nights. Enjoy a full day amidst the epic Bungle Bungle domes with a guide who’ll bring the natural history of the park to life. You can even enjoy a scenic helicopter flight over the domes (additional cost). Your hotel: Bungle Bungle Wilderness Lodge (BLD)
Day 5 Echidna Chasm & Kununurra: after a spectacular hike to Echidna Chasm move on to Kununurra. Your hotel: HHHH Kununurra Country Club (BLD)
Day 6 Ord River & EL Questro: embark on a wildlife cruise along the mighty Ord River and discover a unique eco system. Continue on to El Questro, a 700,000 acre wilderness park filled with thermal springs, rugged sandstone ranges, gorges and cascading waterfalls. Your hotel: HHHH Emma Gorge (BLD)
what’s included • Hotels as shown or similar, on a room only basis unless otherwise stated • Private arrival transfer in Broome • 9 day escorted small group tour with a maximum of 20 guests
our prices From £3895 per person based on twin share Please note: Tours to the Kimberley operate between May and September.
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Fly-drive Tours
South Western Explorer - 8 days This leisurely fly-drive of Western Australia’s south western corner takes you from the sunny city of Perth to the plentiful vineyards of the Margaret River. You’ll then continue via Pemberton, a town of towering Karri trees, to Albany which boasts a rugged coastline with a dramatic whaling and convict heritage. From Albany head back to Perth.
Day 1 perth: on arrival in Perth you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel. Perth is Australia’s sunniest city and is well stocked with fabulous restaurants, interesting shops and uber cool vibe. Kings Park is a refreshing green space whilst the beautiful wineries of the Swan Valley are just a short drive away. Carfree Rottnest Island has beautiful beaches, idyllic swimming spots and is home to the quokka, a mini marsupial found only in WA. Your hotel: HHHH Pan Pacific Perth
Days 2-3 Margaret River (259 kms): the Margaret River is an easy drive from Perth, with plenty of extraordinarily scenic places to stop off along the way. Take a dolphin-spotting cruise at Bunbury or stretch your legs in Busselton with a stroll to the end of the longest timber piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere. You have 2 nights here and you’ll be completely spoilt for choice when it comes to the world-class wine, boutique breweries, art galleries and artisan food producers that make this region home. Alternatively, spend a day walking the coastline on the Cape to Cape track; the beaches are pretty special! Your hotel: HHHH Pullman Bunker Bay
Days 5-6 Albany (240 kms): Albany marks the spot where European settlers first set foot in Western Australia and their legacy remains very much in evidence today. For stunning coastal views head to the Torndirrup National Park, the area is good for whale spotting between May and October as well. Your hotel: HHHH½ The Beach House at Bayside (BB) Day 7 Perth (414 kms): from Albany head back to Perth, or if you’ve more time available, carry on southwards to Esperance, a beach and nature lovers dream and then inland to Kalgoorlie, heart of Western Australia’s gold rush. Your hotel: HHHH Pan Pacific Perth Day 8 Departure *At certain times of the year a 2 night stay is required at Karri Valley.
Day 4 Pemberton (175 kms): this is in the heart of karri tree country thus you’ll spend a lot of time with your head tilted skywards. It’s easy to explore off the beaten track with plenty of hiking trails. As you drive towards Albany make a stop at Walpole and The Valley of the Giants Treetop Walk, suspended 38m above the forest floor. Your hotel: HHHH Karri Valley*
what’s included • Hotels as shown or similar, on a room only basis unless otherwise stated • Private arrival transfer in Perth • Car rental
our prices This fly-drive tour can be tailor-made to your own requirements.
Call or ask your agent to call on 01425 484044
From £784 per person based on twin share
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Fly-drive Tours
Melbourne to Adelaide along the Great Ocean Road - 7 days An iconic road trip between Melbourne and Adelaide including one of the world’s greatest drives, the Great Ocean Road.
Sydney to Melbourne Coastal Drive - 8 days A tale of two cities, via one of Australia’s most naturally beautiful coastlines.
Day 1 Sydney: after your flight into Sydney you’ll be met and transferred Day 1 Melbourne: after your flight into Melbourne you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy world class dining and a thriving art scene, then explore eclectic neighbourhoods and the beaches of St Kilda, just a tram ride away. Your hotel: HHHH Crown Promenade
Day 2 Apollo Bay (187 kms): your Great Ocean Road drive starts today as you head for Apollo Bay, which sits tucked into the foothills of the Otway Ranges. Your hotel: HHHH Captains at the Bay (BB) Day 3 Port Fairy (189 kms): created by continual erosion and the mighty force of the Southern Ocean, the 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge and London Bridge are sights to behold. Between November and March as dusk falls, you’ll also see Short-tailed Shearwaters arriving in vast numbers, to breed. Your hotel: HHHH Drift House (BB provisions) Day 4 Mount Gambier (154 kms): cross the border into South Australia. Mount Gambier is well known for its geographical topography, particularly its volcanic and limestone features. Your hotel: HHHH The Barn
Days 5-6 Barossa Valley (439 kms): enjoy 2 nights in the Barossa Valley, where vine-clad hills surround quaint country towns and some of Australia’s finest vineyards all wait to be explored. Your hotel: HHHH Abbotsford Country House (BB) Day 7 Departure
to your hotel. Explore this vibrant city from the water, scale the heights of the Sydney Harbour Bridge or join a small group walking tour and explore on foot. Your hotel: HHHH Spicers Potts Point (BB)
Days 2-3 Jervis Bay (186 kms): continue to Jervis Bay for 2 nights. Enjoy a dolphin spotting cruise, or just relax on the beautiful white beaches. Your hotel: HHHH Dolphin Sands (BB) Day 4 Tilba Tilba (193 kms): en-route to Tilba Tilba take the detour to Pebbly Beach where you’ll find kangaroos and wallabies on the sand. Your hotel: HHHH Bryn at Tilba (BB) Day 5 Gipsy Point (184 kms): sitting at the head of the Mallacoota Inlet, Gipsy Point is the perfect base for exploring the Croajingolong National Park. Your hotel: HHHH Gipsy Point Lakeside (CB provisions) Day 6 Metung (209 kms): stretching along a peninsula on the Gippsland Lakes, Metung offers sunset strolls, glimpses of kangaroos grazing along the shoreline and a bounty of fresh seafood. Your hotel: HHHH 5 Knots Metung Day 7 Philip Island (306 kms): today’s stop is Philip Island, probably best known for the little penguins that emerge on Summerland Beach every evening at dusk. Your hotel: HHHH Holmwood Guest House (BB) Day 8 Melbourne (143 kms): this vibrant city is packed with world-class art galleries, museums and dining experiences from across the globe. Your hotel: HHHH Crown Promenade
Day 9 Departure what’s included
what’s included
• Hotels as shown or similar, on a room only basis unless otherwise stated • Private arrival transfer in Melbourne • Car rental
our prices HHHH from £906 per person based on twin share
• Hotels as shown or similar, on a room only basis unless otherwise stated • Private arrival transfer in Sydney • Car rental
our prices HHHH from £988 per person based on twin share
These fly-drive tours operate in either direction and can be tailor-made to your own requirements.
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Fly-drive Tours
Pacific Coast Sydney to Brisbane - 9 days The stunning Pacific Coast Touring Route takes you from Sydney to Queensland’s sunny capital Brisbane, with stops at some of our favourite places along the way.
Day 1 sydney: after your flight into Sydney you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel. Sydney is quite simply dazzling, whichever way you turn. The ‘sails’ of the Opera House etched against the vivid blue of the sky, the dark girders of the Sydney Harbour Bridge teeming with ant-sized climbers whilst the gold and green Sydney Harbour ferries ply their way across the harbour, the perfect way to get around. Your hotel: HHHH Spicers Potts Point (BB)
Days 2-3 Hunter Valley (249 kms): hop in your car and head
Day 6-7 Byron Bay (239 kms): one of our all-time favourite spots in Australia. Known for its surf-vibe and alternative lifestyle, Byron Bay also plays host to some exceptional dining, art galleries and truly glorious beaches. Plus it’s the perfect spot to try your hand at surfing, stand up paddle boarding or enjoy a sea kayaking adventure. Your hotel: HHHH½ The Byron at Byron Resort and Spa Day 8 Brisbane (165 kms): take a stroll on the epic swathes of beach at Surfers Paradise as you head north or follow the Rainforest Way through the Gold Coast Hinterland and experience verdant rainforest, tumbling waterfalls and inviting country towns. Your hotel: HHHH½ Emporium Hotel South Bank
Day 9 Departure
out of the city for the gentle panoramas of the Hunter Valley. This region is home to some of the big boys of wine-world but likewise a sizeable number of family-owned and run boutique vineyards. Enjoy a day exploring or take a hot air balloon flight for a birds-eye view of the vineyards. Your hotel: HHHH½ Spicers Guest House (BB)
Day 4 Port Stephens (100 kms): dolphins are the order of the day today as you head for the coast. Port Stephens plays host to a resident pod of more than 150 bottle nose dolphins and the best way to get amongst them is on a wildlife cruise. Your hotel: HHHH Anchorage Port Stephens (BB) Day 5 Coffs Harbour (399 kms): this popular holiday destination offers a combination of golden sands and dense rainforest. Your hotel: HHHH Aanuka Beach Resort
what’s included • Hotels as shown or similar, on a room only basis unless otherwise stated • Private arrival transfer in Sydney • Car rental These fly-drive tours operate in either direction and can be tailor-made to your own requirements.
Call or ask your agent to call on 01425 484044
our prices From £1107 per person based on twin share
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Fly-drive Tours
Wildlife, Outback and Wine of South Australia - 9 days Explore the wildlife-rich wonders of Kangaroo Island before a memorable road trip through the magnificent Flinders Ranges and world-class vineyards of the Clare and Barossa Valleys.
Day 1 Adelaide: on arrival in Adelaide you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel. Known as the City of Churches, Adelaide certainly has more than its fair share of spires but you’ll also find graceful sandstone buildings, buzzing al fresco restaurants, fabulous museums and art galleries and, a short tram ride away, the charming seaside resort of Glenelg. Your hotel: HHHH Majestic Roof Garden
Day 6-7 Clare Valley (279 kms): a change of scenery! Clare Valley is famed for its Riesling and there are more than 50 cellar doors in the region. You have 2 nights here to explore. Your hotel: HHHH½ Thorn Park by the Vines (BB) Day 8 Barossa Valley (99 kms): your final stop is in the beautiful Barossa Valley, home to more than 80 wineries offering some of the most acclaimed wine in the world. Your hotel: HHHH½ Abbotsford Country House Day 9 Departure
Day 2 Kangaroo Island: you’ll be collected early for a coach and ferry crossing to Kangaroo Island where you’ll get to experience a wealth of incredible wildlife in its natural environment. At Seal Bay Conservation Park you’ll walk through the Australian sea lion colony before an afternoon spent exploring the island’s interior, keeping a close look out for koalas, kangaroos and echidnas. Your hotel: Superior Hotel (L) Day 3 Kangaroo Island/Adelaide: explore the Flinders Chase National Park. See the 10,000-strong fur seal colony at Cape de Couedic and wander amongst the incredible granite boulders of Remarkable Rocks. By special permit you’ll visit the Kelly Hill Conservation Park and, if time allows, make a stop at Vionne Bay, one of Australia’s finest beaches before flying back to Adelaide. An airport hotel is included this evening but this can be easily changed if you would prefer to stay in the city. Your hotel: HHHH Atura Adelaide Airport
Days 4-5 Wilpena Pound (436 kms): today drive to the Flinders Ranges for two nights. Here you’ll find dusty red roads, meandering emus and yellow-footed rock wallabies gazing at you. A full day tour of the Flinders Ranges National Park and 30-minute scenic flight over Wilpena Pound is included in your stay. Your hotel: HHH½ Rawnsley Park Eco Villa (CB Provisions)
what’s included • Hotels as shown or similar, on a room only basis unless otherwise stated • Private arrival transfer in Adelaide • 2 Day/1 Night escorted tour to Kangaroo Island with ferry and flight transfers • Full day tour in the Flinders Ranges • 30-minute Scenic Flight over Wilpena Pound • 6 Days car rental
our prices From £2249 per person based on twin share
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Fly-drive Tours
Classic Tasmania - 9 days Tasmania or ‘Tassie’ might be Australia’s smallest state but it’s jam-packed with natural hidden wonders. This memorable road trip will take you through some of the most pristine and jaw-dropping landscapes in the Southern hemisphere.
Day 1 Hobart: on arrival at Hobart airport you’ll be met and transferred to your city hotel. Hobart is a thriving city on the banks of the Derwent River. For art lovers, taking the short ferry trip up river to MONA (Museum of Old and New Art) is a must. It houses one of the world’s most controversial private collections of modern art and antiquities. Other attractions include the vibrant Salamanca Market, held every Saturday morning, and Salamanca Place, packed with galleries, craft shops and excellent eateries, all housed in 18th century warehouses. Your hotel: HHHHH MACq 01 Hotel (BB)
Days 7-8 Freycinet National Park (176 kms): the next two days will be spent on the Freycinet Peninsula, where glorious white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters sit against the pink granite backdrop of The Hazards. Bush walks, beachcombing and water-based experiences are the order of the day. Your hotel: HHHH Freycinet Lodge (BB) Day 9 Departure
Days 2-3 Strahan (300 kms): head for the West coast this morning and the gateway to Tasmania’s UNESCO World Heritage Wilderness Area. The region has a rich and varied history with historic mining towns and a harsh convict past. A wilderness cruise on the Gordon River is highly recommended and includes dedicated onboard guides and two walking tours. Your hotel: HHH½ Risby Cove Days 4-5 Cradle Mountain (144 kms): Cradle Mountain sits at the northern end of the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park and is a diverse wilderness area, providing a rich habitat for wildlife including platypus, echidna and Tasmanian devils. You’ll spend 2 nights here allowing plenty of time to explore at your own pace; there are numerous walking trails to enjoy including the Dove Lake Circuit in the shadow of Cradle Mountain. Your hotel: HHHH½ Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge (BB) Day 6 Launceston (141 kms): Tasmania’s second largest city is surrounded by cool climate vineyards. Wilderness is easily accessible, with Cataract Gorge just a few minutes’ walk from the centre of the city and the Narawntapu National Park is also close by. Your hotel: HHHH Sebel Launceston
This fly-drive tour can be tailor-made to your own requirements.
Call or ask your agent to call on 01425 484044
what’s included • Hotels as shown or similar, on a room only basis unless otherwise stated • Private arrival transfer in Hobart • Car rental
our prices From £1074 per person based on twin share Recommendation: Why not treat yourself and upgrade your stay in Freycinet to Saffire Freycinet, one of Australia’s finest Luxury Lodges, where all meals, select beverages and a range of immersive experiences are included.
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places to stay When it comes to choosing somewhere to stay it would be true to say that Australia has every base covered. From stylish and slick city hotels to outback escapes, island hideaways and polished glamping experiences to charming country retreats and, scattered across the country, in some of Australia’s most spectacular locations, a collection of luxury lodges. Whatever your budget and requirements we have the expertise and local knowledge to find the perfect places for you to stay. The next few pages offer just a few of the options available, it would be impossible to show them all, the variety is endless. We will be delighted to suggest alternatives as part of your tailor-made holiday.
Shangri La Hotel, Sydney
Shangri La Hotel, Sydney HHHHH Offering stunning, panoramic views of Sydney Harbour.
location: In the historic Rocks district with easy access to both Sydney Harbour and Darling Harbour and some of the best views in the city. Features: The Altitude Restaurant is on level 36 of the hotel with floor to ceiling windows, outstanding harbour views and a contemporary Australian menu. Café Mix offers casual, all day dining, whilst Blu Bar on 36 has made a name for itself as one of Sydney’s iconic cocktail bars. Other facilities include the Lobby Lounge, Chi Spa and Health Club. Parking is available at charge. Accommodation: 565 elegantly appointed rooms and suites with elevated, panoramic views of Darling Harbour, Sydney Harbour, Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. Marble bathrooms offer separate bath tub and shower. Room Choices: Deluxe Darling Harbour, Deluxe Opera House City, Deluxe Grand Harbour View (photo), Executive Darling Harbour, Executive Opera House City, Executive Grand Harbour, Premier Grand Harbour View. All room categories are available on the Horizon Club levels with access to the Horizon Club Lounge. Suites are also available.
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City Hotels - Sydney and Melbourne
Spicers Potts Point
QT Melbourne
The Langham, Sydney HHHHH
QT Melbourne HHHHH
Occupying a charming spot in The Rocks, the Langham embodies elegance and charm and has some of the largest hotel rooms in the city.
This luxury hotel is quirky, modern and packed full of bold, statement art. Expect an industrial feel with handcrafted steel, timber and stone befitting its city location.
location: Although not directly on the harbour, The Langham sits in a peaceful location in the heart of the Rocks where you’ll find cobbled streets and historic buildings, it’s a leisurely 15-20 minute walk through the oldest precinct in Sydney, to Circular Quay. Features: There are two restaurants including Bistro Remy and The Palm Court, known for its spectacular afternoon tea plus the Observatory Bar. There is a 20m heated indoor pool boasting a star-dappled ceiling, health club with fitness centre, whirlpool and steam rooms and the Day Spa by Chuan. For those interested in art the hotel is also home to an impressive art collection curated by Sotheby’s. Valet parking is available at charge.
Accommodation: 100 spacious rooms and suites elegantly and beautifully furnished with soft fabrics and gentle colours. Views vary between the Sydney skyline and Western harbour. Room Choices: Deluxe City, Deluxe Harbour, Deluxe City Terrace, Deluxe Harbour Terrace, Executive City and Executive Harbour, there is also a choice of suites.
Spicers Potts Point, Sydney HHHH Boutique in the true sense of the word, Spicers Potts Point is a delightful hotel with slightly more than a handful of rooms. It’s comprised of a trio of 1880’s townhouses tucked away on a leafy street and makes a refreshing alternative to a city hotel.
location: Potts Point has a village-vibe close to Woolloomooloo and there’s a great selection of cafes, restaurants and bars within easy reach of the hotel. Sydney’s world-class icons are also easily accessible with Circular Quay and the Sydney Opera House a 20-minute meander through the Royal Botanic Gardens and Kings Cross train station a couple of minutes’ walk. Features: Breakfast is served in the Garden Room and whilst there is no ‘in-house’ restaurant a number of excellent local restaurants offer room service. Parking is available at charge and should be pre-booked.
location: In the heart of the city the QT is just steps from the Yarra River and the finest restaurants, theatres and shopping in Melbourne. Features: Pascale Bar and Grill offers a modern menu featuring locally sourced ingredients and produce grown on the QT’s rooftop garden. Treat yourself to a little indulgence in the Cake Shop and enjoy the incredible view from the Rooftop at QT, one of the coolest bars in the city. There is a small gym and parking is available at charge. Accommodation: 188 rooms with a stylish industrial feel, polished timber floors and glamorous bathrooms. Bold art adorns the walls and furnishings have a definite city-vibe. Room Choices: King/Twin, Deluxe King/Twin and Executive King and QT Corner King (photo).
Crown Promenade, Melbourne HHHH A modern and stylish hotel with views of Port Philip Bay, the city and Yarra River.
location: Set in the heart of Melbourne’s vibrant Southbank entertainment district, the Crown Promenade is linked by air-bridge to the Crown Entertainment Complex and close to all the major attractions. Features: Mesh Restaurant and Tonic Bar are the in-house options and you also enjoy easy access to 29 restaurants and 14 bars within the Crown Complex, the Crown Spa and an impressive range of shopping options. The hotel has a 25m infinity spa pool, a state-of-the-art gymnasium and parking is available at charge. Accommodation: 465 rooms and suites offering space and light with floor to ceiling windows, natural colours and Australian art. Room Choices: Standard King/Twin, Standard City View, Corner King and Studio. There is also a range of suites available.
Accommodation: 20 beautiful rooms with cloud-soft beds and spacious bathrooms all with walk in showers and some with bath tubs. Room Choices: King, Luxe-King and two suites.
Call or ask your agent to call on 01425 484044
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City Hotels - Perth and Adelaide
COMO The Treasury
The Mayfair
COMO The Treasury, Perth HHHHH
The Mayfair, Adelaide HHHHH
This boutique hotel occupies Perth’s original 19th-century state buildings, creating a luxury retreat which oozes style and elegance.
This beautifully restored heritage-listed building houses a boutique-style hotel in the heart of Adelaide.
location: COMO The Treasury is located in the very centre of Perth, this is the point from which all road distances in Western Australia are measured. The shopping mall, Swan River and Elizabeth Quay are an easy stroll and the buses, which run up and down George Terrace are free.
location: Situated opposite Rundle Mall you are only 200m from the Art Gallery of South Australia and just minutes from the Riverbank Precinct. The boutiques and restaurants of Rundle Street are a short walk away.
Features: Wildflower is the hotel’s fine dining restaurant serving a farmer/ forager menu of dishes which revolve around the six indigenous seasons. There is no start or end date to each season rather the passing is something which is felt from the ebb and flow of the changing environment. Post offers a relaxed vibe with Italian-inspired dishes and COMO Shambhala cuisine, which is rich in vitamins and minerals. The Treasury Bar & Lounge is a peaceful retreat for pre-dinner drinks and canapes. Wellness facilities include a 20m indoor pool and gym as well as the COMO Shambhala Urban Escape, which offers hands on and holistic treatments with a range of massages and facials. Valet parking is available at charge.
Accommodation: 48 spacious rooms and suites are beautifully appointed with high ceilings, calm colours and large bathrooms. Ensuring the heritage of the building is not lost the thoughtful design means that no two rooms are identical. Your room includes full daily breakfast and in-room private bar replenished daily.
Features: The Mayflower Restaurant & Bar is the hotel’s signature restaurant serving classic dishes, and is open for breakfast and dinner daily and afternoon tea at the weekend. On the rooftop you’ll find Hennessy, the hotel bar named after the building’s original architects. There is also a gymnasium and lobby book library. Self parking and valet parking are available at charge. Accommodation: 170 stylish rooms all slightly different in shape and size due to the heritage of the building. The design nods towards art deco with a soothing palette of creams, grey and monochrome. Room Choices: Superior, Deluxe and Luxury and the Mayfair King Suites.
Majestic Roof Garden, Adelaide HHHH½ Owned by a South Australian family, the Majestic Roof Garden has a real sense of place and an excellent location in Adelaide.
Room Choices: Heritage, Treasury, Heritage Balcony and Treasury Balcony rooms plus a range of suites.
location: Within easy walking distance of many key attractions including Rundle Mall, the Art Gallery of South Australia, National Wine Centre and the Adelaide Oval.
Pan Pacific, Perth HHHH½ With scenic views of the Swan River, the Pan Pacific offers comfortable rooms in a central location.
Features: Culshaws is the award-winning hotel restaurant with a focus on the finest seasonal South Australian produce and a wine list which is 100% South Australian. For panoramic city views head to the signature roof garden on level 7. The hotel also offers a mini-gym, self or valet parking available at charge.
location: Positioned on Adelaide Terrace, this hotel is just a short walk from the main shopping, dining and entertainment districts.
made beds.
Features: Montereys Brasserie is the in-house restaurant and the hotel is close to an abundance of excellent dining options. The hotel also offers a stateof-the-art fitness centre and open-air swimming pool, steam room and beauty treatments. Self and valet parking available at charge.
Accommodation: 120 well appointed rooms and suites with custom Room Choices: Classic, Superior, Majestic Balcony.
Accommodation: 486 comfortably appointed rooms and suites, some offering beautiful river views. The Pacific Club rooms give access to the club lounge, including breakfast, all day refreshments plus evening drinks and canapes. Room Choices: Deluxe, Premier and Pacific Club.
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City Hotels - Brisbane, Darwin and Hobart
Emporium Southbank
MACq 01
Emporium Southbank, Brisbane HHHH
MACq 01, Hobart HHHHH
This award-winning, boutique hotel offers beautiful accommodation in one of the best locations in Brisbane.
Hobart’s newest, luxury hotel takes centre stage in the city with its unique concept of storytelling. The MACq 01 is inspired by stories of the many Tasmanian’s who shaped the landscape of the island, both past and present.
location: Centrally located overlooking the Southbank parklands and Brisbane River, the Emporium is within a short walk of the Brisbane, Performing Arts Centre, Gallery of Modern Art and the Queensland Museum. Features: Belle Epoque serves patisserie style breakfasts and light bistro lunches, while on The Terrace, the Southbank’s only rooftop bar you can enjoy stunning views of the city accompanied by cocktails and bar snacks. The Piano Bar is an elegant space with an extensive drinks selection. The hotel is also surrounded by some of the best dining options in the city. The hotel has a gym, steam room and sauna and 23m infinity edge pool on the rooftop with city views. Valet parking is available at charge. Accommodation: 143 luxurious rooms and suites with Bose audio systems, pillow menu and large ensuite bathrooms with double vanities and Molton Brown amenities. Room Choices: Vista Suite and River City Suite.
Spicers Balfour, Brisbane HHHHH This beautifully converted Queenslander home has been transformed into a luxury boutique hotel in one of Brisbane’s most fashionable suburbs, New Farm.
location: New Farm sits on the edge of the city centre, midway between the airport and the city. There are numerous, excellent restaurants within easy reach as is New Farm Park and the River Walk, a beautiful 15 minute stroll along the Brisbane River into the city. Features: The Balfour Kitchen is open daily for breakfast and lunch serving bistro style dishes and Tuesday to Saturday for dinner, when the focus becomes modern Vietnamese. There is also a charming rooftop bar, perfect for pre-dinner drinks, courtyard garden and library. Limited parking is available and pre-booking is recommended. Charges may apply.
Accommodation: Just 17 rooms and suites offering a blend of modern and vintage styles reflecting the Queenslander heritage of the building.
location: Set in the MAC01 complex on Macquarie Wharf the hotel offers river, waterfront and mountain views and is just moments from Salamanca Place, Hobart Docks and the Hunter Street Precinct. Features: The Old Wharf Restaurant focuses on the freshest seafood which comes straight from the wharf outside and the Story Bar is a stylish watering hole with an excellent range of draft beers and wine. MACq 01 is also surrounded by some of Hobart’s best restaurants. Other facilities include the Lounge with its stunning stone circular fireplace and a gymnasium. Complimentary valet parking is included. Accommodation: 114 rooms evoke ‘relaxed luxury’ and a decor that’s inspired by five key Tasmanian characteristics - colourful and quirky, grounded yet exceptional, fighting believers, curious and creative or hearty and resilient. These traits are translated through colour and design. Floor to ceiling windows give views over historic Hunter Street or unspoilt vistas across the Derwent Estuary and all rooms and suites have balconies. Room Choices: Hunter, Superior Hunter, Waterfront, Superior Waterfront plus a range of suites, suites come with a personal butler.
Doubletree by Hilton, Darwin HHHH This comfortable hotel was completely refurbished in 2010 and is one of the few remaining buildings in Darwin that survived Cyclone Tracey in 1974.
location: Overlooking Darwin Harbour and just a five-minute walk from the centre of the city, the Doubletree by Hilton offers easy access to everything this tropical city has to offer. Features: The poolside restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, other facilities include a large outdoor swimming pool. Complimentary parking is available. Accommodation: 163 rooms with floor to ceiling windows offering
Room Choices: Executive Queen, Executive King and One Bedroom
city or harbour views.
Suites.
Room Choices: Guest Room and Guest Room with Harbour View.
Call or ask your agent to call on 01425 484044
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Places to Stay - Red Centre
Sails in the Desert
Desert Gardens
Doubletree by Hilton, Alice Springs HHHH
Desert Gardens, Ayers Rock Resort HHHH
Set against the majestic backdrop of the MacDonnell Ranges, the Doubletree by Hilton offers a resort style stay in the outback town of Alice Springs.
The Desert Gardens hotel sits within a colourful, native garden planted with desert flora and fauna and towering ghost gumtrees.
location: Just off the Stuart Highway the hotel is around a 15-minute drive from the airport and within walking distance of downtown Alice.
location: The hotel is located in the Ayers Rock Resort a short stroll from the village square.
Features: Saltbush Restaurant offers contemporary Australian dishes and is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner, whilst Hanuman serves Indian and Thai cuisine. There is also a pool bar, deck bar, fitness room, open air swimming pool and floodlit tennis courts. Complimentary self parking is available.
Features: The Mangata Bistro & Bar takes its name from the Pitjantjatjara word for ‘desert quandong’ and serves a diverse range of dishes with touches of Australian native bush tucker flavours throughout, Arnguli Grill and Restaurant overlooks the pool and garden and is open daily for dinner. There is large openair pool shaded by ghost gums and an art gallery shop. Airport transfers are included for all guests.
Accommodation: 229 comfortable rooms with floor to ceiling windows, balcony and garden or mountain views. Room Choices: Guest Room, Guest Room with Mountain View and Junior Suite.
Accommodation: 218 rooms with air-conditioning and a balcony or terrace. Some rooms offer distant views of Uluru. Room Choices: Garden View, Desert Deluxe and Deluxe Rock View.
Sails in the Desert, Ayers Rock Resort HHHH½
Sails in the Desert, so named for the soaring white sails which crown its roof and outside areas, is the premium hotel at the Ayers Rock Resort and offers a calm oasis in the heart of the desert.
location: The hotel is located in Ayers Rock Resort a short stroll from the village square, which has a supermarket, gift shops and some casual dining options. Features: Ilkari is a brasserie-style restaurant serving up an array of international dishes whilst the Walpa Lobby Bar offers a relaxed setting for pre-dinner or post-sunset drinks alongside a casual, light meal menu. The pool bar serves drinks and light meals daily. In addition, the hotel has an expansive gumtree lined swimming pool, superb indigenous art gallery - The Mulgara and the Red Ochre Day Spa. Airport transfers are included for all guests. Accommodation: 228 rooms and suites are furnished in calm colours and feature indigenous art work and crafts. All rooms have airconditioning and a balcony or terrace. Room Choices: Superior Room (see photo), Terrace Room and Deluxe Suite.
Sails in the Desert
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PEACE OF MIND: ALL OF OUR HOLIDAYS ARE 100% ATOL PROTECTED
Places to Stay - Outback
Rawnsley Park Station
Wildman Wilderness Lodge
Rawnsley Park Station HHHH
Wildman Wilderness Lodge HHHH
Located within the dramatic setting of the Flinders Ranges, Rawnsley Park Station offers unforgettable outback experiences. See the natural amphitheatre of Wilpena Pound by 4WD or from the air and explore on foot where you’ll see at first hand the remarkable wildlife including emus, yellow-footed rock wallabies, kangaroos and wedge-tailed eagles.
Wildman Wilderness Lodge offers an immersive wildlife and wetland experience, just two hours east of Darwin.
location: The Flinders Ranges are approximately 5 hours drive from Adelaide, perfect for a self-drive that also takes in some of South Australia’s best wine regions. Our South Australian Wildlife, Outback and Wine itinerary combines the Flinders, the Clare and Barossa Valleys with a stay on Kangaroo Island. Features: The Woolshed Restaurant serves an ever-changing menu of local produce and yes, it is located in the old woodshed! There are three swimming pools, two of which are reserved for the exclusive use of Homestead and Eco-Villa guests and an on-site shop. There is a huge range of experiences to enjoy from 4WD tours, walking trails, both guided and self- guided and scenic flights. Accommodation: The Eco-villas are fully self-contained with one or two bedrooms, beautiful bathrooms and over-bed retractable, skylights for night-time star gazing. Room Choices: 33 options comprising holiday units, one and twobedroom eco villas and the Homestead, which is sole use for one or two couples, located 3kms from the main reception.
location: Midway between Kakadu and Darwin in the Top End of the Northern Territory, Wildman Wilderness Lodge is located in the beautiful Mary River Wetlands on the fringes of Kakadu National Park and easily accessible by road. Features: The restaurant at Wildman is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner offering a menu featuring only Australian and indigenous produce and ingredients. There’s an infinity pool for cooling off in, mountain bikes for exploring and a range of activities including airboat safaris, wildlife cruises, scenic flights and sundowner tours. Accommodation: 25 rooms are split between a choice of safari tents and habitats. You’ll wake to the chorus of birds and sweeping views whichever accommodation you choose as both give wonderful immersion into your natural surroundings. The safari tents offer a very comfortable, luxeglamping style stay. These are spacious and fan cooled and come complete with ensuite bathrooms. If you prefer a little more seclusion from nature the habitats are free-standing, solid wall structures with air-conditioning, comfortable beds and private bathrooms. Room Choices: 15 safari tents and 10 habitats (see photo).
Berkeley River Lodge HHHH Only accessible by air, getting there is all part of the Berkeley River Lodge adventure. Perched on a sand dune between Timor Sea sunrises and epic Berkeley River sunsets, this is the ultimate Kimberley experience.
location: 250kms northwest of Kununurra in the Kimberley region of Western Australia, Berkeley River Lodge is reached by air transfers from Kununurra or Darwin. Features: Dunes restaurant offers breakfast and lunch with a degustation dinner menu against a stunning backdrop. There’s a 20-metre lap pool, a library and well stocked wine cellar. A stay here is also about exploring the Kimberley wilderness and there are a range of activities including river cruises, beach and bush 4WD tour, creek hikes and helicopter tours. Accommodation: Private retreats are set along the dune top and feature ocean views, king beds and private screened open- air bathrooms with soaking tubs and showers. Berkeley River Lodge
Call or ask your agent to call on 01425 484044
Room Choices: 20 private retreats.
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Places to Stay - Luxury Lodges of Australia
Southern Ocean Lodge
Longitude 131°
Southern Ocean Lodge HHHHH
Longitude 131° HHHHH
Multi-award winning, this iconic lodge combines inclusive guided touring experiences with fine dining, excellent service, luxury accommodation and breath-taking coastal views on Kangaroo Island, Australia’s very own Galapagos.
With completely uninterrupted views of Uluru (Ayers Rock), this luxury basecamp in the desert offers immersive experiences in Australia’s spiritual heartland.
location: On Kangaroo Island in South Australia. Take the 25-minute flight from Adelaide to Kingscote or, if travelling by car, the 45-minute ferry crossing from Jervis Bay.
Features: A stay at Southern Ocean Lodge enables you to relax in pure luxury but also immerse yourself in the natural wonders of Kangaroo Island through a carefully crafted itinerary of daily experiences. Wonders of KI will give you a spectacular introduction to the wildlife and coastal landscape of the island. You’ll walk amongst the Australian sea lions at Seal Bay and learn more of the early settlers on the island as you enjoy sundowners and canapes amidst kangaroos and wallabies in their natural habitat. The restaurant serves a daily changing menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner and the Southern Spa is a tranquil oasis just a short stroll along the boardwalk from the lodge. All meals, beverages, signature guided experiences and island airport transfers are included. Further bespoke experiences are available at an additional cost.
Accommodation: All 21 suites at Southern Ocean Lodge have panoramic Southern Ocean views through floor to ceiling windows, king or twin beds, sunken lounge area, outdoor terrace area and beautiful bathrooms, most with freestanding bath tubs. Don’t expect a TV in your suite but with the incredible views to gaze at, why would you want one!
location: In the desert overlooking Uluru in the Northern Territory. Longitude 131° sits well away from Ayers Rock Resort, on its own where exclusivity and solitude are guaranteed. Features: Your luxury wilderness stay includes a touring program designed exclusively for guests. Sunset and sunrise tours will enable you to explore the geology and customs of the region and you’ll also have opportunity to experience Bruce Munro’s acclaimed solar installation Field of Light, which is in situ until 2020. The Dune House is the central hub of the lodge, the daily changing menu is aligned with the indigenous seasons and an open bar available throughout the day. Table 131° enables you to dine under the sparkling night sky, accompanied by the haunting sounds of the digeridoo before the resident astronomer recounts stories of the southern constellations. Longitude 131° also offers an outdoor swimming pool and spa. Accommodation: 15 luxury tent-style pavilions are designed in the spirit of the early pioneers and furnished with original artefacts and they all boast unrivalled views of Uluru from the end of the bed. The expansive terrace complete with arm chairs and a fireplace is the perfect place to marvel at the desert-scape around you. Room Choices: Luxury Tents, Dune Pavilion.
Room Choices: The Flinders Suite, Ocean Retreat, Ocean Premium (2 bedroom), Remarkable Suite and Osprey Pavilion.
what’s included
what’s included
• On island airport transfers • A la carte meals - breakfast, lunch and dinner daily • All alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages (excluding cellar masters list) • Complimentary in suite bar • Signature guided experiences which include: Coastal Cliff Top Walk; Island Heritage Talk; Kanagas and Kanapes; Wonders of KI 1/2 day tour and Seal Bay Tour • Access to the exclusive Southern Ocean Lodge departure lounge at Kangaroo Island Airport.
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• Return airport transfers • All meals including breakfast, lunch and dinner • Table 131° dining experience • Open bar with premium wines and spirits (excludes cellar masters list) • Complimentary in suite bar • Signature experiences including: Uluru Sunset; Field of Light; Walpa Gorge & Kata Tjuta; Mala Walk & Kantju Gorge and Mutitjulu Meander
PEACE OF MIND: ALL OF OUR HOLIDAYS ARE 100% ATOL PROTECTED
Places to Stay - Luxury Lodges of Australia
Silky Oaks Lodge
Capella Lodge
Silky Oaks Lodge HHHH½
Capella Lodge HHHHH
Sitting on the edge of one of the oldest rainforests on the planet and overlooking the Mossman River, Silky Oaks Lodge offers total immersion into your surroundings, where the sights and sounds of nature are all around you.
Capella Lodge is one of Australia’s Luxury Lodges and one of National Geographic’s Unique Lodges of the World, a stay here will show you just why.
location: Just 20 minutes north of Port Douglas in Tropical North Queensland, on the edge of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Daintree National Park.
Features: The open-sided Treehouse Restaurant is suspended above the Mossman River with forest views, there’s a lagoon style swimming pool, canoes, kayaks, snorkels and bikes available for complimentary use plus hiking trails and yoga by the river. The Healing Waters Spa has seven treatment rooms and uses all Australian spa products. There’s also a daily shuttle service to Port Douglas. Accommodation: 40 treehouses put you cheek-to-cheek with the rainforest and use natural timbers such as silky oak and rosewood. All rooms have private verandas, ceiling fans and air-conditioning. Daintree and Garden Treehouses are closer to the main lodge, the Deluxe and River Treehouses are more elevated with a higher degree of privacy. Room Choices: Daintree Treehouse, Garden Treehouse, Deluxe Treehouse, River Treehouse (photo), Lodge Suite and Billabong Suite.
The Lake House HHHHH The Lake House is well-known throughout Australia for its highly-regarded restaurant and approach to regional and local produce but a stay here is so much more than just a place to eat.
location: Capella Lodge overlooks Lovers Bay on Lord Howe island, which is a two-hour flight from Sydney or Brisbane. The island is a kaleidoscope of colours from the green of the rainforest and the turquoise hues of the lagoon to the fringing white sand beaches. It stretches 7 miles from end to end and is less than 2 miles wide, two-thirds of the island is national park and UNESCO declared it a World Heritage site in 1988. Visitor numbers are restricted to no more than 400 at any one time and it’s regarded as one of the finest birding sites in Australia. Features: The beach-house style restaurant and bar overlook the lagoon and mountains and serves breakfast and dinner, with the latter showcasing a pacific-themed menu. These are included in the rates as are sundowners and selected premium wines from the open bar each evening, all non-alcoholic beverages and your in-suite bar. There are no rental cars on the island but the lodge has a fleet of mountain bikes, kayaks and canoes available as well as snorkelling equipment, there are also numerous hiking trails to explore. Accommodation: Capella has just nine suites which take their inspiration from the island’s pristine natural environment, expect polished timber floors and a calming, marine colour scheme making for a tranquil place to relax. All suites have private outside deck space with lounging furniture and two of them have private plunge pools. Room Choices: Capella Suite, Lagoon Loft, Catalina Suite, Makambo Loft and the Lidgbird Pavilion.
location: Daylesford is around a 90-minute drive from Melbourne and the lodge sits in six acres on the shores of Lake Daylesford, guests also have direct access to the Wombat State Forest. The area is famed for its thermal hot springs and one bubbles right on the doorstep of the Lake House. Features: The restaurant is second to none with a strong focus on seasonal, local and regional produce and dinner must be included on one night of your stay. The Argyle Library Bar is a lovely spot for pre-dinner drinks as are the expansive outdoor terraces, which overlook the established gardens. There’s a tennis court, sauna and The Salus Spa. Art work by co-owner and resident artist Allan Wolf-Tasker hang throughout the property. Accommodation: 35 rooms and suites have a lodge or waterfront setting with plush interiors and outdoor lounge areas. Room Choices: Lodge Studio, Waterfront Room, Lodge Suite and Waterfront Suites.
Call or ask your agent to call on 01425 484044
The Lake House
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great barrier reef islands Hamilton Island Part of the Whitsunday Islands on the Great Barrier Reef, Hamilton Island offers a great choice of accommodation. Surrounded by white sand beaches and an abundance of coral and marine life there’s also a multitude of activities to enjoy.
location: Hamilton Island is accessed via its own airport with direct flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Cairns. You can also arrive from the mainland by ferry from Airlie Beach and Shute Harbour.
Features: The island offers a wide range of eating options which range from casual cafes to renowned fine dining; there are boutiques and gift stores, an 18-hole island golf course and at the sports hut on Catseye beach you’ll find a plenty of water sports equipment available for hire, everything non-motorised is complimentary. Excursions from Hamilton Island include Great Barrier Reef cruises, snorkelling and diving tours, helicopter flights over the reef and even the Reefsleep experience. Whitehaven Beach is one of the most popular experiences available and is just 30 minutes from Hamilton Island. The island is car free so you can use the island shuttle service, explore on foot or, hire a buggy.
location: Hamilton Island is accessed via its own airport with direct flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Cairns. You can also arrive from the mainland by ferry from Airlie Beach and Shute Harbour. Features: The island offers a wide range of eating options which range from casual cafes to renowned fine dining; there are boutiques and gift stores, an 18-hole island golf course and at the sports hut on Catseye beach you’ll find a plenty of water sports equipment available for hire, everything non-motorised is complimentary. Excursions from Hamilton Island include Great Barrier Reef cruises, snorkelling and diving tours, helicopter flights over the reef and even the Reefsleep experience. Whitehaven Beach is one of the most popular experiences available and is just 30 minutes from Hamilton Island. The island is car free so you can use the island shuttle service, explore on foot or, hire a buggy. qualia
The Beach Club HHHH½
qualia HHHHH
Is the island’s 57 room, adults only retreat with a beachfront location, overlooking the Coral Sea. The restaurant offers secluded beachside dining and the infinity edge pool is also on the beach.
qualia is Hamilton Island’s luxury lodge and it sits in its own private enclave on the northern tip of the island. Designed for total relaxation, qualia is a secluded, tropical haven overlooking the Coral Sea.
The Reef View Hotel HHHH
location: Tucked away on the northern tip of Hamilton Island you’ll enjoy private VIP transfers on arrival and have your own buggy available to use for the duration of your stay, should you choose to leave the delights of qualia and explore.
Has 363 rooms with Garden or Coral Sea views, all with spacious balconies and the hotel is located opposite Catseye beach.
Hamilton Island holidays homes HHH - HHHHH
Self-contained, scattered across the island and range from one-bedroom apartments to spacious five-bedroom homes. With the exception of the Whitsunday Holiday Apartments all Hamilton Island holiday homes come with a four-seater buggy.
Features: The Long Pavilion is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner using the freshest ingredients and influences from the South Pacific. Pebble Beach is a beachside restaurant which opens for lunch and then by night transforms into qualia’s signature restaurant. Wine by the glass or bottle are served at the guestonly Long Pavilion and Pebble Beach bars. Spa qualia is a blissful sanctuary and the perfect spot to unwind. qualia also offers a menu of signature experiences which have been curated and operate specifically for qualia guests. These might include epicurean food experiences, personal beach drop offs and sunset cruises. Accommodation: 60 individual pavilions are tucked into the natural environment and blend perfectly with their surroundings. The tropical island style encompasses cool, timber floors, stylish décor and private, shady sundecks. Leeward Pavilions offer a mix of island and ocean views whilst Windward Pavilions boast infinity edge plunge pools and panoramas of the Whitsunday Islands and the Coral Sea. Room Choices: Leeward Pavilions, Windward Pavilions and the Beach House.
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Places to Stay - Great Barrier Reef Islands
Hayman Island by Intercontinental
Hayman Island by Intercontinental HHHHH Re-opening in July 2019 following substantial refurbishment, Hayman Island is a spectacular island resort in the heart of the Whitsunday’s.
location: Located at the northernmost point of the Whitsunday Islands, Hayman is the nearest Whitsunday island to the outer reef and the resort sits on a two-kilometre crescent of white sand. Flights arrive onto nearby Hamilton Island from where you join a luxury launch for the 55-minute journey to Hayman. Alternatively, you can cross to the island from Airlie Beach on the mainland, which takes an hour. Features: There will be five new restaurants and bars showcasing a variety of gastronomic styles against a rainforest and Coral Sea backdrop and the new beachfront pool club. The iconic Hayman pool remains with pool cabanas, private beach, a family friendly pool, rainforest lagoon, state of the art fitness centre, boutiques and health and wellness centre. The resort will also offer an exceptional day spa. When it comes to exploring, Hayman is the gateway to a wealth of reef experiences. From advanced underwater scooters to guided snorkelling and diving tours, to helicopter and seaplane safaris that will whisk you over Heart Reef to charters taking you to the turquoise swirls and squeaky white sand of Whitehaven Beach, the reef really is your oyster! Accommodation: 166 refurbished rooms, suites and villas will offer tropical garden sanctuaries and epic sea views. Lagoon Wing rooms are located on the eastern side of the resort and offer tropical views over the lily lagoon, these rooms are moments from the beach. Pool Wing rooms look out over the Coral Sea or have direct swim-out access. The Beach Front rooms are Hayman’s most spectacular sanctuaries, set directly on the beach.
Lizard Island
Lizard Island HHHHH Lizard offers peaceful solitude at the northern most end of the Great Barrier Reef and your journey there is all part of the experience. On arrival you’ll find yourself on a natural and wild tropical island, encircled by pristine coral reef and the whitest of powder soft beaches.
location: An hour-long scenic flight north from Cairns over the Great Barrier Reef brings you to Lizard Island, where you can explore the incredible reef marine life straight from the beach. No lengthy boat rides needed here! Features: Saltwater Restaurant enables you to enjoy 180° ocean views over breakfast, lunch and dinner. At Driftwood Bar relax and enjoy a cocktail as you watch the sun setting over the ocean. A visit to the Marlin Bar will take you back in time. The bar is almost untouched from its original, rustic style and has been charming seafarers and guests since the 1970’s. Two private beach pavilions are available for degustation dining and with 24 private beaches to choose from heading off in your personal dinghy with a beach picnic is a popular pastime. Guided and self-guided activities on the island include snorkelling, diving, paddle boarding, glass bottom kayaking and hiking plus morning yoga on the beach and a relaxing day spa. Accommodation: Just 40 rooms and suites which are beach-house style, understated and supremely comfortable. Choose from accommodation set the in the lush gardens or overlooking Anchor Bay, or high on the point for panoramic vistas. Rates include all meals, unlimited non-alcoholic beverages, a selection of wine, beer spirits and sparkling wine, in room mini bar (restocked daily), picnic hampers and non-motorised water sports. Room Choices: Garden View, Ocean View, Beachfront, The Pavilion and The Villa.
Room Choices: Lagoon Wing, Pool Wing and Beach Wing.
Call or ask your agent to call on 01425 484044
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Places to Stay - Beach Hotels
The Byron at Byron
Thala Beach Nature Reserve
The Byron at Byron HHHH½ Sharing a beautiful rainforest with iridescent butterflies and brilliantly coloured birds, the Byron at Byron is a tranquil place to stay, just a gentle meander from the untamed, rolling surf of Tallow Beach.
location: Peacefully located a few minutes’ drive from the centre of town, the Byron at Byron offers the best of both worlds with easy access to excellent cafes, restaurant and boutiques of Byron Bay combined with a restful place to retreat to. A complimentary shuttle runs into Byron Bay three times a day. Features: The restaurant celebrates local produce, the changing seasons and showcases a menu which takes its influences from Asia and modern Australia. With the inside-outside dining space eating here is a pleasure. Enjoy pre-dinner drinks on the expansive deck overlooking the infinity pool with the tangle of rainforest as your backdrop. You can hire bikes for exploring, join a chef on the farmers market tour or find your inner zen with a complimentary yoga session…very Byron! There is also a wonderful day spa and tennis courts and a network of wooden boardwalks snake through the rainforest. Accommodation: 92 suites set along boardwalks through the rainforest. In harmony with its pristine surroundings rooms are air and fan cooled with screened windows allowing the natural sea breezes to flow rather than air-conditioning. All have separate lounge and dining area, enclosed balconies and fully equipped kitchens. Deluxe Spa suites have a spa bath and are located closer to the beach. Room Choices: Standard, Superior and Deluxe Spa suites.
Thala Beach Nature Reserve HHHH½ Although the name states ‘nature reserve’ don’t be fooled, this is also a luxury retreat perched high on a secluded peninsula, overlooking a private beach.
location: Thala is a 40-minute drive north from Cairns and a 10-minute drive south from Port Douglas. The private headland ensures far-reaching views of the tropical wetlands and with two of earth’s greatest natural wonders close by; the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest, there is no shortage of activities to enjoy.
Features: Osprey’s Restaurant sits in the tree canopy with open sides to the rainforest and panoramic coastal views and the Masked Plover Bar is open for refreshments throughout the day. There are two freeform swimming pools and a private beach. Ranger guided experiences include star gazing, nature, garden and bird and butterfly walks and talks from the local Kaku Yalangi people and these are all included in your stay. Other activities such as sea kayaking, spa treatments and local tours are also available (charges apply). Accommodation: 83 timber bungalows are set amidst the rainforest with bush or ocean views. All have spacious wooden decks with outdoor furniture, comfy beds and air conditioning, although windows have louvre shutters and screens if you prefer the cooling, natural breezes. The natural landscape means that some of the bungalows are in elevated positions, however you can always call for a golf buggy to pick you up. Room Choices: Jungle Walk, Eucalypt (photo), Coral Sea Bungalows and the Sandpiper Suite.
Peninsula Boutique Hotel HHHH This adult only retreat overlooks the golden sands of Four Mile Beach and offers a very personal and comfortable stay, beachside in Port Douglas.
location: Port Douglas has grown from its early days as a quiet fishing village, to a cosmopolitan, vibrant beachside town 50 minutes north of Cairns along the Captain Cook Highway (in our opinion one of the most scenic drives in Australia). The Peninsula Boutique Hotel sits 40m from Four Mile Beach and is just a 2-minute stroll from the heart of Port Douglas. Features: Hi Tide Café-Bar-Restaurant overlooks the beach and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner offering seasonal and regional dishes. There is also a multi-tiered heated swimming pool with cascading waterfalls and a jacuzzi spa, complimentary bicycle hire and portable chairs and umbrellas that you can take to the beach. Great Barrier Reef cruises leave from the port and Daintree Rainforest tours will collect you from the door. Accommodation: 34 one-bedroom suites offering oversize soaking bath tubs, discreet kitchenettes and private terrace or balcony. Choose from pool or ocean views. Room Choices: Pool View, Ocean View, Coral Spa and Peninsula Suites.
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Places to Stay - Vineyard Hotels
Spicers Vineyards Estate
Cape Lodge
Spicers Vineyards Estate HHHHH
Cape Lodge HHHHH
A beautiful retreat tucked amongst a patchwork of vineyards and natural bush. Spicers Vineyards Estate is the perfect base from which to explore the delights of the Hunter Valley.
Cape Lodge is the epitome of country estate charm and sits within its own vineyard in over 40 acres. Peace and tranquillity reigns, however the delights of the Margaret River are all around you.
location: Pokolbin is central to the Hunter Valley, one of New South Wales’ prime wine growing regions. The drive takes two hours from Sydney and can easily be incorporated into a self-drive to Brisbane or even just a road trip around New South Wales.
location: The Margaret River is a three-hour drive from Perth and a region which abounds with multi-award wining wineries, outstanding microbreweries, gourmet food producers and some of Australia’s finest beaches.
Features: Restaurant Botanica describes itself as modern Australian with a view - the menu is regionally distinctive and matched with wines from the Hunter. Botanica is open for breakfast daily and dinner Wednesday to Sunday. There’s an outdoor pool, garden chess and complimentary bicycle use along with the award-winning Spa Anise.
Accommodation: Just 13 suites offer an open plan living and sleeping area, spa bath and fire place in the lounge. Ground floor rooms open on to a shared, wrap around veranda whilst first floor rooms offer sweeping vineyard views. Luxury Spa Suites have a private courtyard or balcony. Room Choices: King Spa Suite and Luxury Spa Suite.
Abbotsford Country House HHHH½ Surrounded by the rolling hills and immaculate rows of vines, Abbotsford Country House sits in 50 acres and enjoys some of the best views in the Barossa Valley.
Features: The restaurant at Cape Lodge has long been regarded as one of Western Australia’s best culinary experiences and you can expect classical dishes with a French influence, showcasing the excellent local produce and abundant seafood. There’s also a more casual menu available which can be enjoyed in the bar or in the comfort of your room. Cape Lodge maintains its own 8-acre vineyard producing Shiraz and Sauvignon Blanc for guests to enjoy. There are cooking classes and demonstrations and a range of experiences available including art tours, whale watching (July to November), horse riding and wine tastings. Accommodation: 22 comfortable rooms and suites are spread throughout the grounds, in-room amenities and the complimentary mini bar come courtesy of local providers. Lodge rooms are located in the main lodge building, garden rooms have a traditional country feel with high ceilings whilst the lakeside rooms overlook the lake and surrounding woodland. Rates include breakfast, afternoon tea and pre-dinner aperitifs. Room Choices: Lodge Queen, Lodge King, Lodge Deluxe, Garden View, Garden View Deluxe and Lakeside.
location: The Barossa Valley is regarded as one of the finest wine regions in Australia, if not the world, and is just an hour and a half drive from Adelaide. It definitely deserves a night or two of your time. Features: This beautiful guest house reflects a traditional Australian style and after a day exploring you can enjoy a glass of wine on the veranda of the main homestead. Your hosts Jane and Julian Maul have an extensive knowledge of the Barossa and can ensure you make the most of your time here with recommendations for cellar doors, foodie outlets and their favourite spots for dinner Accommodation: The 8 suites are blissfully quiet with sunken garden views or panoramic valley and vineyard views. Each suite is named after a family from the South Barossa and tastefully furnished with antiques and collectables. Room Choices: Deluxe Suites and Super Deluxe Suites.
Call or ask your agent to call on 01425 484044
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Explore More
Australia is a beautiful and diverse continent and there are many ways to discover its umpteen attractions and natural wonders. For total immersion joining one of the Great Walks of Australia takes some beating. These offer the opportunity to explore, on foot some of the country’s most astonishing landscapes. For wildlife lovers the native wildlife encounters that can be enjoyed are equally remarkable. With whale watching out of Sydney Harbour and swimming with sea lions on the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia to reptile encounters in the Outback and spotting koalas along the Great Ocean Road amongst the options available. When it comes to getting around it couldn’t be easier, there are car rental depots at every major airport and if you want to travel at an easy pace, without unpacking every time you arrive somewhere new then hiring a motorhome is a great option. Additionally, there are two iconic rail journey’s which offer an enjoyable and relaxing way to see the country. The Ghan travels between Darwin and Adelaide, via Alice Springs whilst the Indian Pacific goes from Sydney to Perth. Brand new for 2019 a third multi-day, experience-led rail journey will become available. The Great Southern will operate between Adelaide and Brisbane with off-train excursions in the Grampians and Hunter Valley promised.
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Great Walks of Australia The Great Walks of Australia highlight the very best of Australia’s walking experiences and offer a diverse collection across the continent. Covering some of Australia’s most iconic landscapes you’ll find a sense of adventure in the coastal, wilderness and outback trails combined with expert guides, gourmet food and wine, and a very comfortable place to lay your head. There are twelve walks currently, four of our favourites are shown below. We have details of the others too.
location: Hamilton Island is accessed via its own airport with direct flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Cairns. You can also arrive from the mainland by ferry from Airlie Beach and Shute Harbour. Features: The island offers a wide range of eating options which range from casual cafes to renowned fine dining; there are boutiques and gift stores, an 18-hole island golf course and at the sports hut on Catseye beach you’ll find a plenty of water sports equipment available for hire, everything non-motorised is complimentary. Excursions from Hamilton Island include Great Barrier Reef cruises, snorkelling and diving tours, helicopter flights over the reef and even the Reefsleep experience. Whitehaven Beach is one of the most popular experiences available and is just 30 minutes from Hamilton Island. The island is car free so you can use the island shuttle service, explore on foot or, hire a buggy. Tourism Australia
Bay of Fires - 4 Days
Twelve Apostles - 4 Days
In the north-eastern corner of Tasmania lies a magnificent coastline known as Bay of Fires. Walking in a group of no more than 10 and led by an expert guide, this walk takes in glorious, deserted beaches and a pristine landscape teeming with flora and fauna. You’ll encounter native wildlife and awe-inspiring coastal scenery and have a day to choose your own adventure. One night is spent at Foresters Camp, tucked into the dunes of a beautiful, white sand beach and two nights at the multi-award-winning Bay of Fires Lodge.
Returning to the Twelve Apostles Lodge each evening, this lodge-based walk is the perfect way to explore the shipwreck coastline and accesses areas that are off the beaten track to other travellers. The trail has an abundance of native wildlife including wallabies, koalas, fur seals and birds and you’ll be immersed in the stories of how the shipwreck coast got its name. The Southern Ocean will be your constant companion for the duration of the walk, you’ll be able to walk barefoot on the sand, stand on the edge of wild, weathered headlands and enjoy a scenic helicopter flight over the 12 Apostles, on the final day of your walk. Walking from of Twelve Apostles Lodge means you stay in eco-luxe villas with private ensuite bathrooms and fabulous food. Everything on this walk is taken care of, all you need to do is put one foot in front of the other.
From £1525 per person including twin share accommodation, all meals, nonalcoholic beverages and a selection of Tasmanian wines and transfers from Launceston.
Arkaba - 4 Days This wilderness walk will take you through 600-million years of geological time travel across the Flinders Ranges in South Australia. You’ll see red and western grey kangaroos and emus, often in large numbers, and be surrounded by an ancient, quintessentially outback landscape enabling you appreciate the true scale and space of the land. At the end of each day you are greeted by a camp set up in advance, a delicious meal and your star bed set on a raised swag deck for sleeping under the night stars (there is a sheltered area in the event of wind or rain). Your final night is spent in the comfort of the Arkaba Homestead. From £1731 per person including 2 nights camping in a deluxe swag, 1 night in the Arkaba Homestead, all meals, drinks, guide and support vehicle to transport luggage. Transfers from Adelaide are available.
Call or ask your agent to call on 01425 484044
From £1310 per person including 3 nights in the Twelve Apostles Lodge, all meals, drinks, guides, scenic helicopter flight and transfers from Melbourne.
Margaret River Cape to Cape - 4 Days This fully guided walk combines the best walking on the Cape to Cape track with memorable food and wine and luxury accommodation. You’ll swim in secluded rock pools, walk through towering karri forest, across rugged limestone cliff tops and over glistening white sand beaches. The lodge-based walk returns each evening to Injidup Spa Retreat, a coastal retreat with ocean views, private plunge pools and an on-site day spa. From £1713 per person including 3 nights in the Injidup Spa Retreat, all meals, feature dining experience, drinks, guides and transfers from Perth.
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Australian Wildlife Adventures
Echidna Walkabout Nature Tours
Exmouth Dive and Whalesharks Ningaloo
Australia boasts some truly remarkable and indeed unique wildlife and no visit is complete without some form of wildlife encounter. From birdwatching and crocodile spotting in the Kakadu National Park, to swimming with whale sharks on Ningaloo Reef. Walking amongst sealions and finding koalas lazing in trees on Kangaroo Island or heading out on a dusk patrol in Tasmania to seek out the elusive Tasmanian Devil. Below is just a tiny example of the experiences we can plan for you, these can be anything from a half day whale watching cruise to a week long, fully guided birding tour.
Cape Tribulation and Daintree Reef & Rainforest Experience - 2 days Concentrating on the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area north of Cairns, this private tour immerses you in an incredibly high diversity of rainforest, birdlife and mammals. Sightings might include the spectacled flying-fox, northern longnosed bandicoot and tree kangaroos, and with nearly 400 species of birds, this is a birdwatching paradise. Day one is spent within the rainforest environs and includes a river drift snorkel and nocturnal walks. Day two takes you out for a morning on the Great Barrier Reef; you’ll visit Mackay and Undine Reef’s, wonderful snorkelling spots where you’ll swim over reefs teeming with vivid tropical fish, colourful starfish, giant clams and alongside majestic sea turtles. After lunch it’s on to Cape Tribulation to explore on foot. Day two ends with a memorable afternoon and sunset cruise on the Daintree River where you can observe some of the most primitive animal and plant life in the world. From £1298 per person based on twin share including 1 night’s accommodation all meals and guided touring.
East Gippsland Wildlife Journey - 4 days This small group wildlife safari departs from Melbourne and explores East Gippsland, a coastal wilderness famed for its forest wildlife. You’ll see some of the shy forest dwellers including koalas, wombats, swamp wallabies and a wonderful array of birdlife. Along the coast you’ll find white bellied sea eagles, Australian fur seals, pelicans and cormorants plus much more. For those in search of Australia’s iconic wildlife Eastern grey kangaroos and red necked wallabies are frequent inhabitants of this region too. On the third day of this safari there is the opportunity to assist with the removal of ghost net from the beach at Cape Conran or a beach clean-up. You’ll travel with a highly experienced naturalist guide and spend 3 nights in comfortable owner-operated accommodation.
Swimming with Whale Sharks - 1 day Between the end of March and August each year, the World Heritage Listed Ningaloo Reef Marine Park, which stretches along the north western coastline of Australia for over 161 miles, plays hosts to the world’s largest fish; the majestic whale shark. But that’s not all, because between May and November the reef also becomes a ‘whale highway’ as the largest migration of humpback whales on the planet passes through. Your whale shark experience starts as you board your vessel and head out to the reef. Light aircraft fly overhead locating the whales so you have the best opportunity of swimming with them. During the outward sail there will be a full briefing by the crew and the on-board marine biologist will answer any questions you have about these gentle giants. In this marine rich environment, there’s also a chance you’ll encounter bottlenose and Australian humpback dolphins and those with a keen eye might also spot dugongs as they surface for air. From £245 including Exmouth hotel pick up, buffet lunch, refreshments and snorkelling
Kangaroo Island in Style - 2 days When it comes to wildlife Kangaroo Island definitely has more than its fair share. Often referred to as Australia’s ‘Galapagos’ the natural habitat provides a rich haven for wildlife, some of which can’t be found anywhere else on the globe. This two-day experience will showcase not only the island’s incredible wildlife but also its dramatic coastline and marine inhabitants. Expect to see koalas, wallabies, kangaroos, echidnas and a diverse array of birdlife. Day one of the tour focuses on the Flinders Chase National Park home to Remarkable Rocks, an extraordinary granite formation naturally sculpted by the wind over millennia. Admirals Arch is the local hangout for long nosed fur seals and Australian fur seals. On day two you’ll visit the central Cygnet Valley and then south to Seal Bay where you’ll walk through the sand dunes amongst Australian sealions. From £976 per person based on twin share, including 1 night’s accommodation, all guided touring, meals and return flights from Adelaide.
From £1182 per person, twin share including 3 nights accommodation, all meals, expert wildlife guiding and all transport.
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Australia by Rail
There’s no getting away from the fact that Australia is a big country and people hop on planes like we jump on buses. There are however, two iconic rail journeys, which traverse the entire length and breadth of the country.
The Ghan Retracing the footsteps of the Afghan camel traders from whence it got its name, The Ghan travels between the South Australian city of Adelaide and the Tropical Top End capital of Darwin, via Alice Springs, through the very heart of Australia. This epic train is a kilometre in length and there are off train excursions included in Alice Springs and Katherine plus, depending on your direction of travel, outback experiences in Marla and Manguri.
departures: Darwin to Adelaide: Wednesday (November 2019 & February 2020) Arrives/departs Alice Springs - Thursday Arrives Adelaide - Friday Adelaide to Darwin:
Sunday (April 2019- March 2020) Arrives/departs Alice Springs - Monday Arrives Darwin - Tuesday Wednesday (June - August 2019) Arrives/departs Alice Springs - Thursday Arrives Darwin - Friday
The Ghan Expedition This 4 day/3 night journey starts in Darwin and includes off train experiences in Katherine, Alice Springs and Coober Pedy, as it heads south to Adelaide.
departures: Wednesday (April - October 2019 & March 2020) Saturday (June - August 2019)
The Indian Pacific This trans-continental journey travels between Sydney on the Pacific Ocean and Perth on the Indian Ocean, via Adelaide, a distance of over 2700 miles. The Indian Pacific has been crossing the country for almost 50 years and this is a truly memorable way to see Australia. Depending on your direction of travel and departure points there are off train excursions in Broken Hill, Adelaide, Cook and Kalgoorlie.
departures: Sydney to Perth: Wednesday (April 2019 - March 2020) Arrives/departs Adelaide - Thursday Arrives Perth - Saturday Perth to Sydney: Sunday (April 2019 - March 2020) Arrives/departs Adelaide - Tuesday Arrives Sydney - Wednesday
On Board both trains Platinum Service This is the highest level of service aboard the trains. Spacious cabins are configured by day as a private lounge with panoramic windows, comfortable seating, table and ottomans. By night the lounges convert to double or twin beds and you have a full size ensuite shower room. Continental breakfast can be enjoyed in your cabin as well as refreshments. The Platinum Club is where the included hearty breakfasts, 2-course lunches and 3-course evening meals, are served along with a complimentary range of beverages. Gold Service Gold service cabins are configured with a 3-seater lounge by day, which converts to upper and lower berths by night. Cabins have a private ensuite and the all-inclusive meals are served in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant. Australian wines, beers, a selection of spirts and non-alcoholic beverages are also included. Gold Superior cabins are available which have a little more space and give the option of a ž size double bed plus a fold down berth.
Call or ask your agent to call on 01425 484044
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Coral Expedition Cruising Explore Australia’s remote and rugged coastline or the astonishing marine world of the Great Barrier Reef in comfort on a small ship, expedition cruise. This is not the world of vast cruise liners with on-board casinos, nightclubs and large numbers of people but rather a journey through some of the oldest and remotest places in Australia, on a vessel purpose built for discovery.
The Fleet Coral Adventurer
Coral Expeditions I
Coral Adventurer is the newest vessel in the fleet and has been designed with a shallow draft enabling even greater access to remote areas. On board you’ll find Xplorer tenders for easy shore excursions, zodiacs for more intrepid journeys, lecture lounge and library. Wrap around decks give panoramic vantage points and the indoor and outdoor bars offer spectacular views for sundowners. There are just 60 cabins on board, all with ensuite facilities and many with balconies. The Coral Adventurer will operate a number of the Kimberley cruises as well as spending time in Papua New Guinea.
Accommodating just 46 guests, Coral Expeditions I is a twin-hulled, boutique catamaran fully equipped for sailing in Australian waters. She was purpose built and is the perfect size to access the best parts of the Kimberley, Cape York and Arnhem Land and the Great Barrier Reef. On board you’ll find 21 cabins and staterooms with twin or double beds, ensuite bathroom and air conditioning. The forward lounge houses a library whilst the rear sun deck and bar is the perfect spot to relax.
Coral Discoverer Coral Discoverer was purpose built with a single aim in mind, to create the ultimate small ship cruising experience. She underwent a significant upgrade in 2016 and carries 72 passengers in total comfort with five grades of cabin and staterooms to choose from. On board facilities include a spacious dining room, lounge, sun deck with sun loungers and the Explorer Bar, plus a reference library. Itineraries include Tasmania and the Kimberley.
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Coral Expeditions II Coral Expeditions II is the ideal small ship for exploring the Great Barrier Reef, whilst extremely well equipped she is also small enough to allow snorkelling directly from the boat. This vessel was built specifically for Great Barrier Reef cruising and offers 21 cabins with a nautical theme. All have ensuite facilities, twin or double beds and large panoramic windows. As with Coral Expeditions I there is a comprehensive reference library, lounge and rear sundeck. On board there are kayaks and a glass bottom boat as well as a Scuba diving department.
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Cruising
Destinations Great Barrier Reef Coral Expeditions were pioneers in overnight cruises to the Great Barrier Reef more than 30 years ago so know the region better than most. Sailing from Cairns you can choose from 3, 4 and 7 night expeditions. Itineraries head out to the pristine outer reef and include exclusive mooring locations. You’ll be travelling with a marine biologist but also with a company who live and breathe the reef. Coral Expeditions is a member of Eco Tourism Australia as well as an accredited ecotourism operator and they put the long term conservation of the Great Barrier Reef at the forefront of everything they do. 3 night cruise from £1075 per person, twin share.
The Kimberley The Kimberley is regarded as one of the world’s last wilderness frontiers and expedition cruising is one of the best ways to explore, enabling access to incredible places otherwise unreachable. Home to just 30,000 people yet covering an area of more that 400,000 square kilometres, the Kimberley is an ancient landscape of towering cliffs, gorges and plunging waterfalls as well as wide, savannah plains and rock art dating back 40,000 years. The cruising season up here runs from April to September and Coral Expeditions offer departures from both Broome and Darwin. 10 night cruise from £5188 per person, twin share.
Tasmania Australia’s island state is heaven-sent for expedition cruises, which showcase Tasmania’s wild, natural beauty and remarkable convict history. Highlights of a Tasmanian expedition cruise include Port Davey and Bathurst Harbour, part of the Tasmanian Wilderness Wild Heritage Area, a pristine and untouched wilderness usually only accessible by charter flight or a 7 day hike. Bruny Island, Freycinet National Park and Wineglass Bay, as well as the Tasman National Park, Maria Island and the UNESCO World Heritage Listed penal colony of Port Arthur are all visited. 7 night cruise from £3186 per person, twin share.
Call or ask your agent to call on 01425 484044
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Motor Homes
A motorhome or campervan is the ideal way to explore some of Australia’s wide-open landscapes. You can travel at a pace dictated by you, change your route as often as you choose and with all the creature comforts needed to hand there’s no need to unpack at each new destination.
Maui cascade day plan
Camping is a very ‘Australian’ thing to do and the country is well served with numerous campsites in some fabulous locations, with fees based on the services and facilities available. National Park campsites are state-run and facilities tend to be more basic, however the fees reflect this.
Freedom Camping It is possible to free camp in Australia however you may only do so in fully selfcontained vehicles and on land that permits it.
Maui cascade night plan
Depots Adelaide | Alice Springs | Broome | Brisbane | Cairns | Darwin Hobart | Melbourne | Perth | Sydney There is a wide choice of vehicles to choose from which sleep between 2-6 people. Speak to one of our specialists about the motorhome which best suits your needs.
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Car Rental
Australia is a joy to explore at your own pace, in urban areas roads are wellmaintained and they drive on left! We have a selection of pre-planned self-drive itineraries suggested for you (see pages 13-17) choose one of these, or use them as inspiration and allow us to tailor-make a holiday just for you.
We work with a number of car rental companies offering a wide selection of vehicles, most of which are automatic. The car we include in our fly-drives is intermediate (C) and fully inclusive of all pre-payable charges and GPS. Upgrades are available.
All of the fly-drive holidays we show include arrival transfers as we would not recommend collecting a car immediately after your international flight.
Below is a selection of vehicles available however please speak to our specialist about your specific requirements.
C - Toyota Corolla
D - Toyota Corolla Sedan
E - Toyota Camry
F - Commodore RS Wagon
h - Toyota Kluger
P - Holden Commodore ZB RS
Call or ask your agent to call on 01425 484044
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38 NEW ZEALANd
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Volcanoes & Vines page 46
Bay of Islands
Discover New Zealand’s volcanic landscape and fertile wine regions.
Paihia Whangarei
Auckland
Coromandel
B AY O F PLENTY Tauranga
Escorted Touring
Rotorua
page 55
Sit back and relax as you enjoy an escorted tour through New Zealand.
Taupo
New Plymouth
NORT H ISL A ND
Napier
coo k strait
Picton Blenheim Greymouth
SOUT H ISLA ND
Masterton Martinborough
Wellington
Kaikoura
Classic New Zealand page 42-43
A 15 day fly-drive. Our quintessential introduction to New Zealand.
Franz Josef Fox Glacier Mount Cook
Christchurch
Haast Omarama
Milford Sound
Queenstown
C ante r b u ry strait
Te Anau
Dunedin
New Zealand Lodges page 51
An introduction to some of New Zealand’s finest lodges.
Stewart Island
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welcome to new zealand Legend says that New Zealand was hauled from the sea like a giant fish and a land was created of mountains, lakes and carved valleys. North Island Auckland, for many the first point of arrival, is a vibrant city on the shores of the Hauraki Gulf. Explore the islands of Waiheke and Rangitoto and the wild west coast beaches, just 30 minutes from the city. North from Auckland will bring you to Northland and the Bay of Islands. The west coast is rugged and dramatic, punctuated with vast kauri forests and wild beaches, the east is home to the Bay of Islands, a sailing paradise of stunning, natural beauty. This is also where you’ll find the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, telling the history of the Treaty of Waitangi, the founding document of New Zealand. On the Coromandel Peninsula, tucked away on the east coast, and a favoured haunt of New Zealanders discover a beautiful region of lush rainforest, stunning beaches and gold rush history. In Rotorua, New Zealand’s geothermal and cultural heartland, you can bathe in hot pools, enjoy a Maori Hangi feast and wander through an ever-shifting thermal landscape. For volcanic encounters head for the UNESCO World Heritage Tongariro National Park or visit White Island, New Zealand only active marine volcano. Hawkes Bay is filled with art deco architecture and some of the county’s best vineyards and last but by no means least, at the foot of North Island you’ll come to Wellington, the nation’s very cool, capital city. South Island The South Island offers truly cinema-worthy scenery. Nelson is highly regarded for its arts and crafts and the magnificent Abel Tasman National Park, a beachy paradise for walkers and kayakers. The tranquil waters of the Marlborough Sounds offer spectacular scenery and the region is also one of New Zealand’s premier wine producing spots. Continue east and you’ll come across a little place called Kaikoura, the best spot in New Zealand for whale watching, the town has a rich Maori culture too. Out on the west coast the landscape is wild and dramatic, with thick rainforest and ancient glaciers such as Franz Josef and Fox. Halfway down the east coast sits Christchurch, a charming city that is a master of re-imagination and re-invention. The South Island is dominated by the Southern Alps, giving rise to some remarkable scenery. You can drive across the mountain passes or hop on the TranzAlpine train and sit back and admire the view. In Central Otago you’ll find the alpine towns of Queenstown and Wanaka, surrounded by snowy peaks offering adrenalin-rush thrills, off the beaten track 4WD experiences and access to the Mt Aspiring National Park. When it comes to sheer majesty however the Fiordland National Park takes some beating. Milford and Doubtful Sound are must-see places on any visit to New Zealand. Tucked away off the bottom of the South Island is Stewart Island, its Maori translation is Rakiura meaning ‘the land of glowing skies’ which is quite apt, for the Aurora Australis is a frequent visitor to these southern skies. Over 85% of the island is national park making it a haven for hiking and birdwatching…here the brown kiwis outnumber humans and blue and rare yellow-eyed penguins waddle among the rocks.
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Fly-drive Tours
Classic New Zealand - 15 days Our introduction to New Zealand ticks all the boxes when it comes to Maori culture, natural wilderness and epic, cinema-worthy scenery. You’ll experience geothermal magic in Rotorua, taste world-class wine in Hawkes Bay and explore Wellington, regularly voted one of the world’s most liveable cities, before embarking on a journey through the dramatic wilderness of the South Island. Here vast glaciers, rugged mountains, deep lakes and ancient fiords make it feel like the scenery is on steroids.
Days 4-5 Hawkes Bay (219 kms): gourmet food and wine, Art
Day 1 auckland: you’ll be met on arrival at Auckland airport and
Day 6 Wellington (322 kms): this compact city has an
transferred to your hotel.
abundance of attractions, both historical and natural, plus an incredible array of dining options. Wellingtonians are also passionate about their coffee! Te Papa Tongarewa on Wellington’s waterfront is regarded as one of the finest interactive museums in the world. Your hotel: HHHH QT Wellington
Auckland, New Zealand’s ‘city of sails’ sits on the shores of the Hauraki Gulf and must-do experiences include a trip to Rangitoto, a dormant volcano that lies just off-shore, exploration of the West Coast beaches and taking the ferry across to Waiheke for a day of wine tasting. Your hotel: HHHH Heritage Auckland
Days 2-3 Rotorua (228 kms): Rotorua is your next port of call for 2 nights. Sitting within the Pacific Rim of Fire, steaming geysers bubble and spurt and natural hot springs abound. You’ll find a wealth of cultural experiences showcasing the spiritual Maori heritage and plenty of opportunities to explore the geothermal wonderland at places such as Wai-o-tapu Thermal Valley, Te Puia and Hells Gate Geothermal Park. Your hotel: HHHH Millennium Rotorua
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Deco architecture and sunshine are all things synonymous with Hawkes Bay. Along with being New Zealand’s Art Deco capital, Hawkes Bay is first stop on the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail and the region is known for its cabernet sauvignon, merlot and chardonnay’s. At Cape Kidnappers you’ll find the world’s largest mainland gannet colony. Your hotel: HHHH The Crown Hotel
Day 7 Christchurch: we’d recommend spending the morning in Wellington, before taking an afternoon flight (not included) to Christchurch. This vibrant city is where you’ll find impressive urban regeneration, innovation and state of the art architecture, whilst also staying true to its more traditional heritage. Your hotel: HHHH Distinction Christchurch
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Days 12-14 Queenstown (207 kms): the drive to Queenstown is nothing short of spectacular. The road follows the shores of Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea before winding over the Crown Ranges into Queenstown. Set against Lake Wakatipu, surrounded by a crown of snow-capped peaks, Queenstown is home to a plethora of outdoor activities. Alongside the usual high-octane suspects, you’ll find walking and cycling trails, 4WD tours through Lord of the Rings country, vineyards to explore and scenic flights. Queenstown is also a good base from which to visit the Fiordland National Park and we’ve included a day trip to Milford Sound with a nature cruise. Your hotel: HHHH QT Queenstown
Day 15 Departure
Days 8-9 Franz Josef (173 kms): today begins with a rail journey aboard the TranzAlpine, which crosses the country from east to west. Leaving the patchwork of the Canterbury Plains behind the train climbs through the snow-dusted peaks of the Southern Alps over a series of viaducts. From Arthurs Pass the train descends through native rainforest, passing the calm waters of Lake Brunner, before arrival in Greymouth. Here you’ll collect your rental car and drive south to Franz Josef for 2 nights. Explore the ancient glaciers of Franz Josef and Fox, which flow almost to sea level, with glacier landings, Heli hikes and scenic flights. Your hotel: HHHH Glenfern Villas Days 10-11 Haast (144 kms): before turning inland towards the Southern Lakes region you’ll spend two nights at Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki. Sitting within the Southwest New Zealand Heritage Area this a true paradise for lovers of nature and wilderness. Enjoy complimentary activities including guided rainforest walks, kayaking and glow worm tours and choose from a further range of guided half and full day experiences (charges apply). There are also plenty of options for exploring on your own. Your hotel: HHHH Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki (BD)
what’s included • Hotels as shown or similar, on a room only basis unless otherwise stated • Private arrival transfer in Auckland • Car rental • TranzAlpine rail journey • Milford Sound day trip with nature cruise from Queenstown
our prices From £2974 per person based on twin share Recommendation: Ask about upgrading your Milford Sound experience to return by scenic flight over the Southern Alps.
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Fly-drive Tours
North Island Highlights - 11 days New Zealand’s North Island is a rich landscape of active volcanoes, magnificent beaches, island sanctuaries and geothermal wonders.
Day 1 auckland: you’ll be met on arrival at Auckland airport and transferred to your hotel. Auckland boasts a wonderful waterfront where you’ll find a superb choice of bars and restaurants. In this urban environment you can be walking on stunning beaches, exploring dormant volcanoes and enjoying the boutique vineyards of a beautiful island all within 30 minutes of the city. Your hotel: HHHH Heritage Auckland
Day 2 Hokianga (237 kms): head north along the west coast to Waipouia, home to Tane Mahuta; ‘Lord of the Forest’, which is over 2,000 years old and still growing! Carry on to your overnight stop in Hokianga. Your hotel: HHHH Copthorne Hotel & Resort Hokianga
Days 3-4 Bay of Islands (75 kms) : crossing to the east coast you’ll find yourself amongst the beautiful beaches and calm waters of the Bay of Islands. Swim with dolphins and take to the water under sail then explore New Zealand’s history with a visit to the Waitangi Treaty House. Your hotel: HHHH The Waterfront Suites
Day 8 Lake Taupo (265 kms): Lake Taupo was created by a volcanic eruption more than 2000 years ago and is roughly the same size as Singapore! You can kayak or sail on the lake and admire the Maori rock carvings at Mine Bay, which can only be seen from the water. The Hidden Valley of Orakei Korako is a little off the beaten track, but worth the detour. Reached by a short ferry trip across Lake Ohakuri you’ll find yourself in one of the best thermal areas in New Zealand. Your hotel: HHHH Millennium Hotel Manuels Day 9 Martinborough (373 kms): the Wairarapa is a beautiful, rural region that’s home to some magnificent vineyards (over 20), many of which can be explored on foot, and the wild beaches of Cape Palliser. Your hotel: HHHH Peppers Parehua Martinborough (BB) Day 10 Wellington (81 kms): the final stop on your North Island journey is Wellington, New Zealand’s very cool little capital city. Your hotel: HHHH QT Wellington Day 11 Departure
Day 5 Auckland (228 kms): drive south to Auckland, spending the night in the lively, beachside suburb of Takapuna. Your hotel: HHHH The Spencer on Byron
Days 6-7 Coromandel (168 kms): leave Auckland crossing the harbour bridge and head for the Coromandel Peninsula. Long regarded as one New Zealand’s hidden wonders, the Coromandel is a natural wonderland with a rich gold mining heritage and acres of wilderness to explore. Wander along stunning beaches, dig your own spa pool on Hot Water Beach and enjoy a hike along one of the many walking trails. Your hotel: HHHH Kuaotunu Bay Lodge (BB)
what’s included • Hotels as shown or similar, on a room only basis unless otherwise stated • Private arrival transfer in Auckland • Car rental
our prices These fly-drives tours can be tailor-made to your own requirements.
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From £1409 per person based on twin share
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Fly-drive Tours
South Island Discovery - 11 days Bisected by the mountainous peaks of the Southern Alps, New Zealand’s South Island plays host to some of the finest natural landscapes you’ll find anywhere on the planet. From the sunshine-laden golden beaches of the Abel Tasman National Park, and the watery labyrinth of the Marlborough Sounds to the marine-rich waters off Kaikoura and alpine jewels of Queenstown, with plenty of time to explore along the way.
Days 1-2 Nelson (134 kms): on arrival in Picton (port or airport) you’ll collect your rental car and drive to Nelson. One of the country’s sunniest spots and home to some of New Zealand’s finest artists, this region is also known for its spectacular, natural landscapes including the jaw-dropping Abel Tasman National Park. Your hotel: HHHH Shelbourne Villa (BB)
Days 8-10 Queenstown: wind your way through the magnificent Lindis Pass towards Queenstown. The drive takes you through the vineyards of the Otago and past historic Arrowtown, which is well-worth a visit. Your time in Queenstown is free but high on our list of recommendations would be a visit to Doubtful Sound, a 4WD tour through Middle-earth, lunch and wine tasting at one of the award wining Central Otago wineries and a jet boat and kayak safari on the Dart River. Your hotel: HHHHH Azure Lodge (BB) Day 11 Departure
Days 3-4 Marlborough Sounds (115 kms): the Marlborough region is home to the beautiful Sounds, award winning wineries that you can explore by bicycle and numerous walking and hiking trails, including the Queen Charlotte Track. Your hotel: HHHH Marlborough Vintners Hotel
Day 5 Kaikoura (128 kms): from Blenheim you’ll follow State Highway 1 along the coast to Kaikoura for unforgettable marine experiences. We’ve included a whale watching trip but you can also take to the air for a birds-eye view. Your hotel: HHHHH Hapukua Lodge (BD)
Day 6 Christchurch (181 kms): this vibrant and energetic city is home to wonderful street art, cool café culture and state of the art architecture. Take time to explore the innovative regeneration. Your hotel: HHHHH The George Hotel
Day 7 Aoraki-Mount Cook (285 kms): the Aoraki Mount Cook National Park is home to New Zealand’s highest mountains, longest glaciers and much of it sits within the country’s only dark sky reserve. The drive from Christchurch takes you via Lake Tekapo and the Church of the Good Shepherd. Your hotel: HHHH Matuka Lodge (BB)
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what’s included • Hotels as shown or similar, on a room only basis unless otherwise stated • Car rental • Whale Watch Kaikoura
our prices From £2667 per person based on twin share Recommendation: From Queenstown travel south to Invercargill, jumping off point for Stewart Island. A bird-lovers paradise and one of the only places where you might be lucky enough to spot the brown kiwi in the wild. On Stewart Island they outnumber humans by 50 to 1.
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Fly-drive Tours
Volcanoes and Vines - 8 days New Zealand’s North Island is a wonderland of volcanic cones. From Rangitoto, lying in the Hauraki Gulf to Mount Ruapehu, Mount Ngauruhoe and Mount Tongariro which comprise the Tongariro National Park and last but not least, the perfectly formed peak of Mt Taranaki. In the Bay of Plenty you’ll find White Island, an active marine volcano. In contrast, the fertile soil and warm sunshine of Hawkes Bay and the Wairarapa makes for perfect grape growing conditions and consequently some of the country’s finest wines.
Days 1-2 Auckland: on arrival at Auckland airport enjoy a private transfer to your hotel. Rangitoto is Auckland’s youngest volcanic cone and there are actually 48 of them in Auckland alone! It’s easily reached by ferry if you want to go under your own steam but we’ve included a guided experience. The summit walk takes you through lava fields and the world’s largest pohutakawa forest, to the island peak for panoramic harbour and city views. Your hotel: HHHH Heritage Auckland
Days 6-7 Hawkes Bay (250 kms): many of Hawkes Bay’s 30-plus wineries and artisan producers can be explored on two wheels along the flat, easy riding trails, so you can leave the car behind. You can even arrange to have wine purchases delivered to your accommodation so you don’t have to carry them with you. Your hotel: HHHH The Crown Day 8 Martinborough (271 kms): the charming town of Martinborough is famed for its Pinot Noir and there are numerous vineyards within walking distance of the village square. Your hotel: HHHH Peppers Parehua (BB) Day 9 Departure
Day 3 Whakatane (296 kms): the active marine volcano of White Island lies just-off shore. Here you’ll be able to get up close to roaring steam vents, boiling hot volcanic streams and an incredible lake of steaming acid. We’ve included a guided experience by boat from Whakatane but helicopter tours are also available. Your hotel: HHH½ White Island Rendezvous
Days 4-5 Ruapehu (269 kms): presided over by three volcanoes, this is part of the Tongariro National Park World Heritage site, New Zealand’s first national park. The hiking in this region is nothing short of spectacular and we’ve included a half day volcanic explorer hike. But the real jewel in the Tongariro crown, is the Tongariro Alpine Crossing which quite rightly, is regarded as one of the finest one day walks, anywhere in the world. Your hotel: HHHH Chateau Tongariro
what’s included • Hotels as shown or similar, on a room only basis unless otherwise stated • Private arrival transfer in Auckland • Car rental • Guided tour to Rangitoto from Auckland • Guided tour to White Island from Whakatane • Half day guided Volcanic Explorer guided walk
our prices These fly-drives tours can be tailor-made to your own requirements.
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From £1377 per person based on twin share
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Fly-drive Tours
Southern Lakes Fly Drive - 10 days Sweeping landscapes, rare wildlife, wild coastline and an overnight cruise through a region carved by glaciers over 100,000 years. You’ll see fur seals, albatross and the endangered yellow-eyed penguin plus immerse yourself in the midst of ancient rainforest clinging to soaring mountains and shimmering lakes crowned by granite peaks.
Day 1 Christchurch: on arrival at Christchurch airport you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel. Christchurch is a city which has undergone a huge regeneration yet retains its traditional, heritage feel. You can explore by double decker bus, vintage bicycle or wander the city on foot. Your hotel: HHHHH The George Hotel
Days 2-3 Dunedin (362 kms): take the road south perhaps calling into the Steampunk HQ to see the eclectic exhibits of industrial steampunk in Oamaru. A stop at Koekohe Beach to see the Moeraki Boulders formed millions of years ago is also a must. Dunedin wears its Scottish heritage with pride and you’ll find an incredible line up of wildlife on its doorstep including the only place in the world where you can view Northern Royal Albatross in their natural habitat, from the mainland. Your hotel: HHHH Distinction Dunedin
Day 6 Doubtful Sound: you’ll depart for your overnight Doubtful Sound cruise from Manapouri, just a short drive from Te Anau. After a short cruise across Lake Manapouri you’ll cross the Wilmott Pass by road to Deep Cove where you’ll join the Fiordland Navigator. Designed along the lines of a traditional scow, your vessel offers old world charm with spacious viewing decks, observation lounge and a fully licenced restaurant. This cruise takes in some of Fiordland’s most spectacular scenery and there’s opportunity to explore by kayak or tender. Accommodation is in private cabins with ensuite bathrooms. Your hotel: Fiordland Navigator (BD) Days 7-9 Wanaka (226 kms): from Fiordland your journey takes you back into alpine country and the beautiful lakeside town of Wanaka. Gateway to the Mount Aspiring National Park, a wilderness area of glaciers and crystalline lakes Wanaka has a picture-perfect setting and is a great base from which to explore. HHHH½ Wanaka Haven (BB)
Day 10 Departure
Day 4 Catlins (161 kms): following the Southern Scenic Route brings you to the Catlins Coastal Heritage Trail, a series of short walks and places of interest linked by easy drives. The Catlins are one of the South Island’s least discovered regions but you’ll find podocarp forest, cascading waterfalls, rugged coastlines and some truly vivid sunsets. Your hotel: HHH Mohua Park Day 5 Te Anau (205 kms): continue along the Southern Scenic Route to Te Anau, gateway to the Fiordland National Park. Your hotel: HHHH½ Dock Bay Lodge (BB)
what’s included • Hotels as shown or similar, on a room only basis unless otherwise stated • Private arrival transfer in Christchurch • Car rental • Overnight Doubtful Sound cruise
our prices From £1842 per person based on twin share
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places to stay New Zealand is home to an eclectic range of accommodation options, including some world-class city hotels. You’ll find many of the usual suspects dotted throughout the country but it’s in the smaller, boutique hotels and B&B’s where you’ll find the warmest of welcomes and most authentic New Zealand experiences. Many of these delightful places have less than 10 rooms and early booking is essential. In addition New Zealand has it’s own collection of luxury lodges, scattered across both the North and South Island, in some of the country’s most breathtaking locations.
Sofitel Viaduct Harbour
Sofitel Viaduct Harbour HHHHH Overlooking Waitemata Harbour, the Sofitel Viaduct Harbour puts you in the heart of Auckland’s marina lifestyle with water views from many of the rooms.
location: The Sofitel sits between Auckland Central, the Viaduct Harbour and the Wynyard Quarter, which is Auckland’s newest waterfront neighbourhood. You’ll find numerous restaurants and bars within easy reach and the shops of central Auckland only a few steps further. Features: Lava Dining is one of the Viaduct Harbour’s must-try dining experiences, head to 21 Viaduct Café for casual meals including breakfast and for drinks try Sabrage, the hotel’s stylish wine and champagne bar. There’s also a 20m indoor heated lap pool, gymnasium and wellness centre. Parking is available at charge. Accommodation: 172 stylishly designed rooms and suites with signature Sofitel Mybed, plush furnishings, marble bathrooms with rain shower and soaking bathtubs and all rooms have feature Juliette balconies. Floor to ceiling windows make the most of the city, internal water or marina views.
Sofitel Viaduct Harbour
Room Choices: Superior City, Luxury Internal Water View and Luxury Marina View (photo). There is also a choice of suites.
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Places to Stay - North Island Hotels
Heritage Auckland
QT Wellington
Heritage Auckland HHHH
Hotel Grand Windsor, Auckland HHHH½
The Heritage Auckland is located in one the city’s historic landmark buildings. Choose between the traditional heritage feel of rooms in the main building or the more contemporary, modern design of the Tower Wing rooms.
This delightful hotel, built in 1928, is full of character and charm and has been stunningly refurbished to combine the beautiful details of the art deco age with refined elegance.
location: With one of the best, central locations in Auckland, the Heritage sits just a five-minute walk from the Skytower, Viaduct Harbour, Queen Street and the Britomart Precinct. The latter offers award-winning eateries and boutique shopping amidst some of Auckland’s newest architecture and oldest buildings.
location: Located on Queen St and within easy walking distance of Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour precinct and North Wharf. There are a multitude of excellent restaurants, bars and shopping just steps away.
Features: Hector’s Restaurant is set in the dramatic seven storey atrium and sources the majority of its produce locally, supporting local farmers and suppliers. You’ll also find a heated rooftop pool with panoramic city views and an indoor heated lap pool. There are two gymnasiums and an all-weather tennis court. Parking is available at charge. Accommodation: 221 rooms split between the hotel and tower. Hotel rooms have high ceilings, polished timber floors and embrace the heritage of the building. Tower wing rooms are sleek and modern with a contemporary design.
Features: Cooks is the in-house restaurant and bar and serves dishes designed with sharing in mind, afternoon tea is served daily when pre-booked. There is a state-of-the-art gym and jacuzzi and sauna and the new day spa is due to open early 2019. Parking is available at charge. Accommodation: 79 rooms and suites are furnished with more than a hint of the hotel’s art deco heritage. Featuring rich fabrics in calming colours, rooms also have marble bathrooms, Nespresso machines, tea by T2 and bathroom amenities by Floris, London. Room Choices: Superior Queen, Superior King, Luxury King plus Junior and Duchess Suites.
Tower Wing.
QT Wellington HHHH½
Millennium Rotorua HHHH
Whilst QT is a new brand for the nation’s capital, this hotel is a long-standing resident. The building once stood on the harbour front but was ingeniously moved on rails almost 30 years ago to its current location.
Room Choices: Hotel Room, Superior Hotel Room and Superior
One of the best located hotels in Rotorua.
location: Next to Lake Rotorua and just a short walk from the centre of town close to shops and restaurants.
Features: Restaurant Nikau is the in-house restaurant, while Feast & Revue is a Maori feast and cultural dinner show, which showcases the regions traditions and legends. There’s also a poolside bar and restaurant and you can enjoy predinner drinks in Bar Zazu. Alongside the indoor pool you’ll also find a spa pool and gymnasium. There’s a club level with access to the executive lounge where you can enjoy breakfast and pre-dinner drinks. Accommodation: 227 comfortable rooms, lakeview rooms enjoy excellent views of Lake Rotorua. Room Choices: Superior, Superior Lakeview, Club Room.
location: A few moments from the waterfront and just across the road from Te Papa, New Zealand’s national museum, you can’t get more central. The thriving café and restaurant scene that Wellington is known for is within easy walking distance as is a multitude of shopping options. Features: Hippopotamus Restaurant and Bar offers a wide-ranging menu covering everything from fine dining to comfort food in a vibrant setting. Hot Sauce is QT’s signature bar with Asian inspired dishes and memorable cocktails. The walls of the hotel are adorned with a curated collection of art, some of which is high brow some of which is not, but it will definitely be a talking point. The hotel also has a fitness centre with pool and parking is available at charge. Accommodation: 163 rooms, studios and suites offer a comfortable place to stay. The style is modern and contemporary with slick bathrooms and Bose sound systems. Gallery rooms showcase a unique piece of artwork. Studio accommodation offers more space with kitchenette and laundry facilities. Room Choices: Superior King, Gallery King, Deluxe King, Harbour View (photo) King, Executive King Studio and Executive Harbour View Studio.
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Places to Stay - South Island Hotels
Azure Lodge
QT Queenstown
Azure Lodge, Queenstown HHHHH
The George Hotel, Christchurch HHHHH
Tucked away on 3 acres of private hillside, Azure Lodge is the perfect luxury retreat, it also boasts pretty spectacular views of Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains.
This boutique hotel offers an extremely comfortable place to stay in Christchurch, along with some of the finest dining options available in the city.
location: In an elevated position, just a five-minute drive from the centre of Queenstown. Close enough to have easy access to all the incredible attractions but also the ideal setting for a relaxing stay.
Features: A stay at Azure Lodge includes complimentary breakfast, afternoon tea and pre-dinner drinks and canapes. The lodge also offers airport transfers and a flexible drop off service if you wish to explore Queenstown or just head out for coffee. Accommodation: There are 9 beautiful villas each of which incorporate a lounge, dining area and a private deck with incredible views. The deep, soaking bathtubs are also set into a bay window to take full advantage of the vista. Room Choices: Private Villa.
location: The George is located on Park Terrace overlooking Hagley Park and the River Avon. The vibrant, central precinct is just a short walk away. Features: 50 Bistro is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily offering modern, New Zealand cuisine, whilst multi-award winning Pescatore concentrates its efforts on superb seafood. Complimentary parking is available. Accommodation: The 55 rooms and suites are contemporary and elegant in their design. The Premium rooms have commissioned photography or feature walls and some have balconies. Room Choices: Executive, Premium and Junior Suite.
QT Queenstown HHHH The QT epitomises everything fun and quirky about Queenstown and combines it perfectly with breath-taking alpine and Lake Wakatipu views. This is where Mother Nature comes face to face with contemporary design.
Distinction Christchurch HHHH When it comes to a central location in Christchurch it doesn’t get much better than this!
location: The Distinction Christchurch forms part of the newly rejuvenated Cathedral Square, in the very heart of the city. The Botantical Gardens, River Avon and Cashel Mall are just a short walk away
Features: The in-house restaurant and bar is Gumption which is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner and there is an array of alternative dining options close by. Parking is available at charge.
Accommodation: There are 179 rooms offering spacious, flexible
location: The QT is just a short walk from the lakeshore and the many attractions of Queenstown. Features: Bazaar is an interactive market place style dining experience open daily for breakfast and dinner, whilst Reds Bar is the perfect place to enjoy a drink watching the sun set over the Remarkables. Parking is available at charge. Accommodation: Just 69 designer rooms with soft furnishings in alpine shades, soaking bath tubs, Nespresso machines and uber-comfy beds. Choose between alpine and lake views. Room Choices: Alpine King, Remarkable King and Lake King.
accommodation. The Superior rooms are brand new with more space and stylish, modern bathrooms.
Room Choices: Classic and Superior Rooms.
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Places to Stay - Luxury Lodges
Bay of Many Coves
Helena Bay Lodge
Bay of Many Coves HHHHH
Helena Bay Lodge HHHHH
Perched on a hillside overlooking the luminous waters of the Marlborough Sounds, this is a true slice of paradise at the tip of the South Island.
Blissful seclusion in Northland overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Plus, a chef who’s creating some of the best food in New Zealand.
location: Bay of Many Coves is only accessible by water and this seclusion is all part of its charm. Getting to the lodge is easy, it’s a half an hour boat ride from Picton or a 20-minute helicopter flight from Wellington.
location: Helena Bay Lodge is located on the North Island just 45 minutes from Whangarei giving easy access to the Bay of Islands and, if diving is your passion, the Poor Knights Islands, which lie off shore. The lodge sits within 800 acres which includes 3km of pristine coastline, four private beaches and numerous coves to explore.
Features: There is a fine dining restaurant which is for adults only after 7pm but family meals can be enjoyed in the lounge. The Bight Café is on the waterfront and open daily. Whilst the beautiful Sounds are undoubtedly the star attraction there is a resort library, including games and DVD’s, paddle boards and kayaks, hot tub, heated outdoor pool and a relaxing day spa. The Marlborough Sounds are all about the great outdoors and there are plenty of ways to explore this beautiful region with bush and coastal walks, sailing, wildlife and foodie cruises, wine tours and wildlife adventures to choose from. Accommodation: 11 apartments with beautiful views. All are generously proportioned with one, two or three bedrooms and are furnished with king size beds, polished wooden floors and hand-crafted toiletries. All have a private deck. Room Choices: One, two and three bedroom apartments.
Peppers on the Point HHHHH
Features: Breakfast and dinner are included and Head Chef Michele Martino employs an estate-to-plate philosophy. Meat comes from the on-site farm and the daily changing menu embraces the plethora of home-grown vegetables, fruit and herbs, the lodge also maintains eight beehives. Exploration of Helena Bay Lodge comes in many forms; there are numerous walking and cycling trails and the electric 4WD Polaris Rangers are a fun and less strenuous way to get around. In addition, you’ll find mountain bikes and electric bikes, kayaks and stand up paddle boards for guests to use. There’s also a fully equipped gymnasium, heated outdoor pool and steam room and sauna. Accommodation: There are just 5 luxury suites, each named after a native New Zealand bird and with a shoreline setting, all have expansive views over Helena Bay Beach and beyond. Binoculars have been thoughtfully provided to spot the birdlife and visiting whales and dolphins. Room Choices: Junior Suites and Villa Suites.
Built over 80 years ago this elegant North Island lodge sits overlooking the calm waters of Lake Rotorua with panoramic views in almost every direction.
location: Peppers on the Point is a five-minute drive from the centre of Rotorua, perfectly placed for exploring the geothermal energy and Maori heritage the region is famed for. The lodge is surrounded by almost 3 hectares of lush gardens and a pathway leads down to the lakeshore and private beach. Features: Breakfast is included at Peppers on the Point or why not include dinner with your stay as well, the chefs are renowned for exceptional New Zealand cuisine and there is a superb wine cellar. There is a day spa, gymnasium, spa pool and sauna plus a quiet library where you can retreat and curl up with a favourite book. The lodge can assist with fishing licences if you fancy casting a line from the jetty or shoreline and floatplanes also pick up from the lodge. Accommodation: 11 suites which are spacious and beautifully furnished with lake views, most with a balcony and all have a comfy lounge area. Bathrooms have underfloor heating and spa baths. Room Choices: Lodge Suite, Cottage Suite, Lake Cottage Suite.
Call or ask your agent to call on 01425 484044
Peppers on the Point
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Places to Stay - Wilderness and Wildlife
Wilderness Lodge Arthurs Pass
Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki
Wilderness Lodge Arthurs Pass HHHH½
Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki HHHH½
Wilderness Lodge Arthur’s Pass offers a memorable alpine experience. Dramatic views await at every turn as it sits within 4000 acres of high-country merino sheep station and nature reserve in the spectacular surrounds of the Southern Alps.
Few places on earth can match the unique, wilderness setting of Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki, in the heart of the Southwest New Zealand World Heritage Area.
location: Midway between Christchurch and the West Coast and less than 2 hours drive from both. You can also arrive at the lodge via the TranzAlpine train which offers a morning arrival from Christchurch or an afternoon arrival from Greymouth.
Features: Mount Rolleston Restaurant is where breakfast and dinner are enjoyed, the snow-capped mountains giving a stunning backdrop to your meals. Two complimentary guided activities are included daily and comprise forest walks, star gazing and a farm tour of the station. There are additional half and full day guided excursions as well plus lots of options to explore on your own, with a network of private walking trails which extend across the sheep station and nature reserve and onwards into the mountains.
location: On the west coast of the South Island, you’ll find the lodge about an hour and a half drive south from Franz Josef. The lodge sits on a dramatic sea coast amidst protected rainforest. Features: Breakfast and dinner is included and served in the Riverside Restaurant with a focus on local produce including seafood, the lodge also has a superb wine list. A stay here however is all about the activities and there are a number of complimentary options that are offered twice daily. These include kayaking, rainforest tours, a river walk and a night sky and glow worm tour. In addition, the lodge operates a range of full and half day small group, guided experiences for an additional cost. During August to early December this also includes the Tawaki Penguin Discovery where you’ll walk an unmarked trail to a spectacular beach to see the penguins making their way between the Tasman Sea and their rainforest nests.
Accommodation: 24 comfortable rooms with jaw-dropping mountain views. The Alpine View lodges have more space, fire places and spa baths.
Accommodation: 28 rooms with garden, rainforest or river views. River view rooms have a private sundeck.
Room Choices: Mountain View and Alpine View Lodge (photo).
Room Choices: Garden, Rainforest and Riverview (photo).
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Places to Stay - Wilderness and Wildlife
Hapuku Lodge & Treehouses
The Resurgence
Hapuku Lodge & Treehouses HHHHH
The Resurgence HHHH
Tucked into the foothills of the Kaikoura Seaward Range, Hapuku is a contemporary hotel offering the unique opportunity to stay in a treehouse.
This is pure New Zealand on a plate! On the fringes of not one but two national parks and set in 50 acres of native bush, the Resurgence is one of New Zealand’s best eco-lodges.
location: On the east coast of the South Island, a short drive from the renowned eco-marine centre of Kaikoura. The surf beach of Mangamaunu Bay is 20 minute walk. Features: The dining room is at the heart of the Hapuku Lodge experience and much of the produce comes from the lodge gardens, local farmers and fisherman. The breakfast and dinner menus are planned daily to take advantage of the seasons and best available produce. The lodge is perfectly positioned to enjoy all that Kaikoura and surrounds has to offer and the whale viewing options here are amongst the best in the world. Closer to home the lodge has mountain bikes (and helmets), walking trails and ocean walks. Other facilities include a heated lap pool and sauna. Accommodation: 10 rooms including five treehouses, perched 10 metres above the ground in the native Kanuka canopy, designed to complement the natural environment. All rooms have king beds (some can be configured as twin rooms), soaking bath tubs and balconies with views of the Kaikoura Ranges. Room Choices: Lodge Rooms and Treehouses.
Fiordland Lodge HHHHH
location: Close to the Abel Tasman National Park the lodge also offers easy access to Golden Bay and the migratory birds of Farewell Spit as well as the arts and crafts of Nelson. Shops and cafes are around 20 minutes’ drive from the lodge. Features: The Resurgence is reasonably remote and therefore a stay here is offered as a hosted experience, and evening meals are enjoyed dinner partystyle with fellow guests. Menus are planned daily and wines from the Nelson region accompany your meals. The lodge sits in the Riwaka Valley surrounded by lush bush and native birds. There are hiking trails to explore, a salt water pool, hot tub and bicycles available for use. Alternatively, you can just relax in the extraordinarily tranquil surrounds with a good book and a glass of wine. Accommodation: 4 lodge rooms in the main building with bush views and close to the lodge facilities, bush chalets studio suites, separate from the lodge have fabulous views of the Kahuranghi National Park and offer more space and seclusion with private deck and hot tub. The Bush Lodges have a spacious, open plan design, polished timber floors and private decks. Room Choices: Lodge Rooms, Bush Chalet and Bush Lodge.
A magnificent lodge created of natural timbers and local river stone, with commanding views across Lake Te Anau.
location: Just 5km from the township of Te Anau. Gateway to the Fiordland National Park, an area of over three million acres of untouched wilderness and a ten-minute stroll from the shores of Lake Te Anau. Features: The restaurant showcases the best of local and seasonal Southland ingredients and breakfast and dinner is included with all stays at the lodge. The lodge is perfectly based for exploring either on a guided experience or under your own steam and alongside Milford and Doubtful Sound, both of which are well-known and well-visited, the Fiordland National Park is also a hiking paradise and home to many of New Zealand’s ‘Great Walks’ including the Milford, Routeburn and Kepler tracks. Some of the fiords can also be explored by kayak. Accommodation: 10 luxurious rooms and 2 self-contained loft-style log cabins accommodate a maximum of 27 guests at any one time. You’ll find beautiful views and a décor which reflects the spectacular Fiordland landscape. Room Choices: Lodge Rooms, Deluxe Lodge Rooms, Executive Suite and Log Cabins.
Call or ask your agent to call on 01425 484044
Fiordland Lodge
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Explore More New Zealand might be small in stature but it has a multitude of experiences packed within its shores. Escorted touring is an easy and stress-free way to cover a lot of ground in comfort and one of our preferred touring partners in New Zealand, Grand Pacific Tours, offers a range of touring styles which will enable you to explore at a pace and budget to suit you. Taking to the open road in a motor home is another excellent way to explore at your own speed. If however walking is more your pace then New Zealand has some of the world’s finest hiking trails including the Milford Track, the Routeburn and the Abel Tasman. Talk to our specialists about the many other walks available.
New Zealand Showcase - 19 day Escorted Signature Tour Day 1 Auckland: on arrival in Auckland you will be met and transferred to your hotel. There is a welcome dinner with your tour group this evening. Your hotel: HHHH Skycity Auckland (D)
Day 5 Rotorua: from Auckland you’ll travel south to Hobbiton for
Day 2 Bay of Islands: depart Auckland for 2 nights in the Bay of
Day 6 Rotorua: today starts with a gondola trip and breakfast at
Islands with visits to the Parry Kauri Park and Kauri Museum enroute. A guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds is also included today. Your hotel: HHHH Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands (BD)
Skyline Rotorua before moving onto the Agrodome. Explore the boiling mud pools and steaming geysers at Te Puia before an evening at a Maori hangi and concert. Your hotel: HHHH Hotel Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua (BD)
Day 3 Bay of Islands: today is free for you to explore as you please
Day 7 Masterton: journey along the Explorer Highway to Huka Falls
and there are a number of optional activities available. Your hotel: HHHH Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands (B)
Day 4 Auckland: enjoy a catamaran cruise to Cape Brett and the Hole in the Rock before returning to Auckland. An afternoon visit to the Auckland Sky Tower is included. Your hotel: HHHH Skycity Auckland (BD)
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lunch and a guided tour of the movie set from the Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit films. Your hotel: HHHH Hotel Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua (BLD)
and Lake Taupo and then on to Napier, New Zealand’s ‘Art Deco’ city. You then continue south to the Wairarapa, a beautiful cool-climate wine region. Your hotel: HHHH Copthorne Resort Solway Park (BD)
Day 8 Wellington: visit Greytown before a drive through the scenic Rimutaka Mountain Range brings you into Wellington. Enjoy a guided city tour of the nation’s capital. Your hotel: HHHH James Cook Grand Chancellor (BD)
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Escorted Touring
Day 9 Blenheim: explore Te Papa, regarded as one of the finest museums in the southern hemisphere before crossing the Cook Strait on the Interisland ferry to the South Island. Your hotel: HHHH Scenic Hotel Marlborough (BD) Day 10 Christchurch: today takes you through the rolling hills and vineyards of Marlborough and along the coast via Kaikoura to the garden city of Christchurch. Your hotel: HHHH Distinction Christchurch (BD) Day 11 Franz Josef: traverse the mighty Southern Alps aboard the TranzAlpine, one of the world’s most breath-taking rail journeys. You’ll cross soaring viaducts and travel through spectacular gorges as you make your way to the west coast. Travel via Hokitika to Franz Josef. Your hotel: HHHH Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier (BD)
Day 17 Mt Cook: from Dunedin you’ll travel to Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. If weather permits there is time for a scenic flight over the Southern Alps (additional cost) before arriving in Twizel for your overnight stay. Your hotel: HHHH Mackenzie Country Hotel (BD)
Day 18 Christchurch: as you head back to Christchurch there is a stop at Lake Tekapo, where you’ll see the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Sheepdog Statue. There is a farewell dinner in Christchurch this evening. Your hotel: HHHH Sudima Hotel Christchurch Airport (BD) Day 19 Departure: you will be transferred to the airport.
Day 12 Queenstown: as you head south, the landscape changes from lush rainforest and ancient glaciers to snow-capped mountain peaks. Your destination is Queenstown, on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Your hotel: HHHH Mercure Queenstown Resort (B)
Day 13 Queenstown: today is free for exploration. Your tour guide and coach captain can assist with a myriad of optional excursions. This evening there is a cruise aboard a vintage steam ship, the TSS Earnslaw, for a BBQ dinner at Walter Peak Station. Your hotel: HHHH Mercure Queenstown Resort (BD)
Day 14 Te Anau: enjoy a relaxing morning, before travelling via the old gold mining village of Arrowtown to Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland. Your hotel: HHHH Distinction Luxmore (BD)
Day 15 Milford Sound: travel along the impressive Milford Road to Milford Sound for a memorable cruise. Highlights include Barron Falls and Mitre Peak. Your hotel: HHHH Distinction Luxmore (BLD) Day 16 Dunedin: travel via Gore and Balclutha to Dunedin, known as the ‘Edinburgh of the South’. Your hotel: HHHH Scenic Hotel Dunedin (BD)
what’s included • Hotels as shown or similar, on a room only basis unless otherwise stated • Arrival transfer in Auckland and departure transfer in Christchurch • All excursions and attractions as stated • Experienced coach captain and tour guide • Maximum of 48 passengers
our prices From £3610 per person based on twin share
Call or ask your agent to call on 01425 484044
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Small Group Touring
Ultimate Explorer - 16 day Small Group Escorted Tour Day 1 Christchurch: on arrival at Christchurch airport you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel. Your hotel: HHHHH The George (D)
Day 2 Mt Cook: depart through the southern Canterbury Plains to Mt Cook. Highlights include Lake Tekapo and the Church of the Good Shepherd. Your hotel: HHHH½ The Hermitage Hotel (BD)
Day 3 Dunedin: from Mt Cook continue to Dunedin. Optional excursions include a visit to the Speight’s Brewery or the Royal Albatross colony. Your hotel: HHHH Distinction Dunedin (BD) Day 4 Te Anau: visit Larnach Castle and enjoy high tea in the Grand Ballroom. Travel on to Te Anau, gateway to the Fiordland National Park. Your hotel: Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas (BD)
Day 12 Rotorua: today includes visits to the Agrodome, Rainbow Springs and a unique, behind the scenes tour at a Kiwi nursery. This evening is spent at a Maori hangi and concert. Your hotel: HHHH½ Regent of Rotorua (BD) Days 13-14 Bay of Islands: travel north to the beautiful Bay of Islands for 2 nights. There is free time to explore plus a luxury catamaran cruise to Cape Brett. Your hotel: HHHH Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands (BD) Day 15 Auckland: Return to Auckland for a final, farewell dinner. Your hotel: HHHH½ Crown Plaza Auckland (BD) Day 16 Departure: you will be transferred to the airport.
Days 5-6 Milford Sound & Queenstown: travel to Milford Sound for a nature cruise in a truly remarkable setting. From Milford Sound continue to Queenstown for a 2 night stay. Choose from a range of sightseeing options before joining the TSS Earnslaw for a cruise across Lake Wakatipu, followed by a BBQ dinner at Walter Peak Station. Your hotel: HHHH½ Millennium Queenstown (BL)
Day 7 Fox Glacier: Visit the old gold-mining town of Arrowtown before travelling through the Haast Pass to the West Coast and Fox Glacier. Your hotel: HHHH Distinction Fox Glacier (BD) Day 8 Christchurch: Visit Hokitika, famed for its greenstone before heading through the mountain passes to Arthurs Pass, where you’ll join the Tranzalpine train for a memorable journey back to Christchurch. Your hotel: HHHHH The George (BD) Days 9-10 Wellington: travel via Kaikoura and Marlborough to Picton then board the Interislander ferry to Wellington for a 2 night stay. A city tour and visit to Te Papa museum are included. Your hotel: HHHHH Intercontinental Wellington (BD)
Day 11 Rotorua: depart Wellington and drive north via Lake Taupo to the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua. Your hotel: HHHH½ Regent of Rotorua (BD)
what’s included • Hotels as shown or similar, on a room only basis unless otherwise stated • Arrival transfer in Christchurch and departure transfer in Auckland • All excursions and attractions as stated • Small group, luxury coach travel with a maximum of 20 passengers
our prices From £4449 per person based on twin share
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Private Escorted Touring
Top of the South - 7 day Private Escorted Tour Day 1 Christchurch & West Coast: you’ll be collected from your Christchurch hotel this morning by your private driver/guide. Travel west across the vast Canterbury Plains into the dramatic scenery of the Southern Alps. After lunch at one of the historic west coast pubs the road becomes increasingly wild as you head towards Punakaiki. Visit the unique pancake rocks as the sun sets. Your hotel: HHHH Punakaiki Eco Resort (L)
Day 2 Seals, goldmines and earthquakes: highlights include a visit to Cape Foulwind and the seal colony, this is a place of early settlers and rugged coastlines. You’ll find a history interweaved with abandoned gold mines, ghost towns and havoc wreaked by earthquakes. Follow the Buller River before continuing on to Nelson Lakes. Your hotel: HHHH Rutherford Hotel, Nelson (BL)
Day 6 Coastlines, mountains, whales and dolphins: today, experience one of the many activities that Kaikoura is famous for. Your guide can arrange a water-based whale watching tour (additional cost) or if you prefer, there are scenic flights and helicopter options. Alternatively, the area has a rich Maori heritage which you may wish to explore. Weather permitting, lunch can be enjoyed at an outdoor seafood caravan before returning to Christchurch via the Waipara wine region for a few tastings to end the tour. Your hotel: HHHHH The George Hotel
Day 7 Departure
Day 3 Sea, sand, beaches and artists: explore the artisan delights of Nelson; an area well known for its arts, crafts, stunning beaches and hours of sunshine. Your hotel: HHHH Rutherford Hotel, Nelson (B)
Day 4 Marlborough Sounds, green-lipped mussels and a seafood odyssey: travel over the Rai Saddle and down to the Pelorus River, used by Peter Jackson in the Hobbit films. As you follow the Queen Charlotte Grove Road to Picton, the sheer beauty of the Marlborough Sounds is revealed before you. Enjoy a culinary boat tour with a visit to a salmon farm, tastings of Tio Point oysters and a chilled glass of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. Your hotel: HHHHH Bay of Many Coves (BD)
Day 5 Wine, miniature sheep and treehouses: a water taxi will take you to Blenheim. From here travel through the Marlborough wine region where there is time for a fabulous winery lunch before visiting Yealands Vineyard. Here you’ll learn about their aim, which will see them become energy self-sufficient and carbon negative. Continue to Kaikoura, with some memorable photo-stop opportunities along the way. Your hotel: HHHHH Hapuku Lodge Treehouses (BD)
what’s included • Hotels as shown or similar, on a room only basis unless otherwise stated • Private guided touring
our prices HHHH from £3431 per person based on twin share Please Note: This is a private tour and can be adapted and amended to suit your own requirements. You travel with a private driver/guide in a comfortable 4WD vehicle.
Call or ask your agent to call on 01425 484044
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Great Walks of New Zealand
New Zealand is well-known for its incredible hiking or ‘tramping’ trails and there are thousands of kilometres of tracks to explore. Nine of the hikes have been identified as ‘Great Walks’ which showcase the magnificent and often dramatic landscapes of New Zealand at their best, however there are many more outstanding experiences to choose from.
Abel Tasman Coast Track 3 or 5 days At the very top of the South Island the Abel Tasman National Park offers crystal-clear, turquoise water and white sand beaches enveloped by lush forest. The easy access for boats means you can pick and choose whether you do this walk over 3 or 5 days and if you prefer paddle power you can also enjoy this experience with a mix of walking and kayaking. Accommodation is in friendly beachfront lodges with en-suite bathrooms, comfy beds and home cooked meals. From £831 including twin share ensuite accommodation, experienced guides, all meals, luggage transfer and storage, all kayaking equipment and transfers from Nelson or Motueka.
Milford Track 5 days The Milford Track is arguably New Zealand’s most famous hiking trail and has long been described as ‘the finest walk in the world’. Taking you through the heart of the Fiordland National Park in the Southwest New Zealand World Heritage Area, this guided walk will immerse you in the natural wonders of a region where the scenery is on an epic scale and the mountains, valley’s and waterfalls vie for your attention. You’ll cross vast rivers and pass glacial lakes, see plunging waterfalls all the while surrounded by simply spectacular views. Your final day is spent cruising Milford Sound before returning to Queenstown.
Routeburn Track 3 days Linking Mount Aspiring National Park with Fiordland National Park, the Routeburn Track is an astonishing walk where you’ll be surrounded by huge valleys, soaring mountain peaks and cascading waterfalls. It might be one of the shorter multi-day hikes but it has some of the most immense scenery. The walk is varied and on occasion challenging, but the rewards far outweigh the effort. Accommodation is in private, custom built lodges with lounge facilities and rooms with private facilities are available. From £942 including 2 nights ensuite lodge accommodation, all meals, experienced guides and return transfers from Queenstown.
Tongariro Alpine Crossing 1 day Venturing between Mt Tongariro and Mt Ngauruhoe in the Tongariro National Park, a UNESCO dual World Heritage area, this walk takes in a whole other world. You’ll tramp through an active volcanic landscape peppered with craters, some of which are steaming, lava rocks frozen in time and vivid, emerald green lakes. If the weather is good the views are outstanding, you might even be able to see Mt Taranaki on the western horizon but whatever the weather the Tongariro Alpine Crossing will be one of the finest one day hikes you ever do. From £169 including experienced guides, lunch and snacks plus clothing and footwear hire.
From £1324 including 4 nights ensuite lodge accommodation, all meals, experienced guides, transfers from Queenstown or Te Anau and a boat cruise on Milford Sound.
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Trains and Ferries
TranzAlpine Crossing the Waimakariri Bridge
New Zealand is one of those destinations that doesn’t have a particularly huge rail network however the routes it does offer are pretty spectacular. Getting between the North and South Island is easy as well with the Interislander Cook Strait ferry offering a seamless connection between the two.
Trains The Northern Explorer
Ferries Interislander Ferry The Interislander sails three times daily between Wellington and Picton with a sailing time of approximately 3 - 3 ½ hours. Three ferries operate on the crossing and on each you’ll find ample space, refreshment areas and viewing decks. The Interisland Plus Lounge offers complimentary food and refreshments and is a peaceful, adults-only environment.
This North Island service travels between Auckland and the capital city of Wellington three times per week. From Auckland the train crosses the Waikato Plains to Hamilton before ascending through the Central Plateau. Highlights will be the tight curves of the Raurimu Spiral and travelling around the edges of the Tongariro national park where the skyline is dominated by the volcanic cones of Nguarahoe and Ruapehu. The final leg of the journey follows the rugged cliffs of the Kapiti Coast into Wellington.
Coastal Pacific Running daily during the summer months between Christchurch and Picton this is a great way to travel the coastline. With stops in Blenheim and Kaikoura you can explore without the need for a car and the service from Christchurch connects with the afternoon Interislander sailing from Picton to Wellington. For much of the route the track hugs the coastline and the journey is dominated by the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean on one side, and rugged peaks of the Kaikoura Ranges on the other.
TranzAlpine
Interislander Ferry
Renowned as one of the world’s greatest rail journey’s, the TranzAlpine crosses the dramatic peaks of the Southern Alps daily from Christchurch to Greymouth. This is a memorable experience of epic scenery, snow-fed rivers and glacial lakes as the train climbs through a series of tunnels and viaducts. The landscape changes as you edge ever closer to the emerald green forests of the west coast.
Onboard Seats for all routes are pre-booked and carriages have expansive panoramic windows, reclining seats with ample leg room and there are also open-air viewing carriages providing uninterrupted views. Refreshments are available on board in the fully licensed café.
Coastal Pacific
Call or ask your agent to call on 01425 484044
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Car Rental
New Zealand lends itself perfectly to a self-drive exploration of the country. Roads are wide, well maintained and once you are out of the main cities, not busy. We have a selection of pre-planned self-drive itineraries suggested for you (see pages 42-47) choose one of these, or use them as inspiration and allow us to tailor-make a holiday just for you. Although driving distances may not look far on the map, the roads can be deceiving and you should allow ample time for your drive.
All of the fly-drive holidays we show include arrival transfers as we would not recommend collecting a car immediately after your international flight. The car we include in our fly-drives is intermediate (D) and fully inclusive of all pre-payable charges and GPS. Upgrades are available. Below gives an idea of the vehicles on offer but we also recommend you talk to our specialists about your exact requirements.
C - Compact Auto (CDAR)
D - Intermediate Sedan (IDAR)
E - Full Size (FDAR)
F - Full Size SUV (FFAR)
G - Compact SUV (CFAV)
P - Intermediate SUV (IFAR)
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Motor Homes
New Zealand could have been created for a motorhome holiday. Roads are wide and for the most part empty, the scenery is on a grand scale and you’ll find camping spots in some of the most incredible locations. The country is blessed with an abundance of campgrounds and holiday parks, which offer a range of facilities as well as powered motorhome spots. In addition, the Department of Conservation (DOC) manages over 250 public camping areas in some of the most beautiful places in New Zealand. These sites are usually un-managed, facilities often minimal but the fees are extremely reasonable. There are three grades of DOC campsites and you can expect to pay between $0 - $19NZD per person, person night (correct as of Nov 18) depending on the grade of site. Sites are usually on a first-come first-served basis although DOC serviced campsites can be booked in advance.
Maui cascade day plan
Maui cascade night plan
Free Camping It’s something of a misconception that you can park up anywhere you like and camp in New Zealand. Much of the land, as with anywhere else, is privately owned and therefore you cannot camp without permission from the land owner.
Depots Auckland | Christchurch | Queenstown There is a wide choice of vehicles to choose from which sleep 2 - 6 people. Speak to one of our specialists about the motorhome which best suits your needs.
Call or ask your agent to call on 01425 484044
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Airlines
Qantas is Australia’s award-winning, national carrier offering a four-class service on most international flights. Flying daily from the UK including non-stop to Perth, with onward connections throughout Australia.
Air New Zealand is New Zealand’s flagship carrier flying daily from London Heathrow to Auckland via Los Angeles with onward connections throughout New Zealand.
first: an elegant and luxurious way to travel with dedicated check-in area and fast track through immigration, priority boarding and access to the awardwinning First Lounges. Onboard your comfortable armchair converts into a fully flat bed, with soft bedding and memory foam mattress. Dining is a restaurant style experience with a tasting menu available on certain flights.
Business Premier: offers super-soft leather seating that transforms to
Business Class: relax pre-flight with access to the Qantas Business Lounge or partner airline lounge and enjoy priority check-in and pre-boarding. Seats recline to fully flat beds with cotton duvets, mattress and pillow. On A380 services there is a private onboard bar area and inflight meals are designed by the Rockpool restaurant in Sydney. Premium Economy: enjoy a separate check-in desk, priority boarding and quieter cabin space with fewer passengers. Seats are wider with multi-way adjustable headrest and extra legroom. Noise cancelling headphones mean you can enjoy the latest film releases and in-flight entertainment controlled from your personal touch screen. In-flight dining has been designed by Australian chef Neil Perry and you can relax as soon as you step on board with a pre-flight drink. Economy: on international flights enjoy slimline, ergonomic seating with adjustable headrests and built in lumbar support. The in-flight entertainment includes over 1000 hours of new release movies, TV box sets, music and interactive games, for all ages.
A380 - First Class
62 airlines
a lie-flat bed at the press of a button, with memory foam mattress, two pillows and a cosy duvet – all seats have direct aisle access. Enjoy premium check-in, lounge access and gourmet meals with an extensive range of New Zealand wine. Snacks and refreshments can also be ordered throughout your flight from your entertainment screen.
Premium Economy: relax onboard with enhanced cabin space and a comfortable leather seat with generous arm rests, leg rest and foot support. Enjoy fine kiwi dining with award winning wines and over 1700 hours of inflight entertainment. Economy and Economy SkyCouch™: in the economy cabin you’ll find slim-line, ergonomically designed seats with flexible headrests and integrated seat back touch screen entertainment system. Dining options showcase fresh New Zealand flavours accompanied by a range of premium New Zealand wines. If you’re travelling with children or just fancy a little more space then upgrading to the innovative SkyCouch™ is an ideal solution. A row of economy seats can be transformed into a couch after take off so you can relax and stretch out, use the space as seating, to lounge or sleep, the choice is yours and you get the same entertainment and dining options as with the economy seat.
777 - Business Premier
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Airlines
A380 - Business Class
A380 - First Class
A380 - Business Class
We are proud to be a ‘British Airways Preferred Partner’ the UK’s national flag carrier. Offering a daily four class service, from London Heathrow to Sydney via Singapore British Airways is an excellent choice. Connecting flights from other UK airports are available too.
Emirates first flew out of Dubai in 1985 with just two aircraft, today they are regarded as one of the finest airlines in the world. From the UK you can fly into Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney as well as Auckland and Christchurch in New Zealand via their Dubai hub.
Singapore Airlines is widely regarded as one of the premium airlines flying today. From London Heathrow and Manchester you can fly to Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns*, Darwin* and Melbourne plus Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington via Singapore. *operated by SilkAir.
first: dedicated First Lounges, separate check-in and spacious individual demi-cabins ensure greater privacy. À la carte meals are prepared to order served with fine wines and champagnes.
first: as close to it gets as a private jet experience. Privacy doors mean you are in a world of your own whenever you want. Fine dining is on demand and on-board showers* and the private lounge bar* are a few steps away.
suites: a remarkable way to fly. Private suites with a full leather reclinable armchair and standalone single or double bed, ensuite wardrobe and touchscreen entertainment.
Club World: enjoy access to exclusive departure lounges and travel in a dedicated cabin with armchair seating that converts to a flat bed.
*depending on aircraft
with adjustable headrest, foot and leg rest, a quieter, more private cabin and priority meal service with complimentary beverages.
Business Class: enjoy dedicated check-in desks and access to exclusive lounges where you can relax and refresh. Spacious seating reclines to fully flat beds and on the A380 all seats have direct aisle access and an exclusive on-board lounge bar.
World Travellers: comfortable
Economy Class: relax with a state-of-the-
economy cabin with seat back entertainment. Complimentary meals and refreshments are served throughout your flight.
art entertainment system giving access to more than 3,500 channels of in-flight entertainment and enjoy a regionally diverse multi-course menu of meals.
World Traveller Plus: wider seats
We work with a number of other airlines, please speak to our specialists for more information.
Call or ask your agent to call on 01425 484044
First Class: offers private space with an extra wide seat, reclining to an oversize flat bed. Mood lighting and Book the Cook dining options make this a very enjoyable way to travel. Business Class: fully flat beds on all international flights. Ample storage space, fine dining including the option to Book the Cook and wine choices from around the globe.
Premium Economy: the Singapore Airlines premium economy service will offer a spacious 2-4-2 cabin configuration, wider seats with a built-in calf and foot rest, fine dining and an access to 1,000 entertainment options. Economy: everything is done to make your journey as comfortable as possible. Seats have a six-way headrest and three position foot rest, HD touch screen for all your entertainment needs and power access for all seats.
airlines 63
Stopovers
Fiji
Singapore
There is a multitude of choice when it comes to breaking your journey to the Southern hemisphere, depending on who you choose to fly with determines the options available. For Australia you can look at a few nights in the vibrant cities of Singapore or Hong Kong or maybe slightly closer to home in Dubai. If you’re heading to New Zealand why not spend a couple of days in sunny California or on the beautiful South Pacific Island of Fiji?
Singapore This vibrant, sophisticated island is one of only three city-states in the world and the ideal place both geographically and experience-wise to break your journey, it’s also a gentle introduction to South East Asia if you have never visited before. Spend time at the Gardens by the Bay, three waterfront gardens filled with sculpture and rare flora and get a birds-eye view of the city from the 22m aerial walkway strung between the Supertrees, incredible tree shaped vertical gardens. A ride at sunset on the Singapore Flyer (Singapore’s larger version of the London Eye) makes for some memorable photos. Singapore has a number of distinct neighbourhoods well worth visiting including Chinatown, Little India, Orchard Road (for shopping), Kampong Glam, Singapore’s oldest urban quarter now an eclectic blend of history, culture and a new-trendy lifestyle and Marina Bay, where you can marvel at the impressive views and architectural icons. Eating is a real pleasure in Singapore with its melting pot of cultures. You’ll find something to suit every budget from traditional street food to hip-hawker stalls to Michelin star dining.
Gardens by the Bay, Singapore
64 stopovers
Victoria Peak Tram, Hong Kong
PEACE OF MIND: ALL OF OUR HOLIDAYS ARE 100% ATOL PROTECTED
Stopovers
Hong Kong
Castaway Island, Fiji
Hong Kong
Fiji
The days of flying into Hong Kong so close to the soaring skyscrapers that you could almost see washing drying may have gone but this electric, vibrant city pulsates with life and energy.
The South Pacific island of Fiji is more than just one island, it’s made up of an archipelago of more than 300 tropical islands lying in the warm, turquoise waters of the South Pacific.
It’s a financial hot spot, melting pot of traditions and a modern, urban city. Explore the eclectic neighbourhoods and outlying islands on one of the world’s slickest transport systems and enjoy a dining scene that is one of the best you’ll find anywhere on your travels.
The island of Viti Levu is the main gateway for most travellers, although there are also domestic airports scattered throughout the islands, international flights arrive into Nadi. Denarau Island, linked by a causeway to the mainland is one of the largest integrated resorts in the South Pacific, it’s only a short distance from the airport and you’ll find eight resorts, beaches plus an 18-hole golf course.
It’s not always easy to spot Hong Kong’s past history, but it’s there if you look for it, tucked under soaring sky scrapers you’ll find temples and shrines, perfumed with incense and fish markets selling their wares. Central is where East and West collide, beneath a stunning skyline you’ll find one of Hong Kong’s oldest neighbourhoods. A trip up Victoria Peak is still one of the best ways to see the panoramic views of Hong Kong, built in 1888 the tram that takes you to the top is the world’s steepest funicular railway, the views at dusk are the best. For a value for money harbour cruise, hop on the Star Ferry, Victoria Harbour is now connected by a network of road and rail tunnels but for visitors and locals alike it remains a reliable and efficient way of crossing the harbour.
For a true ‘Fijian’ experience though we recommend a stay on one of the islands. There are a number of island groups and the Mamanuca’s are picture perfect when it comes to your tropical island dream. White sandy beaches and swaying palm trees are the backdrop to a choice of hotels depending on your budget. Lying just north of the Mamanuca’s you’ll find the Yasawa Islands, you won’t find shops or banks or a multitude of restaurants, this is resort island life at its finest amidst stunning natural beauty. Vanua Levu is Fiji’s second largest island but attracts far less tourists. The island is a natural paradise and a firm favourite with dive enthusiasts. Tavaneui is known as the ‘Garden Island’ and for good reason, glorious beaches and exceptional dive sites sit side by side with lush jungles, secluded waterfalls and abundant wildlife. Talk to one of our specialists about how to include a stay in Fiji with your holiday to Australia or New Zealand.
Night Market, Hong Kong
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Taveuni, Fiji
stopovers 65
The holidays in this brochure are advertised and operated by Atkins Travel Ltd trading as ‘Prestige Holidays’, a fully bonded tour operator. Our flight based holidays provide full financial protection by way of our Air Travel Organiser’s Licence number (ATOL) 2509 issued by the Civil Aviation Authority, Gatwick Airport South, West Sussex, RH6 0YR, UK, telephone 0333 103 6350, email claims@caa. co.uk. When you buy an ATOL protected flight or flight inclusive package from us you will receive an ATOL Certificate. This lists what is financially protected, where you can get information on what this means for you and who to contact if things go wrong. Please see our booking condition 17 for information, or for more information about ATOL go to www.caa.co.uk. Atkins Travel Ltd is a member of ABTA and our package holidays that don’t include a flight are protected by means of a bond held by ABTA The Travel Association 30 Park Street London SE1 9EQ www.abta.co.uk. In the unlikely event of our insolvency, the CAA or ABTA will ensure you are not stranded abroad or will arrange to refund any money you have paid to us for an advance booking. The contact details for Atkins Travel Ltd are 1 Fridays Court, High Street, Ringwood, Hampshire BH24 1JA (‘the Company’s Office’). Our office hours are 9-5.30 weekdays and 9 - 5 on Saturdays. 1. We want you to have an enjoyable holiday and so that there is no misunderstanding you should carefully read the following terms and conditions together with important information on page 67 as they apply to any contract you make with us. 2. The contract is between Atkins Travel Limited (‘the Company’) and the person making the booking and/or the person(s) on whose behalf the booking has been made (‘the Client’). 3. In order to confirm a booking we will require you or our authorised agent to send us passenger names in writing and a deposit. (a) This amount is usually £400 per person but may vary as some properties, tour and cruise companies and airlines may require additional deposits. The amount due will be confirmed to you at time of booking. (b) A contract will exist between the Company and the Client when the Client pays a deposit/full payment to the Company or its agent or the Company has verbally confirmed the booking. 4. The balance of the holiday price shall be paid by the date to be advised but in any event shall not be more than 10 weeks prior to the Client’s departure. 5. The company may cancel the booking at anytime, but will only do so after the balance due date if either (i) default is made in payment of any monies due by the client and we will retain your deposit, or (ii) for reasons amounting to force majeure outside their control (for example, natural disaster, inclement weather, commencement of hostilities, political unrest, riots, strikes, disease, epidemic or pandemic illness or other situations as might endanger the Client’s safety). 6. The Client will be informed without delay of a cancellation (for any reason) by the Company and on such a cancellation except where it occurs due to non-payment by the client, the Company will offer the Client the choice of an alternative holiday of at least comparable standard (if available) or a full refund of all monies, payable within 10 days of the Client requesting such refund. Compensation may be payable on a sliding scale. See No. 8 (c). 7. Once you have booked, whatever happens to the value of the Pound, the price of your holiday will not be subject to any currency surcharges or refunds due to Bank Contracts we have in place. The price of your holiday is, however, subject to surcharges or reductions on the following items: the price of the carriage of passengers resulting from changes to the cost of fuel or other power sources, and the level of taxes or fees imposed by third parties including tourist taxes, landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports and airports. However there will be no change within 20 days of your departure. We will absorb and you will not be charged for any increase equivalent to 2% of the price of your travel arrangements, which excludes any amendment charges. You will be charged for the amount over and above that. If this means that you have to pay an increase of more than 8% of the price of your travel arrangements, you will have the option of accepting a change to another holiday if we are able to offer one (if this is of equivalent or higher quality you will not have to pay more but if it is of lower quality you will be refunded the difference in price), or cancelling and receiving a full refund of all monies paid, except for any amendment charges. Should you decide to cancel because of this reason, you must exercise your right to do so within 14 days from the issue date on your final invoice. Should the price of your holiday go down due to the changes mentioned above then any refund due will be paid to you. We will deduct from this refund our administrative expenses incurred. However, please note that travel arrangements are not always purchased in local currency and some apparent changes have no impact on the price of your travel due to contractual and other protection in place. The exchange rates used in calculating holiday prices in this brochure are £1 = AU$ 1.79 and NZ$ .191.
66 booking conditions
8. (a) A major change to the contract is one which would involve a significant change to the holiday (e.g. a significant change in resort). (b) If the Company makes a major change after it has confirmed the booking the Company will immediately inform the Client and offer the choice of an alternative holiday of at least comparable standard (if available) or of a full refund of all monies, payable within 10 days of the Client requesting such refund. Please read any notification of changes carefully and respond promptly as if you do not respond to us within the timescale given your booking may be cancelled. (c) Subject to (d) below if the Company cancels, or makes a major change and you accept a refund rather than an alternative, after the date of payment of the balance of the holiday price, it will in addition to the choice offered in sub-paragraph (b) of this clause compensate you as follows: Period before departure date
Compensation due payable per person
More than 70 days NIL 70–29 days £10 28–l5 days £20 14 or less £30 Also see (e) below. (c) In the event of a reduction by the Client in the number of persons taking a hotel room, a cabin, or a hire car the Company may need to charge for any beds or seats unused as a result of that reduction. Please ask for a price. See also clause 9. (d) Certain suppliers may have different cancellation charges that will apply over and above the listed amounts here, we and you are therefore bound by their booking conditions, we will highlight this at the time of booking. Additionally, if we have bought aircraft seats in from another tour operator or a public airfare for you, once you confirm your intention to travel, we are committed to pay for those seats in full. If, therefore, you cancel your holiday at any time after booking, you will be/may be liable for the cost of those seats or hotel rooms in part or full. In these circumstances we, and therefore you, are bound by the booking conditions of the other supplier. We will also require an increased deposit, the amount will be advised at the time of booking. We will remind you of these exceptions at the time of booking your holiday. 9. The Company will consider any reasonable request by the Client to amend or vary the terms of any holiday contained in this brochure but shall not be under any obligation to comply with such a request. Charges will be kept to a minimum, in some cases this may mean amendment or replacement cost of airline tickets. You can transfer your booking to another person, who satisfies all the conditions that apply to this booking, by giving us notice in writing as soon as possible and no later than 7 days before departure. Both you and the new traveller are responsible for paying all costs we incur in making the transfer. 10. You can cancel your booking without paying cancellation charges if the performance of your package, or the carriage of passengers to your destination, is significantly affected by unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances. In such circumstances, we will arrange for your booking to be terminated and for you to receive a full refund. We will observe advice provided by the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office. 11. The Company shall not be obliged to claim compensation for nor to make any allowances or refund for lost or expired or unendorsed tickets, hotel coupons, or vouchers for any service or accommodation booked. But if any allowance or refund is obtained by the Company it will pass the same on to the Client less any expenses reasonably incurred in obtaining it. 12. The Company shall act diligently in making arrangements for the Client but the Company shall in no circumstances be liable to the Client for any damage or loss to any luggage or other property of the Client suffered by the Client caused by a party other than the Company its employees agents subcontractors and suppliers and shall not be liable for any consequential damage or loss. The same shall apply for any fatal or other injury or illness suffered by the Client save that the Company shall accept responsibility for the negligent acts and/or omissions of: (a) the Company’s employees or agents and, (b) the Company’s suppliers and subcontractors, servants and/ or agents of the same whilst acting within the scope of, or in the course of their employment in respect of claims arising as a result of death bodily injury or illness caused to the Client. You must inform us without undue delay of any failure to perform or improper performance of the travel services included in this package. If any of the travel services included in your package are not performed in accordance with the contract, or are improperly performed, by us or the travel service suppliers, and this has affected the enjoyment of your travel arrangements, you may be entitled to an appropriate price reduction or compensation or both. We will not be liable where any failure to perform or improper performance of the travel services is due to: you or another member of your party; or a third party unconnected with the provision of the travel services in the package and is unforeseeable or unavoidable; or unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances, which means a situation beyond our control, the consequences of which could not have been avoided even if all reasonable measures had been taken.
13. All arrangements made by or through the Company in connection with the booking are subject to the contractual terms of the suppliers providing the services that make up your booking. These terms are incorporated into this contract and may limit or extinguish your right to compensation. Further, we are to be regarded as having the benefit of any limit on compensation contained in the relevant international convention. These limit liability for death, injury and loss or damage to baggage. Copies of the contractual terms and international conventions are available on request. 14. If you’re in difficulty whilst on holiday and ask us to help we will provide appropriate assistance, in particular by providing information on health services, local authorities and consular assistance; and helping you to find alternative arrangements and any necessary phone calls/emails. You must pay any costs we incur, if the difficulty is your fault. 15. (In respect of our ATOL protected flights and holidays only). We will provide you with the services you have bought (or a suitable alternative). In some cases, where we aren’t able to do so, in the extremely unlikely event of our insolvency, an alternative ATOL holder may provide you with the services you have bought or a suitable alternative (at no extra cost to you). You agree to accept that in those circumstances the alternative ATOL holder will perform those obligations and you agree to pay any money outstanding to be paid by you under your contract to that alternative ATOL holder. However, you also agree that in some cases it will not be possible to appoint an alternative ATOL holder, in which case you will be entitled to make a claim under the ATOL scheme (or your credit card issuer where applicable). If we are unable to provide the services listed (or a suitable alternative, through an alternative ATOL holder or otherwise) for reasons of insolvency, the Trustees of the Air Travel Trust may make a payment to (or confer a benefit on) you under the ATOL scheme. You agree that in return for such a payment or benefit you assign absolutely to those Trustees any claims which you have or may have arising out of or relating to the non-provision of the services, including any claim against us, the travel agent (or your credit card issuer where applicable). You also agree that any such claims may be re-assigned to another body, if that other body has paid sums you have claimed under the ATOL scheme. 16. Excursions or other tours that you may choose to book or pay for whilst you are on holiday are not part of your package holiday provided by us. For any excursion or other tour that you book, your contract will be with the operator of the excursion or tour and not with us. We are not responsible for the provision of the excursion or tour or for anything that happens during the course of its provision by the excursion provider. 17. The person (lead passenger) confirming the booking to the company warrants that he/she has the authority of the all persons booked to contract on their behalf the services requested and accepts these booking conditions. 18. In the unlikely event of any dissatisfaction with the accommodation or any of the services provided during your holiday the matter must be reported immediately to the local supplier AND the hotelier so that action can be taken to remedy the problem. If we have not been given the opportunity to rectify the complaint at the time this may affect your rights. If the Client is unable to resolve the problem satisfactorily during the holiday the Client should submit his complaint in writing to the Company at the Company’s Office within 28 days of the scheduled date of return from the holiday advising the Company of the action taken and the names of the people to whom the matter was reported. Contact with our supplier should have been made and a request for them to send a written report to us will be required. Our liability in all cases shall be limited to three times the cost of the holiday paid to the Company. We can also offer you ABTA’s scheme for the resolution of disputes which is approved by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute. If we can’t resolve your complaint, go to www.abta.com to use ABTA’s simple procedure. Alternatively AITO & TTA operate a similar scheme, please ask for details. For injury and illness claims, you can request the ABTA Mediation Procedure and we have the option to agree to mediation. Further information on the Code and ABTA’s assistance in resolving disputes can be found on www.abta.com. 19. Every effort is made by the Company to give as accurate a description as possible for the hotels in this brochure. All facilities mentioned in the descriptions are generally available for the duration of the brochure but in certain circumstances (particularly in the low and off seasons) their provision may be limited e.g. weather conditions, maintenance, etc. Please note that the provisions of these facilities and any charges imposed for their use are totally outside the control of the Company. 20. These conditions are subject to English Law and the jurisdiction shall rest with the English, Scottish or Northern Ireland courts as appropriate.
PEACE OF MIND: ALL OF OUR HOLIDAYS ARE 100% ATOL PROTECTED
We ask that you carefully read this information, only by doing so can both you and we ensure that your Prestige Holiday is everything you expect and we wish to provide. We are delighted to offer advice at any time. Obviously all services are subject to availability at the time of booking. ACCOMMODATIONS Hotel Facilities: throughout this brochure we refer to facilities offered by hotels such as swimming pools, airconditioning etc. At certain times these facilities may not be available; for instance swimming pools have to be regularly cleaned and filters changed and airconditioning units do break down.You will appreciate that we cannot warrant or guarantee that any such facilities will be available during your stay. In addition, although we mention leisure facilities at most properties these are not necessarily free of charge. The use of golf courses, water sports etc are usually subject to a charge that must be paid locally. Some larger hotels do, on occasions, host conferences of which we will be unaware, this may mean restricted use of facilities and we do not accept any liability as a result of such circumstances Classification of hotels: there is no universal accommodation grading system within Australasia. The grading system that we have applied is only an indication of hotel quality and standard and has been devised to assist you in making your accommodation choices. Standards of hotels in the remoter parts of Australia & New Zealand may not necessarily be equal to those where a larger selection is available. Please ask if you require any further information about the suitability of any of our listed properties. Lodges: the major attraction of these properties are their special characteristics and by their very nature it is difficult to grade these types of accommodations – where applied it includes an assessment of the overall holiday experience. Hotel Rooms: all accommodation is sold on a roomonly basis unless otherwise specified. Except where indicated otherwise, our rooms are allocated on a standard basis which means that they can be in any part of the hotel. Generally rooms will have one double bed and are sold on the basis of 2 guests occupying the room on a bed share basis. Rollaways may be available on request, payable locally. Images of hotel rooms are for illustrative purposes only and do not depict the actual room that you will be staying in. Child Age: generally there is no charge for one or two children sharing a twin bedded room with two adults paying the twin occupancy price. Please ask us for the relevant age policies. Checking In & Out Times: rooms are usually available after 3pm on arrival day with check-out around 11am. Many hotels have luggage storing facilities or you may be able to retain your room for a later check-out – any charges levied by the hotel are payable locally. Security Deposit: a credit card imprint will be requested on checking in at your accommodation. Extra Charges: some hotels charge for additional items such as car parking, telephone calls, pay-for-view TV channels, mini-bar usage etc. All such charges are payable locally. Building Works: we will do our best to inform you, prior to your holiday, of any work being carried
out at your actual hotels. However, we are not always notified and therefore will not accept responsibility for disturbance. This also applies to building works outside of your accommodation or within the city itself. FLIGHTS Airlines: we prefer to use scheduled flights whenever possible as we believe this reduces the chance of delays or cancellations. In the event of a flight delay or cancellation it is the responsibility of the airline to keep you informed. Depending on the airline they may also be responsible for some meal and overnight accommodation if necessary. Due to increased security measures it is necessary to register personal details prior to checking in for your flight. Special Requests: on selected airlines we are able to pre-request seat numbers; these are not guaranteed as airlines have the final say on seat allocation. Some airlines levy a charge for pre-booking seats and this information will be given to you at the time of booking your flight. Meal requests such as vegetarian, diabetic etc are passed on to the airline however we cannot guarantee their availability. Any such requests should be made at time of booking. Airlines/Aircraft: all airlines reserve the right to substitute carriers, aircraft type, configuration and classes on their flights and may even change the route to incorporate a touchdown at another airport prior to your final destination. Such changes, other than a ‘downgrade’ of pre-paid services will not warrant a refund or claim for compensation. Meals & Alcohol: on longhaul flights some type of meal service is usually provided. On domestic flights within Australia and New Zealand that is not always the case. Also some airlines may levy a charge for any drink, alcoholic or otherwise. VEHICLE RENTAL Paper counterparts to UK driving licences have been abolished and you may need to share your driving license details with vehicle rental companies. This can be done by accessing the DVLA website www.gov.uk/dvla/ nomorecounterpart. PASSPORTS & VISAS Australia have implemented an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) which applies to all non-citizens. The eTA is valid for 12 months and is free but there is an online service charge cost. Apply online at www.australia. gov.au and scroll to Passport and Travel. If your holiday involves a stay or touchdown in the USA, an electronic visa (ESTA) is required. Further information for visitors to the USA visit fco. gov.uk/travel or www.usaembassy.org. uk. UK citizens do not need a visa to visit New Zealand. All visitors to Australia and New Zealand must have a return or onward ticket and sufficient funds to support them during their stay. In all cases it is the travellers responsibility to ensure they have the correct documentation. CLIMATE AND WEATHER Climate varies from region to region so please ensure you take appropriate clothing. Further details on weather conditions can be obtained from www. theweathernetwork.com HEALTH At time of writing no vaccinations are necessary for entry into Australia or New Zealand. Remember to take out good holiday insurance cover.
CURRENCY/CREDIT CARDS Credit cards are as common as currency and all hotels and car rental depots will ask for an imprint at time of check-in. Local currencies are: Australian Dollars and New Zealand Dollars and travellers cheques in these currencies will be accepted as cash in most restaurants and shops. However they often ask for proof of ID so ensure you have this with you. GRATUITIES Tipping is a way of life; it is usual to add 10% of the bill to all service personnel. Tips to tour drivers and escorts are not usually included and are at your discretion. Please note that gratuities are not included in most of our prices and therefore on a Cruise, Escorted Tour or Rail Journey etc you may wish to leave a suitable gratuity. NATIONAL PARKS A National Park User Fee may be applicable in some national parks. Please note that if applicable this charge is not included in any holiday arrangement unless mentioned otherwise in this brochure, nor will be included on any quotation and is payable locally. WILDLIFE VIEWING When taking a wildlife viewing excursion or tour you will be entering their natural habitat and sightings cannot be guaranteed. If on a tour your tour guide will do his best to ensure that sightings are made however, in the event that this does not happen, no refund will be given. UNUSED SERVICES No refund will be given for any portion of a pre-packaged itinerary, hotel night, car hire, transfer or excursion which is not used nor credit given for alterations made after the date of departure. YOUR MONEY When you buy a flight-based holiday, all monies you pay to the travel agent are held by him on behalf and for the benefit of the Trustees of the Air Travel Trust at all times. This is subject to the agent’s obligation to pay it to us. In the extremely unlikely event of our insolvency, any money held at that time by the agent, or subsequently accepted from you by him, is and continues to be held on behalf of and for the benefit of the Trustees of the Air Travel Trust without any obligation to pay that money to us. When you buy a holiday not including a flight, all monies you pay to the travel agent are held by him on behalf of Prestige Holidays at all times. BROCHURE This brochure is issued on the sole responsibility of the tour operator. It is not issued on behalf of, and does not commit any independent organisations etc. whose services are featured.We make every effort to ensure that the brochure is accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. In any case all information and prices may have changed by the time that you make your booking with us and some products may not be available. The images shown are used to give a general impression of the accommodation e.g. there are often many room types in a hotel of which the image may represent the standard available. Remember to take out good holiday insurance cover. LICENCE TO TRADE The law requires that we must provide financial protection in respect of monies paid to us for package holidays. To comply with this requirement we hold an AIR TRAVEL ORGANISERS LICENCE (ATOL) 2509 and have a bond lodged with ABTA.
DATA PROTECTION
THE AITO QUALITY CHARTER
To process your booking and to ensure that your travel arrangements run smoothly and meet your requirements we and your travel agent need to use the information you provide (such as name, address, passport information, email address, mobile number any special needs/dietary requirements, etc.). We take full responsibility for ensuring that proper security measures are in place to protect your information. We must pass the information on to the relevant suppliers of your travel arrangements such as airlines, hotels, transport companies, etc. The information may also be provided to public authorities such as customs/immigration if required by them, or as required by law. Additionally, where your holiday is outside the European Economic Area, controls on data protection in your destination may not be as stringent as the legal requirements in this country. We will only pass on your information to providers/suppliers responsible for the provision of your travel arrangements. This applies to any sensitive information that you give to us such as details of any disabilities, or dietary/religious requirements. In making this booking, you consent to this information being passed on to the relevant providers/suppliers. Please note where information is also held by your travel agent, this is subject to your agent’s own data protection policy. We will hold your information, where collected by us, and may use it to inform you of offers in the future or to send you brochures. If you do not wish to receive such approaches in the future, please tell us. Our full privacy policy can be found on our website.
Prestige Holidays is a member of the Association of Independent Tour Operators. The Association represents Britain’s leading independent tour operators and encourages high standards of quality and service. Prestige Holidays abides by the Association’s Code of Conduct and adheres to the AITO Quality Charter which can be viewed on www.aito.co.uk. Visit the website to find out more about the Association or call 020 8744 9280.
Call or ask your agent to call on 01425 484044
THE ASSOCIATION OF INDEPENDENT TOUR OPERATORS THE QUALITY ALTERNATIVE. The air holiday packages and flights in this brochure are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our 2509 ATOL number is 2509. Please see our booking conditions for more information.
100% FINANCIAL PROTECTION
IMPORTANT INFO 67
For Reservations & Enquiries to: Australia & New Zealand Tel: 01425 484044 Email: australasia@prestigeholidays.co.uk Website: www.prestigeaustralia.co.uk Europe & Bermuda Tel: 01425 480400 Email: enquiries@prestigeholidays.co.uk Website: www.prestigeholidays.co.uk/destinations Ticketing/Admin Tel: 01425 480448 Canada & USA Tel: 01502 567222 Email: canada@prestigeholidays.co.uk Website: www.prestigecanada.co.uk Escorted Tours & UK Holidays Tel: 01425 480600 Email: specialistsales@prestigeholidays.co.uk Website: www.toursprestigeholidays.co.uk Website: www.ukprestigeholidays.co.uk
Prestige Holidays 1 Fridays Court, High Street Ringwood, Hampshire, BH24 1JA
www.prestigeholidays.co.uk HOLIDAYS WITH 100% FINANCIAL PROTECTION