May / June 2009 - Newsletter

Welcome to our Autumn Newsletter, although these last few days it has truly felt that winter has arrived. But I am not complaining, we had the most beautiful weather in April and early May.

If you are in the northern hemisphere - enjoy the spring and forthcoming summer months!

Ski Express has offered fantastic ski packages to Queenstown, Wanaka and Methven for a number of years, and 2009 is no exception. With the inclusion of Mt Ruapehu, you can now book 6 of New Zealand's major ski fields in one easy step. Please find more information about the fantastic Ski & Activity pass inclusions below.

With a surprising large amount of bookings for the coming season, we are even more surprised to find a number of smaller hotels and Bed & Breakfasts already fully booked for certain dates in December (particularly over Christmas / New Year) and February. Please do not leave it too late to book your New Zealand holiday if you are looking for a good deal. The New Zealand Dollar is still fairly low, giving you even more value for money.

As always - we look forward to hear from you!

 

The artist in the picture below can often be seen at New Brighton Beach, Christchurch, creating wonderful works of art at low tide just under the pier.

Kind regards,

Sabine

Beach Art, Christchurch

 

 

In this newsletter:

If there is a particular feature that you would like to see in our next newsletter, please click here to write to us. We always welcome suggestions.

 

 

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Short City Breaks

Crowne Plaza Hotel, Christchurch

 

 

Now is the perfect time to think about short breaks within New Zealand over the next few months. Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin - with many interesting shows around the country such as Cirque de Soleil, Stomp or Starlight Express, we will find a package that will suit your interests.

Paul and I have recently spent a weekend at the beautiful Crowne Plaza Hotel Christchurch. The Club Floor Rooms include pre-dinner drinks and canapés, breakfast in the Club Lounge the next morning, and free Internet, newspapers, tea/coffee and non-alcoholic drinks throughout the day. It was lovely to be "on holiday" in our own city and see it from a different perspective.

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New Zealand Cycle Way

 

 

Prime Minister John Key announced the Government would spend $50 million over three years to build a New Zealand cycle way. Mr Key told the New Zealand Hotel Industry Conference the initiative would create a series of 'Great Rides' of New Zealand, "with the long term aim of creating a network throughout the country." Routes would be influenced by existing cycle ways, facilities, and tourism attractions.

"For international tourists there are probably a lot who would cycle, but not the whole of New Zealand. But this will appeal to those who want to do a short scenic section and enjoy a different experience," he said.

Mr Key said the cycle way was the first of what he hoped would be a number of initiatives that would help deliver on the Government’s vision for the New Zealand tourism industry.

(Source: Tourism New Zealand Feature)

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United Campervans New 4 Berth Premier Motorhome

 

 

 

Following the successful introduction of the United 2 Berth Premier Motorhome with automatic transmission last year, the United 4 Berth Premier Motorhome will be available from 01 October 2009 and we are accepting bookings from this date. Its innovative design allows all 4 passengers to sit up front together with 2 purpose made seats positioned behind the driver. These seats do not convert to a bed so are designed for passenger comfort whilst driving. In addition, the front 2 seats swivel to make a lounge / dining area up front. As with all of United’s fleet the bed at the rear of the vehicle is a large king size bed.

Features:

  • Mercedes Sprinter 2.2l Turbo Diesel Euro 4
  • Power steering, electric windows and central locking
  • 5 speed automatic transmission
  • Radio and CD player in driver’s cab
  • Air conditioned driver’s cab
  • 2 seatbelts in driver’s cab and 2 seatbelts in 2 seats behind driver
  • Baby seat anchor points on both rear seats
  • Access between driver’s cab and rear cabin
  • 1 double bed (front upper) and 1 king (rear) or 2 singles (rear)
  • Shower and hand basin
  • Electric flush cassette toilet - 12 volt
  • Electric and gas heating
  • 4 burner gas stove with grill
  • Microwave
  • Flat screen LCD TV/DVD player
  • Personal security safe

 

 

 

Ski Express

 

 

 

 

More skiers and boarders choose Ski Express ski holiday packages than any other. When you compare their deals with the rest, you will know why they are proud to be the number one New Zealand ski holiday company. Ski packages are available for Queenstown, Wanaka, Methven and Mount Ruapehu.

The Ski and Activity Pass is quite simply New Zealand’s best value ski pass (can not be sold separately - only available in conjunction with a complete Ski Express package). No other pass allows you to ski and board 18 of New Zealand’s best ski areas on one pass – while also giving you the option to use your pass on a range of other activities, sightseeing, shopping and dining options.

The Ski and Activity Pass is the ultimate in flexibility, and the ultimate pass for your winter holiday. Do what you like, when you like, on your South Island winter adventure! What’s included with a Ski & Activity Pass? A pass valid for skiing and boarding at 18 of New Zealand’s best ski areas including: • Coronet Peak • The Remarkables • Mt Hutt • Cardrona • Treble Cone • Snow Park • Snow Farm • Ohau • Porters • Mt Dobson • Round Hill • Broken River • Mt Cheeseman • Mt Lyford • Mt Olympus • Temple Basin • Hanmer Springs • Craigieburn

Or which can be used on a range of other activities, sightseeing, shopping and dining options:

• Jet boating • Parasailing • Golfing • Cruising • Dining & Entertainment in Queenstown, Wanaka & Methven • Day spa treatments & massages - including aromatherapy, Swedish & sports massage • Shopping - exchangable at numerous stores for credits towards your purchases • and many more options...

Plus all of the Ski Express Exclusives

• FREE night skiing at Coronet Peak on Fridays and Saturdays, mid-July to mid-September for all Queenstown packages (subject to weather and snow conditions).

• FREE coffee and muffin every Monday and Friday at The Remarkables, every Monday and Thursday at Mt Hutt, on Tuesdays at Cardrona and Thursdays at Treble Cone, July to September.

• FREE two hour guided Mountain Tours for intermediate and advanced skiers and boarders.

Available Monday to Friday at Coronet Peak and Mt Hutt, on Mondays and Fridays at The Remarkables, Tuesdays at Cardrona and on Thursdays at Treble Cone.

• FREE Bonus Card and Resort Guide packed with discounts.

• FREE drink on arrival at the Ski Express Prize Night (Wednesday) and Welcome Night (Sunday or Thursday).

 

 

 

 

Kirra Tours - Warbirds over Wanaka

 

Watch in wonder as all vintages of aircraft take to the skies to soar over Wanaka in the Warbirds over Wanaka International Airshow. 9 day, 12 day and 13 day packages are available – each entwine the marvels of the Warbirds Airshow with the wonders of New Zealand, and include twin share accommodation, 3 day Warbirds Airshow pass, sightseeing, luxury coach travel with a professional Coach Captain, airport transfers upon arrival and departure and much more.

Independent 5 day rental car package – Enjoy this spectacular alpine resort and Airshow staying at the luxurious Mercure Grand Oakridge Resort & Spa, Wanaka only minutes from downtown Wanaka, or Grand Mercure St Moritz Queenstown.

Please click here for further information about the package available.

The accommodation in Wanaka and Queenstown sells out fast. Book now to avoid disappointment.

 

 

 

 

Rugby - September/October 2011

 

Match schedule is out now. Please click here for details.

We can offer you a great deal on your motorhome booking.

Book early to avoid dissapointment. The following conditions apply for motorhome bookings within the travel period of 01 September 2001 and 23 October 2011:

  • A minimum hire period of 14 days will apply to all hires with a pick up between 01 September and 23 October 2011.
  • Name changes of the hirer will not be permitted.
  • Amendments to the period of hire will only be accepted without penalty up to six months of the pick up date and will be treated as a new request and subject to availability.
  • Amendments to the period of hire within 6 months of the pick up date will be subject to an amendment fee of NZ$400 and will be treated as a new request and subject to availability.
 

 

 

 

Gift Vouchers and more...

Mosaic Travel - personalised travel in New Zealand

We can issue gift vouchers for people traveling in New Zealand, from a short sightseeing tour to a weekend away. You may pay by credit card, and we can send the voucher directly to you or the person traveling.

 

Are you planning a corporate weekend or family gathering? Let us put a personalised package together for you.

 

 

If you have missed our March/April Newsletter, please click here to view it.