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April 26th, 2012, 01:09 AM
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#341 |
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NEW ZEALAND
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 23,900
Likes (Received): 747
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Auckland Launches Chinese Destination Website image hosted on flickr  08 APR 12 21°C by Urban+Explorer, on Flickr ATEED has further cemented its focus on attracting Chinese visitors to Auckland with the recent launch of a dedicated Chinese website. Phase one of the website is now live at aucklandnz.com/cn and features key destination content and images from Auckland’s flagship destination website aucklandnz.com. Enquiries and bookings generated through the website will be handled through ATEED’s i-SITE Visitor Centre by Mandarin speaking reservations staff. Phase two of the website development will include integration of Chinese operator listings and the implementation of social media channels and online activity to stimulate website traffic. ATEED Manager Tourism Jason Hill says Auckland is investing strongly in attracting more Chinese visitors to Auckland. “We are undertaking partnerships with airlines and travel partners and carrying out targeted marketing. It is vital we work as an industry to take advantage of this fast growing visitor market,” says Mr Hill. “Auckland offers Chinese visitors a premium experience - an ‘Urban Oasis’ where big city sophistication goes hand-in-hand with an outstanding natural playground,” he adds. The launch of the Chinese website comes shortly after a visit to five Chinese cities by Mr Hill and representatives from Auckland Airport, Tourism New Zealand and other key Auckland operators. The group hosted and met with key Chinese officials, tourism agents, wholesalers, airports and airlines. As part of the visit to China ATEED also launched a Chinese version of the invest in Auckland website aimed at people interested in investing in New Zealand’s largest city. The website can be found at investauckland.com. China is one of Auckland’s key visitor markets, with 134,444 visitors to December 2011. It is Auckland’s fastest growing market, with visitor numbers up 19 per cent on the previous year. |
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April 30th, 2012, 01:37 AM
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#342 |
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NEW ZEALAND
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 23,900
Likes (Received): 747
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Personal videos from people who have recently travelled to NZ ...
Last edited by SYDNEY; April 30th, 2012 at 01:45 AM. |
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April 30th, 2012, 02:51 AM
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#343 |
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BANNED
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Los Angeles , US / Cancun , MX
Posts: 18,011
Likes (Received): 633
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amazing country
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April 30th, 2012, 02:52 AM
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#344 |
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BANNED
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Los Angeles , US / Cancun , MX
Posts: 18,011
Likes (Received): 633
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post pics of the beaches
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April 30th, 2012, 08:43 AM
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#345 | |
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NEW ZEALAND
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 23,900
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Quote:
 Thanks for the comments.
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May 2nd, 2012, 01:40 AM
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#347 |
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NEW ZEALAND
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 23,900
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Large increase in visitors to Lake Coleridge image hosted on flickr  Lake Coleridge by jonathan.aotearoa, on Flickr Tourism operators in Lake Coleridge, one of Canterbury’s less well-known tourism destinations, stepped up this summer to cater for hundreds of extra visitors who were sadly not able to visit some of Canterbury’s former tourist highlights. An increase in coach tours was the standout theme of the summer, members of the Lake Coleridge Tourism Group heard at their AGM last week (24 April). The Lake Coleridge basin has been catering for group tours for a long time, but not on the scale seen this summer, says Tourism Group Chairperson Lyn Nell. Over the past six months, the High Country Tour business Lyn runs in conjunction with two other properties saw an influx of groups looking for new places to visit in Canterbury. “We’ve been operating 20 years and it would have been one of our busiest. Other operators in the area have had similar experiences,” she says. Alex Bruce from Travlon Coachlines based in Lincoln says other tour operators like them are taking advantage of the area’s spectacular scenery. “It’s only one hour from Christchurch and there’s enough established tourism businesses that haven’t been affected by the earthquakes,” he says. Lake Coleridge’s largest tourism business, Terrace Downs Golf Resort, also say they have had a big increase in international tour companies visiting. “The increase in international visitors has been very noticeable this year,” says Terrace Downs General Manager Dilan De Silva. “We’re fortunate we’re in an interesting high country environment that offers a range of recreational opportunities, but it’s still within easy driving distance from Christchurch,” he says. Lyn says that for Cantabrians needing a short break away, the peace and quiet you find in alpine areas is particularly attractive at this time of year. “The summer tourist season is over, the ski season is still a couple of months away and there’s the bonus of lovely autumn colours and bright, crisp days. Now’s a good time if you’re planning a weekend escape - there’s no other city in New Zealand with an alpine playground like this just an hour away.” More information about activities and accommodation in Lake Coleridge is on www.lakecoleridgenz.info. |
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May 2nd, 2012, 01:40 AM
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#348 |
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NEW ZEALAND
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 23,900
Likes (Received): 747
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Hawkes Bay winery listed among world's best image hosted on flickr  Black Barn's "River Room" by lordog, on Flickr image hosted on flickr  Black Barn Vineyards by : chantal, on Flickr A Hawkes Bay winery has appeared alongside world-renowned vineyards in Burgundy, Tuscany and California in a major travel guide's top 10 list - a win being hailed as a boost for the fast-growing wine tourism market. Black Barn Vineyards, in Havelock North, was picked among the world's greatest vineyard inns and hotels by the long-running and best-selling US travel guide Frommers. The guide - which also features Italy's medieval Castello di Vicarello and the prestigious Chateau Andre Ziltener in Burgundy - pitches Black Barn as "the place to go" with family, another couple or a small group. It lauds the winery's luxury accommodation, its summer amphitheatre, its accessibility to the rest of the region and its Black Barn Bistro, last year named winery restaurant of the year by Cuisine magazine. The winery's cellar door and events manager, Francis De Jager, regards the rating as an important gain for all Kiwi wineries. "To be on that list is a huge credit for Hawkes Bay and New Zealand - it's just going to help channel more visitors here." Overseas tourists accounted for a third of visitors to the winery, and most sought a "wine experience" rather than a quick tasting. "They're not just coming here to taste wine, they're wanting to do everything," Mr De Jager said. "There's no shortage of luxury destinations to visit in New Zealand or around the world, so to get on a list like this, you're really getting your name out there. "We are not a big operation but we set ourselves a standard, and when we get pats on the back like this, it's fantastic for the motivation." New Zealand Winegrowers global marketing director Chris Yorke agreed the win would help lure more highly sought-after wine tourists. A recent Tourism NZ study showed tourists visiting New Zealand for its wineries stayed longer and spent more per day. THE TOP 10 1 Algodon Wine Estates, Mendoza, Argentina. 2 Chateau Andre Ziltener, Burgundy, France. 3 Castello di Vicarello, Tuscany, Italy. 4 The Yeatman Hotel and Wine Spa, Porto, Portugal. 5 Kenwood Inn and Spa, Sonoma County, California. 6 Black Barn Vineyards, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand. 7 Steenberg Hotel and Winery, Cape Town, South Africa. 8 Youngberg Hill Vineyards and Inn, Willamette Valley, Oregon. 9 Can Bonastre Wine Resort, Spain. 10 The Louise, Barossa Valley, Australia. |
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May 2nd, 2012, 06:00 PM
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#349 |
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leisure cook
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Bacolod Uptown East
Posts: 10,108
Likes (Received): 1191
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breathtakingly beautiful images...
__________________
Bacolod: "Culinary destination par excellence" |
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May 7th, 2012, 02:42 AM
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#350 | |
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NEW ZEALAND
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 23,900
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Quote:
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May 7th, 2012, 02:42 AM
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#351 |
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NEW ZEALAND
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 23,900
Likes (Received): 747
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NZ wines named among world's most admired image hosted on flickr  HAWKE'S BAY 27 NOV 2010 by Urban+Explorer, on Flickr New Zealand has claimed seven spots on the list of the top 50 most admired wine brands in the world. Brancott Estate was the highest Kiwi performer coming in at 14 on the list. Oyster Bay, Cloudy Bay, Villa Maria, Babich, Wither Hills, and Nobilo are also listed on Drinks International Top 50 World's Most Admired Wine Brands list. Chilean label Concha y Toro took out poll position, followed Spanish vino from Torres and Italian brand Antinori. New Zealand Winegrowers' spokesman, Chris Yorke said he was delighted with the result. "It reconfirms New Zealand's position as a producer of premium, diverse and sustainable wines." The judging panel was made up of 60 members of the global wine community including Peter McCombie MW, Peter Marks MW, Tuomas Meriluoto MW, Kym Milne MW and Lynne Sherriff MW. Drinks International 50 Most Admired Wine Brands: 1. Concha y Toro 2. Torres 3. Antinori 4.Penfolds 5. Jacob's Creek 6. Kendall Jackson 7. Michel Chapoutier 8. Guigal 9. Vega Sicilia 10. Chateau Margaux 11. Duboeuf 12. JP Chenet 13. Ridge 14. Brancott Estate 15. Marques de Riscal 16. Chateau Ste Michelle 17. Oyster Bay 18. Cheval Blanc 19. McGuigan 20. Domaine de la Romanee-Conti 21. Campo Viejo 22. Cloudy Bay 23. Chateau Lafite 24. Fetzer 25. Marques de Caceres 26. Blue Nun 27. KWV 28. Robert Mondavi 29. Santa Rita 30. Chateau Haut-Brion 31. Villa Maria 32. Barefoot 33. Chateau d'Yquem 34. Faustino 35. Gallo 36. Chateau Le Pin 37. Lindeman's 38. O Fournier 39. Chateau Mouton Rothschild 40. Chateau Petrus 41. Undurruga 42. Woodbridge 43. Paul Jaboulet Aine 44. Babich 45. Dr Loosen 46. Wither Hills 47. Oxford Landing 48. Nobilo 49. Black Tower 50. Yellowtail |
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May 8th, 2012, 01:09 AM
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#352 |
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NEW ZEALAND
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 23,900
Likes (Received): 747
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Sensational season ahead at Queenstown and Methven ski areas image hosted on flickr  DSCN6949 by jamiez1980, on Flickr Snow lovers heading to the slopes in New Zealand’s South Island this winter can enjoy an array of improvements and changes at the Queenstown and Methven ski areas. Coronet Peak and The Remarkables in Queenstown, and Canterbury’s Mt Hutt have been busy over summer to ensure their teams are all set to provide a jam-packed winter full of fun for visitors. The Mt Hutt crew is looking forward to getting loads of families up the mountain as part of the Methven ‘Kids 4 Free’ campaign. They’re delighted to offer a ’10 and under’ ski free deal for youngsters, part of a resort-wide community promotion that will see kids 10 and under stay, eat and ski for free for the entire winter season. Mt Hutt ski area manager James McKenzie said that as colder weather set in, enthusiasm around the deal grew by the day. “Mt Hutt is really proud to be part of the Methven Kids 4 Free deal and the feedback we’ve had from families, especially those with two or three children, is that it’s re-ignited their passion for a winter ski holiday and means record numbers of families will be able to realise their dream of taking the kids on a skiing holiday. “Mt Hutt really is an all-round adventure playground for kids,” he said. “We’ve got the infamous Dinner With The Stars on Saturday nights, complete with huskies and snow groomer rides, plus we’ve given the kids centre a refresh over the summer.” In another move to improve the ease of the overall experience, the mypass card that was launched in 2010, and removed any need for the paper and wire lift ticket, has reached a new level of use. Guests can now preload money onto their mypass card, known as mypass money, leave the wallet at home and use it at any of the three NZSki mountains It becomes an on-mountain debit card, used as easily as swiping a credit card at mountain outlets such as cafés, ski schools or the rentals department. Mypass money can also be used at Coronet Peak’s hugely popular Icebar at the top of Greengates. Credit card and EFTPOS facilities have been installed at the Icebar, trialed last year for the first time, so guests can use their preloaded mypass money to pay for drinks and snacks. Coronet Peak ski area manager Hamish McCrostie said the Icebar would be bigger and better than before. “Last year’s trial showed us just how hugely popular an outdoors bar with amazing views could be,” he said. “It became ‘the’ spot to be on the mountain last year even though we could only take cash, so over summer we installed the equipment to enable electronic transactions to make it easier for guests.” Another trial at Coronet Peak in 2011 has meant the expansion of the kids Funzone in the novice and beginners areas. This year small boxes and features will be available for kids to ‘have a blast’. Work’s also been undertaken at the Race Arena at Coronet Peak’s Rocky Gully so international race teams visiting the resort to train will have access to a full-time Giant Slalom course. Mr McCrostie said mountain visitors would be thrilled to know that all race activity would happen at Rocky Gully, meaning no more race events or training on The Hurdle or Eighth Basin. Investment in new product continues across the valley at The Remarkables with new snow groomers being added to the fleet. The Remarkables ski area manager Ross Lawrence said the new groomers would suit the terrain at the Remarks especially with new earthworks carried out over summer. “We’ve been working really hard to improve the trail network that we focused on the previous season,” he said. “This year we’ve concentrated on the improving the flow of trails and opening up more terrain for our visitors, which is especially good news for intermediate and beginners.” Guests visiting the Queenstown ski areas will also benefit from further investment in the performance rental range, meaning more guests than ever before will be able to rent ‘top-of-the-line’ ski and boarding gear. “Last year we tested the popularity of high performance rentals equipment and it was huge,” said Mr Lawrence. “People visiting our ski areas need to know they can get the latest equipment and not have to compromise.” Mt Hutt ski area will also update equipment in their performance ski rentals department. Back in Queenstown, Coronet Peak and The Remarkables have invested in two brand spanking new buses to take ski and boarding buffs up to the mountains, and they’ve introduced a new five and ten trip concession pass so people can buy multiple trips at a discounted rate. Coronet Peak and Mt Hutt ski areas are scheduled to open on June 9 and The Remarkables on June 16, subject to conditions. For more information on each ski area go to www.nzski.com. For more information on the Kids 4 Free campaign, go to www.kids4free.co.nz |
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May 8th, 2012, 11:40 AM
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#353 |
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NEW ZEALAND
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 23,900
Likes (Received): 747
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Hobbit seen as bigger draw than Lord of Rings image hosted on flickr  30 MAR 12 HOBBITON WAIKATO by Urban+Explorer, on Flickr The tourism industry is gathering in Queenstown for its annual sales pitch to buyers from around the world, with high hopes the Hobbit movies will prove an irresistible lure to tourists. Tourism Industry Association acting chief executive Grant Lilly said a survey showed that the summer had exceeded the expectations of about half of operators, with about a quarter saying it had been poor. The Trenz tourism conference is taking place in Queenstown until Thursday and is expected to attract about 1000 delegates, including 308 invited international travel buyers from 32 markets and 280 exhibitors. "I think the industry's come a long way over the last couple of years in getting better prepared to handle visitors from [Asian] markets and we're now seeing good evidence that that's working much better," Lilly said. Operators that exhibited at last year's event said their attendance secured $164 million of new business during 12 months. Lilly said difficult economic conditions in the European Union were affecting expenditure there and British holidaymakers were facing higher departure taxes. A family of four in Britain would have to pay $736 in taxes just to leave the country and travel to New Zealand. There was evidence that the tax might be counterproductive, he said. "We'll keep trying to highlight that and pressuring it both as an industry and through political channels in order to encourage the UK Government to see it as a negative tax." People around the world understood from the Lord of the Rings movies that New Zealand provided the backdrop to Middle Earth, Lilly said. "And The Hobbit is just going to rekindle that awareness and probably we think achieve a boost for New Zealand better than Lord of the Rings because it is well understood that the movie is being made down here," he said. "Viewers around the world are going to be looking at that scenery and thinking, 'Well of course that's New Zealand, doesn't it look pretty good'." Tourism New Zealand chief executive Kevin Bowler said the industry would probably achieve more with the two Hobbit films, which come out in December this year and in 2013, than it did with Lord of the Rings. A survey in 2004 found 6 per cent of visitors cited Lord of the Rings as being one of the main reasons for visiting the country and since that year an average of 47,000 international tourists a year have visited a film location. "I think The Hobbit as a book, as a brand, is probably better known than Lord of the Rings and so I think we've got a massive opportunity to connect New Zealand as home of Middle Earth with the launch of the films and to elevate our story to a huge international audience," Bowler said. New Zealand had had a challenging year with earthquakes, the impact of a cloud of volcanic ash and a late ski season. "It's not been an easy 12 months but equally I think people are quite resilient and we are starting to now look at some of the new opportunities ahead of us," Bowler said. "What we're signalling to the industry is that while we see the long-term growth from Asia as being very, very important we're not over-reacting to that and moving money out of those traditional markets that are also really important to New Zealand." The commitment to Asia was about the same in the year ahead but Tourism New Zealand would spend a bit more in Southeast Asia, with an increased focus on Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia, he said. "The global epicentre of commerce and growth, and therefore affluence, is remarkably moving away from those traditional markets into Asia, which I think is really exciting given that a lot of these countries are relatively close neighbours to us." Bowler said Trenz was a great opportunity for operators to connect with buyers. |
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May 8th, 2012, 06:19 PM
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#354 |
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royalty!
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 50
Likes (Received): 0
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New Zealand really benefited when the LOTR movies were shot there. The beauty of the country was highlighted worldwide. Would love to visit it one day.
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May 9th, 2012, 05:32 AM
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#355 | |
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NEW ZEALAND
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 23,900
Likes (Received): 747
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Quote:
I hope that you get to visit us some day - it is a loooong way but I am sure that you will find it all worth the while :) Thanks for the comment mate. |
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May 9th, 2012, 07:10 PM
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#356 | |
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royalty!
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 50
Likes (Received): 0
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I will definitely visit, hopefully within the next 5 years as I dream of doing my first bungee jump in NZ. I also can't wait for the Hobbit and to see the Shire once again
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May 10th, 2012, 01:35 AM
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#357 |
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BANNED
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Los Angeles , US / Cancun , MX
Posts: 18,011
Likes (Received): 633
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wow amazing , thanks for the pics of the amazing beaches
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May 12th, 2012, 12:28 AM
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#358 | ||
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NEW ZEALAND
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 23,900
Likes (Received): 747
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Quote:
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May 12th, 2012, 12:29 AM
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#359 |
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NEW ZEALAND
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 23,900
Likes (Received): 747
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Queenstown voted number one NZ destination in South Pacific image hosted on flickr  QUEENSTOWN by Urban+Explorer, on Flickr Queenstown’s staggering beauty and diverse outdoor adventures have earned international accolades at this year’s Travellers Choice Awards run by the world's biggest travel website. Based on millions of Trip Advisor traveller reviews and opinions, the four-season lake and alpine resort was voted Number One New Zealand destination in the South Pacific. It ranked third among the top 25 destinations in the South Pacific, just behind Sydney and Bora Bora. Destination Queenstown Chairman Mark Quickfall was delighted with the result and said gaining recognition from such an influential travel source was something to be celebrated. “It’s a great acknowledgement that so many travellers from around the world feel that Queenstown is an inspirational destination which offers stunning scenery, easy international flight access, budget to five-star accommodation, world-class activities, and a variety of award-winning food and wine.” To view the full list of Trip Advisor awards visit http://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Travel...ations-cTop-g8. For more information about Queenstown please visit www.queenstownNZ.co.nz. |
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May 12th, 2012, 07:54 PM
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#360 |
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BANNED
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Los Angeles , US / Cancun , MX
Posts: 18,011
Likes (Received): 633
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i love the cook islands
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| air new zealand, auckland, godzone, new zealand, queenstown |
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