NZ | Travel + Tourism

[Mr_kiwi_fruit]

Originally Posted by Tornado

YESI took those photos myself. ....

You are very talented, thanks for sharing them.

[Mr_kiwi_fruit]

Travel & Leisure's top spots to spend Christmas - KAIKOURA

NZ HERALD
4:00 AM Thursday Dec 24, 2009

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by Mollivan Jon

A small New Zealand town has been named in a global travel magazine as one of the top spots in the world to spend Christmas. Kaikoura was the only New Zealand place to feature in a Travel and Leisure list of locations for the festive season. Kaikoura was chosen because of its picturesque setting, the attraction of sunbathing on Christmas Day, and for the opportunities to see a plethora of sealife along the rugged east coast of the South Island. "The Kaikoura peninsula may not have reindeer, but it is teeming with sperm whales, fur seals, dusky dolphins, pilot whales, and albatross in Kaikoura Bay," the article said.

The magazine also praised the region's eco-tourism accommodation options, naming Hapuku Lodge and Tree Houses as places to stay. Kaikoura District Council's John MacPhail, who chairs the tourism development committee, said the article was unlikely to influence tourists' travel plans this summer, but it was a boost nonetheless. "It's nice to be included and noted up there - we believe it's a great spot to be whether it's Christmas or not. It's recognised as an international destination, and that's quite a coup for us." Mr MacPhail was not surprised by the accolade, as the region's whale-watching ventures had drawn global media attention for years.

He said Kaikoura had the strong marketing angle of both a majestic, snow-tipped mountain range and a crystal-blue coastline full of wildlife. Meanwhile, Britain's Sunday Times travel editor, Ed Grenby, said New Zealand "didn't even exist" as a travel destination 10 years ago. "Certainly, nobody ever actually went there - well, why would you, when you could do Australia instead?" But he said the exposure of New Zealand's natural beauty in the Lord of the Rings trilogy woke the world up to the country.

"[It is] the ruggedest, prettiest, friendliest, most cultured, least crowded, most adrenaline-burning, most serenely peaceful, best-value-booze-and-foodiest, most just-plain-wonderful holiday destination in the world ... the once-in-a-lifetime trip you should aim to do every few years."

[Mr_kiwi_fruit]

The World's finest one day hike

NZ HERALD
4:00 AM Saturday Dec 26, 2009

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by allentomdude

The travel bible Lonely Planet calls it "life-changing" and rates it as the world's finest day hike. With spectacular scenery ranging from volcanic craters to sparkling turquoise lakes and views from Mt Taranaki to beyond Lake Taupo, the Tongariro Crossing isn't just a trek - it's a spiritual journey that leaves you with no doubt about how violently parts of our country were created. The nearly-19km track begins by winding its way up from the Mangatepopo Valley (you can do the track starting from the Ketetahi Carpark but we want to get the hard uphill walking out of the way first).

As we set off, there is barely a cloud in the sky, making sunblock top-ups an absolute must. The track starts in tussock in open, barren land before a steep climb between the lower slopes of Mt Tongariro to our left, and the conical Mt Ngauruhoe to the right. We walk through flat, open desert-like fields that sit sheltered beneath rocky peaks, but an hour into the trip our heart-rates are racing as we climb the Devil's Staircase. The higher we go, the more insignificant we feel. In the distance, ahead and behind us, dozens of walkers along the trail look like multi-coloured-ants.

As warned, when we reach the first ridge between the mountains, a chilly wind picks up and I have to change from a sunhat and singlet to a beanie and woollen top. As the view to the west opens up to the Central Plateau, we can see sunlight reflecting off cars travelling on State Highway 1, in the middle of the vast brown surrounds of the aptly-named Desert Road. At the top, we can see straight into the Red Crater with its jagged and scarily steep black-and-rust coloured crevasses - startling evidence of massive forces beneath us.

Our hard uphill work is rewarded with a short descent - we opt for the more fun option of running down the soft soil, skidding as the stones come away underfoot, sliding towards the Emerald Lakes, a trio of glistening turquoise pools that draw their dazzling colour from volcanic minerals. Many choose the stunning spot for lunch, in spite of the sulphurous smell of the steam from thermal vents. We move on, passing the Blue Lake, crossing another windy ridge, looking north to a scattering of small lakes and yet another dwarfing scene that gives perspective to the massive waters of Lake Taupo.

We start the rapid descent towards Ketetahi Hut, which appears deceptively close as we zig-zag our way down the tricky, uneven and rocky track. The final 4km drops dramatically with lots of steps - scenery changing suddenly from fawny tussock to a bush-covered path before we emerge in Ketetahi Carpark, joining dozens of others lounging in the sun and shade, quietly contemplating the experience while awaiting transport. The pair of us had recently run marathons and are reasonably fit, and our trip took 6 hours and 20 minutes, but we stopped often for snacks, sunblock and to take plenty of photos.

Most of those on the track were tourists and it is embarrassing to note that so few of them were Kiwis. A Welsh backpacker travelling the country for five weeks on word-of-mouth recommendations said the Tongariro Crossing was the most frequently mentioned activity. "It's the one thing all the backpackers talk about and say to go and do," she said. "Do the Tongariro Crossing."

[Mr_kiwi_fruit]

Paddling through coastal paradise - Abel Tasman

NZ HERALD
4:00 AM Monday Jan 4, 2010

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by Larry He

Every year the best-selling Lonely Planet travel guide raves to overseas visitors about the stunning experiences New Zealand has to offer. In the latest of a series, Jarrod Booker discovers the Abel Tasman National Park.

Lonely Planet describes the golden sand beaches of Abel Tasman National Park as "heaven sent" and "impossibly pretty". And it's hard to argue. It's like something you would expect to find on a tropical island retreat rather than rugged New Zealand. And to enjoy this national treasure at the top of the South Island at its best, it's hard to imagine anything better than a gentle kayaking trip along the stunning coastline. Courtesy of Wilsons Abel Tasman, I joined two American honeymooning couples and a German couple and guide Adam Rossall on a six-hour kayak trip through the stunning bays of the national park.

It begins with a ferry trip from the picturesque seaside resort of Kaiteriteri (about an hour's drive from Nelson) to secluded Torrent Bay, where we gather up the two-seater kayaks and other equipment, and our packed picnic lunches, at the bay lodge. Then comes a flurry of instructions on fitting lifesaving gear and operating in the kayaks and what to do if we capsize. It's all a bit overwhelming, but everything begins falling into place when we get out on the water. Getting into the rhythm of paddling takes time for a novice like myself, but it's impossible to get stressed out in such a tranquil setting. The only downside is that placing your concentration so heavily on getting the stroke right can distract you from the stunning scenery.

Adam said it was often a three-day process to master kayaking, the first to figure it out, the second for "feathering in" the technique, and the third being a "pleasure day". The double kayaks are jokingly called "divorce kayaks" because of minor squabbles that can arise between couples. When you do scan around, everywhere the colours seem far more vivid than you are used to. Whether it is the blue of the sky, the turquoise of the sea, the gold of the sand, or the multitude of greens, browns and greys that make up the forest of rimu, beech, teatree and ferns encasing the bays. Unfortunately the cat is well and truly out of the bag about this stunning environment, and wherever we go, we find other kayak groups, ferries or water taxis, and any hope of having a bay or cove to ourselves is dashed.

After exploring the beautiful bays, we make for Bark Bay to break for lunch, when we get our first encounter with the local wildlife. A seal perched on a rock we pass briefly sizes us up before losing interest and plunging into the water. He chooses to keep his distance, but Adam recalled close encounters, such as when a seal leaped onto the back of his kayak. Bark Bay is a little piece of paradise, allowing us to stretch out on the sand in the sun as we enjoy lunch. Afterwards, Adam takes us on a short tour into the bush, with an avalanche of information about the flora, fauna and history. While much of it is designed for the predominantly foreign clientele, as a New Zealander I obviously still have plenty to learn.

The return trip to the lodge features an unexpected highlight as Adam instructs us to join our four kayaks together, bound by our arms, and produces a sail stored in one of the boats that is hoisted by those on the sides. The result is a makeshift sailing ship that gives us a break from paddling, and a pleasant ride back. But the return to Torrent Bay seems to come too soon. Such is being bitten by the kayaking bug in a place like this.

[Mr_kiwi_fruit]

Holiday retreat for celebrities - Bay of Islands

NZ HERALD
4:00 AM Sunday Dec 27, 2009

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by EmmaJG

If you're a multi-millionaire owner of property in the Bay of Islands, you'd have a struggle asking your neighbour to borrow a cup of sugar - they're likely to be miles away. The area is about three hours' drive - or, more likely, a 55-minute helicopter ride - from Auckland, and the playground of numerous Rich Listers and celebrities, from our shores and abroad. The first celebrity visitor may have been writer and keen fisherman Zane Grey. He established a base on Urupukapuka Island, the largest of more than 140 in the bay, almost a century ago.

Famous faces to follow in his footsteps included another keen angler, opera star Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, who owns a secluded mansion on a bush-clad peninsula in Rawhiti, about 15km east of Russell. Dame Kiri told the Daily Telegraph last year she tried to visit the house at least twice a year. "When I visit, I take my boat out and spend the day fishing - usually catching tuna, marlin or snapper - and enjoying the wildlife," she said. "Then I head back to the house to eat the fish I've just caught, often inviting over family and friends. I love nothing better than having people round for a meal."

Another high-profile singer to buy property in the area is Phantom of the Opera star Michael Crawford, who has a $3 million house in Doves Bay, 10km east of Kerikeri. Some powerful businessmen also have interests in the Bay. Investor Peter Masfen, who helped make Montana Wines a global success story and has a fortune estimated at $290 million on the 2009 National Business Review Rich List, has a property near Russell valued at more than $23 million. It comes complete with four dwellings, a swimming pool, extensive landscaping and a large fenced-off kiwi sanctuary.

Another investor with land in the area is Bill Birnie, whose fortune is estimated at $100 million. His Mataka Station property on the Purerua Peninsula, about 10km northeast of Kerikeri, is rated at $21.1 million. It has been split into sections, all priced at more than $1 million. The station is home to the historic Marsden Cross, which marks the site of the first Christian sermon delivered in this country, on Christmas Day in 1814 by the Rev Samuel Marsden. It also boasts an award-winning wine cellar and a private beachfront for members of the exclusive estate to use as they while away the summer.

For those that need a bit more isolation, there is always the option of buying property on an island. Craig Heatley, founder of Sky Television in New Zealand turned investor with an estimated fortune of $200 million, owns a slice of $24.4 million Moturoa Island, with his hideaway boasting a tunnel between two bays on the island. The smaller brother to 146ha Moturoa is 28ha Motukiekie Island, owned by Stephen Lockwood and Lewis Grant and valued at $6 million. The nearby Roberton Island has two properties for sale. One, a $2.8 million three-bedroom house called Snapper Rock, comes with its own helipad, jetty and fishing spots on 2.6ha of land.

For those wanting something a little smaller, one-bedroom Cooks Cottage is closer to the water for $2.5 million. The Bay of Islands also is home to one of the world's most exclusive retreats, Eagles Nest in Russell. The 75ha estate was the setting for part of season 13 of US reality TV show The Bachelor and boasts breathtaking views over more than 1km of private ocean and beachfront. A stay in one of the five villas can cost up to $20,000 a night. Bayleys agent Chester Rendell said there are "some gorgeous places" in the bay, but owners and vendors tended to keep a low profile. "Most of the people there, you wouldn't know who they are."

Rendell said there was a misconception that much of the high-end property is owned by foreigners - most was owned by Kiwis living here or abroad. However, he acknowledged that "most places round here aren't what you'd call your typical Kiwi bach". "You wouldn't get a property on the beachfront for anything less than $1 million."

[Richard7666]

New Zealand has some of the most scenic roads in the world but cycle tourism operators say some are becoming increasingly dangerous.

Road cycle tourism was at risk because the roads were not designed for cyclists and increasing traffic volumes, operators said.

This is despite efforts to educate both drivers and cyclists to improve road safety.

Cycle Tourism Operators New Zealand chairman Tim De Jong said it was harder for operators to cater for tourists wanting to do road tours because of the increase in volume of traffic on roads that were not designed for cyclists and vehicles.

The Catlins highway was one area where problems could develop, with more motorists and cyclists visiting the area, Mr De Jong said.

"The more cars you get on there the more potential you have for conflict, unfortunately. In the end, as cycle tour operators, we have to look for other options and other routes, which is a shame."

Other popular southern routes such as State Highway 94 to Milford Sound and State Highway 6 along the West Coast were becoming increasingly dangerous, he said.

"That's the premier cycling route but in the end the choice is either clients being put in unsafe situations or having unpleasant experiences, or looking at other options," he said.

The concerns echoed those raised by Southland Highway Patrol supervisor Sergeant Geoff Sutherland who also this week cautioned motorists on roads to stop speeding, particularly between Invercargill, Queenstown, Te Anau and Milford. Active New Zealand tour guide Michael Searchfield said the company no longer took cyclists into Milford Sound and only travelled parts of the road because it was unsafe.

"There's just not enough room for everyone on the roads," Mr Searchfield said.

Mr De Jong said Cycle Tourism Operators New Zealand had been working with Cycle Advocates Network, the New Zealand Transport Agency, the National Incident database, Bus and Coach Association, the Rental Vehicle Association and the NZ Road Transport Forum to improve safety for cyclists and motorists.

This had resulted in share the road protocols with some road user groups and road signs. But Cycle Tourism Operators New Zealand was still lobbying for signage on the Milford road.

Improving road experiences needed a mutual effort. Cyclists needed to be considerate towards motorists by riding in single file and moving over if they were holding up traffic, he said.
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High visibility was important. That included cyclists wearing bright clothing, and having lights and reflectors.

In an emailed response, New Zealand Transport Agency communications manager Andy Knackstedt said state highway widths and levels of service were regularly reviewed.

Factors considered include the volumes of traffic and the types of road user.

"Where appropriate, NZTA will look to provide extra road width to improve safety, but this must be balanced against a variety of factors including the practicality of providing extra width in a particular location, providing it consistently, and targeting the portions of the state highway network where the safety benefits are greatest."

On Tuesday, a German tourist was killed as she cycled along State Highway 3 between Bulls and Turakina. Police said Mia Susanne Pusch, 19, was cycling towards Wanganui when she was struck by a truck and trailer heading in the same direction.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/3217...tour-operators

[Mr_kiwi_fruit]

NZ Top Destinations for 2009

SCOOP
Tuesday, 5 January 2010, 4:39

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by Kiwi Vision

Wotif.com today revealed Kiwi domestic travellers’ favourite destinations in 2009. Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington held their respective spots at the top in 2009, with Christchurch overthrowing Wellington to sneak into second place after holding third in 2008. The North and South Islands were equally represented in the top twenty, with ten destinations from each region. Te Anau and Hamner Springs were two of the biggest movers in 2009 jumping a few places to 12th and 17th respectively. Wotif.com General Manager Brand Megan Magill said that despite the economic downturn hitting headlines over the past 12 months, Wotif.com saw strong growth in 2009. “The top destinations across New Zealand are traditionally cities, and that hasn’t changed much this year. But we have seen some really solid growth, particularly on the South Island and in some regional centres across the country which is great.”

Top 20 New Zealand Destinations 2009

DESTINATION |2009 |2008
Auckland |1 |1
Christchurch |2 |3
Wellington |3 |2
Queenstown |4 |4
Rotorua |5 |5
Dunedin |6 |6
Taupo |7 |7
Hamilton |8 |8
Napier |9 |9
Palmerston North |10 |10
Nelson |11 |11
Te Anau |12 |14
Tauranga |13 |12
Paihia |14 |13
New Plymouth |15 |16
Wanaka |16 |15
Hamner Springs |17 |20
Mount Cook/Aoraki |18 |17
Blenheim |19 |19
Invercargill |20 |18

[Mr_kiwi_fruit]

New Zealand voted best destination for Independent Travelers in 2010

LINK

image hosted on flickr

by AnthonyRae

1 – New Zealand
2 – Pucón, Chile
3 – Scotland
4 – British Columbia, Canada
5 – Split, Croatia
6 – Philippines
7 – Sighisoara, Romania
8 – Iceland
9 – Durban, South Africa
10 – Fukuoka, Japan

[Richard7666]

Originally Posted by Mr_kiwi_fruit

DESTINATION |2009 |2008
Auckland |1 |1
Christchurch |2 |3
Wellington |3 |2
Queenstown |4 |4
Rotorua |5 |5
Dunedin |6 |6
Taupo |7 |7
Hamilton |8 |8
Napier |9 |9
Palmerston North |10 |10
Nelson |11 |11
Te Anau |12 |14
Tauranga |13 |12
Paihia |14 |13
New Plymouth |15 |16
Wanaka |16 |15
Hamner Springs |17 |20
Mount Cook/Aoraki |18 |17
Blenheim |19 |19
Invercargill |20 |18

Interesting list. Palmerston North and Hamilton more popular than Nelson and Tauranga?
Also, who's missing? Whangerei, Gisborne and Hastings spring to mind.

[KiwiGuy]

I have a few problems with the cycling article:

Road cycle tourism was at risk because the roads were not designed for cyclists and increasing traffic volumes, operators said.

Okay then, please explain why they built the roads in the first place. It's not just cars, you know.

Cycle Tourism Operators New Zealand chairman Tim De Jong said it was harder for operators to cater for tourists wanting to do road tour because of increase in volume of traffic on roads that were not designed for cyclists and vehicles.

Just who were the roads designed for anyway? Pixies? Waka? Leprechauns? I find it very strange that there are roads in this country which aren't made for cyclists or cars.

"The more cars you get on there the more potential you have for conflict, unfortunately. In the end, as cycle tour operators, we have to look for other options and other routes, which is a shame."

Yes it is a shame but I remind you it isn't just cars that use roads.

Improving road experiences needed a mutual effort. Cyclists needed to be considerate towards motorists by riding in single file and moving over if they were holding up traffic, he said.

Tourists I am okay with, but just try telling those who don't.

What I find is that, if I remember correctly, that bicycles aren't that big, so I don't think they shuold be complaining like this.

[Mr_kiwi_fruit]

New Zealand one of top 10 travel adventures to have before you hit 30

Monday Jan 11, 2010

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by msdstefan

STA Travel is celebrating its 30th birthday with a bucket list of 10 adventures to tick off before you reach that milestone in your own life, and New Zealand has made it on as a must-see destination. The agency, which caters to students and young people, called for people to vote online, picking their favourites from a list of 30 travel experiences. "We were overwhelmed with the number of votes we received for our Top 10 bucket list," STA Travel marketing manager Anna Henwood said. "We hope the list inspires and excites our travellers to experience the world face to face, creating their own unique adventures and travel memories to reminisce over both now and later in life," Ms Henwood said. "But of course we will still forgive them if they find themselves hiking the Inca Trail at 52."

The list:

1. Visit the Pyramids in Egypt

2. Party (all night) in Vegas

3. Do your Big OE to London

4. Hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

5. Koh Phangan Full Moon Party, Thailand

6. Do a road trip through the USA

7. Tour Europe

8. See the Big 5 in Africa

9. Party in Rio de Janeiro

10. Discover New Zealand

[Mr_kiwi_fruit]

By Yvonne Tahana

After a five-year absence from Waitangi celebrations, the grand dame of waka, Ngatokimatawhaorua, will celebrate its 70th anniversary this year on the water.

The waka will play a major part in ceremonies for the 170th commemorations of the signing of the Treaty. Organisers are expecting the largest flotilla of waka - up to 23 are attending, bringing 1000 paddlers.

During the weekend Ngatoki, as the waka is known, was taken out for a test run at the Bay of Islands to see how extensive remedial work over the winter stood up.

Captain Joe Conrad said the 35.7m waka, the largest of its kind, which can double in weight while on the water, handled beautifully.

Built in three sections, the waka was relashed using more than 1km of rope, something which hadn't been done in about 15 years.

"She's lashed so tight now it's like playing the violin, she sings to us," Mr Conrad said.

In 1940 Ngatoki was commissioned by Princess Te Puea to mark the 100th year of the signing of the Treaty.

Selections for the final 80 kaihoe or paddlers had not yet been made but many understood that it would be a special honour to get onboard this year, Mr Conrad said.

"The waka is a living thing, it has its own wairua [spirit], and you know when you're sitting on it you're sitting with your tupuna [ancestors].

"We're looking for the right fulla for the job. Just because you're big, tough, ugly and got big muscles and can do your hakas doesn't mean you'll get on, you've got to have the right feeling in your heart for waka."

Four other craft arrived at the Treaty Grounds over the weekend.

Waitangi National Trust chief executive Jeanette Richardson was looking forward to February 6.

"It is a family event, and a historic birthday celebration to which the whole nation is invited."

[Mr_kiwi_fruit]

Travel + Leisure's top 50 Hotels - 2010

#17
NEW Lodge at Kauri Cliffs (93.75)
Matauri Bay, New Zealand

#22
NEW The Farm at Cape Kidnappers (93.33)
Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand

Other hotels in the top 500 :

Westin Auckland Lighter Quay (85.31), AUCKLAND
The George (82.43), CHRISTCHURCH
Huka Lodge (83.53), TAUPO

[Mr_kiwi_fruit]

Great Barrier Island

NZ HERALD
4:00 AM Saturday Jan 16, 2010

image hosted on flickr

by pommieken

Salli Beaumont ended up on Great Barrier Island completely by accident. But, if there's anyone who has experienced most of the many charms the island and its inhabitants have to offer, it's her. The 25-year-old - who arrived on the island after hearing about it on the "couch surfing" worldwide travelling network - broke her foot during a visit to the South Island and has been left so humbled by how the islanders have looked after her that she is now hoping to call the place home.

The former personal trainer from Leicester, England, came to New Zealand in October after two tourists she met in Peru told her about couch surfing, a non-profit network that enables travellers to swap details to find and share accommodation with one another. Her planned one-week stay on the island with her couch surfing contacts was meant to be followed up with a trip around New Zealand, then to Australia. But, while walking at Franz Josef Glacier, Ms Beaumont broke her leg and ruptured a ligament, which left her unable to work, and she prepared to head back home.

However, when she told her couch surfing friends about her accident, they told her to come back to the island to be looked after. Then, on her way back there after three days in Auckland City Hospital, she met more friendly islanders who told her that she could stay with them too. "I've never been somewhere where the people are so nice. That's what makes me want to stay ... It's just a really nice community feel." Ms Beaumont has been captivated by the islanders' unique charm, the stunning surrounds and the simple way of life.

"I've never been somewhere so hospitable in all my life," she said. "There's always someone who will give you a bed, or put you up. They're just nice, genuine, caring people. It's so incredible. I've just worked my way down the island, staying with locals. "I've travelled around the world and either the scenery's been absolutely incredible but the people are boring or the people are incredible but the scenery isn't great. "This island has both. It's got the bush, it's got the beach, it's got everything."

[Mr_kiwi_fruit]

Air New Zealand named Airline of the year

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by Eduardo Mariz

Penton Media’s Air Transport World®, the leading monthly magazine covering the global airline industry, today announced the selection of Air New Zealand as its Airline of the Year for 2010. The Auckland, N.Z.-based carrier is being honored for its superb commitment to safety and operational excellence, typified by the use of Performance Based Navigation cockpit technology at weather and terrain challenged destinations, and for its superb and groundbreaking customer service that combines high-tech, passenger-friendly IT systems with high-touch and caring staff. The editors further cited Air New Zealand's sterling financial performance and fiscal management during one of the most turbulent periods in aviation history. They also were strongly impressed with the airline's leadership role in addressing environmental challenges facing the industry, including conducting the world's first sustainable biofuel flight.

[Mr_kiwi_fruit]

Queenstown B&B named best in South Pacific

NZ HERALD
1:45 PM Friday Jan 22, 2010

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by NZSki

A rural bed and breakfast near Queenstown has been named the best accommodation of its type in the South Pacific by readers of the Tripadvisor website. Crown View Bed & Breakfast is situated halfway between Queenstown and Arrowtown and bills itself as a farmstay "home away from home". Tripadvisor's annual Travelers' Choice awards are based on the reviews and opinions of real travellers, millions of whom leave their opinions on the site each year. Crown View was named the best B&B or Inn in the South Pacific region, a category dominated by New Zealand accommodation providers. One person who stayed at Crown View described it on tripadvisor.com as "spectacular" with "spotless and tastefully decorated" bedrooms. Another said it was "the best and friendliest home in Queenstown". "We were warmly welcomed, the rooms were extremely spacious and comfortable, the food delicious, and nothing was too much trouble for our hosts." Eight of the top ten B&Bs or Inns in the South Pacific were in New Zealand, with Akaroa's Oinako Lodge and Blenheim's Radfield House taking the second and third spots respectively. New Zealand accommodation providers were also named among the South Pacific's best in the Bargain, Best Service, Luxury and Relaxation and Spa categories. The Queenstown Park Hotel garnered two mentions in the awards. It was named sixth in the Best Service category and third in the Luxury category. Nelson's Palazzo Motor Lodge was also mentioned twice, taking second place in the Bargain category and third in the Best Service category.

[Mr_kiwi_fruit]

Air New Zealand introduces a world first - Cuddle Class

Air New Zealand's latest cabin redesign looks set to transform the claustrophobic economy cabin from cattle class to cuddle class. The national carrier yesterday unveiled the interiors for its new Boeing 777-300 aircraft, which includes the Skycouch, the first economy seating that allows the traveller to lie flat, or a couple to curl up. Each plane will have 22 sets of Skycouch seats, which will be priced on passengers buying two economy tickets and paying half-price for a third. A cuddle class round trip for two to London is projected to cost around $6285, about $400 dearer than two economy class seats. The new economy seats come with small added comforts, such as a pillow that fits over the winged head rest, a port for your iPod, and a larger entertainment monitor. A hammock foot net at the base of the seat in front is on the way, project manager Kerry Reeves told the Herald. But the biggie is the lie-flat seating.

The arm rests between the three seats of the Skycouch fully retract and flaps come up to meet the seats in front to create a platform. Tickets for December flights between Auckland and Los Angeles go on sale in April. The new seats will be available on all Air New Zealand's long haul services from mid-2012. Former top cyclist and new mum Sarah Ulmer reckoned the new lie-flat seating was "just genius". Air New Zealand's other celebrity seat tester, All Black Mils Muliaina, who has just flown economy from Hawaii with his baby son lying on his stomach, said he liked the privacy features of the redesign and the potential for avoiding the "angry eyes" of child-free fellow passengers. Premium economy will get the Spaceseat, which will either incline inwards or angle outwards from each other, catering for couples who want to snuggle and dine at a common table or for individual passengers who'd rather not talk to their neighbour.

The seats have hard-back shells, meaning the base slides forward when you lie back so that the seat doesn't recline into the person behind. The seats in front have cubbyholes to stretch your legs into, and premium economy also comes with a small beanbag footrest called "Otto". Air New Zealand general manager international Ed Sims said he and the project team had "lived and breathed" the redesign project for three years. Air Transport World magazine senior editor Geoff Thomas said that the lie-flat seating was an innovation likely to be copied by other carriers.

[Indictable]

Record number of visitors to NZ in December

Record numbers of overseas visitors came to New Zealand in December, new figures from Statistics New Zealand show.

There were 341,300 visitors in December, the highest ever recorded in one month, and a 6 per cent increase over the previous record of 322,200 in December 2008.

Visitor figures have increased in seven of the last nine months over the same months in previous years.

The December increase was driven by 14,000 more Australian visitors, along with 2800 more visitors from the United States and 1200 more from Singapore. However, visitors from China were down by 2300.

There were 2.458 million visitors in total last year, similar to 2008 levels but down from 2007.

Australian visitors were up 106,500, an 11 per cent increase, but there were fewer visitors from the United Kingdom, Korea, Japan, the US and China.

New Zealand residents went on slightly fewer overseas trips last year, with 1.918 million short-term departures, down 2 per cent on 2008.

[plph56]

New Zealand is an attractive holiday destination for Australians because it is so close and now the exchange rate makes it even more attractive.

[Mr_kiwi_fruit]

Auckland Airport voted 9th best in the world

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by geoff-inOz

Auckland Airport has cemented its status as a world-class tourism and trade hub - voted the 9th best airport in the world (up from 10th last year) and the best airport in the Australian Pacific region (for the second year in a row) in the 2010 independent Skytrax World Airport awards. Auckland Airport is the only airport from the Australia Pacific region, and one of only four airports from outside Asia, to make the elite Skytrax top-10 global list. As well as heading off strong competition from across the Tasman to win the Best Airport Australia Pacific trophy, Auckland also triumphed in the Staff Service Excellence category for the region. Auckland Airport’s chief executive, Simon Moutter, said, “We’re incredibly proud. Being recognised as one of the 10 best airports in the world for the first time last year was outstanding in itself, but to see our focus on service delivering an even better result this year is immensely rewarding. We’re grateful to all the travellers who voted for us, and to the entire Auckland Airport community who work so tirelessly to improve the passenger experience and deliver world-class customer service. To us, it’s all about getting it right for travellers, and playing our part to grow New Zealand travel, trade and tourism.”

Announced at The Skytrax World Airport Awards ceremony, held yesterday evening at the Passenger Terminal Expo 2010 in Brussels, Belgium, Skytrax World Airport Awards are the industry’s most extensive air traveller-based awards. The Awards are based on a survey of airport customers conducted between July 2009 and March 2010, covering more than 9.8 million travellers from over 100 different countries. Mr Moutter said, “I think there is a strong link between the Skytrax Awards and our work with our airport partners on efficiency initiatives to improve the traveller experience. For instance, an ongoing project using Lean Six Sigma methodologies is already improving the end-to-end arrivals process considerably, and is being extended to other areas of Auckland Airport operations. “Combined with the enormous investment we have made into our departures and arrivals areas, the introduction of a new and wider range of retail and parking products, the launch of SmartGate and the development of more air-services to Auckland, we’re absolutely focused on how we can make the passenger experience at Auckland Airport memorable for all the right reasons.”

Edward Plaisted, Chairman of Skytrax said: “Auckland International Airport has been improving its overall global ranking during the years of the World Airport Survey, and I congratulate them on achieving this Best Airport Australia Pacific title in 2010. The staff service at Auckland Airport was a clear reason why this airport has performed so well this year, and continued to improve its standing within the overall survey. Many survey respondents commented on pleasant security and immigration staff, as well as improvements in the standard of passenger service information. The top 5 Airports for the Australia / Pacific region was headed by Auckland in 1st with the remaining airports being Brisbane 2nd, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide who achieved 3rd, 4th and 5th respectively." Mr Moutter said, “This recognition is very much driven by passengers. We work exceptionally hard to listen, to understand what they want, and to do what we can to meet passenger needs and provide them with great product and service choices.” Mr Moutter added, “These Skytrax awards are also satisfying because they reflect the genuine New Zealand experiences that travellers have had in terms of the friendliness, can-do attitude and responsiveness of all the people they meet. It’s a testament to the passion and commitment of everyone at the airport, from the border agencies to the baggage handlers, from retailers to rental-car companies, from emergency services to cleaners.

We won’t be standing still. We are determined to keep getting better, and we encourage passengers to help us improve. Our firm belief is that by continuing to provide a great first and last impression of New Zealand, we can help encourage repeat visitors and in turn help drive travel and tourism demand and economic growth.