New Zealand, Australia, Pacific Island News and Travel Information

New Zealands wine industry is small by world standards with around 400 producers yet it's profile on the world wine stage is huge. Some of the most sort after and highly rated wines in the world, are created in our unique cool climate. With wine growing regions spanning the latitudes of 36 to 45 degrees and covering the length of 1000 miles (1,600km), grapes are grown in a vast range of climates and soil types, producing a diverse array of styles. The northern hemisphere equivalent would run from Bordeaux down to southern Spain.

New Zealand's temperate, maritime climate has a strong influence on the country's predominantly coastal vineyards. The vines are warmed by strong, clear sunlight during the day and cooled at night by sea breezes. The long, slow ripening period helps to retain the vibrant varietal flavours that make New Zealand wine so distinctive.

New Zealand has ten main wine growing regions, each displaying a great diversity in climate and terrain. Differences in climate may be illustrated by the variation in the harvesting date of Chardonnay. In the warmer and more humid northern regions of Northland, Auckland and Gisborne, Chardonnay might begin to be harvested in late February or early March while in Central Otago, the world's most southerly Chardonnay grapes may first be picked in mid to late April - a difference of 6-7 weeks.

New Zealand cuisine draws inspiration from the traditional kitchens of France and Italy, as well as the exotic dishes of Asia and the Pacific Rim. Wine styles have evolved to compliment this extensive menu. There are bright and zesty wines such as Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling for fresh and subtly spiced dishes, while complex, mellow Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot blends and Pinot Noir offer a timeless marriage with the classical dishes of Europe.

We highly recommend a a visit to our wine regions as part of your travels in New Zealand and can assist with recommendations for accommodation in each of the areas.

For more information on the wine regions and individual vineyards open for tastings and meals, see New Zealand wineries and New Zealand wines.

New Zealand Specials
See a range of New Zealand Package specials and Last-Minute Hotel specials.

Back to Index

Australia News

Australian Aboriginal art is the oldest living art tradition in the world, with paintings in rock shelters dating back 20,000 years. The art includes naturalistic paintings of human, plant and animal figures, as well as non-naturalistic, or "abstract" designs with concentric circles, "u" shapes, and lines.

The naturalistic style, predominant in Arnhem Land in northern Australia, is often characterised by "X-ray" art, where the internal organs of animals are depicted. The abstract style, predominant in central Australia, originates from sacred designs used in ceremonies. These designs, originally for body painting, ground paintings, and carved on sacred stones and boards, are now painted on canvas.

Much of Aboriginal art relates to stories of the Dreamtime. This Dreamtime is the Creation Period in Aboriginal belief, when important Ancestral Beings formed the land and created the people, plants and animals. These Ancestral Beings, often depicted in the art, may take human, animal, plant or combined forms, and taught the people their laws and ceremonies.

Contemporary Aboriginal art is a vital part of the worlds oldest continuous cultural tradition and an exciting area of modern art. If you are interested in finding out more about contemporary Aboriginal art, try Abriginalartonline.com for paintings, limited edition prints, pottery and didgeridoos by Aboriginal artists - together with information and comment to help understand these art works. They have artwork available for sale including freight overseas.

Australia Specials
See a range of Australia Package specials and Last-Minute Hotel specials.

Back to Index

Pacific Island News

Samoa comprises of two relatively large islands, Upolu and Savii and eight smaller islands. The capital and business centre Apia is located on Upolu and most of the population live on this island where the majority of major hotels and resorts can be found. Savii is less populated and also popular with visitors because it has largely resisted change and development. The pace of life is slow and life centres around the villages - the beaches of white sand are secluded and the landscape has many interesting geographical features including Lava caves and blowholes.

Samoa offers a range of accommodation options to suit all levels of comfort and budget from International hotels to cheerful guesthouses, motels and simple beachfront fales(usually with thatched roof supported by wooden posts and generally no walls). Recently eco-resorts have opened up on some of the more remote beaches.

The climate is pleasantly warm with temperatures cooled by the south-east trade winds from May to November, while December to April is the wet and humid season.

For more information, see Visit Samoa.

Contact GINZ for information on packages ex New Zealand starting at NZ$869 for 7 nights.

Pacific Island Specials
See a range of Pacific Island Package specials.

Back to Index