New Zealand, Australia, Pacific Island News and Travel Information

With interest worldwide on The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, we are pleased to offer on our site a suggested 15 day Lord of the Rings itinerary for independent travellers which takes you to all the main filming areas and some of the sites. While Tolkiens love of England may have been the foundation for his mythical lands, the film location scouts didn't believe they could find the locations here or in Europe that would do justice to the descriptions of The Shire, The Misty Mountains or the golden woods of Lothlorien.

In New Zealand they found a landscape reminiscent of Europe but lacking the accumulated evidence of thousands of years of continual habitation. The itinerary begins at Matamata, a few hours drive South of Auckland where the famous scenes at Hobbiton were created. A district of rolling grassy hills, Matamata could be a small part of England transported into New Zealand. Join a tour here and visit the farm where the Hobbiton was created. From here you travel south to the Tongariro National Park and then on to Wellington, home to the crew for many months and for Weta Workshops and Peter Jackson.

From the North Island onto Nelson and the area where the Chetwood Forest scenes were filmed and South of Rivendall and Dimrill Dale then down to Methven for Edoras scenery. The tour continues south to Wanaka, Queenstown and the beautiful Paradise Valley at Glenorchy and onto Fiordland. If you would like more information we can forward you a very useful book 'The Lord of the Rings Location Guidebook' by Ian Brodie which gives the areas in much detail and includes photos.

More details about Lord of the Rings self-drive tour.

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Australia News

The Great Barrier Reef consists of a complex maze of 2,900 separate reef systems stretching over 2,300 kilometres, from Cape York in the north to Bundaberg in southern Queensland. Quicksilver is based in the beautiful township of Port Douglas. With it's calming blue skies, long white beaches and warm perfumed air, Port Douglas is a true resort beside the sea.

Quicksilver Outer Barrier Reef
Quicksilver's friendly crew will take you to a reef at the very edge of Australia's Continental Shelf, to an underwater world that is a dazzling kaleidoscope of colour and brilliance. Quicksilver takes you to Agincourt Reef, a magnificent ribbon reef where you can experience first hand the magic that is the Great Barrier Reef.

Wavedancer Sailing
Quicksilver's 30 metre luxury sailing catamaran, Wavedancer, offers the excitement of big ship sailing combined with the ultimate in comfort. Relax in the luxurious air-conditioned lounge with its fully licensed bar, or soak up the sun and sea air under the sails on the expansive deck. Set like a jewel inside acres of secluded coral gardens, Low Isles offers everything you can dream of in a tropical island paradise. From the moment your luxury catamaran moors in the calm waters of the island's picturesque lagoon, a host of reef activities awaits you.

Quicksmart Diving
Sleek, smooth and sun-kissed, Quicksmart is ready to explore, eager to whisk you away for a day of adventure with others who seek the thrill of discovery. Quicksmart is a luxury 24 metre catamaran designed for water based adventure activities. Quicksmart has everything you need to experience an underwater world of colourful marine life in safety and comfort. Prices start at AUD $120 per person.

For further information see Quicksilver or contact us.

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Pacific Island News

Air New Zealand is running it's New Year Just Be There promotion and lots of great deals available ex New Zealand for trips to the Pacific Islands between now and the end of June. Prices for a 7 night stay in Rarotonga start at NZ$1949 per person ex Auckland and include accommodation transfers and breakfasts.

Or try 5 nights at the Royal Sheraton Denarau in Fiji from NZ$1369 per person - this property is close to the airport and ideal for a short break away with its own top golf course, beautiful beach and swimming pool and wonderful restaurants.

Send us your travel plans and we are more then happy to provide you with options and costs.

Thanks for taking the time to read our newsletter and for recommending us to your friends and associates. We would love the opportunity to assist you with your travel plans in 2004.

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