New Zealand, Australia, Pacific Island News and Travel Information

A Dart River Safari is more than just a jetboat ride. It is a true New Zealand wilderness experience. Operating out of Glenorchy, a 45 minute very scenic drive out of Queenstown, Dart River Safaris take visitors deep into the corridors of the Mount Aspiring National Park, a World Heritage Area. Dart River Safaris run 4 different trip options in the Dart River area.

The Dart River Safari and Guided Nature Walk is a full day (8 hour) trip including door to door transfers from Queenstown and starts with a jetboat trip up the beautiful Dart River valley followed by a guided walk through the ancient beech forests of the Mt Aspiring National Park. The walk is adjusted to suit client ability and can be up to 3 hours. Walking is done on unformed trails but is easy to moderate and on leaves and moss. A picnic lunch, drinks and snacks are provided as well as life jackets and spray jackets for the jetboat portion. Comfortable walking shoes or boots are required.

The 6 hour Safari Trip includes a jetboat ride, forest walk and 4WD portion which takes in locations in Paradise Valley used for 'Lord of the Rings' filming. Funyaks is highly recommended by many of our clients - you get to jetboat up the river for an hour or so then spend 2 hours floating and paddling down in an inflatable Canadian style canoe. A picnic lunch is served on the way down and the trip is suitable for most ages and fitness levels. Private Charters are also available and are tailor made to suit clients requests.

More details about Dart River Safaris tour options.

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

New Zealand writer Ian Brodie has published an excellent location guidebook for 'Lord of the Rings' fans. This softcover 98 page guidebook is full of colour photographs, maps, facts and information on the sites and filming. We have some copies available at NZ$20 plus $3 postage and highly recommend this publication for visitors planning to explore the areas used in the film. Please let us know if you would like a copy by post.

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Australia News

The World Cup has begun - 44 days of continuous rugby action across Australia with teams competing for the coveted trophy. The final will be played on 22nd November at Telstra Stadium in Sydney. If you want to find out more about the game, I have managed to unearth a copy of 'The Simple Guide to Rugby' - prepared by the Australian Rugby Unions (PDF format). Results see here.

GINZ can provide you with accommodation, rental cars, motorhomes, tours, packages and itineraries for travel throughout Australia at anytime of the year. For personal recommendations and advice on the best options and special deals contact us.

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

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Pacific Island News

To many people, a holiday in Vanuatu means days of relaxing on a beach, swimming in a beautiful lagoon and evenings of exotic food and cocktails. Vanuatu offers much more as well, cruises to deserted islands, trips to active volcanoes, game fish charters, jungle trails by 4 wheel drive and scuba dives on WWII wrecks. Vanuatu is made up of 83 islands in the South Pacific's Melanesian region. The capital, Port Vila is a cosmopolitan town with international standard resorts and excellent restaurants but out of town and on the other islands, life is simple and the natural world of tropical forests, coral reefs and sandy beaches are the main attraction.

We can offer some great packages ex New Zealand to Vanuatu at present - see our Pacific Island package Specials, including 4 nights from NZ$1235 ex Auckland with 2 x 4 hour fishing trips included as well as accommodation at Tradewinds and transfers.

Contact us for more information.

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

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