Index
New Zealand News and Specials
Abel Tasman National Park
Australia News and Specials
Whalewatching and Wildlife in South Australia
Pacific Island News and Specials
Jane visits Rarotonga
GINZ.com Newsletter
August 2005 Vol 1 No# 97
Kia ora from Christchurch, New Zealand and thank you for taking the time to read the latest travel news from Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific Islands. If you know anyone considering travel here over the coming months, let them know about our itinerary planners for New Zealand and suggested travelling routes in New Zealand and Australia. We also offer small guided 19 day tours of both countries. GINZ has plenty of options for the independent traveller and check out our off peak campervan/ motorhome deals for New Zealand.
All the very best from the Team at GINZ.com
New Zealand News
Whether you're looking for an active holiday of tramping and kayaking, or a lazy day at the beach, Abel Tasman National Park is the perfect destination. Abel Tasman National Park is New Zealand's smallest but most visited national park. It protects 23,000 hectares of the most natural stretch of easily accessible coastline track in New Zealand. The park has a diverse range of habitats for native forest, estuarine and sea birds with golden sand beaches fringed by impressive granite headlands to mountain streams in beech and podocarp forest. Access to the park is from Marahau to the south of the park, 1 1/2 hours drive from Nelson, and Totaranui at the north of the park, 2 1/2 hours from Nelson. Commercial boat operators offer transfers to various points within the park from here and the range of accommodation includes lodge, self contained and Department of Conservation tramping huts. GINZ has a selection of recommended accommodation in the area as well as tours.
If time is short, try a sea kayaking day excursion or take a one-day cruise and walk option offered by Abel Tasman Wilson's Experiences. These day trips combine a scenic cruise that visits the marine reserve and seal colony on Tonga Island with a walk of your choice along the coast track or sea kayaking the most scenic areas of the coast. Groups are kept small and the walks are suitable for all ages. The coastal track is well formed and gently undulating with no part higher than 200m. Packs and overnight luggage is transported to lodges and accommodations by boat. To walk and/or sea kayak the full track you need to allow 5 days. You can do this guided or independently.
Contact us for more information.
New Zealand Specials
See a range of Last-Minute Rental Cars, Last-Minute Hotel specials and New Zealand Travel Packages.
Australia News
Southern right whales are wowing crowds along the South Australian coast this year, as record numbers move into southern waters to breed and calve. Two of the best spots to catch the action are Victor Harbour on the Fleurieu Peninsula and Head of Bight on Eyre Peninsula. Victor Harbour is a coastal resort town, just 80km south of Adelaide and a favourite holiday destination for many South Australians. Besides an absolutely stunning Southern Ocean coastline, long sandy beaches and temperate climate, Victor Harbour boasts many unique and interesting attractions. These include the SA Whale Centre and winter whale watching, Granite Island and its fairy penguins, the Horse Drawn Tram service to Granite Island, Greenhills Adventure Park, Urimbirra Wildlife Park and Wild Rose Miniature Village.
Most of these attractions are within a short drive of each other, and from the foreshore to the foothills, visitors won't be disappointed with the variety of things to see and do in Victor Harbour. The Urimburra Wildlife Park on the Northern side of Victor Harbour is set on 40 acres and provides visitors with close encounters of over 400 native Australian animals. The park is also home to many Australian native birds which reside in the 16 acre Wetland bird sanctuary. Well regarded for its Koala and Wombat close-ups, the opportunity to feed the roaming kangaroos and wallabies amongst the eucalypt setting is a unique experience. Fun for the younger kids is the Children's Farmyard or for the bigger kids, the spectacular crocodile feeding! Popular for groups, school excursions and international visitors, Urimbirra Wildlife Park is well equipped with tranquil picnic and BBQ areas with a kiosk and souvenir shop also on site.
There is certainly enough reasons to 'stay and play' in Victor Harbour, and a wide range of accommodation makes it the ideal base for visiting the Fleurieu Peninsula and surrounding attractions such as Kangaroo Island, the Adelaide Hills, the Coorong and the River Murray mouth, as well as enjoying excellent regional wineries, beautiful scenic drives and exploring the other south coast towns of Port Elliot, Middleton and also Goolwa with its Signal Point Interpretive Centre.
For more information on South Australia and for a suggested self drive itinerary, Melbourne to Adelaide or contact us for more information.
Australia Specials
See a range of Australia Travel Packages, Last-Minute Rental car and Last-Minute Hotel specials.
Pacific Island News
5 Night Packages from NZD$ 999 per person ex Auckland including all taxes.
After recently travelling to Rarotonga in the Cook Islands I was lucky enough to experience the diverse culture, the fantastic accommodations and the many fine restaurants, cafes and bars. It is a fantastic destination - almost entirely surrounded by a coral reef ensuring its beaches are idyllic and most accommodation is not far from the shores. Rarotonga is only 32 kilometres in circumference and so easy to get around. Hiring a car or scooter is great and a licence is easily obtainable for just NZD $10. The restaurants, cafes and bars are plentiful and the food and service is outstanding in the Cook Islands, something that sometimes is missing in other Pacific Island destinations.
There are various standards of accommodation and after visiting numerous properties I have chosen a couple of excellent options to feature. Muri Beachcomber is a small property with self contained accommodation located on the Muri Beach front, a safe swimming beach and great location for families. The Pacific Resort Rarotonga offers an intimate collection of apartments and villas also in Muri Beach and ideal for romantic breaks for couples and honeymooners. Something a little different and certainly for that special occasion, the Sea Change Villas offer outstanding Beachfront Villas featuring one or two bedrooms each with designer kitchens, the latest appliances and their their own swimming pools- absolute bliss! If you would like some more information or suggestions for a break in the Cook Islands, contact Jane by email or give her a call.
Contact us for quotes and further information.
Pacific Island Specials
See a range of Pacific Island Travel Package and Pacific Hotel specials.
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