Non stop service between Auckland and New York now on sale!

Air New Zealand has released new Longterm Economy, Premium Economy and Business Premier fares to New York, for sales effective immediately, for travel from 15 October 2020.

The new longterm fully inclusive New York Economy fares start from $949.00, Premium Economy from $2349.00 and Business Premier from $4889.00 one-way.

Fares are now available for the new non-stop service which commences 29 October, and indirect options between Auckland and New York for travel from 15 October 2020.

Fares are common-rated ex Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.

Economy Skycouch is available.

Hayman Island re-opens

Following a two-year redesign in the wake of Cyclone Debbie, the private-island resort in Australia has rebranded as InterContinental.

Guests can choose from three room styles: Classic, Executive and Suites. All Classic Rooms offer a king-size bed, separate bath and open-plan dressing room, as well as a view of the lagoon. The Executive Rooms are one-bedroom suites that look out over the pool, with some featuring direct swim-out access. Each three-bedroom Suite boasts its own private pool, deck with gardens and views of the beach.

As for dining, guests will find woodfire oven pizza and Italian dishes created by “theatrical chefs” at Amici Trattoria. Bam Bam features Pan Asian food with a “fresh Australian twist,” and Pacific, Hayman Island’s signature bar and restaurant, serves everything from a gourmet breakfast buffet to a romantic dinner overlooking the ocean.

Plus the resort's location allows the chance to tick a few items off the bucket list in one trip. Book a snorkeling or diving excursion to the Great Barrier Reef, or plan a day trip to see the secluded sandbars of Whitehaven Beach, one of the best beaches in the world.

Tanzania bans single-use plastic bags

A plastic bag ban in Tanzania will enforce a total ban on single-use plastic bags from 1 June 2019, reports World Journeys. The use or importation of plastic bags, including carrier bags and shopping bags, will become illegal and offenders may face heavy fines.

Travellers intending to arrive at any Tanzania airport and border point, including Zanzibar, are advised to avoid packing any plastic bags in their in luggage as they could face penalties on arrival. Items purchased at an airport before boarding the aircraft should also be removed from plastic bags. Similarly, transparent zip-lock plastic bags that some airlines require passengers to use for keeping liquids, cosmetics, toiletries etc are also not permitted and should be removed before disembarking. Plastic bags are also banned in the other African travel destinations of Kenya, South Africa, Uganda, Malawi, Rwanda and Madagascar.

JFK airport's new TWA Hotel - room with a view!

The former TWA terminal at JFK Airport has been transformed into a swanky new hotel. The TWA Hotel opened recently on 15th May 2019. It has a retro aviation theme, including staff in vintage uniforms from 1975.

The most anticipated feature of the new property is the rooftop infinity pool and bar, giving guests views of JFK runway while sipping on a Mile High Spritz with elderflower liqueur, vodka and prosecco. Keeping with the theme, a Lockhead Constellation L-1649A aircraft has been transformed into a cocktail lounge. Coffee carts are dotted throughout the property, plus there’s a 929m2 fitness centre, six restaurants and eight bars.

Qantas operates world's first zero waste flight

Qantas made history on the 8th of May after taking to the skies in the world's first zero waste commercial flight.

The QF737 service, which travelled from Sydney to Adelaide, produced no landfill waste as part of a company wide commitment to cut 100 million single-use plastics by the end of 2020, and reduce waste by 75 per cent by the end of 2021.

Qantas domestic CEO Andrew David said the flight was about "testing our products, refining the waste process and getting feedback from our customers."

The Sydney to Adelaide flight would typically produce 34 kilograms of waste, according to Mr David, which is 150 tonnes annually.

Curious as to what your in-flight meals will be served on? Passengers can look forward to containers made from sugar cane and cutlery made from crop starch, both of which are compostable.

It’s a great step in the right direction, but there's more hard work to come - in order to honour the company's pledge to remove 100 million single-use plastic items every year by the end of 2020, Qantas and Jetstar will have to replace 45 million plastic cups, 30 millions cutlery sets, 21 million coffee cups and 4 million headrest covers with sustainable alternatives.

Destination Vancouver

Vancouver delivers urban sophistication, gastronomical decadence, local wines and exciting outdoor activities, all wrapped up in a picture-perfect parcel. It doesn't matter what time of year you visit, because every season comes with its own collection of stand-out sightseeing attractions, things to do and places to go.

You'll never run short of fun things to do. You can enjoy Capilano's Rainforest Explorer programme (pictured), the Aquarium, BC Sport’s Hall of Fame, Science World and the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre. And don't forget to take a walk along Vancouver's famous seawall walk alongside Stanley Park.

Air New Zealand's Auckland to Vancouver non-stop flights operate all-year-round. The flying time is around 13 hours.

To find out more, call the office or visit www.tourismvancouver.com

Fiji: Resort Review

First Landing Resort and Villas

This property prides itself on being a traditional intimate resort with a true bula pride and spirit.  The staff really exude the Fijian friendliness and hospitality they are renowned for.  

There is a range of accommodation including traditional bures, apartments and luxury private villas. The owners have recently completed 13 new garden and beachfront villas, each with their own plunge pool!  These are set along a quiet, golden sand, tidal beach, which enjoys the beautiful Fijian sunsets. They are of a 4-star standard, offering total privacy, and have extra services such as a pantry pack (for basic shopping before arrival), a BBQ service, turn-down service with a night cap and a villa manager for private and express check ins.  They are within easy walking distance of the resort and all it has to offer: sports bar, restaurant, large pool, activities bure, kids’ club, boutique and Day Spa. There is an entertaining cultural show 3 days a week, including dances and customs from neighbouring Pacific islands. 

First Landing also has the added bonus of a private jetty from which you can embark on a day-trip or an island transfer. For day trips we can certainly recommend Oolala Tours who looked after us beautifully on a snorkeling day-trip to a private island.  If you are looking for a relaxed, homely stay or a few nights pre or post an island holiday, then First Landing is a great choice and only 25 minutes from/to Nadi Airport.

Focus on Thailand

The Surin – Phuket

Amidst coconut palms and gently rolling slopes, The Surin Phuket elegantly punctuates the tropical landscape along the island's finest white sand beach at the tranquil Pansea Beach on the west coast of Phuket Island.  The 103 cottages and suites dotted along the beachfront and forested hillside were designed with understated elegance and feature a range of personal amenities and thoughtful touches. Spacious interiors allow for comfort, whether to sleep, lounge or be pampered. Relax on the outdoor terrace and soak in the sights and sounds of nature.

Ariysom Villa - Bangkok

Ariyasom Villa is a small luxury boutique hotel and spa with an authentic "Thai" feeling.  It has 24 guestrooms, restaurant (Na Aroon), Thai Spa (som Sen), small function room and meditation hall.  It is superbly located just off Sukhumvit Road and near to Bumrungrad Hospital.

Tamarind Village – Chiang Mai

Tamarind Village is a unique and charming boutique property that nestles in the heart of historic Chiang Mai. Surrounded by ancient temples and quaint shopping streets, it takes its name from the magnificent 200 year old tamarind tree that shelters the hotel in a shady embrace. Set around a series of garden courtyards, the 41 guest rooms and 5 suites reflect the rich ethnic diversity of northern Thailand by using fabrics and patterns drawn from various tribes of the region. Intimate, serene and relaxing, Tamarind Village is an oasis of calm and tranquility, the perfect base for exploring Chiang Mai and beyond.

Stopover: Cuba

Time to visit Cuba!

As you may have heard, tourism in Cuba is on the rise because of the influx of American visitors after Barack Obama relaxed the rules. Because of this, many people recommend going there sooner rather than later, before everything changes. Others say the increase in tourism could be a good thing; better places to stay and more facilities in general. 

Ten days is a decent amount of time to see Cuba — suggested highlights would be Havana, Trinidad, Vinales, Cienfuegos, maybe Santa Clara and the Bay of Pigs.

There are a few ways to get there, with some routes offering the options of stopovers, or a multi-destination trip. Now that there are direct flights from the United States, some of these flights can be used in conjunction with tickets from New Zealand.

European “Early Bird” Fares on Sale

NOW is the best time to book for Europe 2018

Emirates
- Economy class return from NZ$1,599 + taxes (conditions apply)
- Business class return from NZ$7,369 + taxes (conditions apply)

Emirates is offering a range of Economy, Mixed Class, Business & First Class Special fares for 2018 travel on sale until 30 October 2017.
Travel valid for departures between 21 Jan 2018 - 28 Mar 2018 & 16 Apr 2018 - 13 Jun 2018, 1 Sep 2018 - 30 Sep 2018 (Low season). Shoulder and High season levels also available.

Air New Zealand
- Economy class return from NZ$1,600 + taxes (conditions apply)
- Business class return from NZ$6,650 + taxes (conditions apply)

Air New Zealand’s “Early Bird” SALE fares are available now in Economy, Premium Economy and Business class for travel on selected dates in 2018 for sales until 27 October 2017. 
NB: The cheaper fares are only applicable via the Eastern gateways only. Higher fares apply via the Western gateways.

Lufthansa
- Economy class return from NZ$1,399 + taxes (conditions apply)
- Business class return from NZ$6,499 + taxes (conditions apply)

“Early Bird” SALE fares for Lufthansa, SWISS and Austrian Airlines available now for travel selected dates before July 2018 and sales until 31 October 2017.

Singapore Airlines
- Economy class return from NZ$1,600 + taxes (conditions apply)
- Business class return from NZ$6,050 + taxes (conditions apply)

Singapore Airlines “Early Bird” SALE fares are available now in Economy, Premium Economy and Business class for travel on selected dates in 2018 for sales until 27 October 2017. 

Surf, Spa, Yoga in Bali

Komune Hotel, Keramas, Bali

Whilst being committed to its surfing roots, the Komune Resort has far more to offer.

This resort destination located on the black sand beach of Keremas in Eastern Bali and overlooked by the impressive Mt Agung offers an extensive and up-to-date health and wellness experiences including scheduled fitness class and yoga. So whether you're

looking for a health & wellness getaway, a Bali yoga retreat, or even a surf and yoga retreat, Komune Bali Resort is the place to be for your active escape in Bali.

Relax in Vietnam

La Veranda Phu Quoc

The tropical island of Phu Quoc is a mere 45mins flights from Ho Chi Minh City. With direct flights on Air New Zealand to Ho Chi Minh City this makes Phu Quoc easily accessible for a week on the beach or a relaxing end to an in-depth tour of Vietnam.

La Veranda evokes a bygone era, this luxury French colonial seaside mansion is set in lush tropical gardens on a beautiful beach. Calm, turquoise waters lap the sunset beach in peak season (Nov-Apr). During the wet season (May-Oct) a daily shuttle will transport you to the stunning, calm, white sand beach of Bai Sao.

It’s a win win location!