GWC judges said Appellation Central Wine Tours won the award thanks to the excellent exposure and support it gave to wineries and other businesses in Central Otago, as well as the exceptional and memorable wine tourism experience offered to clients. The award recognises excellence on a global level among the various wine tourism activities including the wineries, restaurants, museums and wine tours of a specific region.

Director Wendy Johnston said she and managing director and co-owner Philip Green were “absolutely thrilled” with the win.

“The GWC international awards serve as an industry benchmark for excellence in the field of wine tourism, and other award winners come from all around the world, including Rioja in Spain, Bordeaux in France, Cape Town in South Africa, Germany, Italy, the USA and Portugal.” she said.

“To be rated among the best of the best worldwide is the ultimate endorsement and says that we offer an unbeatable wine tourism experience. The four elements to a great wine tourism experience include world-class wine, awe-inspiring scenery, history and the people, and of course the guides who interpret and deliver the experience.”

“Working with all these elements has enabled us to build a great wine tourism business which in turn helps promote our region and its wines. We couldn’t do it without our amazingly passionate and dedicated guides, and the huge support we get from vineyards, suppliers and activity booking agents locally and internationally.”

Appellation Central Wine Tours qualified for the international award by winning New Zealand’s Best of Wine Tourism Services award for the second year in a row.

New Zealand judges including a regional judge and chief judge Dr Joanna Fountain of Lincoln University, said the standard of entries in each category was “extremely high” this year. New Zealand Awards trophies will be presented during the New World Wine and Food Festival in Christchurch on Saturday December 3.

If you’d like to experience an award winning Appellation Central Wine Tour, Relaxing Journeys offer 3 of their tours below.

• 1/2 Day Queenstown Boutique Wine Tour

• 1 Day Queenstown Gourmet Wine Tour

• 1 Day Queenstown Nature Walk & Wine Tour

Millbrook was also lauded as one of the best New Zealand properties within three hours of the city, taking out fifth place overall behind exclusive lodges such as Huka Lodge and Blanket Bay. In the past three years, the resort has made a significant $30 million investment in an innovative covered driving range converted from a former woolshed, a new nine-hole golf course known as the Coronet Nine, extensive upgrades to the existing 18-hole championship golf course, and housing development in the western extension of Millbrook. Hugely popular with local, New Zealand and international golfers, Millbrook’s three interchangeable ‘nines’ create a varied diet of golf and a combination that only a small handful of courses in the country offer.

Kauri Cliffs 7th hole among world’s best

CNN has carried a report listing the world’s most magnificent and spectacular golf holes, and one of them is on a New Zealand golf course. The 220-yard, par 3, 7th hole at Kauri Cliffs in Northland is described as having a “spectacular panoramic view” that takes in “small rocky islets and larger, lush green islands in the vast Pacific Ocean that begins beneath the cliff just right of the green.” It’s up there with 12th at Augusta, and picturesque holes at courses in Ireland, Malaysia, the Caribbean, Mauritius, Thailand, South Africa and Scotland.

Source: TravelMemo

Hotels in and around Christchurch are starting to re-open. Between the Airport and the central city there are currently 15 hotels open, including the five-star The George Hotel, which boasts two top class
restaurants. There are also 105 motels open in the city. While the so-called red zone remains offlimits, in the western suburbs life has already largely returned to normal. The city’s two biggest shopping malls are open and suburban bars and restaurants are doing a roaring trade as they cater to both visitors and locals. There is talk too of constructing a temporary entertainment hub in Christchurch for the many bars and restaurants that have been forced out of the central city by quake damage.

Key visitor attractions like Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, Orana Wildlife Park, the International Antarctic Centre, Wigram Airforce Museum, and the TranzAlpine train service are operating as usual and visitors are continuing to use Christchurch as the gateway to the South Island.

The Christchurch City Council has pledged to push ahead with its annual New Zealand Cup and Show Week Festival in November, and the recently announced BMW New Zealand Golf Open is also going ahead in December as planned, at Clearwater Resort.

Source: Travel Memo

Following the devastating earthquake in Christchurch on February 22 this year, New Zealand has been in shock. It’s going to take a lot of love and a lot of cash to help rebuild the city. Tourism makes up approximately 10% of New Zealand’s GDP and it is essential for the world to know that New Zealand is open for business, and that it doesn’t look like a war zone.

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Blog4NZ is being organised by a small group of travel bloggers in collaboration with key tourism groups in New Zealand. Most organisation is being done by:

• Jim McIntosh from Holes in My Soles
• John Reese from the French Way Travel Blog
• Craig Martin from the Indie Travel Podcast
• Dan Roberts from Travel Generation

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“The Hobbit” is set in Middle-earth 60 years before Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings,” which Jackson and his filmmaking team brought to the big screen in the blockbuster trilogy that culminated with the Oscar-winning “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.”

The two films, with screenplays by Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, Guillermo del Toro and Peter Jackson, will be shot consecutively in digital 3D using the latest camera and stereo technology. Filming will take place at Stone Street Studios, Wellington, and on location around New Zealand.

The Hobbiton set has been fully rebuilt outside Matamata and will remain intact as a tourist attraction after filming ends. It is expected to annually pull in excess of the 364,000 visitors it recorded in 2004, during the peak LOTR years.

The first instalment of The Hobbit is expected in December 2012, while the second will be released in 2013.

The same day as production starts, the official Hobbit blog has also gone live.

The decision was unanimously supported by Tournament owners the International Rugby Board, the New Zealand Government, the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) and Tournament organiser Rugby New Zealand 2011 (RNZ 2011). This follows a detailed review of reports assessing damage to key Tournament facilities and infrastructure caused by the devastating 6.3 magnitude earthquake that struck the city on February 22 and advice from the stadium operator, Vbase that it could not provide an absolute assurance that all necessary remedial work could be completed in time for RWC 2011.

International Rugby Board Chairman Bernard Lapasset travelled to Christchurch for today’s announcement.

“Yesterday we were informed by Stadium Christchurch operator Vbase that it could not guarantee that the extensive repairs required for both the stadium structures and the playing surface could be completed in time. That information means that Tournament partners have been left with no choice but to make the difficult decision to reallocate the seven matches due to be played in Christchurch.

“This has been a hard decision for all involved, given the place of Canterbury in New Zealand Rugby and the tremendous enthusiasm and support that the people of Christchurch have displayed for RWC 2011. The thoughts of the global Rugby family continue to be with the people of Christchurch and everyone affected as they focus on the city’s rebuilding process and repair of key public services and facilities.”

Ticket purchasers for all Christchurch matches will be offered the option of a refund or the opportunity to secure tickets to the relevant reallocated matches. RNZ 2011 has confirmed there will be sufficient availability of tickets to rescheduled matches for those wanting to take up that option. Full details will be provided by the end of March. For further ticketing information please visit www.rugbyworldcup.com/tickets.

“We know Cantabrians are passionate about Rugby and we know that many wanted the matches to remain as a way to unite and heal their shattered city,” said RNZ 2011 Chairman Brian Roche.

“However, we needed to weigh up the risks of continuing with matches in Christchurch with just 25 weeks to kick-off to the world’s third largest sporting event. Sadly, we collectively agreed the risks were too great. The timeframes for repairs were too tight, the uncertainty too much.”

“Our hearts go out to Canterbury fans today given the inevitable disappointment this decision will cause for many,” said NZRU CEO and RNZ 2011 director Steve Tew.

“Tournament partners are looking into a number of initiatives that will give Cantabrians a chance to be part of our Stadium of Four Million. We still want them to play a part in hosting a successful Tournament and to share in the excitement of this event.”

Eden Park is confirmed as the venue for the quarter-finals of October 8 and 9 and a decision regarding where the five pool matches will now be played will be taken jointly by the Tournament’s partners as soon as feasibly possible, likely before the end of March.

“Eden Park was the only logical alternative to stage two of the Tournament’s premier matches given the ground capacity and visitor accommodation demands associated with these quarter-final matches,” said RNZ 2011 CEO Martin Snedden.

“We are working hard to ensure as many pool matches as reasonably possible remain in the South Island. A key consideration in all of this is to reschedule matches in a way that minimises the impact on other matches and therefore causes the least disruption to existing arrangements for teams and travelling. We appreciate this is a time of great uncertainty for fans which is why we are trying to resolve all issues as quickly as possible. We are enormously grateful for the support of all our partners in New Zealand during this difficult process and in particular the strenuous efforts by Vbase in attempting to meet our requirements.”

“Fiordland (as the Kiwis spell it) National Park is located in a remote section of New Zealand’s South Island. This “Switzerland of the South Pacific” is known for its dramatic mountain peaks and abundant wildlife, and has been the backdrop of several movies, including the “Lord of the Rings.” Cruising on Doubtful Sound is one of the best ways to experience the national park. The unspoiled wilderness of Doubtful Sound is home to bottlenose dolphins, fur seals and the rare Fiordland Crested Penguin. Each day, the Fiordland Navigator drops anchor, and allows guests to explore the inlets and coves by kayak.” Source: AOL Travel

Book your overnight or one day Doubtful Sound cruise with Relaxing Journeys.

Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise

1 Day Doubtful Sound Cruise (Coach – Wilderness Cruise – Coach)
Queenstown to Queenstown

1 Day Doubtful Sound Cruise (Coach – Wilderness Cruise – Coach)
Te Anau to Te Anau

1 Day Doubtful Sound Cruise (Wilderness Cruise Only)
Manapouri  to Manapouri

As the market leader in touring holidays to Australia and New Zealand, Relaxing Journeys has utilized their experience to form a new online brand – Global Journeys. For the first time, Australians have the option to peruse, compare and book their coach tour or river cruise to anywhere in the world from the comfort of their living room.

Offering over 1000 amazing itineraries from leading household names in touring and river cruising globaljourneys.com provides a unique experience for both sides of the Tasman.

With every tour and cruise offered, we provide a touring overview, day by day itinerary, current prices by departure date, the latest Operator specials and full Operator information. It doesn’t stop there;  for each itinerary we also provide EXCLUSIVE specials, downloadable brochures, extensive hotel information, area guides and activity descriptions so you know what to expect during your holiday.

Campbell Harris, Managing Director of Relaxing Journeys Australia and New Zealand believes there is a misconception amongst the travel industry that travellers are unwilling to book complicated travel experiences online and that the service provided by high street agencies is superior to agencies operating online. Fortunately, that is not an opinion expressed by our clients!

“Our market leading position in Australasia is evidence that if you have the proper business processes and consumer protection in place, online travel agents have the ability to provide a superior service unmatched by the traditional retail chains.”

Specialising in touring allows our consultants to focus their knowledge and experience which we in turn pass on to our customers providing them with greater insight. Lets face it, it’s not easy to choose a tour from the myriad of tours available. Our website and unmatched customer service gives our clients the opportunity to find the holiday that suits them best.  Our specialisation also provides greater choice than is often available to traditional bricks & mortar agencies. As an independent agency, we aren’t restricted to a particular set of preferred suppliers, instead we provide the means for our clients to choose their holiday based on brand, price, duration, departure date & location.

The excellent relationships we have with our existing suppliers under our Relaxing Journeys brands, has enabled Global Journeys to hit the ground running. We also expect to continue to build on the success of our existing brands, with relaxingjourneys.com.au, our website dedicated to Australian coach and small group touring,  having also recently undergone an overhaul.

Although globaljourneys.com already lists over 1000 itineraries, we are continuing to expand the range of tours on offer. At launch we provide tours & river cruises from APT, Trafalgar, CostSaver, Globus, Cosmos, Insight Vacations,  Avalon Waterways,  Uniworld,  AAT  Kings, &  Grand Pacific .

Relaxing Journeys - AAT Kings Top NZ Wholesaler 2009

‘AAT Kings Annual Champions Trip’ has come and gone for another year. This year 40 of AAT King’s top consultants in Australasia were treated to a 5 day tour of Tasmania. Our tour commenced in Hobart (fabulous city), then on to Port Arthur. The next day we drove across the state to Strahan on the west coast where we had a cracking cruise on Gordon River. Next up the spectacular Cradle Mountain National Park & finally finishing in Launceston. Last year we had the privilege of joining the same trip, (in Cairns), so this time we knew in advance to expect some late nights, early mornings, cracking food and some amazing local plonk. We werent disappointed on any of those fronts!

I know AAT King’s can’t control the weather, (if they do, they are very modest about it) but on both trips we were treated to the ‘best weather in months’ according to locals. Sunny days certainly bring out the best in a place, and Tasmania certainly put on a show beyond our expectations.

The last night of our getaway, was Awards night at Quamby Estate (an amazing boutique hotel soon to feature in some of our self drive tours I’m sure), where Relaxing Journeys received top honours as ‘AAT Kings Top New Zealand Wholesaler for 2009′. For the last 4 years Relaxing Journeys have been recognized as a leading contributor to AAT Kings success in New Zealand. Our successful partnership comes down to our close relationship with their support staff and the confidence in their coach tours being a great choice for our clients.

Highlights for us were…(in no particular order):

• Hobart was spectacular –  pretty, clean, oozing history and definitely worth a couple of days of exploration. Best Aussie city to travel to in our opinion.
• Quamby Estate was a very special place and is not on many visitors radars at the moment. It soon will be.
• Seeing local wildlife in their own natural environment
• Meeting new and up and coming consultants…and of course the oldies!
• The very restful Gordon River Cruise perched on the Captains level.
• Our 2009 Award of course!

Lowlights (in particular order!):

• Tripping & spraining my toe (last year I lost my toenail on the trip!) so much better this time round!
• Losing 4 straight games of pool to Reece (our inebriated AAT Kings Sales Manager)
• Leaving my iPhone (and by default my brain) in my hotel room. Thanks to AAT (& especially Ben) for driving 2 hours back to get it for me!
• Those Oyster Shots for dinner on the last night – just the mere thought. Not for me!

Bring on 2010!

Campbell Harris
Managing Director

Mentions:

NZ TravelMemo
http://www.travelmemo.co.nz/memos/20100309.pdf

ETravel Blackboard
http://www.etravelblackboard.co.nz/article.asp?id=69444&nav=46

The Waikato Times (regional newspaper) says the aim is to complete the job by next October in time for the world rowing champs, and the South Waikato District Council and Waikato River Trails Trust are already looking at linking the trail with Rotorua. The trust is proposing a 120km extension using the old rail track from Rotorua to Putaruru and linking it with the 100km river trail at Horahora.

Mr Key said it was the first of seven ‘quick start’ trails picked to get Nga Haerenga under way, and the Ministry of Tourism project team is now consulting with other regions in New Zealand about funding under phase two of the cycle trail project.

Source:  The Travel Memo