Relaxing Journeys are receiving constant updates from affected tourism businesses, operators and accommodation providers, so we can ensure alternative amendments to your itineraries are put in place if it’s likely you will be affected by the quakes aftermath. We will contact you personally if this is the case.

The good news is the airport is open and the vast majority of hotels and accommodation providers are operating as normal. Parts of the city are cordoned off and this affects pickup points in some cases, but as mentioned above we’ll let you know if this affects you, and will be in contact.

The clean up will take sometime, and we’ll keep you all briefed here if there is a fundamental change in access to the region.

If you’d like more information on what’s happening on the ground, you can follow the latest developments on the link below:

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10671408

Since the 1957 publication of Arthur Frommer’s revolutionary Europe on $5 a Day, the Frommer’s collection of travel products has expanded to include over 300 guidebooks, reaffirming Frommer’s as one of the most trusted names in travel today.

Relaxing Journeys have been mentioned in the latest (6th Edition)  Guide to New Zealand:

“Relaxing Journeys specializes in small, escorted tours for independent travelers. They can help you into self-drive tours, day tours, cruises or coach trips.”

Nice to be recommeded. If you ‘d like to read more about the guidebook or to purchase the lastest edition visit the Frommers website (link below).

Read more: http://www.frommers.com/destinations/newzealand/ ]]> http://news.relaxingjourneys.co.nz/2010/08/whats-new/relaxing-journeys-gets-a-plug-from-frommers/feed/ 0 http://news.relaxingjourneys.co.nz/2010/07/whats-new/all-aboard/ http://news.relaxingjourneys.co.nz/2010/07/whats-new/all-aboard/#comments Fri, 30 Jul 2010 03:02:01 +0000 Jill http://news.relaxingjourneys.co.nz/?p=654 Relaxing Journeys are now selling 5 brand new cruise itineraries from Island Escape. Showcasing the Abel Tasman National Park, the Marlborough Sounds, Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf and the Bay of Islands, the 42 metre (140 feet) ‘Island Passage’ is unique in that other vessels of her size carry more than double the 20 passengers that she can accommodate. This gives her passengers much more room to relax.

‘Island Passage’  has all the amenities that you would expect of a much larger cruise ship, including:

• Main Dining Room
• Large Saloon Lounge
• Sundeck and BBQ
• Helicopter carried onboard
• Expedition boats carried on-board
• Phone and Fax facilities
• Satellite TV
• Security safe
• Fully stocked cocktail bar and Wine cellar
• Air Conditioning
• Library including videos and books

The ‘Island Passage’ carries three expedition boats onboard. Designed for expedition work, these large and heavy-duty craft are extremely safe. The design permits these crafts to land directly onto the beaches.  We also carry 3 smaller tenders for use by passengers to explore areas away from the ship. There are also kayaks carried on board.

As you’ve come to expect from Relaxing Journeys, we offer our best price guarantee on all new Island Escape cruises, and this month you can take advantage of our exclusive special of $NZ 75 per person off the retail price.

4 Day Awesome Abel Tasman
From: Nelson to Nelson

4 Day Spectacular Sounds
From: Nelson to Nelson

6 Day Great Escape
From: Auckland to Auckland

6 Day Bay of Islands
From: Bay of Islands to Bay of Islands

6 Day Volcanic Adventures
From: Auckland to Auckland

We have also released six new self drive itineraries and amended another twelve in response to feedback from our past clients and changes in the market. We pride ourselves on our unique and itineraries that incorporate the best New Zealand has to offer, so the changes we have made take our clients away from the masses where possible and provide them with experiences not offered by anyone else. Of course all of our self drives can be customised to your liking. We have also upgraded various properties in our budget, mid range and premium self drives to reflect accomodation that’s best in it’s class.

Changes to our self drives stopping in Rotorua

We still allow time for our clients to experience the ‘typically’ popular attractions around Rotorua, but now we add something special to the mix. Here is a typical day in Rotorua for our clients:

Enjoy a cruise on the beautiful fresh waters of Lake Rotoiti this morning on board a luxury sailing catamaran. You have the chance to hoist the sails and grind the winches, try your hand at trout fishing, leap off to swim in the fresh water or soak in the natural mineral hot pools that are only accessible by boat. Your skipper and crew will share local legends with you and point out some of the many historic and culturally significant sites of Lake Rotoiti.

Free time to explore Rotorua this afternoon. You may like to visit the Agrodome or take a gondola ride to the top of Mt Ngongotaha for spectacular views of Rotorua. Later this afternoon visit Te Puia geothermal area to view the boiling mudpools and cascading Pohutu geyser that make Rotorua famous as New Zealand’s thermal city. This evening experience Te Po, Te Puia’s cultural experience. It is a feast of cultural storytelling, entertainment and Maori kai (indigenous food). After a formal Maori welcome, relax and enjoy a performance including the beautiful songs, haka and poi dance. After dinner you will be transported by people movers to enjoy the spectacular lighting of the Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley and hot chocolate. (B)

Changes to several of our premium self drives staying in the Bay of Islands

We now include the Ipipiri overnight cruise in the Bay of Islands. A unique experience highlighting the best of the Bay of Islands. A typical itinerary:

“The morning is at leisure. Check in early afternoon for your overnight cruise on board Ipipiri. As you cruise through the sheltered waters of the Bay of Islands, afternoon tea will be served. With 144 islands and abundant marine and bird life, the Bay of Islands is one of New Zealand’s finest sub-tropical marine parks, stunning during the day and unforgettable at night. This afternoon you have the choice of doing as much or as little as you like. Take a kayak tour, go snorkelling, enjoy a guided nature walk and tree planting, take a leisurely stroll on a secluded beach or simply relax and soak up the views from the sundeck.

As the sun sets behind the islands of the Bay and your cruise ship finds a sheltered cave to moor overnight, the ambience transforms aboard Ipipiri. New Zealand wines, local cuisine and knowledgeable crew help create the perfect setting. (B/D)”

Our self drive tour tours will not be on sale forever and our current saving of 5% off the retail prices listed on our website makes a real difference - save from $NZ 1,200 per couple to a minimum $NZ 100 per couple at least, and all you have to do is book your tour with the best in the business!

Relaxing Journeys have just released their earlybird specials for all escorted coach tours and small group tours. All coach tours are now on sale for next seasons departures. In most cases the ‘next season’ starts in September/October and runs through to April 2011, so if you are planning a trip to New Zealand during this period then now is the time to place a deposit to secure your seats and to secure the discounted price.

The coach tour and small group tours prices on offer in this sale will not be beaten at any time later in the year, so it really is a case of the ‘earlybird getting the worm’. To make things even easier we have listed all guranteed departures for next season now, so you can book safe in the knowledge that your tour will not be cancelled.

We check over 200 prices each week to ensure that we are providing you with the best value, so when you make a booking with Relaxing Journeys, you know you are paying the best possible price – guaranteed. If you happen to find a lower price on any identical tour or holiday package within 7 days of purchase, let us know and we will beat the price or refund the difference!

Some Earlybird Sale Highlights

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

For an idea of just some of our great (unbeatable) specials have a look at these. All highly recommended by Relaxing Journeys travel team.

Free Night Pre or Post Tour Accommodation AND $NZ 85-165 per person off the brochure price on selected dates!

• 16 Day Highlights of New Zealand Tour
• 19 Day Rail, Cruise & Coach Holiday
• 19 Day Grand New Zealand Tour
• 10 Day South Island Tour

Free Meals on Tour! Save $100’s but you must book before the end of February

• 16 Day Panorama
• 12 Day Scenic Splendour
• 14 Day Vista
• 8 Day Ultimate North Island

Free Dinners on Tour! Save $100’s but you must book before the end of February

• 7 Day TranzAlpine Tour
• 8 Day Southern Highlights
• 10 Day Southern Discovery

These offers run out at the end of February, however thats depends on availability, so…first come first serve!!

The Summer season has well and truely begun in New Zealand, and typically for this time of year we are having our ups and downs. From now until March/April we have our most consistent clear sunny weather but there are never any guarantees! We need the  rain - it’s what make our country look so beautiful!

Perhaps you’re spending this time mulling over a trip to New Zealand this summer? Or perhaps are planning yor trip to NZ for the 2010/11 season. We have some amazing specials on offer to fill up the remaining seats on this seasons escorted coach tours as well as our Earlybird Specials for those booking their tour for next year. Accommodation is looking very tight in some parts of the country, and there are days this summer when quality rental vehicles are sold out, so if you are looking at a self drive tour don’t delay.

If you visit the ‘tour page’ and click on the ‘Prices & Dates’ tab at the top of each page, the special for that tour is fully explained. Below I’ve listed just a few to give you a taste!

Small Group Touring Specials

24 Day Panorama (Auckland  to Christchurch from $NZ 9,680)
Save upto $1,200 per person off the brochure price on 2010/11 deaprtures.

18 Day Pacific Escapade  (Auckland  to Christchurch from $NZ 7,195)
Save upto $750 per person off the brochure price on 2010/11 deaprtures.

18 Day Antipodean Adventure  (Christchurch to Auckland from $NZ 8,690)
Save upto $980 per person off the brochure price on 2010/11 deaprtures.

11 Day Southern Adventure  (Christchurch to Christchurch from $NZ 4,825)
Save upto $550 per person off the brochure price on 2010/11 deaprtures.

12 Day Island of Delight  (Christchurch to Christchurch from $NZ 4,724)
Save upto $620 per person off the brochure price on 2010/11 deaprtures.

9 Day Nikau  (Auckland to Wellington from $NZ 2,990)
Save upto $420 per person off the brochure price on 2010/11 deaprtures.

Escorted Coach Touring Specials

Book and place a deposit by 31 January on any of the coach tours below and get up to for breakfasts and/or dinners for free!  Terms and conditions apply. You’ll get all meals free if you book a two island tour or a north island tour, and dinners free if you book a south island tour only. All departure dates on the tours up til the end of March are guaranteed to depart. Do not delay, this offer will not last!

FREE DINNERS & BREAKFASTS!

• 21 Day All New Zealand Ultimate (Auckland to Christchurch)
• 18 Day Ultimate New Zealand (Auckland to Christchurch)
• 16 Day Panorama (Auckland to Christchurch)
• 15 Day Wonderland (Christchurch to Auckland)
• 14 Day Vista (Auckland to Christchurch)
• 13 Day Essential New Zealand (Christchurch to Auckland)
• 12 Day Scenic Explorer (Christchurch to Auckland)
• 12 Day Scenic Splendour (Christchurch to Auckland)

Save $$$ on our Self Drives in January

 We are in our high season, but we are still offerring amazing special offers on all our self drives. Unlike many travel operators dealing with holidays to New Zealand, we are here in New Zealand! All the members of our team have an intimate knowledge of this country and can share their first hand knowledge and experience with you. We are also local and contactable when you arrive here in New Zealand and can sort out any unforeseen issues you may have. When you make an enquiry on one of our self drive packages, your enquiry is assigned to your own personal travel consultant. You are given their full name and their email address so you can email or phone them directly! That’s right, no call centres & no shifting from one consultant to another! Read some of our customer comments.

Have a look at the $$$ you save when booking our top 10 selling self drive tours:

• 24 Day Grand Explorer (Save $400 per couple off the listed price)
• 23 Day Once Around New Zealand (Save $200 per couple off the listed price)
• 16 Day New Zealand Highlights (Save $300 per couple off the listed price)
• 14 Day Geysers To Glaciers (Save $100 per couple off the listed price)
• 32 Day Month in Paradise (Save $450 per couple off the listed price)
• 10 Day Southern Sounds & Glaciers (Save $100 per couple off the listed price)
• 12 Day Southern Delight (Save $200 per couple off the listed price)
• 11 Day Southern Glaciers (Save $150 per couple off the listed price)
• 11 Day Bush & Beach (Save $200 per couple off the listed price)
• 11 Day Great New Zealand Touring Route (Save $100 per couple off the listed price)

My eyes quickly scan the blue horizon as I search for this majestic beast. I am so busy looking as far as the eye can see that I don’t realise what is right in front of my eyes. The beautiful whale is only a few metres in front of the boat, immediately my body is covered in goose bumps. There is something about seeing these gentle giants in their own playground that makes me stand still and gasp, the gentle sway of the boat starts to put me into a trance and I stare in wonder.

No wonder is it that the Whale Watch Kaikoura has been named the Supreme Winner at this year’s Responsible Tourism Awards in London. The international accolades are awarded annually and recognise tourism ventures operating in a way that respects and benefits both the destination and the local people.

It is a true sign that with community support and a good old ‘Can-Do Kiwi’ attitude you can bring a declining economy that it was in the late 1980’s to a thriving successful tourism hot spot that highlights the true hospitality that the people of Kaikoura and the Ngati Kuri tribe possess.

The Whale watch is owned and operated by Ngati Kuri, a hapu (sub tribe) of the South Island’s Ngai Tahu tribe. It is because of their forward thinking that they pulled many locals out of unemployment by realising the potential of the area’s sperm whale population that the area could be turned into a spectacular tourism venture for the thousands of people who visit Kaikoura every year.

It has been going for 22 years and counting as they introduce their sixth vessel to their fleet and last year invested $5m in a joint venture with Sea World on the Australia’s Gold Coast to provide their whale watching.

Clients of Relaxing Journeys have the opportunity of experiencing this intriguing excursion on a number of our self-drive tours as well as including them onto any independent coach tour that passes through Kaikoura. There are no excuses to miss out on this opportunity.

After experiencing this adventure first hand I could really feel and see the deep respect that the Ngati Kuri tribe has for the environment and their responsibility for the protection and nurturing of our natural resources.

No wonder they walked away with this well deserved prestigious award…..if only I could walk away on my sea legs!

For those without kids, kids that have flown the coop, or for those that just don’t celebrate Christmas, you may have a little more time on your hands than me at the moment! Perhaps you’re spending this time mulling over a trip to New Zealand this summer? This is the last month before high season is upon us, accommodation is already looking very tight in some parts of the country if you are looking at a self drive tour, and our escorted coach range is selling (out) fast!

To make your decision easier, (thats our job), we have a range of ‘Christmas Specials’ for tours booked this month. Don’t delay…we really dont’ want you to miss out on that perfect relaxing journey. If you visit the ‘tour page’ and click on the ‘Prices & Dates’ tab at the top of each page, the special for that tour is fully explained. Below I’ve listed just a few to give you a taste!

Small Group Touring Specials

Save $1,000 per couple off the listed price on ALL guaranteed departure dates leaving before the end of April 2010 on the following small group tours:

• 18 Day Pacific Escapade (Auckland  to Christchurch)
• 18 Day Antipodean Adventure (Christchurch to Auckland)
• 24 Day Panorama (Auckland  to Christchurch)

Save $600 per couple off the listed price on ALL guaranteed departure dates leaving before the end of April 2010 on the following small group tours:

• 11 Day Southern Adventure (Christchurch to Christchurch)
• 12 Day Island of Delight (Christchurch to Christchurch)
• 9 Day Nikau (Auckland  to Wellington)

Coach Touring Christmas Specials

Book and place a deposit by 31 December on any of the coach tours below and get up to 2 nights* pre or post tour accommodation free!  Terms and conditions apply, and your consultant can explain, but basically this offer is based on 2 adults travelling (or a single traveller paying the single supplement). You’ll get two nights free if you book a two island tour, and one night free if you book a one island tour. If you include meals in the tour, you’ll also get meals included in your pre/post tour accommodation! All departure dates on the tours below are guaranteed to depart. Do not delay, this offer will not last!

Two Free Pre Tour Nights:

• 21 Day All New Zealand Ultimate (Auckland to Christchurch)
• 18 Day Ultimate New Zealand (Auckland to Christchurch)
• 16 Day Panorama (Auckland to Christchurch)
• 15 Day Wonderland (Christchurch to Auckland)
• 14 Day Vista (Auckland to Christchurch)
• 13 Day Essential New Zealand (Christchurch to Auckland)
• 12 Day Scenic Explorer (Christchurch to Auckland)
• 12 Day Scenic Splendour (Christchurch to Auckland)

Save $$$ on our Self Drives in December

 We are coming up to high season, but we are still offerring amazing special offers on all our self drives. Unlike many travel operators dealing with holidays to New Zealand, we are here in New Zealand! All the members of our team have an intimate knowledge of this country and can share their first hand knowledge and experience with you. We are also local and contactable when you arrive here in New Zealand and can sort out any unforeseen issues you may have. When you make an enquiry on one of our self drive packages, your enquiry is assigned to your own personal travel consultant. You are given their full name and their email address so you can email or phone them directly! That’s right, no call centres & no shifting from one consultant to another! Read some of our customer comments.

Have a look at the $$$ you save when booking our top 10 selling self drive tours:

• 24 Day Grand Explorer (Save $400 per couple off the listed price)
• 23 Day Once Around New Zealand (Save $200 per couple off the listed price)
• 16 Day New Zealand Highlights (Save $300 per couple off the listed price)
• 14 Day Geysers To Glaciers (Save $100 per couple off the listed price)
• 32 Day Month in Paradise (Save $450 per couple off the listed price)
• 10 Day Southern Sounds & Glaciers (Save $100 per couple off the listed price)
• 12 Day Southern Delight (Save $200 per couple off the listed price)
• 11 Day Southern Glaciers (Save $150 per couple off the listed price)
• 11 Day Bush & Beach (Save $200 per couple off the listed price)
• 11 Day Great New Zealand Touring Route (Save $100 per couple off the listed price)