Arrive in style at the Whitianga Oceans Festival in a classic DC-3 airliner. Photo / Supplied
Arrive in style at the Whitianga Oceans Festival in a classic DC-3 airliner. Photo / Supplied
Rolling west on the Tranzalpine
Experience the Tranzalpine train as it traverses the Southern Alps from Christchurch to Greymouth, then take yourself exploring over three days, with a hired car. Your travels include Quest Apartments accommodation in Christchurch, a night at Punakaiki Resort and two nights at Nelson's Rutherford Hotel.On the final day of this six-day trip, the Coastal Pacific train will take you from Picton to Christchurch via rugged coastline and vast vineyards views. This package is priced from $1109pp, twin-share. Departures are on Thursdays between January 13 and March 24, 2022. Flights to Christchurch can be booked for you. Contact: House of Travel, 0800 713 715 or hot.co.nz/rail
Why drive when you can fly instead? Arrive in style at the Whitianga Oceans Festival on Saturday September 18, travelling on a classic DC-3 airliner. Park at Auckland's Ardmore Airport then enjoy a 25-minute scenic flight over the Firth of Thames and Coromandel Peninsula to land at Whitianga Airport. On arrival, you'll be transferred to the Oceans Festival. Chefs Ray McVinnie, Nici Wickes and Michael van de Elzen will be taking part in seafood cooking master classes, alongside food stalls, trucks, and wineries. From $370pp.
Contact: Pacific Trailways on 0800 868766, info@pacifictrailways.co.nz, or pacifictrailways.co.nz
Grand opening deal
A gentle walk to the beautiful and historic Tāhaki Reserve, yet close to all amenities, a brand-new Quest has just opened its doors at 34 Edwin St in Mt Eden, Auckland. Celebrating the opening with a $125 per night Studio Apartment deal throughout August, Quest Mt Eden will also give guests triple Airpoints on this hot deal. Book on Quest's app or website. Contact: Quest Apartments at questapartments.co.nz
Hāngi extravaganza in Rotorua
A 3.5-hour Evening Experience at Rotorua's Tamaki Māori Village journeys includes a traditional Māori welcome ceremony, an interactive tour of a pre-European village, cultural activities, a hāngi meal and dessert buffet. Book this evening for two adults and two children (aged 5-15 years) and you'll get the Kids Go Free deal, which saves you $160. This deal costs $270 and is available until September 30. Contact: Tamaki Māori Village, 0508 826 254, bookings@maoriculture.co.nz or book online, using the promotional code KIDSGO, at tamakimaorivillage.co.nz
Wairarapa less travelled
The Byways of the Wairarapa is a tour of the road less travelled, visiting the revitalised and history-rich city of Whanganui, the Crosshills Fair and garden when the rhododendrons are at their most stunning, the isolated Castlepoint Lighthouse and the charming towns of Greytown, Martinborough and Featherston. Touring from November 18 to 25, places are limited and are priced from $2743pp, twin-share. Contact: Pukekohe Travel, 0800 785 386 or pukekohetravel.co.nz
For more New Zealand travel ideas and inspiration, go to newzealand.com
For more New Zealand travel ideas and inspiration, go to newzealand.com
