Jetsettersblog

New Zealand airline Pacific Blue today announced further growth on both its trans-Tasman and Pacific network, adding direct flights between Brisbane and Solomon Islands (Honiara) and three extra seasonal flights each week between Wellington and Brisbane.

The additional capacity between Wellington and Brisbane begins 1 December 2008, in time for the busy Christmas travel period, and increases the weekly frequency on this route from five to eight for the summer.
Virgin Blue Chief Executive, Brett Godfrey, said “As with all our routes we keep a close eye on loadings and market demand and we believe the additional capacity on the Brisbane – Wellington route will be warmly welcomed by the travelling public in both directions who are looking for a convenient schedule, great value and outstanding service during this busy time.”

As part of an ongoing expansion plan Pacific Blue will also start flying direct between Brisbane and Solomon Islands twice a week from 2 December 2008*, with convenient connections from Perth, Sydney, Adelaide, Canberra and Melbourne. Connector fares from New Zealand to Honiara via Brisbane will be available shortly.

To celebrate the new destination the airline is offering a special Brisbane – Honiara launch fare of AU$249* on sale now for seven days only for travel from 2 December 2008 until 31 March 2009. Regular lead-in fares will start from AU$379 one-way on the internet.
“This is the third new international destination we’ve announced in as many weeks and it’s exciting, particularly in this current climate, to be able to continue our expansion into new territories,” said Brett Godfrey.

• The increased seasonal Wellington – Brisbane schedule from 1 December 2008 is:
o WLG-BNE: Daily morning flights and one Friday late afternoon flight.
o BNE-WLG: Daily evening flights and one Friday morning flight.
• The new Brisbane – Honiara schedule from 2 December 2008 is:
o BNE-HIR: Mid-morning departure on Tuesday and Thursday.
o HIR-BNE: Mid-afternoon departure on Tuesday and Thursday.

* Subject to regulatory approval. All fares are subject to availability, are for one-way travel and include taxes, fares and surcharges. Seats are limited and may not be available at peak times or on all flights. Fares are one-way on the net or AU$15 more by phone. A credit card surcharge of AU$5 per person per one-way flight is applicable for flights internationally. Fares are correct as at 3 Oct, 2008 and are subject to change. International return fare may vary with the addition of local taxes and charges.

Air New Zealand will launch a new direct service between Masterton and Auckland from Monday 16 February 2009.

The new route will be operated six days a week by Eagle Air, a subsidiary of Air New Zealand, utilising a 19-seat Beech 1900D aircraft.
Eagle Air General Manager Grant Kerr said today he was thrilled to expand the airline’s regional operations into Masterton.

Mr Kerr says he is expecting particularly strong interest for the new service from business travellers throughout the Wairarapa.

“There are a number of private and public sector businesses in Masterton that have strong connections in Auckland and elsewhere on the New Zealand network,” he says.

“The new schedule has been designed primarily to meet the needs of business customers, with a 7.05am departure from Masterton and an early evening return service. We will also be offering a service departing Masterton on Friday evenings to suit customers looking to spend the weekend in Auckland.”

Mr Kerr hopes the new service will stimulate tourism into the Wairarapa – one of New Zealand’s leading wine regions - by making it even more accessible to leisure travellers.

“Wairarapa region is an extremely attractive destination for both New Zealand and international travellers. Customers wanting to spend a weekend in wine country or attend events such as Toast Martinborough will now have the advantage of being able to fly into the region directly, rather than having to fly into Wellington or Palmerston North and then travel by road.”
Mr Kerr says the new service will also benefit international travellers by making it more convenient for them to connect to flights from Auckland.
Masterton Mayor Garry Daniell today welcomed Air New Zealand’s move, saying the improved links between Wairarapa and Auckland would boost business and tourism within the region.

“This service is going to be great for Wairarapa, putting us even more firmly on the map. There’s something for everyone here, be it a family holiday or a weekend getaway with our award-winning wines in mind.
“And the business community will certainly benefit from being able to easily get in and out of Auckland in one day,” Mr Daniell said.

Mr Kerr says Air New Zealand has been working very closely and constructively with the Masterton District Council over the past year and was appreciative of their strong support for establishing a commercial air service into the region.

Lead-in online fares between Masterton and Auckland begin from $105 one way per person and will be available for purchase on www.airnewzealand.co.nz  from mid October.

The following schedule is effective 16 February 2009:
Departs Arrives Days
Masterton-Auckland 0705 0820 Monday-Friday
Auckland-Masterton 1830 1945 Sunday-Thursday
Auckland-Masterton 1900 2015 Friday only
Masterton-Auckland 2030 2145 Friday only

Pacific Blue begins flying its newest trans-Tasman route tomorrow from Auckland to Sydney but the celebrations will begin today in the City of Sails with a travel industry party hosted by Virgin Blue Group CEO Brett Godfrey.

Pacific Blue announced a jump in capacity on the Tasman in July, offering daily flights from Auckland to Melbourne and nine flights a week from Auckland to Sydney using 180-seat Boeing 737-800 aircraft. The move prompted the airline’s competitors to significantly drop their lead-in fares on the routes.

Brett Godfrey said that Pacific Blue has been a growth story in the past twelve months, launching a New Zealand domestic airline and announcing a range of new international routes and destinations.

“Pacific Blue’s combination of a modern fleet, high quality service and affordable fares has struck a chord with New Zealanders. We’re very happy with the support Kiwis have shown us as we’ve introduced real competition into the domestic market, and we’re confident of their continued support on our international services.” Mr Godfrey said that the Auckland-Sydney route was a busy one but that there was plenty of room for Pacific Blue as it will be the first true low-fare airline in the market.

“Our strategy is always to look for markets that are under-served – not just in capacity but in terms of value for money,” he said. “Sydney is an iconic holiday destination and Auckland is a key gateway to New Zealand and a beautiful harbour city in its own right, so it’s great to be able to offer much more affordable fares between these two cities and play a positive part in boosting tourism on both sides of the Tasman.” Tomorrow’s launch flight takes off at 6.00am (NZST) from Auckland with a water-arch farewell and will arrive in Sydney three-and-a-half-hours later at 7.30am (AEST). The return flight will leave Sydney at 6.45pm (AEST) and touch-down at Auckland Airport at 11.45pm (NZST).

Guests on tomorrow morning’s departure will be hosted by Pacific Blue team members dressed as “Sydney Icon” characters, including an opera singer, a nightclub showgirl, and a surf lifesaver. Guests will be offered a complimentary glass of bubbly on board to toast the new service and will receive a special limited edition t-shirt as a souvenir of the launch flight.

About Pacific Blue, Polynesian Blue, Virgin Blue and V Australia Pacific Blue and Polynesian Blue, along with Australian domestic airline Virgin Blue, operate a fleet of 72 modern Boeing 737 and Embraer E-Jet aircraft flying to 25 Australian and eight international destinations including New Zealand, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Vanuatu and the Cook Islands. Virgin Blue Group’s newest airline, V Australia, is set to commence flights between Australia and the USA from February 2008.

Glamorous glasses and purple rinses will be in evidence at Auckland Airport today as Pacific Blue begins its new daily service to Melbourne with an inaugural flight that pays homage to one of Australia’s megastars*.

Pacific Blue announced the new service in July, becoming the first low-cost carrier to fly the route. Commenting on today’s launch Pacific Blue’s General Manager, Commercial, Adrian Hamilton-Manns said that once again the airline’s entry to a new market was lowering the cost of air travel for all Kiwis.

“After announcing six weeks ago that we would begin flights from Auckland to Melbourne and Sydney, our competitors have been falling over themselves to try to match our lower fares,” said Mr Hamilton-Manns. “This is exactly what happened when we launched our affordable domestic fares last year, so their efforts have again proved that Pacific Blue is the low-fare leader and shows what real competition can achieve.” Today’s launch flight from “the City of Sails to Moonee Ponds” takes off at 6.30am (NZST) from Auckland and will arrive in Melbourne four hours later at 8.30am (AEST). The return flight will leave Melbourne at 9.30am (AEST) and touch-down at Auckland Airport to a water-arch welcome at 2.45pm (NZST).

Mr Hamilton-Manns said Pacific Blue was excited to be offering an affordable travel option for Aucklanders to visit Melbourne. “Melbourne is a hugely popular destination for Aucklanders for business and leisure, and now they can visit this cosmopolitan Australian city without paying a fortune.” Auckland Airport CEO Simon Moutter said that today’s launch flight is a welcome addition to Pacific Blue’s services at Auckland Airport. “It’s great to see Pacific Blue providing more options to travellers who are keen to get across the ditch. Australians and New Zealanders love exploring both countries and we relish the opportunity to welcome more trans-Tasman travellers through Auckland Airport,” said Mr Moutter.

Pacific Blue will be operating one of its brand new Boeing 737-800 Next Generation jets – “Maiden New Zealand” – on today’s launch flight. “We’ve recently taken delivery of two brand new 737-800 jets to support our trans-Tasman and Pacific Island growth,” said Mr Hamilton-Manns. “These new aircraft bring our fleet number to nine and our average fleet age to just over three years.” In recent months Pacific Blue has announced a range of new routes including Auckland to Melbourne and Sydney, Sydney to Vanuatu, and Brisbane to Port Moresby.

Guests on today’s launch flight from Auckland will be hosted by several Dame Edna lookalikes and will enjoy Pacific Blue’s traditional launch flight celebrations including a glass of bubbly, a slice of traditional Kiwi-Aussie pavlova, a special limited edition launch flight t-shirt giveaway, as well as an in-flight auction and fundraising efforts with all proceeds donated to Variety, the Children’s Charity.

Guests on board the return flight from Melbourne will enjoy similar celebrations on a “Pasifika Style” themed flight, including an innovative partnership between Pacific Blue and Tourism Auckland. Two Tourism Auckland i-Site team members – renamed “Fly-site” for today – will be aboard the flight from Melbourne to promote Auckland to Melbourne Guests and answer questions about visitor attractions in the Auckland region.

* Pacific Blue appreciates that Dame Edna is a megastar, and while we’re delighted to pay homage to her on these flights, we’d like to point out that neither Dame Edna, Barry Humphries nor any of his other characters are associated with us, nor has any licence been given to us to use any of Barry Humphries’ characters. Unfortunately, the megastar herself will not be present on the inaugural flights or at associated celebrations. About Pacific Blue, Polynesian Blue, Virgin Blue and V Australia Pacific Blue and Polynesian Blue, along with Australian domestic airline Virgin Blue, operate a fleet of 72 modern Boeing 737 and Embraer E-Jet aircraft flying to 25 Australian and eight international destinations including New Zealand, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Vanuatu and the Cook Islands. Virgin Blue Group’s newest airline, V Australia, is set to commence flights between Australia and the USA from December 2008.

Club Med’s Kaarin Gaukrodger is pleased to see Bali back where it rightfully belongs on the hot destination list for 2009.

Flight Centre says Bali is steadily regaining its popularity with New Zealanders and will be one of the places to be seen in 2009 and there are some fantastic deals on offer.

“This is fantastic news and visitors to Club Med Bali next year will be in for a huge surprise because the resort has just been totally refurbished,” says Ms Gaukrodger, Club Med Marketing Manager New Zealand.

“The resort reopens just before Christmas as the trendiest place in Bali with perfect harmony between new trendy design and traditional Balinese architecture. Club Med has appointed renowned designer Marc Enrich to make Club Med the place to stay in Bali.”

The refurbishment includes a new restaurant, Beach Bar and lounge areas, as well as new look guest rooms and spa.

Flight Centre says Bali’s original charm of the ‘Island of the Gods’ is still felt and its smiling people are welcoming people back into their country. In Bali travellers can enjoy what has long been equated with an exotic paradise; a picturesque vision of green rice fields and plantations, soaring volcanoes, cool lakes and rushing rivers, lush forests and palm fringed beaches.

Ms Gaukrodger adds that it’s also great see some of the other destinations where Club Med has resorts on the list as well – Greece, Mexico and Spain.

Other destinations named in the Top Ten for 2009 are Brunei, Croatia, Vietnam, Czech Republic and the United Arab Emirates.

Club Med Hot Deal:

Be the first to experience the new Club Med Nusa Dua Bali - book now and save 25% off the land stay part of your package.

Club Med. Where happiness means the world.

For further information phone 0800 258 263 or click on to www.clubmed.co.nz

Springboard Vacations and Medtral have partnered to offered medical tourism to New Zealand, a haven for those seeking peace, rejuvenation and relaxation as well as being a natural playground for those seeking adventure and excitement.

With many luxury spa resorts, magnificent golf courses, long stretches of deserted beaches and laid back lifestyle, it really is the perfect place for both surgery and recovery.

With a small population, clean air and fabulous fresh food it is a perfect choice. Australian medical options will be offered soon. Steve Nicols, managing director of Medtral; Ruth Grau, president of Springboard; and Sonali Chaturvedi of Tourism New Zealand will conduct an online training seminar about medical tourism.

Find out more about why Americans are going overseas for surgery; what surgeries are available, how costs compare in New Zealand, who the potential clients are, how it all works, and the legal issues and concerns.

For more information, call 866-447-7746 or visit www.springboardvacations.com

Coral Princess Cruises is offering a get-in-early special for the Christmas holidays, with 20 per cent savings available on Auckland to Bay of Islands expedition cruises for departures between December and February.

The five-night Bay of Islands cruise aboard Coral Princess’s purpose-built luxury expedition vessel, Oceanic Discoverer, departs from either Auckland or Paihia, exploring the hidden coves and spectacular coastline of the far north-eastern tip of New Zealand’s North Island.

Cruising through the Bay of Islands reveals the many natural attractions that have long amazed explorers, yachtsmen and tourists, such as the Hole in the Rock – a rock ‘tunnel’ etched by wind and waves; Deep Water Cove; Roberton Island and Urupukapuka – the largest island in the Bay of Islands.

Carrying a maximum of just 72 guests, Oceanic Discoverer provides all the comforts and facilities of larger cruise ships. But unlike the big cruise ships, Oceanic Discoverer is small enough to access remote sites such as beautiful Whangaroa Harbour – where she was the first cruise ship ever to visit.

Oceanic Discoverer travels with a purpose-built excursion vessel, Xplorer, and a fleet of inflatable Zodiacs to allow passengers to intimately explore the secluded bays and inlets of this remarkable destination. On-board naturalists and experts interpret the natural surroundings, both on the ship and when guests disembark to swim in the clear waters and on guided bushwalks.

With savings of up to $1,420 per stateroom, prices start at $2,392 per person twin share with the 20 per cent discount applied. This includes accommodation, all meals, activities and excursions during the cruise, lectures and services of expedition staff on board, group transfers (one-way between Auckland and Paihia) and landing fees. There are departures from both Auckland and Paihia between December 24, 2008 and February 5, 2009.

For further information and reservations contact 1800 079 545 or visit www.coralprincess.com.au

Peregrine is offering a free night’s post-tour accommodation on two inaugural departures of its New Zealand adventures.

The South Island Cycle adventure tours the back roads of the Southern Alps, between Christchurch and Milford Sound. There are challenging climbs (or vehicle transfers) and exhilarating downhills, taking in Mt Cook, the Cardronna Hotel, Wanaka, Queenstown and Te Anau. There’s an overnight cruise of Milford Sound ahead of a pedal to Lake Wakatipu, where the group boards the historic SS Earnshaw to cross the lake to Queenstown.

The nine-day trip departs on November 22 and costs $3170, per person, twin share, land-only, and Peregrine is adding an additional night’s free accommodation in Queenstown.

The nine-day Mountains and Milford trek follows the famous trails of Fiordland National Park, including the Kepler and Hump Ridge Tracks. There’s kayaking on Milford Sound (as well as an overnight cruise) and further kayaking opportunities off Stewart Island – New Zealand’s newest national park – where the group has two days to observe the island’s abundant wildlife and explore its wild landscape.

The first departure of the Mountains and Milford adventure is on December 6 and costs $3151 per person, twin share, including the local flight. For this first departure, Peregrine is offering one night’s free accommodation, post-tour, in Queenstown.

For details, call your travel agent or Peregrine Travel Centre on 1300 854 500 or visit www.peregrineadventures.com

Summer is finally here and to celebrate Captain Cook Cruises is letting the second person cruise for half price on any of its 3, 4 or 7 night Murray River Cruises.

The sale starts 20 September 2008 and ends 15 January 2009 and passengers can cruise between 01 November 08 and 28 February 09.

The historic cruise starts with the ship itself, PS Murray Princess. Finished with polished wood and gold trimmings and featuring a winding staircase, full-length windows and a paddle wheel encased in glass, these features help replicate the paddle wheelers that first cruised the Murray in the 1800’s.

It’s then full steam down the Murray between the Blanchetown area and Murray Bridge for 280kms of incredible terrain, wildlife and Australian history and culture.

The Murray Princess cruises past towering limestone cliffs, through picturesque gorges and along riverbanks lined with mallee scrub, red gum forests and century old stone causeways.

The wetlands attract an amazing array of Australian wildlife and over 350 species of birds. Led by on-shore guides, passengers can enjoy nature walks, nocturnal eco-tours and learn about the ecology of the river.

Each day features exciting day trips to historic ports, sacred Aboriginal sites, a sheep station and woolshed and a native wildlife shelter.

There’s a food and wine trial that enables tasting at a number of vineyards and cellar doors, and in the evening, an Aussie-style campfire barbecue on the river bank.

All cruises depart from Mannum. The three nights Wetlands Discovery Cruise departs every Friday at 4.30pm and prices start from AUD$775 for the first person and from AUD$388 for the second person. The four nights Outback Heritage Cruise departs every Monday at 4.20pm and prices start from $999 for the first person and from AUD$500 for the second person. The seven nights Murraylands & Wildlife Cruise departs every Friday and Monday at 4.30pm and prices start from AUD$1596 for the first person and from AUD$798 for the second person.

Prices include all meals, accommodation, onboard facilities, most tours, scenic coach transfers from Adelaide or onsite car parking.

For further information and bookings, please contact Captain Cook Cruises toll free from Australia on 1800 804 843; Int +61-2-9206 1100, Email: murray@captaincook.com.au  or visit www.captaincook.com.au

Luxury accommodation marketing brand, Select Hotels & Resorts International offers sensational package deals this Spring from several Member Properties across Asia-Pacific. See below for packages from a diverse range of Select experiences including the family friendly Couran Cove Island Resort, Queensland, Spring skiers choice Edgewater Resort, Lake Wanaka and Thailand jewel Mom Tri’s Villa Royale, Phuket.

Couran Cove Island Resort, Sth Stradbroke Island, Queensland, Australia
Couran Cove Island Resort, located just 40 minutes by ferry from the Gold Coast mainland, is an idyllic holiday destination where you can find your space… your time… to escape, explore, relax and unwind.

Select Special:
Stay for 3 nights and receive a AU$150 cash-card to spend at the resort.

Package Inclusions:
3 nights accommodation in a Marine Deluxe Room
Full buffet breakfast daily
Return ferry transfers
Daily Bike Hire
AU$150 cash-card to spend

Valued from AUD$555.00 per person/twin share.

Terms and conditions:
Promo valid from 01 April - 26 December 2008 and 05 January - 31 March 2009.
Subject to availability at the time of booking.
AUD$150 cash-card is non-transferable and can not be redeemed for cash

Bookings: www.selecthotels.com or charlotte@selecthotels.com

Edgewater Resort, Lake Wanaka, New Zealand
The days are longer, sunnier and warmer, just perfect for a September ski holiday in Wanaka. Enjoy the spaciousness of our one-bedroom suites for almost a week. Check the snow reports daily from the comfort of your phone and choose where to ski. Not a skier? No problem in Wanaka with its choice of attractions, boating, walks, golf and fun activities.

Select Ski Package

Package includes:
Six night’s accommodation in a one bedroom suite
2 continental breakfasts per day package
Children 12 and under stay FOC when using existing bedding.

Price: NZ$1,600.00 per suite includes GST

Terms and conditions:
Valid until 31 October 2008.
Subject to availability at the time of booking.

Bookings: www.selecthotels.com  or charlotte@selecthotels.com

Mom Tri’s Villa Royale, Phuket, Thailand
The elusive pleasures of traditional Thai calm and elegance are often advertised and rarely found. But cordoned off from the crowds of Phuket is an exception, a true sanctuary of Thai style: Mom Tri’s Villa Royale

Platinum Royale Package

Package includes :
8 days 7 nights Accommodation in our Beach Wing Suite
Airport round trip transfer by a private limousine
A complimentary Villa Royale selection Wine in suite
Daily Royale breakfast
Two Thai set dinner per Guest at Mom Tri’s Kitchen
Two hours of Villa Royale Thai massage per Guest at Mom Tri’s Spa Royale

Price: THB 48,500 (double)

Terms and conditions
Valid until 31 October 2008.
Subject to availability at the time of booking.

Bookings: www.selecthotels.com or charlotte@selecthotels.com

For Media Information:

Kate Gilfillan
kate@davcomm.com.au
+61 (0)2 9907 0020

Celebrate Spring with Select Hotels and book today!

Select Member properties for 2008 are:

AUSTRALIA: Q Station, Sydney; The Observatory Hotel, Sydney, NSW: Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa, Katoomba NSW; Tower Lodge, Hunter Valley, NSW; Kims Beach Hideaway, Toowoon Bay, NSW; Arajilla Retreat, Lord Howe Island, NSW; Meadowlake Lodge, Milton, NSW; Hotel Lindrum, Melbourne, VIC; Select Burnham Beeches, Dandenong Ranges, VIC; Hotel Pension Grimus, Mount Buller, VIC; Kangaroo Island Wilderness Retreat, Kangaroo Island, SA; The Lodge at Tarraleah, Tarraleah, TAS; Couran Cove Island Resort, South Stradbroke Island, QLD; Paradise Bay Eco Escape, Whitsundays, QLD; Lindenwarrah, Milawa; Lindenderry

NEW ZEALAND: Carrington Resort, Karikari Peninsula, Northland; Kourawhero Country Lodge, North Auckland; Mangapapa Petit Hotel, Hawke’s Bay; Select Braemar Lodge and Spa, Hanmer Springs; Grasmere Lodge, Arthur’s Pass; Huntley House, Christchurch; Millbrook Resort, Queenstown; Fiordland Lodge, Te Anau; The Points Villas, Lake Taupo; Queenstown Park Hotel, Queenstown

PACIFIC ISLANDS: Toberua Island Resort, Fiji;

ASIA: Saman Villas, Bentota, Sri Lanka; The Regency Wing of Galle Face Hotel, Colombo, Sri Lanka; Mom Tri’s Villa Royale, Phuket, Thailand; Veranda Resort and Spa, Hua Hin, Thailand; Wanakarn Beach Resort & Spa, Phuket, Thailand

CHINA: 88Xintiandi Executive Residences, Shanghai

MIDDLE EAST: Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa, Dubai, UAE