Escape the office and bring your Christmas party to Voyages Brampton Island. Book now and receive FREE* return launch transfers, that’s a saving of $104 per person!

Brampton Island’s beautiful beaches and relaxed atmosphere provide the ideal backdrop for a unique getaway.

Located at the southern end of the world-renowned Whitsunday Island Passage, Voyages Brampton Island is the Queensland island for fun, relaxation and pure escapism.

With no day trippers and catering for adults, the pristine beaches and vibrant coral gardens create a perfect holiday atmosphere. Almost entirely National Park, Brampton has twelve golden sandy beaches and abundant snorkelling right off the main beach. Read more…

Viewed 2137 times by 360 viewers

Whether you’re a seasoned outdoor adventurer or novice camper, a campervan holiday is one of the most affordable, fun and easy ways to explore the diverse beauty and landscapes of Australia and New Zealand. In the first three months of 2009, Australian tourists spent $284.8 million on caravan park accommodation reflecting the high demand for this cheaper form of travel and accommodation. To assist avid campers across the summer season, the team at Jucy Rentals is sharing their top camping tips.

“The best thing about camping in a campervan is that you don’t have to worry about pitching a tent. All you do is drive to your favourite destination – you can stay as long or as little as you like and you have the freedom to explore,” says Tim Alpe, co-founder of Jucy Rentals. Read more…

Viewed 2573 times by 409 viewers

Plod out onto the little wharf at Moeraki in New Zealand around sunrise. The chugging sounds of a tiny Otago fishing village seem largely unspoiled by time. A salty breeze wafts across the old whaling port. Gulls swoop around fishing boats heading back with their early morning catch.

Not even half a dozen commercial fishermen are left. Before the quota management system Moeraki had 32 fishing boats. Three or four charter boats get their share most days. Blue cod, groper, elephant fish, terakihi, gurnard, crayfish, flounder and sole keep the boats going.

Bellbirds flit among the low-slung shrub around the hills. They were here to greet the Maori and then the whalers when they set up camp too. Some of the families never left.

The famous Moeraki boulders up the coast have not budged for thousands of years. Locals call them the eighth wonder of the world. Read more…

Viewed 2129 times by 418 viewers

New Zealand has begun to see a solid recovery in export markets as the northern hemisphere summer comes to a close and the Christmas period comes into focus, according to a leading New Zealand wine expert Blair Gibbs.

Wine companies were cautiously optimistic for another good growing season.

“Predictions of further yield reductions through grape growers and wine companies working closely together to meet demand will see further quality gains especially enhance Marlborough’s world class reputation,’’ said Blair Gibbs, who is the head of New Zealand’s biggest wine region, Wine Marlborough. Read more…

Viewed 2022 times by 251 viewers

Sshhh – Spy Valley: top New Zealand wine – it’s a secret Promise not to tell anyone?

One of the best New Zealand sauvignon blanc from the heart of Marlborough wine country, Spy Valley, is just getting better – not bigger. It was a Spy secret; but the news has leaked out!

So keep it under your hat. Spy Valley wine is run by one of the most respected winemakers in the country, Blair Gibbs. The label is called Spy Valley because it is sited close to the US spy satellite monitoring base in Marlborough’s Waihopai Valley. The new-look winery is among the most advanced in the country. Read more…

Viewed 2574 times by 371 viewers

The view of paradise walking into Cloud9 lingers forever. This is a $nz1700 a night four-bedroom holiday haven that is a must-stay-in before you die place. Read more…

Viewed 1946 times by 289 viewers

Shut your eyes. Imagine lazing in an outdoor hot tub with someone. The sun is setting over picture postcard snow-capped mountains. Not a sound can be heard but the occasional bird chirp.

All bases covered: whales, wine, hot pools and romantic luxury in a tiny slice of paradise!

This is Braemar Lodge by Hanmer Springs, home of the award-winning natural spring hot pools; just past the fastest growing New Zealand wine region of Waipara, and a bit over from the world famous whale watching area of Kaikoura. Read more…

Viewed 2115 times by 303 viewers

This is a tale of one city and two great hideaways – just five kilometres apart.

Auckland has the best of everything. It’s the gateway to the Pacific and the biggest island city in the South Pacific.

According to Wikipedia the Auckland region covers 6059 km2 while greater London rams 11 million people inside 1570km2. Read more…

Viewed 2604 times by 403 viewers

I was lured against my own will to spend four days and three nights at Eichardt’s, one of the best hotels in the world at Queenstown (New Zealand) – known globally as the Adventure Capital of the World.
I told the Queenstown people I had a lust for high-octane excitement. As a timid middle aged luxury traveller I wanted to get out and taste the world, on the edge. I wanted to become an adrenalin junkie – and Queenstown is the best place in the world to do it…and survive! Read more…

Viewed 2897 times by 441 viewers