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TRAVEL &<br />

HOSPITALITY<br />

AWARDS<br />

OCEANIA<br />

<strong>2019</strong><br />

2


3 4


TEAM<br />

LOREM IPSUM<br />

CEO<br />

Rob Bruce<br />

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF<br />

Ut labo. Harchiti Katherine sitios dolessiminum Lozell que coreraera vel mo bero volorrum que nus,<br />

consent. Tur? Ipsam saped quas ipid untiis a nus.<br />

ART DIRECTOR<br />

Marcs Bacera<br />

DIRECTOR OF SALES<br />

Stanley Lucas<br />

AWARDS DIRECTOR<br />

Brian Anson<br />

EDITORIAL LIAISON MANAGER<br />

David Hyde<br />

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING<br />

Azim Aftab<br />

SENIOR WRITERS<br />

Tasmai Dave<br />

Jacqui Irvine<br />

Joseph Wilton<br />

SENIOR DESIGNERS<br />

Antoine Jackson<br />

Hafiz Arslan<br />

Contents<br />

Criteria 6<br />

New Zealand10<br />

Kia Ora New Zealand13<br />

Discover Wellington15<br />

Hawke’s Bay 21<br />

The Whanganui River 27<br />

Hidden Gem | Paeroa31<br />

Pedlars Motel32<br />

A Culinary Nirvana35<br />

French Polynesia 38<br />

History & Culture 41<br />

Scenic Shopping Tour 44<br />

Divers Paradise47<br />

Australia 50<br />

Road Trip Country53<br />

A Wildlife Adventure 57<br />

South Australia 62<br />

South Australia 65<br />

Authentic Australia69<br />

Vanuatu 70<br />

Vanuatu Top 5 73<br />

AWARDS MANAGERS<br />

Adam Cole<br />

Joseph Malabanan<br />

Zach Ford<br />

Peter Clement<br />

Joyce Lee<br />

RESEARCH MANAGERS<br />

Jerald Jaime<br />

Mukul<br />

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS<br />

Tracy Morgan<br />

Joseph Malabanan<br />

Aisha Ahmed<br />

5 6


CRITERIA<br />

Excellence in Service is an important category, as customer<br />

service can often be responsible for having guests return<br />

year after year. We look for the hotels and tour operators<br />

that go out of their way to please their guests, those that<br />

provide a personal level of service and take the time to<br />

get to know each visitor so that they might anticipate their<br />

every need. This can be something as simple as a 24-hour<br />

concierge desk, a hotel manager who offers a personal<br />

greeting or a tour guide who is happy to create bespoke<br />

private tours – but whatever it is, we are always pleased<br />

when we encounter staff that have been trained in the art<br />

of customer satisfaction.<br />

SERVICES<br />

It is no question that style and design plays a big part in<br />

selecting our awards shortlist. A guest will form an opinion<br />

about a hotel as soon as they arrive so it is important<br />

to us that all our winners make those first impressions<br />

count. We’re certainly not partial to a particular period of<br />

architecture – but whether we’re judging a gothic castle or<br />

an environmentally friendly lodge, the criteria remains the<br />

same. We consider factors such as architectural features,<br />

use of materials, creation of spaces, décor and the overall<br />

feel. We love it when we find a hotel that tells a story<br />

through its design and construction, or offers a design that<br />

embellishes the natural surroundings of its location.<br />

STYLE & DESIGN<br />

Knowledge of the local area is essential for any<br />

organization, be it a hotel or a tour operator. The quality of<br />

services takes a great hit when the quality of this element<br />

is not up to the mark. Quite a few of our winners in this<br />

category have displayed excellent knowledge about the<br />

surrounding areas. The criteria for a hotel is slightly lenient<br />

<strong>com</strong>pared to a tour operator, as the latter is expected to<br />

have thorough knowledge of the area in order to provide<br />

good services.<br />

Image by: Casey Horner<br />

LOCAL KNOWLEDGE<br />

8


FACILITIES<br />

Award-winning guest rooms <strong>com</strong>e in all shapes and sizes,<br />

but they all have one thing in <strong>com</strong>mon – a home-awayfrom-home<br />

feel. The <strong>com</strong>fort of the facilities on offer are<br />

of vital importance; we look for luxurious linens, stylish<br />

bathrooms and a coordinated colour scheme that work<br />

together to create a cohesive sense of relaxation. Additional<br />

touches, such as <strong>com</strong>plimentary toiletries, free Wi-Fi or<br />

tea and coffee making facilities are always a bonus in<br />

making us feel wel<strong>com</strong>e. We’re always impressed to find<br />

hotel rooms that embrace technology and offer amenities<br />

like tablets or smart thermostat systems, but this does not<br />

always necessarily trump the traditional – four poster beds,<br />

ornate fireplaces or antique furniture can add a touch of<br />

decadence to a hotel stay.<br />

LOCATION<br />

Location is one of the most important factors, but also<br />

one of the most subjective, as the ‘ideal’ is very much<br />

determined by the type of visitor and the type of hotel<br />

itself. However, there are a few factors we take into<br />

consideration when determining the winners of locationbased<br />

awards.<br />

The first is convenience; that is, hotels that are easy to travel<br />

to. Many of our winners in this category are in convenient<br />

locations, such as adjacent to airports, close to beaches or<br />

found in the heart of easy-to-navigate cities. We are always<br />

impressed when hotels go the extra mile to take the hassle<br />

out of traveling and offer such additional services as airport<br />

shuttles or car hire services. However, we’re always excited<br />

to <strong>com</strong>e across a hotel that is, to use a familiar phrase, offthe-beaten-track.<br />

A hotel that can offer something a little<br />

different, in terms of natural surroundings, can make the<br />

difference between a good holiday and an incredible one.<br />

In today’s modern age, a hotel or tour operator cannot<br />

rely on word of mouth to get their message out into the<br />

world. As social media has be<strong>com</strong>e a vital part of everyday<br />

life, we like to see <strong>com</strong>panies that go the extra mile to<br />

engage with their guests, both past and future. Attractive<br />

and informative websites and engaging and honest<br />

content are what we look for when judging a <strong>com</strong>pany’s<br />

use of marketing; how well they display their services, how<br />

up-to-date their content is, how well they get their brand<br />

message across, and, most importantly, how well their<br />

marketing can tempt us to go and see what they have to<br />

offer for ourselves.<br />

What better way is there to know about an organization<br />

than by getting first hand reviews? Customers are the best<br />

judges of any service out there as they are the ones who<br />

experience them and can assess whether they were up to<br />

the mark or not. Considering reviews from hundreds of<br />

customers gives us a fair idea about the general pros and<br />

cons of any organization and also gives us valuable inputs<br />

for the other criteria as well.<br />

MARKETING<br />

CUSTOMER REVIEWS<br />

Diversity is one important aspect that needs to be taken<br />

into consideration when in the travel and hospitality<br />

industry. It is essential to have staff that has varying diversity<br />

to ensure that the organization can properly connect with<br />

their guests. Diversity is taken into account in terms of<br />

gender, nationality as well as languages spoken among<br />

other factors. Not only do we take the diversity of the staff<br />

into account, but even that of the facilities and services<br />

offered; a hotel or tour operator providing a better range<br />

of services is preferred over those that do not.<br />

It is of prime importance that an organization has thorough<br />

in industry knowledge. Without knowing the nit-bits of the<br />

in, it is difficult to flourish and provide services which are<br />

a class apart. Before any organization ventures into the<br />

industry, it is essential that they know how the industry<br />

is moving and how they should make changes to their<br />

methodologies in order to remain relevant and also be a<br />

top-performing organization.<br />

DIVERSITY<br />

INDUSTRY<br />

KNOWLEDGE<br />

9 10


NEW ZEALAND<br />

Image by: Rod Long<br />

11 12


KIA ORA NEW ZEALAND<br />

New Zealand is a traveller’s<br />

playground. Whether it is<br />

mountains, lakes, beaches or forests<br />

there is something here for everyone. The<br />

hardest part of your trip will be deciding<br />

what to do, with so much to choose from,<br />

brace yourself for a trip that will last long in<br />

the memory.<br />

The country is made up of 29 regions, which<br />

stretch more than 1600 kilometres across<br />

two main islands – North & South Island.<br />

The capital, Wellington, can be found on<br />

the northern half; conveniently it sits at the<br />

bottom tip of the Island next to the Cook<br />

Strait, which separates the Islands. The<br />

great thing about New Zealand is that it<br />

is relatively <strong>com</strong>pact, so it is easy to travel<br />

around, you can hire a car or campervan,<br />

take a boat or catch a plane and see the<br />

country for yourself relatively easily.<br />

The first thing you’ll notice when you land<br />

is the friendly and down to earth people<br />

that inhabit this country. Then there is the<br />

culture; the strong presence of Māori and<br />

non-Māori Pacifics Islanders adds a layer<br />

of history and culture to this country that<br />

is deeply interesting and fascinating. Of<br />

course this is represented best in the New<br />

Zealand rugby team, the back-to-back<br />

World Cup champions!<br />

As your plane descends to land, you will<br />

notice the incredible, varied scenery that<br />

makes up this country. It’s diversity means<br />

you can go from unspoilt beaches one day<br />

to rainforests the next, while there are also<br />

mountains, lakes, glaciers and amazingly<br />

volcanoes. Whatever you set out to do, this<br />

is a trip of a lifetime.<br />

13 14


DISCOVER WELLINGTON<br />

Wellington is a little city with a big heart. Perched on the harbour’s edge and<br />

surrounded by nature, New Zealand’s <strong>com</strong>pact capital is packed with arts,<br />

culture, cuisine, astounding technology and wild ideas. Fuelled by a creative energy that<br />

makes life interesting, Wellington attracts makers, artisans and entrepreneurs making their<br />

mark on the world, from the world’s coolest little capital.<br />

Explore our national<br />

museum, Te Papa<br />

Discover the stories and treasures of<br />

New Zealand at Te Papa, the bold<br />

and innovative national museum. A<br />

recognised world-leader in interactive<br />

and visitor focused museum experiences.<br />

Te Papa lets you experience the nation’s<br />

art, culture and science – all in one<br />

breathtaking waterfront location. Better<br />

still, general admission is free.<br />

Browse through Toi Art, the spectacular<br />

national art gallery, spans over two-levels<br />

of the museum and features iconic works<br />

from the national art collection, alongside<br />

new art created especially for this space.<br />

Visit Te Taiao Nature, an interactive<br />

experience with hundreds of rare<br />

specimens showcasing Aotearoa’s<br />

unique environment. Māori culture and<br />

cutting-edge science <strong>com</strong>bine in this<br />

dazzling brand-new space. There are<br />

dozens of exciting experiences, from<br />

creating your own tsunami to weighing in<br />

against a giant moa, and the return of two<br />

old favourites from Te Papa’s previous<br />

nature exhibition: the colossal squid and<br />

a revamped Earthquake House.<br />

Website: <strong>www</strong>.tepapa.govt.nz<br />

Address: 55 Cable Street, Wellington<br />

15 16


Wander down<br />

Hannahs Laneway<br />

Explore Hannahs Laneway and see why<br />

it’s been dubbed ‘Little Portland’. This<br />

culinary hub is home to many locally<br />

made goods such as Leeds Street<br />

Bakery’s salted caramel cookie, Fix &<br />

Fogg’s delicious peanut butter and<br />

Wellington Chocolate Factory’s organic<br />

and ethically traded chocolate and more.<br />

For late night options, head to Goldings<br />

Free Dive or Fortune Favours for craft<br />

beer, Hanging Ditch for cocktails and<br />

Shepherd Restaurant for fresh cuisine.<br />

Escape to Kapiti Island<br />

Kapiti Island is only a 45-minute drive from the CBD and a 10-minute<br />

boat ride from Paraparaumu. Join a Kapiti Day Tour with Kapiti Island<br />

Nature Tours to learn the rich history of this predator-free island which is home to many<br />

rare birds such as the kokako, saddleback and stitchbird, and enjoy genuine Maori<br />

hospitality over lunch at the lodge. If a day trip isn’t long enough, go on an Overnight<br />

Kiwi Spotting Tour for the opportunity to spot a Little Spotted Kiwi.<br />

Website: <strong>www</strong>.kapitiisland.<strong>com</strong><br />

Walk or cycle Wellington’s trails<br />

Whether it’s a thrilling mountain bike ride, an energising morning run through native<br />

bush or a serene stroll to take in the scenery, Wellington’s network of trails are easily<br />

accessed from the central city and has something to suit everyone. To find your wild,<br />

check out WellingtonRegionalTrails.<strong>com</strong>.<br />

Website: <strong>www</strong>.wellingtonregionaltrails.<strong>com</strong><br />

Wine tasting in Wairarapa<br />

Get a taste for fine cuisine, wine and<br />

relaxation at one of the country’s top food<br />

and wine destinations, Wairarapa. Just an<br />

hour north of Wellington by car or train, the<br />

Wairarapa region is the perfect <strong>com</strong>plement<br />

to a city break in the capital.<br />

Wairarapa is also home to wine village<br />

Martinborough, which holds over 20<br />

largely family-owned wineries, most within<br />

walking or cycling distance of each other.<br />

Pinot Noir is the flagship wine although<br />

Martinborough also produces some<br />

stunning whites. The town is a popular<br />

weekend destination for visitors who<br />

enjoy the premium wines, vineyard cafes,<br />

boutique stores, quality ac<strong>com</strong>modation,<br />

olive groves and restaurants.<br />

Website: <strong>www</strong>.wairarapanz.<strong>com</strong>/home<br />

17 18


Explore Wellingtons<br />

ecosanctuary Zealandia<br />

Just minutes from central Wellington, step<br />

into a nature lover’s paradise and groundbreaking<br />

restoration project at the awardwinning<br />

Zealandia eco-attraction. See some of<br />

New Zealand’s rarest birds, reptiles and insects<br />

living wild in their natural environment in The<br />

Sanctuary Valley. Visitors can also step back<br />

1,000 years to the ‘day before humans arrived’<br />

in The Exhibition, and discover Zealandia’s<br />

story, 80 million years in the making. Enjoy the<br />

many tours that Zealandia has to offer, from a<br />

Zealandia by Day Tour to a Twilight Tour and<br />

more. Check out their website visitzealandia.<br />

<strong>com</strong> for more information on tours.<br />

Website: <strong>www</strong>.visitzealandia.<strong>com</strong><br />

Address: End of Waiapu Road, Karori,<br />

Wellington<br />

Visit Weta Studios<br />

Learn the secrets of filmmaking at Weta<br />

Studios on the Miramar Peninsula.<br />

Weta Studio Tours is your gateway to<br />

filmmaking experiences in Wellington.<br />

Get up close to the incredible miniatures,<br />

props, weapons, armour, creatures,<br />

vehicles, models and more, all made right<br />

here in Wellington. From Middle-earth to<br />

Tracy Island & beyond: Weta Workshop<br />

is your entry to immersive filmmaking<br />

experiences & the famous Weta Cave.<br />

Join the Weta Cave Workshop Tour to<br />

see the practical effects crafted for The<br />

Lord of the Rings and Avatar or visit a<br />

real shooting stage in our Miniatures<br />

Stage Tour: Thunderbirds Are Go.<br />

Website: <strong>www</strong>.wetanz.<strong>com</strong>/cave<br />

Address: Corner of Weka Street and<br />

Park Road, Miramar, Wellington<br />

19 20


HAWKE’S BAY<br />

Hawke’s Bay is celebrated as one of the world’s best wine regions, and rightly so.<br />

But there is so much more to the area than just wine. Nestled on the east coast of<br />

the North Island, Hawke’s Bay has a pleasurable, Mediterranean-style climate making it<br />

one of the country’s warmest and driest regions.<br />

Wine connoisseurs have to make a stop here, known for its red wines, particularly cabernet<br />

sauvignon, merlot and syrah as well as some fantastic chardonnays. You can enjoy them all<br />

while riding a bike, yes that’s right you can do a bicycle wine tour. Don’t worry; this is a nice<br />

casual cycle on some flat roads as you travel from cellar doors to sample some fine wines.<br />

21 22


Another highlight of Hawke’s Bay is the<br />

architecture. Napier, the main city of the region<br />

is home to one of the largest concentration of<br />

Art Deco buildings in the world. The reason<br />

why Art Deco has made a name for itself in<br />

this region is because of a massive earthquake,<br />

which devastated the area in 1931. The<br />

city along with Hastings, another city in the<br />

region, was rebuilt in Art Deco style after the<br />

earthquake. A week long Art-Deco Festival<br />

takes place in the region every February<br />

which tens of thousands pack out the area<br />

celebrating and appreciating the beauty.<br />

Another highlight of the region is Cape<br />

Kidnappers, which has the status of being only<br />

one of two mainland gannet colonies in the<br />

world. A gannet is one of the world’s most rare<br />

seabirds, identified with long, pointed wings<br />

and golden yellow heads. What makes these<br />

birds stand out though is their amazing fishing<br />

technique, a whole flock can dive straight into<br />

the sea from a great height at 145 kilometers<br />

an hour, a truly incredible spectacle.<br />

If you want to take your enjoyment of the<br />

outdoors a step further than why not take<br />

a trip along Lake Waikaremoana, one of<br />

New Zealand’s most sought after wilderness<br />

escapes. The track around the perimeter<br />

of the Lake is one of New Zealand’s great<br />

walks, it takes three days to <strong>com</strong>plete<br />

(you need to camp) and you can take your<br />

exploration a step further by hiring a kayak<br />

or canoe, and you can also do a spot of<br />

fishing during your trip too.<br />

You might be feeling a bit tired from all the<br />

various hiking trails in New Zealand but<br />

there is one more thing you have to do if<br />

you find yourself in the Hawke’s Bay region,<br />

the Te Mata Peak. A truly awe-inspiring<br />

view awaits you at the top of this peak, walk<br />

the Giants Circuit, a not too taxing 5.4km<br />

with an elevation 357m as it winds its way<br />

around the peak.<br />

23 24


New Zealand<br />

KALLDEEN LUXURY<br />

ACCOMMODATION<br />

Resort<br />

127 Gilligan Rd, Napier 4183, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand ♦ Tel +64 27 249 5096 ♦<br />

<strong>www</strong>.kalldeen.<strong>com</strong><br />

Do you like the idea of a getaway<br />

to the sunny fruit bowl & Art<br />

Deco Capital of NZ? How about adding<br />

to that, history, art, and some fine wine<br />

and cuisine as well? Maybe you fancy<br />

the outdoors, hiking, biking, walking<br />

or golfing, or wine tours - all available<br />

from Kalldeen.<br />

Kalldeen Hawke’s Bay in New Zealand<br />

offers this and much more, it’s the ideal<br />

place for a leisurely vacation. If you are<br />

planning a holiday in this region, make<br />

sure you book your stay at Kalldeen<br />

Luxury Ac<strong>com</strong>modation.<br />

The 5 star resort, located in the<br />

vibrant city of Napier, is built on a<br />

ten acre lifestyle block surrounded<br />

by mesmerizing orchards. It is just<br />

5 minutes away from the renowned<br />

Mission Estate Restaurant and Church<br />

Road Wineries.<br />

Located 11 km from the nearest airport<br />

in Hawke’s Bay, the resort offers a<br />

free chauffeur service. What sets this<br />

property apart is the warmth and<br />

hospitality exhibited by the hosts, Lynn<br />

and Wayne.<br />

Kalldeen Luxury Ac<strong>com</strong>modation offer<br />

privacy and state-of-the-art facilities. The<br />

chalets & suites are stylish and <strong>com</strong>fortable<br />

featuring temperature control, satellite TV,<br />

Wi-Fi, coffee machine, and has its own<br />

elegant ensuite. At Kalldeen, we strive to<br />

be sustainable, with electric car charging,<br />

solar power, solar hot water with Eco Heat<br />

pump back up, sound insulated walls, bio<br />

cycle plant and UV water treatment plant.<br />

The suites have an equipped kitchenette,<br />

while the chalets have a well appointed full<br />

kitchen. Each chalet also has an outdoor<br />

seating area, a spa pool, and a neatly<br />

manicured palm garden. A generous<br />

continental breakfast is provided with<br />

seasonal organic fruits for the guests.<br />

Recreational facilities at Kalldeen include<br />

a seasonal swimming pool, an Astro Turf<br />

tennis court with future plans this year of a<br />

golf driving range and putting green. The<br />

sun terrace is ideal for spending a relaxed<br />

afternoon with your favourite book. The<br />

resort is also located just 20 minutes away<br />

from Napier’s best golf course.<br />

The central location of Kalldeen Luxury<br />

Ac<strong>com</strong>modation makes it the ideal base<br />

for exploring the city of Napier. Take a<br />

stroll down the streets and marvel at the<br />

stunning Art Deco architecture. You can<br />

also book a tour of the best wineries in the<br />

region from Kalldeen.<br />

For a relaxing and fun-filled getaway in the<br />

sunny Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand book now<br />

& stay at Kalldeen Luxury Ac<strong>com</strong>modation.<br />

<strong>www</strong>.kalldeen.<strong>com</strong><br />

25 26


THE WHANGANUI RIVER<br />

The longest navigable river in New<br />

Zealand, The Whanganui River<br />

(Te Awa o Whanganui – its native name)<br />

is an explorers dream. Whether you are<br />

a cyclist, hiker, canoeist or just a casual<br />

passer by, a stop here is an enthralling<br />

one. This is sure to be a highlight of your<br />

trip to New Zealand, follow the road that<br />

winds along the river and edges towards<br />

the Whanganui National Park and take<br />

in a truly special journey where you can<br />

appreciate the tranquillity of nature’s<br />

beauty.<br />

The river is so sacred and special to<br />

the local Maori tribe that the river itself<br />

has been granted the same legal rights<br />

as a human being. This highlights its<br />

magnificent beauty and how connected<br />

the Maori people are to New Zealand’s<br />

natural surroundings.<br />

For over 800 years, Maori have lived here<br />

building marae and kainga (villages),<br />

many descendants of the original<br />

inhabitants call it home today too. It<br />

was discovered by westerners in the late<br />

1800’s and early 1900’s, which opened<br />

the river up to tourists enjoying activities<br />

such as luxury leisure boat cruises.<br />

The best way to see this river is by<br />

getting up close and stuck in, the<br />

upper Whanganui River is the best<br />

spot for canoeing, kayaking and seeing<br />

the infamous ‘Bridge to Nowhere.’<br />

Constructed in 1936, its purpose was<br />

to improve access to the Mangapurua<br />

Valley Soldiers settlement; it now sits<br />

totally desolate deep in the forest,<br />

hidden away from the world. A short<br />

hike gives you the unique opportunity to<br />

see the stunning views from the bridge.<br />

27 28


New Zealand<br />

WHANGANUI RIVER<br />

ADVENTURES<br />

Eco-Friendly Tour Company<br />

Whanganui River Adventures 2522 Pipiriki Raetihi Rd, Pipiriki 4576, New Zealand ♦<br />

Tel +64 800 862 743 ♦ whanganuiriveradventures.co.nz<br />

New Zealand is a land filled with an abundance of natural attractions. The country’s<br />

second longest river - the Whanganui River, which is over 300 kilometers long, is among<br />

the most sought-after tourist attractions. Its tributaries are located high on the Volcanic Plateau<br />

in the middle of the North Island and the river flows out to the Tasman Sea at the city of<br />

Whanganui. The destination is apt for those looking to indulge in adventure sports and an<br />

eco-friendly tour <strong>com</strong>pany that goes by the name of Whanganui River Adventures facilitates<br />

just that.<br />

The tour <strong>com</strong>pany offers several adventure<br />

trips including The Bridge To Nowhere,<br />

a trip to a historic bridge tucked away<br />

in the midst of a forest. You can opt for<br />

the Manganui O Te Ao River trip as well,<br />

which takes you up to the popular ‘Drop<br />

Scene’ area of the river. The area houses<br />

three caves. The unique name originates<br />

from the musical hall days of the 1900’s.<br />

The tour <strong>com</strong>pany also offers a One-Dayer<br />

adventure, which starts with the ‘Bridge<br />

to Nowhere’ and then takes you on a jet<br />

boat ride back down to the river. It is a<br />

22-kilometer long ride, guided by experts.<br />

You can even choose to do an unguided<br />

canoe or kayaking activity or explore the<br />

Pipiriki stopping along the way. Those<br />

who are interested in spending a night in<br />

the region can choose the Overnighter<br />

package. Enjoy listening to the history of<br />

New Zealand on a jet boat trip, followed<br />

by a walk to the Bridge to Nowhere. The<br />

journey concludes with you paddling down<br />

from the Whanganui River, all the way till<br />

Tieke Kainga hut.<br />

The river itself has spectacular scenery. Situated in the North of Pipiriki, it passes through a<br />

series of narrow gorges set amidst lush native forests. It is marked as an important cultural<br />

trip in New Zealand as the river was historically used by the local Māori as a highway, food<br />

source, playground, and a spiritual home. A well-known whakataukī (proverb) describes<br />

the space perfectly, i.e. ‘Ko au te awa ko te awa ko au,’ which means, ‘I am the river; the<br />

river is me.’ And with Whanganui River Adventures, you can truly live the river experience!<br />

29 30


HIDDEN GEM | PAEROA<br />

If the town of Paeroa sounds familiar, then you might be thinking of New Zealand’s<br />

homegrown soft drink ‘LP’ (Lemon & Paeroa.) It’s hard to miss the town’s monument<br />

to its greatest export, a giant bottle standing seven meters high of the stuff sits on the<br />

eastern end of the main streets.<br />

Another must do in the<br />

area is the Hauraki Rail Trail.<br />

This 160km bike trail is<br />

accessible from Paeroa and<br />

showcases some of the very<br />

best scenery New Zealand<br />

has to offer. Highlights<br />

include Karangahake Gorge<br />

– one of the 14 wonders of<br />

New Zealand, historic gold<br />

mining towns and luxurious<br />

mineral spas. This trail is the<br />

perfect adventure for those<br />

looking for a relaxing, yet fun<br />

getaway.<br />

Paeroa is a bit of a hipsters paradise, as dotted throughout the town are artisan shops<br />

packed full with collectables making it the antiques capital of New Zealand. This historic<br />

theme is continued with the Paeroa Historical Maritime Park where you can see restored<br />

vessels and fascinating displays. You can also learn about local maritime history and<br />

stories about Captain Cook, The Northern Steamship as well as Naval Displays.<br />

As you <strong>com</strong>plete the trail, a definite highlight will be Karangahake Gorge. With a<br />

plethora of walks and tunnels you can discover the multi-layered history that exists here.<br />

It is truly one of most beautiful stretches of river in the country, its history is fascinating<br />

too, as one of the busiest and most lucrative goldstrikes in the country took place here.<br />

31 32


New Zealand<br />

PEDLARS MOTEL<br />

Affordable Motel<br />

2A Arney St, Paeroa, 3600, New Zealand ♦ Tel +64 7-862 8788 ♦<br />

stay@pedlarsmotel.nz ♦ <strong>www</strong>.pedlarsmotel.nz<br />

Pedlar’s Motel brings to you premium<br />

ac<strong>com</strong>modation right at the heart of<br />

Paeroa. It’s situated right beside Hauraki Rail<br />

Trail, which is one of the best places to go for<br />

cycling in New Zealand.<br />

The superior quality of services and amenities<br />

offered by the motel will ensure that you can<br />

get the best vacation experience possible.<br />

Each room <strong>com</strong>es with 55-inch smart TVs for<br />

your entertainment.<br />

Choose from the hotel’s lavishly furnished<br />

deluxe suites or go for fully equipped family<br />

units for a great stay with your family.<br />

At Pedlars Motel we make every effort<br />

to ensure that your stay provides finest<br />

<strong>com</strong>fort and the perfect visitor experience.<br />

With seamless check in and check out<br />

facilities our quality units will meet every<br />

expectation.<br />

Even in terms of location, it’s located right<br />

next to the town’s swimming pool where<br />

you can go and take a dip to enjoy a lazy<br />

afternoon relaxing.<br />

If you wish to dine, the restaurant and<br />

bar One3One is situated right next to the<br />

motel. Head to this place to enjoy all your<br />

favorite gastronomic delights all under one<br />

roof. Pair it up with their wide range of<br />

liquors to get the best experience possible.<br />

Paeroa is a beautiful place to explore<br />

and the motel allows you to get the best<br />

experiences in the region. Go for a serene<br />

river cruise, enjoy a peaceful evening in a<br />

farm park, or go trout fishing. There’s so<br />

much that you can do in Paeroa and make<br />

the most of your trip to the region.<br />

33 34


A CULINARY NIRVANA<br />

New Zealand cuisine<br />

is highlighted by its<br />

unique position in the world.<br />

Its proximity to Asia, history<br />

of European influence and<br />

Polynesia position, means<br />

it’s an amalgamation of<br />

foods from all around the<br />

world. With a blend of<br />

influences, you are sure to<br />

find something new and<br />

exciting in the many cafes<br />

and restaurants that line its<br />

metropolitan cities, as well<br />

as local fresh food that can<br />

be found in various coastal<br />

spots.<br />

It’s not just modern highlights<br />

that can be found in New<br />

Zealand, you can discover<br />

some local delicacies and<br />

old techniques such as<br />

Maori cooking that uses<br />

native plants. There are<br />

plenty of tours that give<br />

you the chance to learn<br />

about ancient techniques<br />

where the ground is used<br />

as an oven, where food was<br />

cooked underground, a truly<br />

authentic way to experience<br />

this traditional way of<br />

cooking.<br />

35 36


New Zealand has an ever-evolving street food scene, where pop-up cafes and urban<br />

stalls can be found aplenty. If you visit during the summer, then get ready for some of<br />

the world’s best wine and food festivals that are annually held in Auckland, Hawke’s Bay,<br />

Martinborough, Nelson, Canterbury and Queenstown with highlights being the Kawhia<br />

Kai Festival or the West Coast’s Wildfoods Festival.<br />

Culinary national highlights include dishes made using lamb, pork and cervena, salmon<br />

crayfish, bluff oysters, whitebait, abalone, mussels, scallops and pipis and tuatua (shellfish).<br />

What you can’t fail to notice when enjoying these meals is the laid back atmosphere, there<br />

is no pretentiousness when it <strong>com</strong>es to enjoying food with the kiwis, just sit back and<br />

enjoy it. This relaxed attitude often takes the form of barbeques; this casual nature of<br />

dining is a big part of the Kiwi culture.<br />

37 38


FRENCH<br />

POLYNESIA<br />

Image by: Bob Bradley<br />

39 40


HISTORY & CULTURE<br />

Comprising of more than 100 islands in the South Pacific, French Polynesia covers<br />

a vast area – four million square kilometres, but its many islands are small and<br />

plentiful. Perhaps the best known is Tahiti, maybe the closest thing to paradise on the<br />

planet. The spectacular beauty of the region is well known, but there is also a fascinating<br />

history and deeply special culture that can be found too.<br />

The culture of Polynesian people can be traced from their ma’ohi ancestors. Once you<br />

step foot here the first thing you will notice is the kindness and generosity of the people.<br />

The attitude of Tahitian people emanates from the philosophy ‘aita pea pea’, roughly<br />

translated as ‘not to worry’. This stress-free, relaxed attitude is the perfect ac<strong>com</strong>paniment<br />

to your holiday and you will find it to be incredibly infectious.<br />

When you look around the many<br />

islands here, you will discover that<br />

Tahitian and French Polynesian<br />

culture permeates every aspect<br />

of everyday life here. You may<br />

notice the bamboo huts built with<br />

pandanus roofs that are actually<br />

still used to live in; you will see the<br />

many colours that the locals wear<br />

in the form of ‘pareus’. Traditional<br />

Polynesian clothing was made<br />

from tapa cloth, which is made up<br />

of dried pandanus leaves, coconut<br />

fibers and breadfruit bark. Today,<br />

you will see many wear colourful<br />

quilts known as tifaifai as homage.<br />

Other aspects of the rich and<br />

vibrant culture take the form of<br />

weaving, woodcarving as well as<br />

tattooing. All of these are sacred<br />

and can still be enjoyed today.<br />

You might be familiar with the concept ‘Mana’, it doesn’t really have an exact translation<br />

but words such as; strength, power, influence, control, nobility, presence and many more<br />

have been used as a guide to its definition. It is a life force and spirit that connects all living<br />

things and is often associated with the region.<br />

41 42


The first people to <strong>com</strong>e to the French Polynesia region were from Southeast Asia, in<br />

roughly 500BC. These were likely to be sailors who miraculously navigated the Pacific<br />

Ocean using wooden canoes. They were later discovered by European explorers during<br />

the 16th century and eventually colonized by France. Now officially known as French<br />

Polynesia, Tahiti is an autonomous overseas country of the French Republic.<br />

If you want to take a closer<br />

look at the history of the region<br />

then a visit to the Museum<br />

of Tahiti and Her Islands is an<br />

absolute must. It is celebrated<br />

as one of the best and most<br />

beautiful museums in the whole<br />

of the South Pacific. Here you<br />

can find carefully recorded<br />

Polynesian history, it <strong>com</strong>es<br />

wiith a stunning backdrop<br />

found about 10 miles south of<br />

Papeete in the small surfing<br />

town of Puna’auia. You will find<br />

the museum is conveniently<br />

divided into four separate<br />

sections; geography and natural<br />

history, pre-European culture,<br />

the effects of colonization and<br />

natural wonders. Some stunning<br />

artefacts can be found here<br />

such as rare collections of art<br />

carvings and historical artifacts.<br />

The displays are in English and<br />

French and the gift shop is quite<br />

good too.<br />

43 44


French Polynesia<br />

SCENIC<br />

SHOPPING TOUR<br />

Tour Company<br />

Maharepa Moorea PF 98728, Maharepa, French Polynesia ♦ Tel +689 87 25 87 76 ♦<br />

scenic-shopping-tour-moorea.business.site<br />

Quietly nestled away beneath the blue skies of the South-Pacific Ocean, sultry French<br />

Polynesia is a place that will take you into a mellow, warm, and laid-back experience of<br />

island culture. This rather unexplored tourist destination lined with moss-green peaks and vivid<br />

turquoise lagoons has a lot to offer to its visitors. Adventure activities such as snorkelling, surfing,<br />

whale-watching, or simply exploring through the islands - there is a lot to French Polynesia than<br />

meets the eye. However, the one experience that grabs the most attention is the experience<br />

offered through the eyes of Scenic Shopping Tour.<br />

This private tour <strong>com</strong>pany specializes in both exclusive and group tours. The tour lasts up<br />

to 2 hours and is designed to deliver maximum <strong>com</strong>fort to its members with the help of a<br />

<strong>com</strong>fortable A/C minivan, an expert multilingual guide, and transfers to the beach or attractive<br />

shopping centers.<br />

The tour takes you through numerous<br />

popular destinations of French Polynesia,<br />

including Moorea Juice Factory, wherein<br />

you can discover how tropical fruits are<br />

turned into exotic juices that every Tahitian<br />

loves. The best part about such factory<br />

tours is that they almost always end with<br />

a never-ending tasting session. Discover<br />

the best shopping experiences in Moorea<br />

with your very own expert guide. Many<br />

creative people have made Moorea their<br />

home, choosing its peaceful environment<br />

over bustling Pape’ete. The list includes<br />

painters, sculptors, wood carvers, and<br />

tattoo artists.<br />

Many of these professionals have their<br />

studios, boutiques and galleries settled<br />

on this beautiful island. They are most<br />

famous for selling black pearls and others<br />

sell pareos (Tahitian sarongs) and originaldesign<br />

clothing and jewelry that will surely<br />

impress you.<br />

The tour will also take you to the Agricultural<br />

High School, best known for its jam testing.<br />

This space is filled with some of the most<br />

wonderful experiences and they are all<br />

waiting to be explored by you, only with<br />

Scenic Shopping Tours.<br />

45 46


DIVERS PARADISE<br />

The inviting turquoise waters of French Polynesia are only broken up by the infinite<br />

beauty that sits atop of them in the form of the islands themselves. A quick dip<br />

below the surface of these surrounding waters will lead to a discovery of a world packed<br />

full with wildlife and stunning corals that any diver, experienced to beginner would<br />

appreciate.<br />

On the main island of Tahiti, then you will no doubt take a dive to see The Wrecks. Here<br />

you will discover the remains of a World War Two minesweeper that was sunk in 1967. It<br />

is thought that it was used as an inter-island ferry before it was deliberately sunk. Schools<br />

of fish weave in-between the wreckage, making it a must see site. Whale season is from<br />

August – September to October – November and can usually be spotted in Moorea and<br />

Tahiti.<br />

11 of the islands currently have diving<br />

centers, leaving you with plenty of options<br />

as you select where you want to dive,<br />

whether it’s the Tuamotus famed for its low<br />

lying coral atolls, or the Society Islands that<br />

are brimming with deep green mountains<br />

and picturesque waterfalls. The best time<br />

to visit is between March and September,<br />

having said that, conditions for diving are<br />

usually excellent no matter what time of<br />

the year. Water temperatures never usually<br />

go below 25 degrees Celsius.<br />

Infamous dive spots of the region include<br />

Tiputa Pass in Rangiroa, particularly for<br />

drift divers as you will be awe inspired by<br />

the Barracudas and sharks that call this<br />

place home. Bora Bora contains a thrilling<br />

lagoon where you can get super close to<br />

manta rays, sharks and turtles alongside a<br />

coral wall. Moorea is a dive spot exclusively<br />

for those who want to dive with sharks, in<br />

particular reef sharks and lemon sharks. For<br />

those that love Stingrays, head to Taotoi<br />

which has the exciting ‘Stingray World.’<br />

47 48


French Polynesia<br />

TETAMANU<br />

DIVING CENTER<br />

Diving Company<br />

The center also organizes night dives upon request.<br />

Diving experts at the center understand the ingoing and<br />

outgoing currents before organizing the diving sessions<br />

to ensure that you have safe dives. The center also<br />

specialises in offering Nitrox so that you can dive deeper<br />

and for longer. If you do not have prior Nitrox experience,<br />

you can opt for Nitrox training upon request.<br />

Tetamanu Village, 98763, French Polynesia<br />

The Tetamanu Pass of French<br />

Polynesia is extremely popular<br />

for the wealth of underwater life that it<br />

houses. It is also among the few places<br />

on Earth that has been preserved well.<br />

While it’s usually difficult to experience<br />

the Tetamanu Pass closely, the Tetamanu<br />

Diving Center makes it possible for all to<br />

live the ultimate diving experience.<br />

The Tetamanu Pass is full of hundreds<br />

of fish and sharks and every experience<br />

organized by the diving center lets you<br />

witness the undersea life with <strong>com</strong>plete<br />

grandeur. There is also something for<br />

those who do not prior diving experience.<br />

The dive beginner ocean side, which is<br />

somewhere between 20m to 30m deep,<br />

allows one to discover the ecosystem of<br />

the pass, loaches marbles, nasons, wrasses,<br />

and evolving coral roses. The pass also<br />

has an ancient cave, the Napoleonic cave,<br />

which is located 28m below the sea level.<br />

As per research, this natural cave has been<br />

dug in the right flank of the pass where<br />

there are several sharks. This particular<br />

region is referred to as the shark’s wall.<br />

Apart from diving, there are a range of activities that you can indulge in. For instance, you<br />

can go on an excursion to the paradise-like beach or wander and relax peacefully on the<br />

lagoon. You may even choose to go lagoon fishing, troll fishing, or spear fishing from the<br />

resort boat. Arrangements for the same can be made by the center upon request.<br />

49 50


AUSTRALIA<br />

Image by: Johnny Bhalla<br />

51 52


ROAD TRIP COUNTRY<br />

Australia is the perfect to country to take a long drive in. It is so vast, its terrain so<br />

varied and sights so diverse – it really is one of the world’s best places to go road<br />

tripping. North, South, East or West, whatever direction you travel you’re sure to have a<br />

great time. One excellent road trip you can undertake is a drive from Sydney to the Gold<br />

Coast. This stunning, coastal drive stands at a distance of 842km, it may seem daunting<br />

but it is relatively tame, by Australian standards.<br />

One of the massive advantages of Australia is the road trip culture that exists there. It is<br />

super straight forward getting your hands on a car, with so many rental <strong>com</strong>panies offering<br />

a variety of cars, campervans and 4x4s. If you are staying in Australia for an extended time,<br />

it is very easy to buy a car, you will have no trouble selling it on afterwards thanks to the<br />

high demand to see this country on four wheels.<br />

53 54


As you say goodbye to Sydney, the first<br />

stop on your tour will be The Central<br />

Coast. Standing an hour North of<br />

Sydney, it may only be right at the start<br />

of your road trip but it is certainly worth<br />

a stop here. A stop off at Terrigal is worth<br />

a look too, a popular beach destination<br />

thanks to the cosmopolitan vibe of the<br />

seaside town. For those that want to get<br />

lost in nature than visit Bouddi National<br />

Park.<br />

The first city you will see after Sydney<br />

is Newcastle. This beach side city has<br />

a plethora of great beaches, while also<br />

offering the convenience of city life.<br />

Plus, tucked away on streets like ‘Derby<br />

Street’ are some great pubs, restaurants<br />

and great spots for live music.<br />

Your first stop off after Newcastle has<br />

to be the Hunter Valley region. Home<br />

to over 140 wineries, this is where to<br />

go to sample Australia’s most famous<br />

and fabled wines. As you head back<br />

up the coast, our next highlight is Port<br />

Macquarie. This unspoilt town is nestled<br />

in the mouth of the Hastings River. A<br />

highlight here is the St Thomas’ Anglican<br />

Church, which was built by convicts in<br />

the 19th Century, time your visit here<br />

during the winter (June - August) and<br />

there are cruises where you can go whale<br />

watching.<br />

Coffs Harbour marks the halfway point<br />

of the drive, this stop of is sure to be a<br />

highlights thanks to the many sites such<br />

as stunning beaches, marine sanctuary<br />

and the iconic big banana. Whatever you<br />

do, make sure you enjoy the spectacular<br />

views from the Forest Sky Pier at Sealy<br />

Lookout.<br />

As you edge closer to the Gold<br />

Coast, you will <strong>com</strong>e across one<br />

of the most popular spots in<br />

Australia, Byron Bay. It is best<br />

known for its almost hippy-like, laid<br />

back atmosphere. So if you are into<br />

surfing, make sure you hire a board<br />

and take a dip here.<br />

Shortly after Byron Bay, you will<br />

have reached the Gold Coast.<br />

How long you want to take is up<br />

to you and your time constraints.<br />

You would need at least a week to<br />

appreciate some of the highlights<br />

we have mentioned, but if time<br />

permits than why not take your<br />

drive at a leisurely place and enjoy<br />

up to three weeks?<br />

55 56


A WILDLIFE ADVENTURE<br />

Did you know that kangaroos and emus cannot walk backwards? That is why these<br />

native Australian animals are often featured on Australian sports teams kits and<br />

Australian passports. It is a point of pride that make these animals representative of the<br />

Australian attitude – always moving forwards.<br />

Although we all love them there is more<br />

to Australia than Kangaroos and Koalas.<br />

Current records indicate that there are<br />

386 species native to Australia. One of<br />

our particular favourites is the Shingleback<br />

Lizard, aka Sleepy Lizard or Short Tail. A<br />

fun fact about these is that they mate for<br />

life, and often go into hibernation during<br />

the winter months and find their significant<br />

other again during the summer…how<br />

romantic!<br />

Of course you cannot talk about Australian<br />

animals without mentioning Kangaroos;<br />

the loveable bouncy animals are known<br />

the world over. If you find yourself in<br />

Alice Springs and want to get up close<br />

to these wonderful animals then take a<br />

visit to the Kangaroo Animal Sanctuary,<br />

here you will have the chance to feed and<br />

pet the beautiful animals and observe<br />

them as they live in a peaceful, spacious<br />

environment.<br />

57 58


We’ve all heard the horror stories of the snakes and spiders that call Australia home. Don’t<br />

worry they aren’t out to get you and are not lying in wait for you. You would have to be<br />

pretty lucky to see the infamous brown snake, but there are many sanctuaries and zoos<br />

where, if you feel brave enough, can hold a snake or tarantula for yourself.<br />

Koalas are often strewn across<br />

websites and postcards; this<br />

is because of their infinite<br />

cuteness. One of the best<br />

places to catch these animals in<br />

the wild is in Port Stephens, just<br />

an hour outside of Newcastle,<br />

Port Stephens is dense with<br />

mahogany trees that offer great<br />

natural habitat for the furry<br />

creatures. While you are here<br />

there are some incredible hikes<br />

you can undertake too.<br />

There is a whole other of animals to<br />

discover off dry land, whether it’s the<br />

Great Barrier Reef in Queensland<br />

or perhaps the less known but just<br />

as impressive Ningaloo Reef in<br />

Western Australia, there is a heap<br />

to enjoy no matter you go. Then of<br />

course there are the animals that<br />

you don’t wish to witness in the<br />

water – sharks and crocs. If you are<br />

brave enough head to Port Lincoln<br />

in South Australia for shark cage<br />

dive experience where you literally<br />

are inches away from sharks as they<br />

swim past you, a truly experience if<br />

you are feeling brave!<br />

59 60


Australia<br />

KANGAROO<br />

ISLAND WILDLIFE<br />

PARK<br />

Attraction South<br />

4068 Playford Hwy, Duncan SA 5223, Australia ♦ Tel +61 8 8559 6050 ♦<br />

kiwildlifepark.<strong>com</strong><br />

Home to over 100 species of native<br />

Australian wildlife and over 600 animals<br />

-you can spend a whole day at the park,<br />

you even get the chance to get interactive<br />

with them too. Whether you want to hand<br />

feed kangaroos, watch the dingoes get<br />

fed, get up close and cuddle Koalas, see<br />

the Penguins getting lunch, watch the<br />

Echidna’s play, hang out with and hold<br />

the wombats, chat with the Kookaburras.<br />

There is something for everyone. Last but<br />

not least, there is of course the reptile<br />

house, for those inclined you can not only<br />

observe venomous snakes and reptiles but<br />

also hold the slithery pythons.<br />

Australia is a land of<br />

weird and wonderful<br />

animals, from exotic<br />

creatures to creepy critters;<br />

it is an animal lovers dream<br />

to visit this country. There<br />

is no better way to do this<br />

than a stop at the Kangaroo<br />

Island Wildlife Park in South<br />

Australia. Brimming with a<br />

range of Australian native<br />

animals, a visit here is a<br />

unique chance to get up<br />

close with some amazing<br />

wildlife encounters.<br />

Kangaroo Island is found<br />

just off the coast of South<br />

Australia and can be<br />

reached in only 45 minutes<br />

on a ferry from Cape<br />

Jervis or you can get to<br />

the island with Regional<br />

Express Airways, just a<br />

short 20-minute flight from<br />

Adelaide.<br />

Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park caters to the<br />

whole family whether you are looking for<br />

a quick snack or lunch they’ve got all your<br />

aussie favourites as well as cold drinks to<br />

refresh you after a busy day.<br />

A visit to Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park is<br />

a must for anyone who wants to see some<br />

rare, unique and special wildlife. With a<br />

hands-on experience in a safe, friendly and<br />

educational environment this is a day out<br />

you’ll never forget.<br />

61 62


SOUTH<br />

AUSTRALIA<br />

in association with<br />

63 64


SOUTH AUSTRALIA<br />

South Australia: Rewards Wonder<br />

Bursting with culture, wildlife encounters, exceptional food and wine, events and<br />

entertainment, South Australia has a lot on offer to reward your wonder. You can taste<br />

your way through world-famous wine regions only minutes away from Adelaide or get upclose<br />

and personal with sea lions, dolphins, koalas and kangaroos at wildlife parks and in<br />

crystal-clear waters. There’s a world of experiences right at your fingertips and, with mild<br />

winters and warm, dry summers, it is the perfect place to visit year-round. Here is just a<br />

taste of some of the things on offer in South Australia.<br />

Go Ghost (Mushroom)<br />

Hunting<br />

It’s the most exclusive lightshow in South<br />

Australia and fungi are the headline act.<br />

If you’re looking for something unique<br />

to do in South Australia during winter,<br />

rug up, grab your torch and go ghost<br />

hunting on the Limestone Coast as the<br />

unearthly green glow of Ghost Mushrooms<br />

illuminate Glencoe pine forest. A result of a<br />

chemical reaction between fungal enzymes<br />

and oxygen, Ghost Mushrooms typically<br />

emerge after late autumn rains, with the<br />

glow in the dark phenomena lasting for<br />

just a few magical weeks a year, generally<br />

during May and June.<br />

Image credit: deandocuments (Dean Weekley)<br />

Image credit: South Australian Tourism Commission<br />

Snuggle up in a cosy winter hideaway<br />

Nestled in nature, Hideyhole in the lush bush of Ironbank is the perfect spot to unwind<br />

in winter. The insta-worthy glamping cabin is tucked in the picturesque bushlands of<br />

the Adelaide Hills with all the creature <strong>com</strong>forts you could wish for including an indoor<br />

fireplace, supplies for a gourmet breakfast and Wi-Fi. Bustling with wildlife, sit back and<br />

relax with a glass of red and watch wild koalas, kangaroos and kookaburras from the deck<br />

or rug-up and venture out for a crisp morning bushwalk.<br />

Discover the outback by<br />

helicopter<br />

Imagine being flown to your own<br />

secluded campsite perched above the<br />

Flinders Ranges. See the beauty of<br />

the outback from the air with an epic<br />

overnight Heli-swag Experience. Jump<br />

on your own private helicopter and enjoy<br />

views over Rawnsley Bluff and Wilpena<br />

Pound before landing at your epic camp<br />

spot on the Chace Range. Watch the<br />

setting sun and marvel at the milky way<br />

in the clear winter sky before tucking in<br />

to a two-course meal and falling asleep<br />

under a blanket of stars.<br />

Set your coordinates for<br />

the otherworldly<br />

d’Arenberg Cube<br />

Spend a day navigating the five storey<br />

multi-functioning wine centre, in McLaren<br />

Vale on the Fleurieu Peninsula. It features<br />

a wine sensory room, 360-degree video<br />

room and beautiful panoramic tasting<br />

area. Top it off with lunch at the Cube’s<br />

restaurant; the first in Australia to create<br />

food using a 3D printer.<br />

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Image credit: South Australian Tourism Commission<br />

Image credit: Chris Bray<br />

Image credit: South Australian Tourism Commission<br />

Meet the friendly locals<br />

Seal Bay on Kangaroo Island has been home to Australian sea lion colonies for thousands<br />

of years. Watch resident sea lions in their natural habitat from a 900-metre-long wheelchair<br />

accessible boardwalk, meandering through the dunes to impressive coastal lookouts. You<br />

can get up-close and personal with the resident sea lions on a guided beach tour.<br />

Get up close to Native wildlife<br />

Whether you’re in a national park or venturing further afield, you’re guaranteed to<br />

encounter iconic Australian wildlife on the Eyre Peninsula. Cuddle koalas in their natural<br />

habitat, spend the day surrounded by kangaroos, dingos and echidnas in wildlife parks<br />

or spot native species in Coffin Bay, Port Lincoln and the jaw-dropping Gawler Ranges.<br />

Get on your bike and watch the Santos Tour Down Under<br />

Pedalling across South Australia in January, The Santos Tour Down Under is Australia’s<br />

greatest cycling event, wel<strong>com</strong>ing the world’s best to the city of Adelaide and South<br />

Australia’s beautiful regions. Tour time provides the perfect opportunity to see, eat and<br />

drink your way around the Barossa, McLaren Vale and the Adelaide Hills.<br />

On your marks, get set for the Superloop Adelaide 500<br />

The Superloop Adelaide 500 is the largest domestic motorsport event in Australia,<br />

showcasing the very best of the motoring world. Experience the growls, roars and<br />

screeches of some of the fastest cars in the world. You’ll also find loads of entertainment<br />

for the whole family, including family fun zones, rides, amusements and face painting.<br />

American rock legends Red Hot Chili Peppers headlined the post-race entertainment at<br />

the <strong>2019</strong> Superloop Adelaide 500 so the bar has been set for next year.<br />

Check out the view from the roof<br />

They’re the best seats in the house, where the seagulls gather to watch footballers fly or<br />

dodge the occasional Big Bash cricket ball. A jaw dropping 50 metres above the vivid<br />

green expanse of the Adelaide Oval turf, it’s also where thrill-seekers can climb skywards<br />

for one of the best views in town. The Commonwealth Bank RoofClimb at Adelaide Oval<br />

sees punters clambering over the billowing rooftops of the spectacular grandstands.<br />

Equally spectacular are the views, be it during the day or at twilight.<br />

Take it easy on the Murray River<br />

Bypass the hustle and bustle of everyday life by floating down the Murray River. Paddle,<br />

sail or water ski past shimmering pink salt lakes, wildflowers and sandy cliffs rising out of<br />

low-lying scrub. Step ashore and enjoy some Riverland hospitality in charming country<br />

towns.<br />

Image credit: South Australian Tourism Commission<br />

Want to find out more? Visit our consumer website: <strong>www</strong>.southaustralia.<strong>com</strong><br />

The South Australian Tourism Commission is responsible for promoting South Australia<br />

to the world as a destination for business and leisure travel.<br />

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AUTHENTIC AUSTRALIA<br />

Ningaloo Reef<br />

Everyone in the world has heard of the Great Barrier Reef. It truly is one of the planet’s<br />

greatest natural wonders. But not many people know about the less frequented, yet<br />

just as magical - Ningaloo Reef. Found on the Western Side of Australia here you will<br />

find whale sharks, turtles, dolphins and manta rays and if you are lucky, humpback<br />

whales can all be discovered here. This area is largely unspoilt thanks to all the attention<br />

the Eastern side of the country gets, so if you want a truly memorable underwater<br />

experience, head to Ningaloo Reef.<br />

With so many places to see, it can be hard to know which ones to do. Take the famous<br />

Australian Outback - the largest part of Australia. It’s hard to pin down exactly how big<br />

the vast region is. The simple facts are that it’s sparsely populated, located inland and<br />

is one of the most captivating regions in the world. Where do you start? Then there is<br />

the captivating waters that surround this giant continent, and then you have incredible<br />

jungles and rainforests that can be found inland.<br />

Here are favourite destinations that we believe are must sees that are often missed out<br />

by people:<br />

Mount Ive Station<br />

Fancy an authentic outback experience?<br />

Look no further than Mt Ive Station in South<br />

Australia, 6 hours North of Adelaide – this is<br />

an opportunity to discover the true beauty<br />

of the outback. This really is a chance for<br />

an authentic experience where you’ll find<br />

all you need at their Shearing Quarters and<br />

can take the opportunity to explore a little<br />

of the awesome property with its scenery<br />

and history.<br />

Less is more out here. Electricity <strong>com</strong>es<br />

from a solar power system with generator<br />

backup, (which automatically <strong>com</strong>es on<br />

when the batteries are low). Drinking water<br />

is available from the tanks at the far end<br />

of the stone hut. A truly, minimalist but<br />

rewarding experience. They even have a<br />

bar too! This is a family owned property<br />

consisting of around 250,000 acres or just<br />

under 900000 Kms.<br />

Kakadu National Park<br />

Another area of Australia that doesn’t get<br />

as much attention as it deserves is the<br />

Northern Territory. One immense highlight<br />

of this particular region is Kakadu National<br />

Park. Covering a territory roughly half the<br />

size of Switzerland, this is an area abundant<br />

with wildlife and natural wonders. Not only<br />

is its nature deeply alluring but it has a<br />

history that is fascinating too, with a past<br />

that is steeped in aboriginal heritage. It is<br />

thought that they have live here for 65 000<br />

years, the oldest living culture on earth.<br />

The history of the region can be seen<br />

today in rock art in the form of paintings<br />

at Nanguluwur, which tell the stories of<br />

the first ships that brought Europeans to<br />

the land. Look out for the crocodiles that<br />

lurk in the wetlands found in the park, it is<br />

thought there are more than 10 000 here,<br />

a staggering amount but just goes to show<br />

what an amazing spot this National Park<br />

really is.<br />

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VANUATU<br />

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VANUATU TOP 5<br />

Vanuatu is a land of wonder and fascination, with some many highlights; it can be<br />

hard to know exactly what to do. So let us help you and pick our favourite 5 things<br />

to do in the beautiful region.<br />

Volcano Trek<br />

Located on Ambrym Island, the twin<br />

volcanic peaks of Mount Marum and Mount<br />

Benbow both contain active lava lakes<br />

inside their craters. This two-day trek is<br />

truly ad adventure, hiking through jungle<br />

and steep mountains – it isn’t a trip for<br />

the faint hearted. It is worth the hardship<br />

though, because as you reach the top you<br />

will discover an amazing bubbling lava lake,<br />

it will feel like you are looking at the very<br />

center of the earth.<br />

Head to the bar<br />

It won’t take you long to be<strong>com</strong>e familiar with the local drink of Kava. Made from the<br />

roots of the Kava plant, you will find it served in Kava Bars or ‘Nakamals’ as they are<br />

known locally. This local drink goes back more than 3000 years, it is an integral part<br />

of Vanuatu custom and it has a strong spiritual background in the country. Kava is not<br />

actually alcoholic, it is actually a drug extracted from the plant of the same name. It has a<br />

relaxing effect similar to marijuana; it is not addictive or dangerous and can be enjoyed in<br />

the perfect surrounds of this beautiful region.<br />

National Museum of Vanuatu<br />

Blue Lagoons<br />

Perhaps the most touristy thing to do<br />

on the island – and for good reason.<br />

The blue lagoons that are found in<br />

Vanuatu are a spectacle to behold.<br />

The most popular lagoons are Riri<br />

Blue Hold, Nanda Blue Hole and<br />

Matevulu Blue Hole. The azure blue<br />

waters are also perfect for diving, so<br />

whether you are a snorkeler or a scuba<br />

diver, beginner or expert there will be<br />

a diving spot for you.<br />

This fascinating museum is housed in a traditional building opposite the country’s<br />

parliament. Founded in 1959, here you will find, ancient artefacts such as a tamtam<br />

(slit gongs or slit drums), outrigger canoes, ceremonial headdresses, shell jewellery and<br />

examples of Lapita and Wusi pottery. The mission of the museum is to “promote, protect<br />

and preserve the different aspects of the culture of Vanuatu. This is a great way to learn<br />

about Vanuatu, its history and culture.<br />

Visit Port Olry<br />

This sleepy village lies at the<br />

end of a sealed road on the<br />

eastern side of the Island.<br />

This small, francophone<br />

fishing village is home to<br />

one of the world’s most<br />

stunning stretches of white<br />

sand that are hugged by<br />

majestic turquoise waters. As<br />

you gaze out upon the sea<br />

you will notice picturesque<br />

offshore islands which only<br />

adds further to this dramatic<br />

landscape. This is the<br />

second largest settlement<br />

on the island and there is<br />

plenty to do here in forms of<br />

restaurants and bars too.<br />

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Vanuatu<br />

COULEURS DES ILES<br />

Unique Experiences<br />

Vanuatu ♦ Tel +678 591 5510 ♦ couleursdesiles.weebly.<strong>com</strong><br />

An archipelago ripe for<br />

discovery, Vanuatu has it all,<br />

pristine beaches, remote islands and<br />

a culture that dates back centuries.<br />

It is a region ripe for discovery. If<br />

you have a sense of adventure, then<br />

book a tour with Couleurs des iles,<br />

a locally owned tour <strong>com</strong>pany that<br />

has more than 10 years experience<br />

in the tourism industry. With a whole<br />

host of packages available, you<br />

can experience the true beauty of<br />

Vanuatu and get lost in its majesty.<br />

Coulers des iles are bilingual (French<br />

and English) and can provide<br />

personalized tours to suit your<br />

holiday here. Choose from one of<br />

the many packages or, you can even<br />

design your own tour.<br />

To take the stress out of your travels,<br />

Couleurs des iles does an airport<br />

“meet ‘n greet”, as well as providing<br />

transfers. As they are experts on the<br />

region, they are also able to arrange<br />

hotel bookings, just let them know<br />

where you want to stay and what<br />

kind of ac<strong>com</strong>modation you are<br />

looking for and they will find the<br />

perfect match to suit your tastes.<br />

What separates Couleurs des iles from<br />

other tour operators in the region is that<br />

they offer full day round island tours<br />

and half-day tours. No visit to Vanuatu is<br />

<strong>com</strong>plete without a stop off at the world<br />

famous Cascades Waterfall. Coleurs des<br />

iles can arrange tours here allowing you<br />

take in the beauty of this stunning piece<br />

of nature. Not only that, they can arrange<br />

fishing tours, snorkelling tours, museum<br />

tours, kava tours, cultural village tours and<br />

city tours as well as full day cruises and<br />

sunset cruises. They truly have everything<br />

covered here and if you want to get a<br />

full experience of what Vanuatu has to<br />

offer than take up the chance to tour with<br />

Couleurs des iles.<br />

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