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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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