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Rainbow Earlybird Season Passes Now On Sale

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:43:00 +1300

As the days start to get shorter again the countdown to winter has already started at Rainbow. We're looking forward to another great season with a target opening date at the start of July, and we're busy getting things ready for you! Rainbow Earlybird Season Passes Now On Sale
Here's three things you need to know ...

One - We've frozen our Season Passes at last year's prices - no increases!

Two - Rainbow Season Passes are on sale now at low Earlybird rates

Three - Earlybird rates only last until 31st March

A Rainbow Season Pass gives you the freedom to ski or ride as few or many days as you want during the season, because you can ski or ride for free on any day that Rainbow is open. Best for you if you think you will ski or ride more than six days in a season, or if you intend to visit other ski areas where you can get a reciprocal discount (currently Mt Hutt, Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Cardrona, and the CSA club fields - Craigieburn, Broken River, Mt Cheeseman, Temple Basin, Hanmer and Fox Peak). The Rainbow Season Pass also includes membership of the Rainbow Sports Club, and use of the club's day lodge at the field. Rainbow Season Pass holders also do not need to queue for a pass each day.

Rainbow Earlybird Season Pass Rates are:
•   Adult ............................$490
•   Student ......................$350
•   Youth ............................$250
•   Senior .........................$250
•   Midweek .....................$199
•   2Parent1Pass ..........$610
... but ... these prices are only available until March 31st 2012 ! For more details and to purchase your Rainbow Season Pass go to www.skirainbow.co.nz/prices/seasonmultidaypasses.aspx
Rainbow Workparties Start This Weekend
Each summer & autumn we carry out an extensive maintenance programme to ensure that the field runs smoothly during the winter, using volunteers, contractors and staff. The work carried out includes everything from painting & maintaining buildings, through servicing machinery, terrain work and even staff uniform repairs. Member volunteers working for two or more work party days on the ski field will be recognised for their efforts in the form of credits towards lift and seasons passes.

The 2012 Summer Maintenance programme will kick off this Saturday the 11th of February, and continue on every second weekend (except Easter, and weather permitting) until the end of May. We welcome all interested volunteers who want to come up for one or both of the work party days on these weekends. More information can be found at www.skirainbow.co.nz/club/rainbowsportsclub.aspx

Note that if you plan to come up for a workparty you must let us know first by emailing members@skirainbow.co.nz or calling 03-5211861.
You Could Become An Instructor!
If you are a confident skier or snowboarder you could make 2012 the year you qualify as an Instructor! For the first time in a long while the NZ Snowsports Instructors Alliance will be running Level 1 ski and snowboard instructor courses at Rainbow Ski Area. These qualifications are recognised by NZ and overseas ski resorts for ski school instructor positions.

The Level 1 Ski Instructor Course will run from the 2nd to the 6th of September, and the Level 1 Snowboard Instructor Course will run from the 10th to the 14th of September. Both courses will cost $630 per participant (not including lift passes).

Places are limited so book soon - for more information and registration links go to www.skirainbow.co.nz

Ras Judah free at The Free House this Sat Feb 4th, 8pm

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:38:00 +1300

Judah’s musical career started with the playing of indigenous instruments like segankure and setinkane back in his home village of Thabala near Serowe, Botswana. Judah relocated to Nelson in 2003 when he married a Kiwi. Whilst in New Zealand, he also pursued a degree in contemporary music and also regularly plays in local reggae group One Vibe. He has also been jamming with another group that plays Latin music, Mahala, and working on a new album incorporating indigenous Botswanan music. The album, which will be released next summer, will be called ‘African Village Cry’. Recently, on a return visit to his homeland, Judah shared the stage with Zimbabwean Chimurenga music guru, Thomas Mapfumo at Botswanacraft. For Judah, this was a milestone achievement because Mapfumo had always been his childhood idol. Ras Judah returns to The Free House this Sat (Feb 4) to play in the Big Yurt for the first time. The gig is free and starts at 8pm.

Petite Fleur presents The Two Tenors in concert

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:29:00 +1300

Put Sunday 19th February at 4pm in your diaries to come and relax in our Courtyard garden with a glass of wine and enjoy the soulful sound of Paul Madsen and Paul Jeffries with The Two Tenors Concert. Paul Madsen Vocalist Impersonator, leads the charge with golden hits such as ''You raise me up, Music of the night, Con Te Partiro ,Thats Amore ..combined with the soulful sound of Paul Jeffries Voice and prolific Piano work, the sound is sure to please...

Paul Jeffries recently moved to Nelson from Brisbane after spending 10 years on the professional curcuit. In this time he performed in numerous musicals,and was a regular session Piano player for various productions .

4pm onwards – restaurant courtyard - $20 per person, entry fee only, does not include food or drink. Ring and pre-book your tickets with us TODAY!!

Bring your own rugs and chairs as we cannot guarantee seating for everyone. Menu for the afternoon on our website http://petitefleur.co.nz/events/2012/01/20/two-tenors-concert-in-the-vineyard/

NO BYO FOOD OR DRINK PLEASE

We look forward to seeing you again soon.

Get on your bike on the Hawke's Bay Trails!

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 16:42:00 +1300

Fancy a bit of cycling? Then you will love the Hawke’s Bay Trails! Whether you are a beginner rider, enjoy a leisurely cycle, or are a competitive rider, you can now enjoy over 180 kilometres of on-road and off-road trails. The Hawke’s Bay Trails are fast becoming known as the best place to “coast” when it comes to cycling. All three national cycle trails are easy on the legs and have numerous places to stop for good coffee, local ice-cream and scenic snapshots. The Hawke’s Bay Trails also link up with plenty of tourism attractions from the pools at Ocean Spa to the Art Deco inspired Sound-Shell on Marine Parade and the National Aquarium of New Zealand. A little further on, past a couple of great wineries, is the best view of iconic Cape Kidnappers at Clifton. The Wineries Ride out west passes an abundance of cellar doors and welcomes visitors coasting past on their bikes. No matter what your reason for visiting; girls’ or boys’ weekend away, a family holiday, or a romantic break for two, make sure you include time exploring the Hawke’s Bay Trails in your activities. You won’t be disappointed and it’s great fun! Click to view the Trails ..

Water Ride – 68kms
The Water Ride is flat, easy and perfect for families. A great place to start the ride is from Napier’s Bay View or Westshore, continuing onto the seaside village of Ahuriri with its bustling cafes, shops and bars before coming to Marine Parade with great views of the Pacific Ocean. Head west up the trail to Taradale and Puketapu.

Landscapes Ride – 56km
The Landscapes Ride explores the coastal communities of Haumoana, Te Awanga and Clifton, which border the coastline of the iconic Cape Kidnappers. The flat off-road trail overlooks vineyards, orchards and the Tukituki River. Head inland to the more challenging Tukituki River Valley loop road.

Wineries Ride – 36km
The relaxed Wineries Ride covers the wine-growing areas of Bridge Pa Triangle and Gimblett Gravels. The terrain is flat and dotted with numerous award-winning wineries that afford plenty of places to stop and rest along the way.

Call into one of the Hawke’s Bay i-SITES to collect the Hawke’s Bay Trails brochure.

UPCOMING HAWKE’S BAY TRAILS EVENTS
Hawke’s Bay Trails Launch – 25 February at 9.45am
If you are in Hawke’s Bay during The Mission Concert weekend, we have a great morning activity for you to get involved with. Enjoy an easy ride along the newly opened section of the Water Ride to Puketapu Domain for the official opening of Hawke’s Bay Trails.
Need a bike? Contact one of our local cycle hire businesses today.

Hawke’s Bay Today Country2Coast – Sunday, 29 April
The Country2Coast is a non-competitive family fun event that utilises the Hawke’s Bay Trails. Starting in Havelock North, the walk or run follows the trail to Black Bridge, on to Haumoana and Te Awanga before finishing at Clifton Bay Cafe. Participants can enter for a 7km or 17km walk or run. Get event information here.

CYCLE TOUR AND HIRE OPTIONS
You will find a wide range of cycle tour and bike hire options in Hawke’s Bay. Contact any one of the local cycle hire businesses today.
FEATURED OPERATOR: GOOD FUN BIKE RIDES
Good Fun Bike Rides is unique, with cycle hire outlets in two locations. The Havelock North site at Revolution Bikes serves the beautiful Landscape Ride around the Tukituki River Valley OR out to the Haumoana coastal route to Clifton Cafe and/or along the coastal route to Napier. Take your time to take it all in!
The Triangle Cellars site in Bridge Pa is located right on the Wineries Ride. You can hire bikes to take in all the wineries of the Bridge Pa wine triangle district, as well as completing the full Winery Ride trail.

FOR THE MORE ADVENTUROUS – GO MOUNTAIN BIKING!
The Hawke’s Bay Mountain Bike scene is abuzz with the action happening at the Pan Pac Scale Mountain Bike Park. This rugged pine forest (356ha) has a massive network of great quality tracks that the public is invited to ride.
Also worth exploring is the Pukeora Hill Mountain Bike Park, designed to suit intermediate and advanced riders. Located just out of Waipukurau in the Pukeora Forest, this 50ha block has over 10km of trails, including two Jump Tracks.

CityLife Wellington appointment

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:47:00 +1300

Viresh Mathur has been promoted to the permanent role of hotel manager of CityLife Wellington A Heritage Hotel, located on Lambton Quay. He has been acting manager for the hotel for the past few months. Prior to this he was executive assistant manager of the Heritage Christchurch.

Viresh has worked for the Heritage Hotel Group since 2005, beginning his career at CityLife Auckland A Heritage Hotel, working in a number of operational management roles over several years. During this time he won the company’s highest accolade as ‘the employee of the year.’ He has a diploma of hotel managementfrom India, an advanced diploma of hotel management from the Pacific
International Hotel Management School of New Zealand and has most recently completed a post graduate diploma in business administration at the University of Auckland.

Hilton Queenstown appointments

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:42:00 +1300

Hilton has announced two new appointments to the management team at its new Kawarau Village development, which includes the five star 178-room Hilton Queenstown and the four star plus 98-room Kawarau Hotel, managed by Hilton.

Rosie Turner has been named Marketing Communications Manager while Noreen Bancale takes on the role of Finance Manager for the hotels and Village. Ms Turner is a tertiary qualified marketing
professional who comes from an agency background where she has worked with many

Seabourn Odyssey sails in

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:37:00 +1300

The all-suite, 450-passenger Seabourn Odyssey left Auckland last night on her Wonders Down Under cruise around the New Zealand coastline before heading to Tasmania, Melbourne and Sydney. During her time in town the ship was shown off to agents, prospective guests and media by the team from Cruise Marketing.

The Yachts of Seabourn have, between them, been named among the world’s finest small ships by readers of such publications as Travel + Leisure and Conde Nast Traveler, and have been on the latter’s Gold List for 17 years. That’s no wonder, given the casual elegance of the public areas and guest suites, and the intuitive attention of the staff.

The spacious suites have ocean views or balconies, comfortable living area with stocked complimentary bar, interactive flat screen TV and even a walk-in closet. The mirror-andmarble
bathrooms have a full bath and separate shower, and guests enjoy 24-hour room service, Wi-Fi and cellphone access. Seabourn guests are pampered on what is essentially an all-inclusive experience, with only some of the spa treatments, services of a personal trainer and hire of the Spa Villa incurring an extra charge. Dining is special on these ships. There’s the open-seating fine dining venue The Restaurant, and the intimate Restaurant 2 with its degustation menu. The Colonnade offers casual indoor/outdoor seating options and impressive buffet selections, while the Patio
Grill provides relaxed lunch and dinner out on deck.

Guests can also opt for In-Suite Dining, served course-by-course from The Restaurant menu. Cruise Marketing currently has a number of Signature Savings Events with savings of 50% and more; upgrades of as much as two categories; further savings of up to 15% on selected combination cruises; US$1000 in shipboard credit on premium suites and complimentary pre- or post-cruise hotel.
Mediterranean fares start at US$2099; Transatlantic voages from US$2499 and Northern Europe cruises from US$4199.

Cruise World also has a special 17-night Fly/Cruise & Land package ex NZ cruising Turkey, the Greek Isles and the Black Sea, departing Istanbul 02JUN12, and priced from NZ$12,969pp in an A1 Oceanview Suite on Seabourn Odyssey, with an upgrade to a V5 Verandah Suite for an extra NZ$1200pp. The deals have limited availability, so call 0800-500 732 for details.

Free balcony upgrade on Celebrity Solstice

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:29:00 +1300

our clients can bask in the sun on their own personal balcony on the luxury superliner, Celebrity Solstice next summer as part of a Celebrity Cruises offer of a free upgrade to balcony cabin for
early bookings for 2012- 2013.

Celebrity Cruises is also offering Early Bird savings of up to $2000 on a range of cruises on Celebrity Solstice, a number of which depart from Auckland. An 18-night Australia and New Zealand
cruise departs from Auckland on 28JAN13 and offers savings of $620 on an interior cabin, with an Early Bird booking priced from $3,769 – and remember there is a free upgrade to a balcony cabin. The cruise calls down the East Coast, then visits Milford, Doubtful and Dusky Sounds, before cruising to Sydney, Hobart, Adelaide, Esperance, Albany and completing the cruise in Perth.
For those who are time short or who prefer a shorter cruise there is a 12-night cruise to Sydney, which departs from Auckland on 04JAN13 and 14MAR13. Book on this cruise now, and save $320 on an Interior cabin, with an Early Bird price of $2,369, plus receive a free upgrade to a balcony cabin.

Early Birds need to be quick, as the sale finishes on 29FEB12. The US$750 million, 122,000 ton superliner, Celebrity Solstice, was launched less than three years ago as one of five groundbreaking
‘Solstice Class’ vessels. Australasia is the first region outside the Caribbean and Europe to have a Solstice Class ship and Celebrity Solstice will be the highest rated, newest and most luxurious cruise ship ever to be based in the region.

It brings a number of ‘firsts’ to local cruising, including the Lawn Club, with one acre of freshly manicured grass on the upper decks; a glass blowing studio; and 86% of her cabins have their own private balcony –

Rob Fyfe reassures on London ops

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:20:00 +1300

In his latest message to Air New Zealand staff, CEO Rob Fyfe has responded to mounting concerns about the airline’s commitment to maintaining the NZ-London route. He says: “It’s no secret that we are struggling to make London profitable, just as our competitors are also struggling in this task, not just on London but on most ultra-long haul routes. Passenger numbers are flat at best and, when put against the backdrop of economic turmoil in Europe, any pick up in demand for long haul air travel from London looks unlikely in the foreseeable future.

“We are certainly not alone in having to adapt and adjust our business to changes in demand and economic conditions. Prior to Christmas we saw Qantas consolidate routes and reduce its capacity through to Europe (Frankfurt is the only remaining European port that Qantas still flies to in addition to London Heathrow) and this week we’ve seen Air Asia X announce that it is withdrawing all services to Europe (throwing the travel plans of many Kiwis into disarray) citing fuel costs, the weak European economy and European Union emission charges.

“The likely impact for our London routes is that for the immediate future we will need to adopt a seasonally adjusted schedule that seeks to better match our available capacity to weak passenger demand. This is not a new strategy – we have been doing this on our Hong Kong route for some time now – this week we went back to five London - Hong Kong services a week from a daily schedule over the Christmas period. It doesn’t mean we’re pulling out of London, and we have no current intention of withdrawing our presence from any market we serve, but it will mean adjusting our frequency to match demand where appropriate, which is exactly the approach we adopt in response to any changes to demand in any of our domestic or international markets.

“London still remains an important source market for us; the UK is the second largest source of inbound visitors to New Zealand after Australia. As a signal of our commitment to make London operations more profitable we have been restructuring our sales and marketing team in Europe to ensure we can maximise the revenue opportunities in this tough environment.” Fyfe says the airline has appointed two very strong European Managers to run its aligned Market Development Streams, and will spend time in London in March as this new team get up to speed.

New routes on the cards

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:15:00 +1300

In his latest message to Air New Zealand staff, CEO Rob Fyfe has confirmed that new routes are likely, given that the airline’s long haul schedule adjustments will result in aircraft availability.

“Overall the goal we have set ourselves for our international network is to maintain capacity but redeploy that capacity to reflect the markets and routes of greatest opportunity,” says Fyfe. “As a result you can expect to see some new routes announced during the course of the year and some additional capacity deployed on some routes while we will see capacity reduced on other routes where we are experiencing a shortfall in demand. These changes will be announced progressively throughout the course of the year as planning and negotiations with partners and service
providers are progressed.”

Balloon Festival confirmed

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:13:00 +1300

The four-day annual Wairarapa balloon festival will go ahead this year starting on Thursday 08MAR.

Trust House Balloons over Wairarapa organiser Jonathan Hooker said following the balloon tragedy in Carterton earlier this month, organisers canvassed a wide range of opinions including those of nearest relatives of the 11 people who died. “We have not received any feedback that the festival should not happen,” Mr Hooker said. “The overwhelming opinion of those we consulted was that it should go ahead.” The festival’s first event will be a special tribute flight to remember those who were lost on 07JAN. Balloons will lift off together from Carterton’s Carrington Park in the traditional opening morning launch.

The following six events over four days will be held as usual, with a return to Carterton for the final flight on the morning of Sunday 11MAR. The 14th annual balloon festival will see more than 30 hot air balloons take part in a series of competitions and displays in and around Carterton and Masterton.

More Jersey Boys dates for Auckland

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:09:00 +1300

Showbiz Events & Travel has just opened up new dates for sale for Jersey Boys in Auckland. Click here for the flyer.

Tickets are now available until 31MAY, and the Showbiz ticket packages include a ‘dinner for $1’ offer. From $96 patrons can enjoy a one-course pre/post show dinner with a glass of wine at either Stamford Plaza’s Grasshopper restaurant or the Crowne Plaza’s Aria, plus an A reserve ticket to the show. Call 0800 SHOWBIZ (746 9249) or email tracyh@showbizeta.com

Makeover for PureGayNZ.com

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:06:00 +1300

New Zealand gay and lesbian tourism website and information site PureGayNZ.com has been refreshed to include user reviews, booking engine facilities with partners Bookit and Tourism Exchange as well as further integration with social media channels.

“Since relaunch we have experienced rapid growth in unique site visitors from as far as Spain and Denmark. New Zealand is an attractive year-round gay and lesbian tourism destination,” says Vijay Naiker, managing director of Pure NZ Marketing Group. “Our aim is to support those businesses keen to market to the gay and lesbian traveller through product development, education of staff and attention to a quality service offering,” he adds.

Luring US Active Considerers

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:03:00 +1300

Tourism New Zealand and Air New Zealand have launched their latest joint venture campaign in the United States with a US$848 airfare from LAX luring Active Considerers to visit New Zealand.
Launched to leverage the heightened interest in booking a holiday following the Christmas break, along with compelling pricing from the national airline, the online campaign sends interested readers directly to Air New Zealand’s ‘Fantastic New Zealand’ campaign page which features New Zealand imagery and a link to newzealand.com for more information about the destination.

The campaign includes both online paid media and trade engagement activity throughout this month, and promotes travel to New Zealand in the low season period 01MAY-18JUN and 24JUL-19SEP. In addition, fares are also available for travel over late summer and autumn with 19FEB-15APR and 19JUN-09JUL for an additional US$200.

The activity is also a timely reminder of New Zealand as a holiday destination, as a number of stories following the Society of American Travel Writers Conference, held in Wellington during November, are beginning to be published throughout the US and Canada.

New ski area manager for Mt Hutt ski area

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 12:57:00 +1300

Canterbury’s Mt Hutt ski area has announced the appointment of James McKenzie as its new Ski Area Manager.

He will take over his new role on 30JAN, replacing Dave Wilson who has managed the ski area for the past 11 winters. NZSki CEO James Coddington said McKenzie was well-known and well respected among the ski fraternity, having spent four years with the company as Assistant Ski Area Manager at Mt Hutt followed by a year based in Queenstown as GM of technical operations for Coronet Peak, The Remarkables and Mt Hutt. Wilson will work with McKenzie and the Mt Hutt leadership team until 24FEB to ensure a smooth transition of roles.

Sacred stone installed at Dart River Jet Safaris

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 12:52:00 +1300

A sacred mauri pounamu has been installed at Dart River Jet Safaris’ Glenorchy Visitor Centre redevelopment. The mauri pounamu, a large piece of greenstone, was blessed by Ngāi Tahu tribal elders
at a special ceremony. It embodies a living, spiritual energy that is shared with all those who touch it and is a powerful symbol of the tribe’s relationship to the land.

Ngāi Tahu Tourism chief executive John Thorburn says the central placement of the mauri pounamu and invitation to visitors to touch the stone is all part of the welcoming experience to the centre.
Interpretative panels and images tell the story of Te Koroka as a source of precious pounamu, Ngai Tahu traditional links with the area and the overall beauty of the landscape.

Revenue Boom for WLG i-SITEs

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 12:46:00 +1300

Revenue from visitors to the two i-SITEs operated by Positively Wellington Tourism (PWT) has increased by close to $400,000 in the past six months. PWT chief executive David Perks says takings
at the i-SITE in Civic Square and the Interislander i-SITE increased 22% in the first half of the 2011/12 financial year, when compared to the same period the year before.

“The past six months has been a busy period for Wellington with Rugby World Cup, the Brancott Estate WOW® Awards Show, Visa Wellington On a Plate and our busiest ever cruise season,” says Perks. “We’re also seeing the results of what has proved to be a successful re-design of our visitor service both physically and philosophically.” PWT launched the country’s first floating i-
SITE onboard the Interislander’s Kaitaki ferry in partnership with Destination Marlborough in MAR10. The Civic Square i-SITE also underwent a refurb at the end of that year.

Squirrel for Rakiura helicopter company

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 12:39:00 +1300

Rakiura Helicopters, the only helicopter company with a concession for operations out of Stewart Island’s Fern Gully, and Bluff’s Ocean Beach, has purchased a six-passenger Squirrel helicopter that adds capacity for travellers, hunters and commercial operators and also vital medivac facilities for the island. info@rakiurahelicopters.co.nz

Glenorchy opposes tunnel

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 12:31:00 +1300

The Southland Times reports that a meeting held by the Glenorchy Community Association and attended by 100 people resulted in unanimous opposition to plans for the proposed Milford-Dart tunnel from the Routeburn Valley to the Hollyford Valley.

Te Anau residents have also voiced strong opposition. Buses would pass through Glenorchy on their way to the Routeburn portal. Milford Dart managing director Tom Elworthy said a bypass road to go behind Glenorchy was possible if residents were against the 40 to 60 vehicle movements per day.

Guide to Christchurch welcomed by tourism industry

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 12:14:00 +1300

Christchurch & Canterbury Tourism has welcomed the release of Lonely Planet’s new 45-page guide to postquake Christchurch as a positive step forward for the region’s tourism industry.

The travel publisher has prepared a whole new chapter on Christchurch for its New Zealand guide book and has taken the unusual step of making it available for free download on its website 8 months ahead of the guide’s official release in September. CCT’s Tim Hunter says the fact Lonely Planet is so positive in its account of postquake Christchurch and the future of the city should send a clear message to potential visitors that Christchurch is still a destination worth visiting.