If heading offshore is out of the question, how about a New Zealand Getaway at one of the Peppers resorts - prices start from $225.00 per person for two nights, including accommodation and breakfast.  Peppers have resorts located in Christchurch, Queenstown, Lake Tekapo & Martinborough.

Click here for more details

Plus check out the ‘crazy cheap fares’ to LAX/SFO & HNL below - get in quick!

Airfares 2009:

The specials just keep coming……Most of the airlines have extended their special economy class and business class deals to UK/Europe.  There are also specials out to Asia, some South Pacific destinations, USA/Canada, in fact it would probably be easier to put down the destinations that have no special offers available!

AIRFARE SNAPSHOT:

South Pacific

Vanuatu - special airfare on Air Vanuatu has been extended for sales to 30 June - $598.10 per person (travel until 12 Dec 09, close out periods apply)
New Caledonia/Samoa/Tonga & Niue - Air New Zealand has special airfares out  so call us for a package price (travel until 29 Nov 09, closeout periods apply)

Asia

Go on your own or take a friend and travel to Asia in luxury with the new shortlife Air New Zealand single passenger or companion Business Premier fares valid for sales until 15 Jul 09.  Airfares from $5,100 for the first person and $4,300 for the companion plus taxes approx $76.

Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific also have both economy class and business class specials available.

UK/Europe

Don’t forget about Emirates mixed class special - the deal expires 15 July, airfares from $6,040.00 plus taxes, includes Emirates Chaffeur-drvie in New Zealand and 40kg baggage allowance.

Air New Zealand business class airfares from $8,000 per person plus taxes approx $365.50

Singapore Airlines has business class airfare from $7,999.00 per person plus taxes approx $308.90

USA/Canada - *****Crazy cheap deals!*******

NEW SHORTLIFE DEALS TO USA – HURRY 4 DAYS ONLY!

Air New Zealand is pleased to release new shortlife Pacific Economy return fares to LAX/SFO and HNL available for 4 days only. Get in quick - sale ends 27 Jun 09.

Ex AKL/WLG/CHC

Fare: LAX/SFO - $1,150 (KAM06) per adult return, plus airport & govt costs from $135

HNL - $850 (KHNL06) per adult return and $950 (GHNL06) per adult return, plus airport & govt costs from $135

Travel: LAX - to be commenced between 27 Oct – 26 Nov 09

SFO - to be commenced between 28 Oct – 23 Nov 09

HNL - KHNL06: to be commenced between 27 Oct – 18 Nov 09 and GHNL06: to be commenced between 30 Jul – 15 Aug 09

Add-ons: Special domestic add-ons from New Zealand provincial points for $100 return

Special shortlife airfare on Air Canada to points in Canada starting from $1,300.00 plus taxes approx $419.80

Note: Airfares are subject to availability time of booking, most have a very short booking/ticketing period and booking fees will apply. So be in quick!

CRUISING:

‘The World ‘ is an extraordinary and different cruising experience which ideally suits your clients who appreciate high standards of style, space, ambience, privacy, service and facilities

Australia Wonders
December 4 to 18, 2009 - Cairns to Brisbane
14 nights - veranda studio from $11,150pp (Includes 2 complimentary nights)
Join us at Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef for the chance of a lifetime to explore one of the greatest natural wonders of the world in the company of expert guides.

Holiday Festivities - Round trip Sydney
December 23, 2009 - January 2, 2010
10 nights - veranda studio from $8,775pp (Includes 1 complimentary night)
For the ultimate indulgence spend the holidays in the lap of luxury aboard The World, in the embrace of one of the world’s most beautiful natural harbours.

QUAY WINNER
Congratulations to last month’s winner of a night’s accommodation at the newly opened boutique hotel - Hotel De Brett - Rox Shaw, Sweeney Vesty.
This months challenge is for you to recommend your family and friends to become part of the Quay Travel Community!  The winner of the draw will enjoy a bottle of the 2008 Stonyridge Larose.  You can recommend as many times as you like -  your family and friends just need to register by either clicking on the link below or by going to the leisure section of our website.  So forward this email to a friend or two…..and we look forward to welcoming them to the Quay Community!

Click here to register now.

DESTINATION: SAMOA

Michelle was in Samoa earlier this month.  This was my first visit to Samoa and I have to say that it exceeded my expectations.  We split our trip between the main Island Upolu and Savaii Island.  I would definitely recommend that you travel to both Islands if you have the time.  I was really impressed by the cleanliness of the Island, and the friendliness and wonderful culture of the people.  I looked at a number of the resorts so have many recommendations depending on whether you are going for an intimate island holiday with a loved one or taking the kids over for a family holiday.  My favourite island was Savaii, we stayed at the Savaii Lagoon Resort at the northern end of the Island, the snorkelling was some of the best I have done, we enjoyed a meal of fresh fish bought from the local fisherman and had a real italian pizza night from Andy’s Pizza fale!

SPECIAL CLIENT TO CLIENT VIP OFFER

Escape to your own private retreat……….at home!

Coastal Design specialises in luxurious, high quality affordable outdoor furniture. Fully modular outdoor sofas, lounges, Dining suites and more. Weather resistant year round in the NZ outdoors.
QuayTravel Customers will receive a VIP Friends & Family 15% Discount on Coastal Design purchases before August 30 2009. * Offer subject to stock. Discount off the RRP Price. Includes GST.

Click here to read more >

If you have something special to offer the Quay client community, please contact Michelle to discuss further.

The purpose of our monthly ‘Quay advice’ is to provide an additional touch point for you that will keep you up to date with the travel industry and give you a snapshot of the specials that are available and any relevant changes to travel that may affect you.

Airfares 2009:

What a start to 2009! I don’t think I have ever in my 25 years in the business seen so many deals out in the market. Who would have thought a year ago that your business class airfare to Australia of $2,500 would be able to be purchased for as low as $1,000 today! My advice would be that if you see a special in the market that you think demonstrates excellent value and fits in with your travel dates….then purchase it! Yes, they may extend the special, release a slightly amended version, change the travel periods; however, you don’t want to have regrets if the new deal doesn’t quite fit what you wanted or is not available for the dates you need to travel.

Airfare snapshot:

Australia

Business Class
You may have seen Emirates advertising their special business class airfare to Australia - $1164.00, you may not be aware however that Lan Chile also have business class special airfares available for as low as $765.00. Lan Chile offer a fully lie flat seat! A client recently experienced the business class service and was impressed with the seats and the service.

Lan Chile - Australia
Business class levels from $765.00

Emirates - Australia
Business class companion fare levels from $994.00
Economy class companion fare levels from $324.00
Economy class special mid-week levels from $335.00

Air New Zealand - Australia
Business class fare levels from $998.00

Qantas - Australia
Busienss class fare levels from $998.00

USA

Air New Zealand extends its special premium economy and business class airfares to the USA.

The special business class airfares have been extended for sales until 29 May, so get it quick and don’t miss out. Airfares from $2,854.00 premium economy plus taxes and $6,854.00 business class plus taxes.

Qantas business class airfares to Los Angeles $5,159.00 plus taxes.

Note: Airfares are subject to availability time of booking, most have a very short booking/ticketing period and booking fees will apply.  So be in quick!

News update: Travelling to America?

USA Visa Waiver Programme

In the past, when you were a traveller to the United States on the Non-immigrant Visa Waiver Programme, which includes New Zealand passport holders, you could travel without official prior approval. This has now changed. All New Zealanders will need authorisation in the form of a special Electronic System Travel Authorisation (ESTA). You’ll even need one for a transit stop. You can only get an ESTA online, and be sure to leave plenty of time to apply; at least 72 hours before you travel. For more details or if you need to apply for an ESTA online now, click here.

Introducing Tasi:

We would like to introduce Tasi Afitu to you all. We were thrilled to have Tasi join us in April. Click here to read more about Tasi.

Sabre Online:

Sabre Online is our integrated online corporate travel booking engine. As new airlines enter our market it is becoming more important to find a solution that allows access to all airlines, hotels and rental cars in one screen, saving you time and money. Sabre Online will do this for you.

Click here to read more about Sabre Online.

Cruising

Each month we will feature a ‘cruise deal of the month’

Eastern Mediterranean – Star Clipper Cruise 20% discount.

7 nights cruise onboard the Star Clipper – Athens round-trip
Departures: 13 June, 08 Aug
$3,679.00 per person inside, or $4,079.00 outside

Qantas introduces premium economy on direct flights to Los Angeles

Qantas introduces premium economy on Auckland/Los Angeles from 06 July – 24 October 09.

Qantas Premium Economy provides a travel experience for our customers across the Pacific which includes priority check-in, dedicated cabin crew, an additional hand baggage allowance and priority boarding and disembarkation.

Airfares from $3,940 including taxes.

American Express point’s redemption:

Quay Travel is a member of Harvey World Travel and has a unique relationship with American Express; giving our clients the extra support around the world if needed and the ability to redeem their membership rewards points with us.  We can redeem you points for cash that can be used for any type of travel, flights, accommodation, sightseeing tours or insurance.  Call us to discuss how this works.

Quay winner:

Each month we will offer you the opportunity to win a fabulous prize. This month it is quite simple, all you need to do is click on the link below and register to be part of the Quay community.  This will allow you to add comments to our site, discuss travel issues with our team and our community online and have privileged access to new content.  If you have already signed up online you don’t need to do anything.  Once you have completed the very short registration form you will automatically go in the draw to win a nights’ accommodation at the newly opened boutique hotel in the centre of Auckland – Hotel De Brett. (the location for our individual team shots on our website).  The winner will be announced next month.

Click here to register now.

Until next month….Live deliberately & enjoy the journey!

Michelle

Southern Ocean Lodge is Australia’s first true luxury lodge, offering a unique and exclusive travel  experience on Kangaroo Island in South Australia. Floating atop a secluded cliff on a rugged stretch of coast, the lodge commands peerless views of the wild Southern Ocean and pristine Kangaroo Island wilderness. Sensitive, intimate and sophisticated, Southern Ocean Lodge is a sanctuary of refined comfort and luxery, Kangaroo Island style. Selected by Conde Naste Traveller Magazine for one of the top new ‘hot list hotels’ for 2009.

If Kangaroo Island—an unspoiled 1,700-square-mile haven teeming with native animals— is Australia’s Galápagos, then the Southern Ocean Lodge is a very natural selection, with its recycled timber floors, soaring glass, and limestone. A thoroughly evolved eco-wilderness lodge, this 21-suite human sanctuary offers panoramic ocean views from the pristine clifftop brushland it inhabits.

From the moment you walk into the vast atrium, your attention is drawn to the great outdoors. Over a third of the island is untouched national park land, and the sheer amount of wildlife is bewildering (there are 267 bird species alone). The lodge takes full advantage of the natural abundance, and the rates include treks, evening “Kangaroos and Kanapés” excursions, and half-day tours that take in seal colonies, the island’s oldest lighthouse, and remarkable rock formations.

Best time to travel is September through to November for the spectacular wildflowers.

Getting there is easy.  You travel to Kangaroo Island from Adelaide on a 30 minute flight where you will be met and transferred to the lodge (50 minute scenic drive).

The Island’s interesting volcanic geology, as well as its rich flora and fauna have been admired and studied by numerous travellers, scientist, and nature-lovers.  The islands are blessed with pleasant weather all year round, and you will be amazed by the multitude of animal species romping about.

We promise you that Galapagos Island’s won’t leave you untouched!

Check out these cruise options on M/V Santa Cruz.  Savings available for bookings before 30 June 09 of $1,152.00.

M/V Santa Cruz

4, 5 or 8 Days 

• Galapagos Islands • Charles Darwin Research Station • Island excursions • Wildlife viewing • Swimming • Snorkelling • Glass bottom boat excursion   

The 46 cabin air-conditioned M/V Santa Cruz was built specifically for cruising in the Galapagos Islands. It has a worldwide reputation for superb service, expert crew and the most knowledgeable naturalist guides available who will delight you with their enthusiasm. Cruise to the various different islands, each with their own unique habitats and environments. Choose from 3, 4 or 7 nights cruising.

3 Nights: Islands visited: San Cristobal, Espanola, Floreana, Fernandina, Isabela, Santa Cruz and Baltra 

4 Nights: Islands visited: Baltra, Santa Cruz, Bartolome, Santiago, Jervis, Santa Cruz, North Seymour, San Cristobal 

7 Nights: Friday - Friday - San Cristobal, Espanola, Floreana, Fernandina, Isabela, South Seymour, Santa Cruz, Bartolome, Santiago, Jervis, North Seymour, San Cristobal 

7 Nights: Monday - Monday - Baltra, Santa Cruz, Bartolome, Santiago, Jervis, Santa Cruz, North Seymour, San Cristobal, Espanola, Floreana, Fernandina, Isabela, Baltra

Amanpulo is situated in one of the world’s most idyllic Island locations on the staggeringly beautiful Pamalican Island in the Phillipines, south-west of Manila.  It is a private island, gifted with nature’s paradisiacal treats: powder white beaches, clear turquoise-azure-indigo seas, cirrus-streaked cerulean skies, and a polychromatic coral reef only 300m from the shore.  Guests are greeted in Manila and flown (1hours) by a 19-seat twin-engine plane to the Island’s private airstrip.

This romantically remote island caters for those who wish to ‘hammock’ and beach comb their days in paradise, and for those who seek an active agenda, involving a myriad of maritime adventures as well as tennis, a high-tec air-conditioned gym, and taking languid lengths in the resort’s 30m serene pool. The open-air Garden and Beach Salas are discreetly secluded for pleasurable holistic body treatments.

Best time to travel is between November and May!

Ian is widely travelled and possesses good travel knowledge on many destinations and cities throughout the world.

Ian has been in the travel industry in New Zealand and Australia for over 40 years. During this time he has been involved in both promoting tourism to and within New Zealand, Australia and the South Pacific. He was also involved with servicing the onshore excursion activities in N.Z. and Australia for many of the world’s prestigious cruise companies. Latterly (17 years), as a partner with Barry, in one of New Zealand’s largest tour wholesalers and travel agency franchisors.

In his leisure time Ian’s passion is developing and enhancing an olive grove at their lodge style beach house on Waiheke Island.

Ph: 64 9  302 2100

 ian.mcindoe@quaytravel.co.nz

Baz is one of New Zealand’s most respected travel business owners with 20 years developing a business that became one of the largest travel wholesale operations and travel agency franchises in the country, before merging and eventually selling his shares in the business.

“I have stayed involved in the travel industry because I  love to travel and want to be involved with an agency that can deliver great service to both me and my friends when we travel.”

Ph: 64 9 302 2100

Email: barry.fenton@xtra.co.nz