The South Island is home to some of New Zealand’s most striking landscapes… perfect for outdoor adventures.

Christchurch, the “Garden City,” is also called the “most English city outside England.” The largest city on the South Island, it is filled with beautiful parks and gardens, through which the Avon River runs. Whale-watching, visiting the International Antarctic Centre, punting on the Avon, hot air ballooning, and wine tasting are some highlights of a visit to Christchurch.

Toward the center of the South Island, Queenstown is the adventure capital of New Zealand. Activities include jetboat rides, garden tours, lake cruises, helicopter flights, bungy jumping, golf, skiing, gondola rides, guided walks, fishing, skydiving, wine tasting, and much more. If there’s any outdoor activity you crave, chances are you can find it in Queenstown! By far the most popular activity is the trip to Milford Sound, including a launch cruise on this stunning fiord.

Dunedin, New Zealand’s oldest city, is located on the southern coast. It is home to Edwardian heritage buildings, museums, galleries, and New Zealand’s first university. The nearby Otago Peninsula is a haven for wildlife, including seals, dolphins, albatross, and penguins.

Every year, in the islands of Huahine, Raiatea, Taha’a and Bora Bora, takes place the incredible Hawaiki Nui Canoe Race!

This competition has gained international fame to become THE not-to-be-missed event for fans of the sport.  Approximately 80 teams from the islands and worldwide enter the race on an itinerary starting from Huahine to Bora Bora. Each day equals a segment:

Day 1, Huahine to Raiatea;

Day 2, Raiatea to Taha’a;

Day 3, the longest segment of this beautiful adventure, Taha’a to Bora Bora.

The race unveils the physical and mental strength of each canoe paddler. It does indeed require quite a mental of steel to paddle hours long with no rest!

Each departure, each arrival in the islands is spectacular! However, we have to admit that the Grand “Finale” in Bora Bora’s lagoon is just the most amazing!

You can be part of this unique adventure too!

Contact us now to book YOUR Hawaiki Nui experience at 800 644-6659!

or Teresa@Luxuryhideaways.net

The North Island is home to the international gateway, Auckland – a city located between two harbors and devoted to sailing culture. Auckland is a cosmopolitan city, with a population of over one million. It boasts a thriving cultural scene, with museums and galleries. The Auckland Museum houses the world’s largest collection of Maori artifacts.

In the far north, the Bay of Islands is home to uncrowded beaches, ancient kauri forests, and fruit-growing areas. It’s a great place for golf, fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing, and dolphin watching. The region is also home to much of New Zealand’s colonial history, including the Waitangi Treaty House, location of the treaty between the British and the Maori — the country’s first settlers, Polynesians who arrived about a thousand years ago.

Rotorua, toward the center of the North Island, is an area steeped in Maori culture. Visit the Maori Arts and Crafts Centre, or take part in an evening “Hangi” (feast) with a traditional song and dance show. You can even visit a replica Maori village, to learn what life was like in New Zealand before the arrival of European settlers. The region’s active geothermal features include boiling mud pools, spouting geysers, and natural spa pools. Between Rotorua and Auckland are the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, featuring yawning caverns filled with stalagtites and stalagmites, and an underground river lit only by the eerie glow of tiny creatures high above.

At the southern end of the North Island lies Wellington, capital of New Zealand. Here, you can visit the Parliament buildings, botanic gardens, or the acclaimed Te Papa Museum of New Zealand. With over 350 restaurants, bars, and cafés, Wellington has more dining choices per capita than New York City!

1. Coordinate your clothes around one or two basic colors. This cuts down on the number of shoes and accessories you have to bring.
2. Take as few clothes as possible. Plan on laundering. One person suggested one week’s worth of clothes. I take fewer unless they are my washable silks.
3. Wear and carry washable silk clothing whenever possible. It is as warm as and as cool as cotton. It dries overnight and 10-15 pieces take no more room than two pair jeans. There are some other manmade fabrics that travel as well if not better, but they cost quite a bit more.
4. Take older clothes that can be discarded along the way. Great for growing children. Many places, the local people are pleased to get these castoffs. There are travelers who take nothing but old clothes so they have that much more room for bringing souvenirs home.
5. Safety Tip - Never take a taxi that seems just to be hanging around, offering its services when there is a taxi queue available

Waiheke Island is home to boutique wineries that produce unique, high quality wines based on cabernet sauvignon, merlot, malbec, cabernet franc and the recent move into chardonnay grape varieties.  The hot, dry summers and stony soils of Waiheke are perfect conditions for growing grapes.

There are Waiheke Island vineyards and wineries spread throughout the island and visitors can either visit at their leisure, or take a tour. Below you will find a partial list of some of the best boutique wineries on the island:

Cable Bay Vineyards - The Cable Bay winery, restaurant and cellar door are set amidst vineyards and olive groves.

Goldwater - Goldwater combines old world traditional wine making techniques with modern day technology to achieve outstanding and memorable hand-crafted wines.

Jurassic Ridge - Syrah, Montepulciano, Pinot Gris and Cabernet Franc vines are planted over 155 million year old Jurassic rock.

Kennedy Point Vineyard and Olive Grove - At the International Wine Challenge, London 2009 the Kennedypoint 2007 Syrah was awarded International Syrah Trophy, Best NZ Red, Best NZ Syrah.

Man O’ War Vineyard - Located at the eastern end of Waiheke Island, Man O’ War first introduced grapes in 1993, firm in the belief that world class wines could be produced here.

Mudbrick Vineyard - Named after the Barn/House was built from mud bricks, Mudbrick Vineyard and Restaurant offers a unique Waiheke wine and cuisine exprience, available all year round.

Obsidian Vineyard - Obsidian Vineyard nestles in the coastal hills of the Onetangi Valley.

Passage Rock - Passage Rock Wines was established in 1994 by David and Veronika Evans-Gander.

Peacock Sky Vineyard - Located in the centre of Waiheke Island surrounded by lush native bush.

Peninsula Estate - With spectacular views of Oneroa Bay and the Hauraki Gulf, Peninsula Estate is focused on producing single estate, world-class premium red food wines, that can be confidently cellared for many years.

Poderi Crisci - Poderi Crisci is a small family owned vineyard with a passion for growing Italian varietals and olives.

Stonyridge Vineyard - Stonyridge Vineyard is a specialist cabernet-blend winegrower producing cabernet sauvignon, merlot, cabernet franc, malbec, and petit verdot, combining traditional winemaking with meticulous organic viticulture.

Te Motu Vineyard - Te Motu Vineyard was established by the Dunleavy family in 1989 and is noted for its fine reds, notably the Te Motu cabernet/merlot.The first vines were planted in 1989, and the first vintage was produced in 1993.

Te Whau Vineyard - With breathtaking 360° views, stunning architecture, exquisite food, and a fantastic wine list, including its own five-star wines, Te Whau Vineyard and Cafe is a truly unique wine lover’s experience.

Prior to departing for my 14 night “Wine & Gourmet Cuisine Cruise” on the Regent Seven Seas Mariner between Sydney Australia and Auckland, New Zealand I had a very good friend mention we must visit Waiheke Island, New Zealand. It was one of the many highlights of our 3 week adventure. Great little shops, antique stores, friendly people and gorgeous countryside as well as great wine added up to the best way to end our holiday adventure.

Waiheke Island is a picturesque blend of farmland, forest, beaches, vineyards and olive groves. Located in the Hauraki Gulf of New Zealand, it is only 35 minutes by ferryboat from downtown Auckland. There is a great range of activities on Waiheke including sightseeing, mountain biking, sea kayaking, vineyard & winery tours and much more. When planning a trip to New Zealand, schedule a few extra days to relax on the island.

Waiheke is the third most populated island in New Zealand, after the North and South Islands. Waiheke Island has a permanent population of around 8,000 residents. Much of the population lives close to the western end of Waiheke Island, at or close to an east-west isthmus between Huruhi Bay and Oneroa Bay which, at its narrowest, is only 600 metres wide.

History of Waiheke Island
Discovered and settled by Maori approximately 1000 years ago, Waiheke translates to ‘cascading waters’. Some Maori legends relate that one of the pioneering waka (canoes) to New Zealand came upon the island. The first traces of Europeans arrived with the missionary Samuel Marsden in the early 1800s, several years after Captain Cook passed by and acknowledged the island in his travels through the Hauraki Gulf.

Contact the Travel Gal when planning your South Pacific holiday.

Your Friend in the Islands!

Teresa@LuxuryHideaways.net or call me at 800 644-6659

Directly from the sparkling shores of Vatulele Island Resort in Fiji, we are delighted to report that the sun is shining, the breezes are blowing, the people are singing and we are in such high spirits that we are offering you complimentary return flights between Vatulele Island Resort and Nadi town as well as our favorite special of stay 5 nights and pay for just 4 nights!

Vatulele Island Resort

Somewhere between 5 stars and heaven … Vatulele Island Resort is located on one of the most stunning islands in the world. Once you arrive you know that you have reached paradise, the sounds, smells, and sites of Vatulele will remain with you forever.

Vatulele Island is a stunning 31square KM (12 square miles) in area, and similar in shape to a footprint. Apart from the resort, the only other inhabitants live in 4 native Fijians villages with a population of around 1000 located on the Northern side of the island. These people form most of the resorts staff.

Since opening in 1990, Vatulele Island Resort has developed an enviable reputation in every corner of the globe and is often hailed as one of the top ten barefoot chic hideaways in the world. Set on a magnificent lagoon, the beauty of the site is coupled with a unique architectural style.

Priding itself on offering the utmost in luxurious and opulent service, Vatulele will cater to your every whim.

The Villages of Vatulele Island

The Fijians livelihood is sustained through fishing, farming and cloth making. In fact the majority of Fiji’s famous Tapa Cloth is produced on Vatulele Island. The people are gentle, warm, and good humoured.
Resort guests are invited to see how the natural inhabitants live, enjoy a special Sunday church service, play a game of football, see the children at school, and observe them at work making their special tapa cloth, this local artwork is available for guests to purchase. The Village Chief meets guests in his stately bure and invites guests to join in a traditional Kava ceremony before granting permission to explore their home.

These incredible specials are for new bookings only. Valid for travel to 31 October 2010. Book before 31 July 2010. Minimum 5 night stay. 2 return domestic flights per booking. Please quote the following booking code: FLY4FREE.  *Conditions apply*

Contact the Travel Gal at 800 644-6659 or Teresa@luxuryhideaways.net for more details.

One of my favorite beaches is located at the North end of Lahaina town. It is called Keiki beach or baby beach by the locals. I don’t know what the formal name is - everyone has always called it Keiki beach due to the fact there is a coral reef located a few yards out that provides a perfect barrier so there are no waves and a parent could place their baby sitting up at the edge of the water and the child would not get knocked over as there is no wave action. It is a perfect beach for small families to gather and cool down from the intense Hawaiian summer sun.

I am sitting here on a balmy 90 degree Sunday afternoon enjoying the scenery, children of all ages are splashing in the water, there are a few families kicking back on their beach chairs with coolers nearby, no doubt filled with sandwiches and sodas. Meanwhile a young couple strolls by hand in hand, probably on their honeymoon, a look of contentment on their faces.

One small family catches my attention, they are obviously introducing their very tiny son to the water for the first time. Dad is wading up to his waist and dipping his sons’ toes in the water as Mom has the video camera playing, catching the babies surprised expression of this new experience. The baby obviously is enjoying the water as he is submerged to his chest and waving his arms as the parents are lovingly keeping him afloat in his blow up water ring.

We then have Dylan and Donovan, twin boys - 9 years old and a handful with their friends busy building 2 sand forts complete with cannon balls so they can bomb each other - in between the construction they are taking breaks to cool off a bit and trying out their new skin boards - so much to do. This is very serious work, hence the expressions on their faces that indicates they need to get the job done. This is about as hard as I want to work on a Sunday afternoon in Lahainatown.

The Islands of Fiji is the perfect holiday choice for a family with children of all ages. The Fijians will embrace your children while teaching them about the Fijian way of life. Not only will it be a relaxing and memorable vacation, your children will be receiving an education on a different culture. No amount of schooling will give them this ultimate life experience.

The 333 islands of Fiji, located approximately 10 hours from Los Angeles and offer a wide selection of family friendly resorts that are perfect to keep the kids entertained and active all day. In fact the kids have so much fun that they won’t want to leave! Fijians are known as some of the friendliest people on earth and Fiji offers a true Polynesian experience. No chain restaurants and no mega-malls. This is what getting away from it all is really about and investing in family time is more important than ever.

To celebrate and inspire family travel to the South Pacific in 2010, we have just launched a special offer - ‘’Kids Fly FREE to Fiji”. This incredible offer includes flights from just $679pp* each way based on roundtrip airfare from Los Angeles for two traveling adults and two children will fly free. The savings on flights can be used to upgrade resorts or enjoy additional experiences at the resort.  It is incredible and only available for a limited time.

By the way - my children have traveled to Fiji twice with me and its their most memorable holiday!

For more information call the Travel Gal at 800 644-6659 or Teresa@Luxuryhideaways.net

NOTE: The Travelgal would like to share new information in reference to traveling either domestic or international, the airlines are tightening their rules on correct names, info on airline tickets:

NAMES AS THEY APPREAR ON PASSPORT - PLEASE READ BELOW:

Effective October 28, 2008, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) introduced the final rules for a program known as ‘Secure Flight’. The Secure Flight program has been developed by Department of Homeland Security to enhance the security of domestic and international commercial travel. As a result of the new rules which are being implemented in phases, all international airlines operating flights to, from, within or over the United States will be required to collect Secure Flight Passenger Data and transmit it to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in advance of travel.

The TSA regulation will require that a passenger’s name on a ticket match exactly to their travel document. This means that:

it is exactly as it appears on your form of identification, i.e., Passport or Driver’s License.

PLEASE ADVISE CITIZENSHIP AND WHAT FORM OF I.D. YOU WILL BE USING TO TRAVEL

If your name appears differently on different forms of identification, you must travel with the form of ID that reflects the name on your ticket and/or cruise documents.

Do not give your Travel Agent your Driver’s License name and then change your mind and travel with your Passport if the name is different.

This is CRITICAL, CRITICAL for recently married couples who may have multiple forms of ID

If a passenger’s name is incorrectly shown on the ticket, you may be denied boarding and/or will be required to refund the old ticket with penalty and purchase a new ticket at the prevailing rate. The airlines & cruiselines will not provide authorization/waiver codes to refund tickets without penalty.
So, please give me:

1. Your names as exactly appear on passport:

2. Dates passports expire:

3. Dates of Birth:

4. Email address so we can begin working on your air/land itinerary. If you have your own airfare, please let your Travel Agent know know the schedule so she can advise the cruiseline in reference to transfers, etc. If you need assistance with air/hotels/tours she am happy to assist you too.

Feel free to call the Travel Gal at 800 644-6659 to assist you with your dream holiday.