Thursday 15 October 2015 Issue 3182

I n c o r p o r a t i n g Ta b s o n Tr a v e l

News................................p1, p2, p4, p5Cruising Today................................. p3Adventure World - Alaska ............... p7NZ VA Australia Famil ..................... p8

8 Pages This Issue

Jetstar to fly to the biggest towns in NZ starting with ‘N’ AucklandPalmerston North Subject to Government and Regulatory approval. Flights are operated by Eastern Australia Airlines for Jetstar Airways.

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Car Meets RunwayA jet aborted its take off at Los Angeles International Airport after an official airport car made a wrong turn onto the runway. The incident reportedly occurred at the same time air traffic controllers had requests for emergency landings from two other airliners. The Compass Airlines Embraer 170 re-gional jet, flying for Delta Connection, departed for Kansas City after a short delay. Airport officials reportedly called the incident ‘extremely rare’ and that the driver of the car wasn’t cleared to go on or near runways.

The ‘Cheek’ Of ItFans have come to the defence of a French ‘adult movie star’ after a staffer from airline Transavia posted a cheeky tweet. The ‘entertainer’ com-plained about the lack of details on a flight delay via Twitter. The carrier’s response included ‘it’s just that with you, we prefer when it lasts longer’, which enraged the star and her fans.

Passport ReminderMFAT reminds travellers that from 30 Nov, adult passports will be issued with a 10-year validity, subject to the approval of the change to the 1992 Passport Act that’s before Parliament. Child passports will retain the exist-ing five-year validity. All current passports with five-year validity are valid until their expiry date. The 10 year adult passport will cost $180.

World’s Top RestaurantsTripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice top restaurant winners are out. In La-sarte, Spain send clients to dine at Martin Berasategui, named in top spot. Europea in Montreal, Canada; Maison Lameloise in Chagny, France; Adam’s in Birmingham, UK; and Restaurant Sat Bains in Nottingham, UK, rounded out the top five. To view the complete list of winners as well as reviews and photos see tripadvisor.co.nz/travelerschoice-restaurants

H a w a i i a n A i r l i n e s t o d a y announced it would be ending its 30 year-plus association with its GSA company The Walshe Group to set up shop itself in the Austra-lian and New Zealand markets.HA is widely regarded as the catalyst for putting Hawai‘i back on the Kiwi travel map, by adding competition on the Honolulu route and leading to more competitive airfares.In a short statement released this af-ternoon, HA said the move to an ‘in-house commercial business model’ was in line with its growth in its Kiwi operation.“Our business has now evolved in both New Zealand and Australia and it is appropriate to scale up our com-mercial resources in line with our operating presence and future plans,” says Gai Tyrrell, HA’s regional direc-tor Australia & New Zealand. Paying tribute to HA’s long-standing partnership with The Walshe Group, Tyrrell says the GSA company’s con-tribution to building HA’s presence here ‘has been considerable’.In a separate statement, The Walshe

Group says it has had a long and very happy relationship with HA. “So we are disappointed with this deci-sion, however we understand and respect their reasons and wish them every success for the future,” says the Walshe Group’s Steve Tanner.HA maintains it will be business as usual for the carrier in New Zealand. The changeover will be a gradual transition to the new business model, which is expected to ‘commence im-mediately and complete by Jan 2016’, says an HA spokesman.While those in the industry have expressed concern for the current HA Kiwi team—a number of industry sources have welcomed HA’s move to establish its own presence in the Kiwi market, with one ‘calling it the final move to really cement HA’s ongoing commitment to the Kiwi market, and to further grow its business here and in Australia’. . . . What It MeansHA is declining to comment any further, at this stage, on what the move will mean to the carrier’s New Zealand team—headed up by Rus-sell Williss (aka Captain Aloha). It is not clear if the positions will be filled by current HA staff, or if the local appointments will be retained.However HA did say that it plans to continue to outsource its reserva-tions services. A tender process will be undertaken shortly, it adds.

HA Cements Local Commitment

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Airbnb, eDreams ImproveThe Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has ‘accepted court enforceable undertakings’ from Airbnb and eDreams after it was found they breached consumer law by failing to adequately disclose fees. Both companies failed to disclose mandatory fees on key pages of their booking sites, says the ACCC. They have agreed to improve their pricing practises so mandatory fees will be incorporated into displayed prices, so consumers are given prices up-front. The result is part of ACCC’s focus on addressing drip pricing.

Lounge Pass WinnersAir New Zealand has named the 10 agents who have won passes to experience its new Auckland International Airport lounge for themselves.They are: Leeann Sandlant, United Travel at the Mount; Lorrene Te Kanawa, Harvey World Travel Te Kuiti; Celia Honiss, Mondo Keri Keri; Katey-Jane Shattock, Flight Centre Hamilton; Dale Watkins, World Travellers Mobile; Rachel Meng, United Travel Birkenhead; BobbyLea MacDonald, House of Travel Mt Maunganui; Tina Horn, House of Travel; Kylie Sutherland, Orbit Dunedin; and Eboni Lowe, Vuksich & Greive Travel Associates.

QF, IE CodeshareQantas has signed a codeshare with Solomon Airlines which will see QF customers able to travel on IE services from Brisbane and Sydney to Honiara. The agreement means more chances to earn frequent flyer points and sta-tus credits, and for the first time there will be lounge access at Honiara for eligible customers. The codeshare ser-vices are available for booking from today, and travel from 15 Nov.

AUH Stopover GrowthEtihad’s PCO and DMC arm, Hala Abu Dhabi, has recorded double-digit growth in its Abu Dhabi Stop-over Programme. The programme offers special deals including two stays for the price of one, as well as excursions including desert tours and mosque visits. Hotel prices start from USD36pp pn.

Qatar To AdelaideQatar Airways has added another Australian city to its network, an-nouncing it will fly daily to Adelaide from May 2016. The airline, which already operates to Brisbane and Melbourne, recently announced its plans to launch flights to Sydney.The New Zealand Government an-nounced in Sep that it had signed an open skies air services agreement with Qatar, saying the ‘opportunity now exists for Qatar Airways to serve New Zealand and this would be a welcome development’.

QF Los Angeles DealQantas has flights to Los Angeles on sale until 16 Oct, starting from $565 one-way or $1099 return.

New Zealanders aren’t forgoing their family holiday because of rising concerns around the econ-omy and cost of living, according to Expedia.Despite a weaker NZD, almost a third (30%) of those surveyed by Expedia are still planning to take an overseas holiday, though 9% are planning to travel to more affordable destina-tions or reducing the time they will go away for. A further third (34%) are choosing a domestic holiday in New Zealand. A large portion of Kiwi parents make travel a key priority, ranking quality family time as the strongest motiva-tion for making holiday plans (45%). It came ahead of having no inter-ruptions from work (20%) and in-troducing children to new cities and broadening their horizons (16%).When it comes to booking, price is a key consideration with the cost of accommodation (64%), flights (56%), and getting a ‘deal’ on accom-modation and flights (49%) the most important factors.To get the best deal, parents are researching cost-cutting measures

online (63%), grabbing last-minute deals (30%), opting for all-inclusive holidays (26%) and signing up for travel loyalty programs (17%). More than one in five parents (22%) pack-age their flight and hotel together to save.

. . . Where They GoExpedia.co.nz is seeing strong year-on-year demand from families for package holidays to destinations including Melbourne (91%), Sydney (51%), Fiji (37%), Phuket (33%), and Samoa (29%).

Weaker NZD Won’t Stop Family Travel

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Royal Caribbean International’s Vision of the Seas provided food, water and medical treatment to 45 occupants onboard a small boat sailing near Kusadasi, Turkey this week. Coastguard was notified and re-sponded to the boat a few hours later, says RCI. A Kiwi traveller who was onboard Vision of the Seas told NZ

Herald that ship staff lowered tender boats to assist the ‘refugees’, before they were transferred onto Coast-guard’s boat, leaving their ‘inflatable dinghy’ behind. Under maritime law ships have an obligation to provide assistance to anyone in distress at sea. Vision of the Seas is currently on a 12-night sailing that departed Barcelona on 07 Oct. The cruise in-cludes port calls to Cannes; Florence/Pisa, Amalfi Coast, Rome, Santorini, Athens, and Ephesus.

More Ships To ChinaCarnival Cruise Line and AIDA Cruises are set to join Costa Cruises and Princess Cruises in China come 2017; a move which signifies the growing interest in cruising from Chinese travellers. Carnival and AIDA will each have one vessel based in China year-round. Carnival Cor-poration will be the first company to operate four brands in China, which it says is expected to eventu-ally become the world’s largest cruise market.This follows the news that Norwegian Cruise Line will introduce its first purpose-built ship customised for the China market in 2017. It is cur-rently under construction.

Regent Winter CollectionReservations are now open for Regent Seven Seas Cruises 2016-2017 Winter Collection, in which every itin-erary includes free unlimited Wi-Fi. Cruise Holidays says there’s 56 itiner-aries across the Mediterranean, Ca-ribbean, Asia and the Pacific, Canada and New England, Africa and Alaska as well as 16 Grand Voyages and one World Cruise. Select voyages feature free three-night land programs for all suite categories and Seven Seas Society Savings of up to USD6000. To download a copy, CLICK HERE

Royal Caribbean Helps ‘Refugees’

Caribbean Christmas Sailing With Sea DreamSeaDream Yacht Club has a tempting alternative for Christmas this year with eight days in the Southern Caribbean. The roundtrip Bridgetown, Bar-bados cruise, with a maximum of 112 guests, departs 19 Dec and is priced from USD5647pp s/t. For those looking for a longer break, they can add-on the week before sailing from Marigot on Saint Martin to Barbados from USD3391pp s/t. When booking both clients can save 10% off the Christmas sailing, saving over USD500-USD5127pp s/t. See seadream.com

Castles Along The RhineUniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection’s seven-night Castles Along the Rhine cruise from Amster-dam to Basel is on sale now, advises GO Holidays. On sale to 30 Nov and departing 06 Apr 2016, it is priced from $2429, with many inclusions. GO has full details.

Tulips & Windmills TourViking River Cruises is offering a Tulips & Windmills itinerary on a one-off cruise escorted by garden writer Robin Powell. The 11-day cruise-tour is priced from $7199pp, including return air from Australia and all taxes, and is on 19-30 Apr 2016.

New Lisbon TerminalA new cruise terminal is set to be built in Lisbon, and it’s expected it will be ready next year. Lisbon Cruise Terminals told Lusa News Agency the EUR23 million cruise ship terminal will cover an area of around 13,000 square metres and will handle pas-sengers from several ships at the same time. Additionally there will be a rooftop restaurant, a café, a small shopping area, post office and chemist. Lisbon currently welcomes 550,000 cruise passengers a year reports the news agency, however, port authorities want to double this number over the next 10 years.

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New Choice AdditionsChoice Hotels Asia Pacific has added three new properties in New South Wales to its portfolio—and says the addition is a reflection of a ‘strong year of growth’ for the company.The hotels include the Comfort Inn Aden Mudgee, Quality Hotel Ballina and Econo Lodge Tramworth.

Matavai ExpansionThe New Zealand Government will invest $7.5 million in expanding Niue’s Scenic Matavai Resort, For-eign Minister Murray McCully an-nounced today. The funding will go towards developing a further 20 rooms at the resort, as well as con-ference facilities.“This latest expansion will accom-modate an average increase of 2000 visitors per year to the Matavai, which in turn will bring almost $1 million in extra revenue to Niue an-nually,” says McCully.New Zealand has invested $18 mil-lion since 2009 in developing Niue’s tourism sector—in which time visitor numbers have more than doubled and visitor expenditure has increased around 90%, he says.“The investment will also contribute to the Niuean Government’s target of growing tourism by 10%, and its goal of long-term economic sustain-ability,” McCully says.

SPTO Brand ChangeMembers of the South Pacif ic Tourism Organisation (SPTO) have approved a brand redevelopment project for the organisation at its annual meeting in Tahiti. Plans will now be put to the board for endorse-ment.

Singapore Airlines is to take back the title of world’s longest flight from Qantas with the re-launch of its Singapore-New York flights.Under an amendment to SQ’s exist-ing order for 63 A350-900s, seven will now be delivered with an ultra-long range capability, allowing flights of up to 19 hours.SQ will use the new aircraft for the return of its 19-hour SIN-NYC flights, which it stopped operating in 2013. It will also re-launch flights to Los Angeles. SQ’s first A350-900ULR is scheduled to be delivered in 2018.“Our customers have been asking us to re-start non-stop Singapore-US flights and we are pleased that Airbus was able to offer the right aircraft to

do so in a commercially viable man-ner,” says SQ Goh Choon Phong.

. . . And AmsterdamSQ has also announced that Amster-dam will be the inaugural destina-tion for its new A350-900 fleet, with services expected to begin by Apr.The carrier’s first A350-900 (pic-tured) has been revealed in the air-line’s livery following completion of painting in Toulouse. The aircraft is now set to move to the next stages of production, including the installation of engines and cabin furnishing, before starting ground and flight tests. The aircraft is sched-uled for delivery in the first quarter of 2016.

SQ To Take Back Longest Flight

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RoomsXML is launching a version of its Real Rewards agent rewards programme for ‘solo agents’ or brokers.“There are more and more ‘work from home’ agents like Travel Manag-ers… and the trend will continue,” says roomsXML Asia Pacific manag-ing director Mark Luckey.“Solo agents can’t hit the targets that an agency with four or five staff can. So we have tailored rewards for the individual agent to give them some-thing to aim for. They are a valued part of our business.”RoomsXML has issued ‘piles’ of vouchers, with some agencies earn-ing in excess of $800 per quarter, through the Real Rewards pro-gramme, says Luckey.

. . . DonationsAgents can also opt to give their money to charity, and roomsXML will match their contribution with the money going to a roomsXML-supported education initiative.“Many support a variety of charities and I am astounded with the gener-osity of Australian and New Zealand

travel agents. This quarter alone, agents gave up over $2500 worth of vouchers,” says Luckey. “When matched by roomsXML it means $5000 goes towards kids’ education. It’s great to partner with agents on charitable initiatives.”E-mail nz.support@roomsxml.com

RoomsXML Rewards For ‘Solo Agents’

New Year’s Eve 2016 Up London’s ShardClients can watch all of London celebrate New Year’s Eve from The Shard, the tallest building in Western Europe. The Shard will host a New Year’s par-ty complete with cocktails, live music, a DJ, champagne at midnight and a free goody bag. Tickets are GBP149.95 each, see theviewfromtheshard.com

Pullman Event SavingsClients who book one of Pullman Auckland’s 16 venues for their next event, from now until 31 Dec, will re-ceive complimentary audio visual. Bo-nus equipment includes a free plasma screen for meetings in the Pullman or Gallery boardroom; screen and pro-jector for meetings in the Gallery or Regatta Rooms, or conferences in the Princess Ballroom; and a gala dinner in the Princes Ballroom will receive free table pin spot lighting.

HoT Agent To BaliHouse of Travel Ponsonby’s Bianca Ratima has won a Club Med Bali holiday for two adults and two chil-dren thanks to her efforts selling the resort. Bianca will be heading to Club Med Bali, most likely in Mar 2016, for a six-night stay in a superior room.

Paradise Resort SoldThe sale of Paradise Resort Gold Coast to the Ralan Group is due to be finalised 18 Nov following a year-long settlement, the resort has advised. The current management team will remain in place and the re-sort will operate as usual, with only a few behind-the-scenes changes. The logo will be changed to remove the Zagame’s family name.

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IndustryDiary

OCTOBERBula Marau Fiji Roadshow – Luxury & CouplesHamilton: Thu 15, Novotel Tainui, 1730-2030.

Innovative Travel Ancient Kingdoms Holidays 2016 Launch Wellington: Mon 19, The Wellington Club, 1730. Auckland: Tue 20, Parnell’s on the Rose Garden, 1730. Christchurch: Wed 21, Christchurch Bridge Club, 1730.

South Pacific Association of National Tourism OffficesTauranga: Tue 20, Club Mount Maunganui, 1730. Rotorua: Wed 21, Novotel Rotorua Lakeside 1730.

Sunshine Coast RoadshowAuckland, Tue 27, Pullman Hotel, 1730-1930. Hamilton, Wed 28, Novotel Tainui, 1730-1930. Christchurch, Thu 29, The George, 1730-1930.

NOVEMBERExotic Holidays RoadshowHamilton: Mon 16, Evening. Auckland: Tue17, Evening, with special guest India TourismNew Plymouth: Wed 18, Evening.Christchurch: Thu 19, Evening. Dunedin: Fri 20, Evening.Wellington: Mon 23, Evening.Napier: Tue 24, Lunch. Hastings: Tue 24, Evening. Tauranga: Wed 25, Evening. Venues, times tba.

FEBRUARY 2016Brand USA - Discover America EventsChristchurch: Mon 22, Rydges Latimar Hotel, 1700-2130.Auckland: Tue 23, The Cloud, Queens Wharf, 1700-2130.

JAWS RoadshowDunedin: Mon 29.Venues, times tba.

For more see Monday’s TRAVEL TODAY

Vegas New Year’sThe High Roller observation wheel in Las Vegas is offering guests the chance to experience New Year’s Eve with views over the Vegas Strip. Each of the wheel’s 28 cabins can accommodate up to 25 guests, and offer a full bar and champagne toast at midnight. Individual tickets are from USD250pp; or a private cabin can be rented out from USD6250.

Wyndham RewardsWyndham has unveiled what it says is the ‘world’s most generous rewards programme’ for meeting planners, who can earn one point for every dollar spent on qualify-ing revenue, regardless of billing method. The new go meet prog ramme aligns with Wyndham Rewards. See wyndhamrewards.com/gomeet

Sky-High ADL ParkA 26m high aerial playground is opening in Adelaide next month, says Tourism Australia. The first of its kind in Australia, the Mega Adventure Park offers 120 activities over four levels including suspen-sion bridges, rope bridges and zip wires. See megaadventure.com.au

More Awesome LegolandA new 4D animated film featuring the characters from the Lego Movie will screen at Legoland parks and discovery centres around the world from next Jan.In The Lego Movie 4D: A New Adven-ture, the characters receive a mysteri-ous invitation to a new theme park based on their adventures, only to be thrust into the middle of an evil plot—which the audience must help them solve. Wind, water, smoke and special lighting effects will be used to bring the story to life.The movie premieres at the Florida resort on 29 Jan, followed by Califor-nia 06 Feb, and rolling out across the world afterwards.

Oaks Oasis on the Sunshine Coast has unveiled its new-look water play park and will complete a new outdoor adventure zone in the coming months, says Sunshine Coast Destination.The water play park has recently un-dergone upgrades and maintenance, and is ready to welcome guests with water slides, fountains and splash zones for children aged 12 and under.Meanwhile a new adventure zone for guests will feature an 18-hole mini-golf course, sandpit, climbing frame and giant jumping pillow. It’s expected to be complete by Dec.The resort is offering special rates from AUD131pn (for a minimum two-night stay) in an executive family

Family Fun On The Sunshine Coast

room, including late check-out, free Wi-Fi and free breakfast for children under 12. The rates are valid for travel to 24 Mar. See oakshotelsresort.com

Aga Reef ExcellenceAga Reef Resort in Samoa has been awarded a hotels.com certificate of excellence, scoring 4.6 out of five—a direct result of positive feedback from customers who have stayed at the resort, says local rep Sunseeker Travel Marketing.

HoT’s 10-year Hospice SupportHouse of Travel last night celebrated 10 years of supporting Hospice New Zealand by presenting Mercy Hospice with a $4000 cheque at a function in Ponsonby. The donation was generated from fundraising efforts by head office staff over the past few months. HoT executive chairman Chris Paulsen says it has been ‘extremely gratifying’ for the company to provide support for the organisation. “Staff across HoT Holdings and our retail stores have been involved with a number of activities over the years to raise awareness and funds for Hospice New Zealand. . . Hospice’s mission is to help people make the most of their lives and to live every moment in whatever way is important to them—a philosophy we celebrate at HoT.”Pictured: HoT’s Brent Thomas, Ken Freer, Mike Geary and Chris Paulsen.

Marketing Manager of Adventure World NZ, Fiona Love, raves about the endless possibilities travellers can experience while exploring the wonders of Alaska. “From bear viewing in Denali National Park with the backdrop of Mt McKinley to paddle boarding through a sea of icebergs in the Inside Passage; meeting unique native Alaskans from whom you’ll absorb the traditional music to visiting the isolated town of Barrow, the northernmost point on the North American continent, Alaska is a

Discover Alaska’s Natural Wonders

As Alaska’s lively state capital and one of Alaska’s oldest cities, Juneau features many stunning attractions such as the Menden-hall Glacier and the Red Dog Saloon. With such an abundance

Denali National Park is home to Alaska’s ‘Big F ive ’ ; bears , wolves, dall sheep, caribou and moose. This thriving landscape is backed by the dominat-ing Mt McKinley, one of the most amazing sights in Alaska. Explore this stunning park and many other impressive sites on Adventure World’s 10 day Alaska Highlights Drive pr iced f rom $4,088*. Driving in Alaska allows your clients to get off the beaten path and explore areas otherwise rarely visited. Your clients can uncover the highlights of Alaska on this self-drive itiner-ary that lets them explore the amazing sites of this spectacular region at their own pace.

A UNESCO World heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve, Glacier Bay National Park is Alaska’s crown jewel national park. Explore coves and corners of the bay on Adventure World’s 6 day Bears, Whales and Glaciers journey priced from $5,099*. On one of the days, your clients will board a cruise for a full day adventure into Glacier Bay National Park where they will enjoy spectacular glacial scenery and watch for wildlife including whales, sea lions, seals, otters, mountain goats and eagles during this fantastic excursion.

Need more information?Want to learn more about Alaska? Adventure World’s team of experts are more than happy to help you. For more information please feel free to contact them on 0508 496 753 or visit www.adventureworld.co.nz.

place of unimaginable scale.”“Nicknamed ‘The Last Frontier’, it’s the realm of bald eagles, grizzlies, orcas, alpine peaks, and glacier-carved fjords and New Zealand trav-ellers are discovering just how fascinating a destination Alaska can really be” says Love.To cater to a variety of travel styles, Adventure World offers a range of trips to this stunning region, and are able to tailor-make packages to suit your client’s needs.

of sights to see and activities to do, there’s certain to be some-thing for your clients in Juneau. Let your clients discover the city of Juneau on Adventure World’s 10 day Alaska’s Inside Passage & Denali National Park Explorer journey priced from $5,109*. Your clients get to explore the waters around Juneau on a whale watch-ing cruise and enjoy a meal at the Gold Creek Salmon Bake; more than just a meal, the great food, live music, activities and rainfor-est setting make this an ultimate Alaska experience.

Glacier Bay

Denali National Park

Juneau

Travel Today, Thursday 15 October 2015 Page 7ADVERTORIAL

Sandpipers RestaurantLocated in the heart of Nelson Bay CBD, Sandpipers Restaurant offers great food and service in a relaxed at-mosphere. Clients can taste the fresh-est local seafood, on the restaurant’s modern Australian menu. Sandpipers is family owned, giving it a homely warmth for clients to enjoy. See sandpipersrestaurant.com.au

On day t h re e of t he Vi rg i n Australia and Air New Zealand Destination NSW famil, agents journeyed an hour-and-a-half to the coast for seaside entertainment. First stop was Williamtown, home to the largest sand dunes in the South-ern Hemisphere, and the group got to experience them first-hand with Sand Dune Adventures.The company offers guided quad bike tours taking place on private freehold lands contained within the unique coastal sand dunes of the Stockton Bight. Clients can jump on their own quad bike and zip over the monstrous sand mountains led by knowledge-able guides. The dunes are owned by the Aborig-inal land council and most guides share the heritage and are indig-enous to the region. Manager Scott Newlin and guides Rob Chaffey and Tyson Stamp offer one-and-a-half hour tours where

clients can sand toboggan over the dunes. Or a two-and-a-half hour Aboriginal culture sand tour where clients can learn of the culture of the indigenous Worrimi clan, includ-ing traditional bush tucker and the whereabouts of ancient burial sites as well as information on ancient weaponry. Prices start at AUD110 for adults and AUD65 for children aged as young as seven. Earliest tours kick-off at 0800, with the last leaving at 1800. See sandduneadventures.com.au

Zipping Over Giant Coastal Dunes

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Dolphin Watch CruiseTamboi Queen Cruises offers clients a choice of four boats with a variety of departure times for Dolphin Watching cruises. Experienced skippers tell about the dolphins in Nelson Bay’s port in an informative way. Clients can also swim in nets attached along-side the boats while the boat glides gently across the water. The small bar on-board allows for a relaxing ride, they even carry ice-creams for clients who really want to chill. See tamboiqueencruises.com

Nelson Bay BeachesLocated on the southern shores of Port Stephens, Nelson Bay offers beautiful beaches such as Dutch-mans Beach and Little Beach. It is ideal for a wide range of water activities including diving and snorkelling. Clients can stop for lunch at Crest in the Birubi Point Surf Life Saving Club, a destination for fine food perched at the north-ern end of Stock Bight with views across the Stockton Sand Dunes and the extended coastline. Clients can enjoy the large servings of amazing cuisine and take a dip in the ocean afterwards to cool off. See crestbirubibeach.com.auPictured: 1 Gemma Pearce, House of Travel Barrington and Vanessa Noronha, House of Travel New Lynn, at Birubi Beach. 2 Jodi Muggeridge, Mondo Travel Hawera, at Crest.

Tackling The Famous Williamtown Sand Dunes By Quad Bike

Karen Start of Flight Centre Napier is pictured enjoying a Titanic moment on the cruise.