New Zealand
New Zealand & Fiji Destination Management Company: DMC and Planner
for Specialist Incentive, Conference, Event and Convention Travel Organisers Worldwide
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TOUR HOSTS DESTINATION MANAGEMENT
(SITE / IAPCO / ICCA / INCON) |
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COUNTRY MAP
(Map by kind permission of the CIA Official Website)
General Information
| Government |
Federal Parliamentary State |
| Capital |
Wellington |
| GMT |
+10 / 13 hours |
| Online Weekly Weather |
www.bbc.co.uk/weather/5day |
| Yearly Weather Climate |
www.worldtravelguide.net/data/nzl/nzl500.asp
(Summer 20 - 30 degrees CelsiusWinter 10 -15 degrees Celsius) |
| Airport |
Auckland International Airport |
| Average Flying Time from London |
23 hours |
| Passport & Visa Requirements |
www.worldtravelguide.net/data/nzl/nzl040.asp
Everyone entering New Zealand must hold a valid passport and this must have an expiry date not less than three months after the intended date of departure. One must get a visitor's visa before you travel to New Zealand, unless you are either:(a) An Australian citizen travelling on an Australian passport or an Australian resident with a current Australian resident return visa OR (b) A citizen of an any country which has a visa waiver agreement with New Zealand |
| Health and Medical information |
www.worldtravelguide.net/data/nzl/nzl080.asp |
| Public Holidays |
www.worldtravelguide.net/data/nzl/nzl070.asp |
| Currency |
1 New Zealand Dollar = 100 Cents |
| Currency Converter |
www.oanda.com/convert/classic |
| Language |
English, Maori |
| Electricity |
220/240 volts, 50 cycles |
| Population |
3 908 037 |
| Total Land Area |
268 680sq km |
| Driving |
On the left |
| Transportation |
Public transport facilities are good even in remote districts. Ships provide fast overnight service between the North Island and the South Island and along the coasts. The country's principal ports are Auckland, Wellington, Tauranga, and Lyttelton (near Christchurch). Air transport is widely used, with numerous airfields located throughout the country to serve private pilots. Air New Zealand is the leading airline. |
Company
TOUR HOSTS DESTINATION MANAGEMENT
Tour Hosts Destination Management offers a fresh approach to ground support solutions, providing incentive, meeting and event organizers with innovative itineraries and unparalleled client service.
Experts in developing and executing extraordinary programs, our focus is meticulous pre-event planning complemented by extensive destination knowledge; ensuring a program that will exceed all expectations. Strong supplier relationships achieved through volume of business and industry recognition ensures that our clients are provided with the best services at the best prices. This, coupled with program creativity and strong financial skills, results in a product suite that ranges from the cost conscious to the 5 star budget.
With a portfolio encompassing Australia, New Zealand and Fiji, Tour Hosts Destination Management is the South Pacific's leading DMC. Our parent company, Tour Hosts Pty Limited has been operating for over thirty years and in that time we have established an enviable and well respected reputation in the incentive and meetings industry.
Incentives and Special Interest Groups
Whether it's a well-earned incentive program or special interest group, our objective is to ensure a sense of reward and fulfillment, achieved by well-designed itineraries and organisation.
- Experienced dedicated operations staff
- Creative planning and attention to detail
- Reliable and respected service providers
- Great delivery of motivational and corporate events.
Conference Tours
We design and operate programs for conference organisers, travel agents, associations and corporations worldwide to give delegates a special memory of their experiences. Programs are designed for all nationalities, with specific attention to cultural and dietary needs.
- Day tours in cities Australia wide
- Pre and post conference tours to the most sought after destinations in Australia and New Zealand
- Technical tours and field trips
- Accompanying persons programs
- Social activities
- Hospitality and tours desk
- Multilingual staff and accredited tour guides
- Accommodation reservations
- Ground transportation
Let us be the planner for your next meeting or event.
TOUR HOSTS DESTINATION MANAGEMENT is a member of:
- Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC)
- Tourism Council of Australia (TCA)
- Australasian Incentive Association (AIA)
- International Special Events Society (ISES)
- Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA)
- International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO)
- Meetings and Events Australia (MEA)
- Exhibition Industry Association of Australia (EIAA)
- Australian Society of Association Executives (AUSAE)
- International Congress & Convention Association (ICCA)
- Convention Bureaux throughout Australia
Destination
New Zealand's awesome landscapes, lush forests, amazing wildlife and pleasant climate make it a haven for many outdoor activities, and a great place to unwind.
New Zealand society is diverse, sophisticated, and multicultural, and the honesty, friendliness, and openness of Kiwis will impress you. And the great advantage of New Zealand is that all of its diverse physical, cultural, and artistic landscapes are so close to each other!
For about 70 million years New Zealand has been separate from other land masses and for all but the last 1500 years, it has been uninhabited by humans. During that long isolation unique forests and plant communities developed and ancient plants survived long after they had disappeared from the rest of the world. Some ancient and primitive animals also found a sanctuary in New Zealand.
New Zealand is a young land with perhaps the youngest human culture in the world. In the time since the world began, New Zealand's emergence from the sea accounts for only a couple of yesterdays and it was the last land to be discovered and settled. The impact on the landscape of the first race here, the Maori, was limited and only in the last 100 years or so has the arrival of the Europeans substantially altered the primeval nature of the country.
The land is the prime source of New Zealand's wealth. It is one of the most productive pastoral countries on earth and its industrial history is short, beginning in a significant way around World War II and broadening into major projects only in the last couple of decades. It is still mostly a country of forest and open farmland with high hills and higher mountains ever present in the background. Great natural beauty, small towns, modest cities, few people and an egalitarian democracy give it an air of unhurried prosperity. To say it has many elements of a South Seas paradise is not to overstate its virtues.
New Zealand is remarkable for the elegant stairways of terraces flanking the large valleys of both islands. New Zealanders like to say that their country offers so much scenic variety that there is nothing to be seen anywhere in the world which cannot be seen here.
Example Programmes
AUCKLAND
DAY ONE
On arrival into Auckland, you will be met by a tour representative and transferred by luxury coach to your city hotel.
Enjoy an orientation tour of Auckland, including the white sand beaches of Okahu Bay, Mission Bay, Kohimarama, St. Heliers, Waitemata Harbour, the Domain Parks & Gardens, Parnell and Westhaven Marina.
Dine at Orbit Restaurant, with its spectacular revolving view of Auckland from the top of Sky Tower and delicious New Zealand cuisine and wines. At 328 metres
(more than a thousand feet) it's the tallest structure in the Southern Hemisphere. On a clear day it offers breath-taking views for more than eighty kilometres
in every direction.
DAY TWO
Auckland has been named the "City of Sails" and no visit would be complete without a sailing adventure on the harbour. With three huge harbours and a gulf full of islands,
the Auckland region is as much about the sea as it is about land. Enjoy a hands-on experience sailing in the fast lane on board a genuine America's Cup racing yacht. Passengers become the crew and are encouraged to participate. This is the ideal activity in Auckland: 'City of Sails' and 'Home of the America's Cup'.
Our harbour experience continues with a short ferry transfer to Waiheke Island. Waiheke Island has beautiful beaches, native bush, vineyards, olive groves and laidback seaside villages. The climate of Waiheke Island, usually several degrees warmer than Auckland city, is ideal for wine production. Enjoy lunch at one of the award winning vineyards, and spend the remainder of the afternoon exploring the islands' vineyards and scenery.
Tonight enjoy dinner at Hammerheads Seafood Restaurant, situated along Tamaki Drive, right on the Auckland waterfront. With stunning views from its covered deck and art deco windows, the spacious restaurant is the perfect place for dinner and drinks after a day on the water. Sample New Zealand's world famous seafood and wines at one of Auckland's leading restaurants.
DAY THREE
West of Auckland, there are no limits to the untamed beaches, native bush, superb hospitality and fine wines on offer. Visit the Waimauku Valley and have lunch at The Hunting Lodge. Enjoy fine dining in a delightful 130 year old colonial cottage set amidst gardens and vineyards and overlooking the beautiful Waikoukou Valley in Waimauku, 35 minutes northwest of Auckland city. Experience award-winning chefs country fare, and New Zealand cuisine and wallow in the lovely old time ambience of a gracious home
Following lunch travel to Muriwai Beach and view the spectacular west coast scenery and take a close up view of the gannet colony (in residence October to April).
QUEENSTOWN
Queenstown is a place where history, magnificent scenery and natural attractions are accompanied by thrilling action for adventure-seekers and leisurely relaxation for pleasure -seekers. Though the early miners struggled with the mountain ranges, winter snowfalls, raging rivers and scorching summers, it is these attractions that provide recreation and adventure that makes Queenstown such an exciting destination today.
The town of Queenstown rests in the shelter of Queenstown Bay at the junction of the south and central arms of Lake Wakatipu. The Z-shaped lake is 77.2 kilometres long and covers an area of 293km.sq. making it New Zealand's third largest lake after Lake Taupo in the North Island and Lake Te Anau, its neighbour. It is 4.8 kilometres across at its widest point and plunges to a depth of 379 meters - which is 68 meters below sea level.
Queenstown Hill, 900 meters high, provides a view of the lake. The "Remarkables" rise up beyond the Frankton arm, and swinging west toward Eyre Mountains, the Cecil
and Walter Peaks stand out. The "Remarkables" are a sierra-like range rising steeply above the eastern side of the south arm of Lake Wakatipu.
DAY ONE
On arrival into Queenstown, board your luxury motor coach for a brief orientation tour of the township. A colourful town with a colourful past, its clusters down to its little square bay and its miniature wharves are still as though welcoming boatloads of gold prospectors. Queenstown was originally established as a sheep station. It
mushroomed into a township during the Wakatipu gold rush of the 1860's. Coronet Peak above Queenstown is the country's best known and most heavily patronised
ski field in New Zealand.
Ride on the Skyline Gondolas, which will carry you up the cableway to Bob's Peak, for magnificent vistas over the stunning surrounds.
This evening we take a special cruise to Walter Peak High Country Farm, located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Here we gain a fascinating insight into New Zealand high country life. Enjoy high country hospitality and a barbecue dinner featuring the best of New Zealand meats and seafood, along with fresh vegetables and garden salads. You may well find the dessert specialities hard to resist!
An entertaining after dinner show provides a glimpse into farming life. On your return cruise to Queenstown, relax with a drink from the bar or join a lively sing-along.
DAY TWO
This morning our adrenalin activities begin. This is the only way to experience Shotover River rafting in winter as well as summer! Climb aboard a jet-turbine-powered
helicopter for a spectacular flight up Skippers Canyon, the site of one of the world's richest gold strikes. The flight pushes your adrenalin level to the edge with a
roller coaster ride through the Canyon.
Rafting from Deep Creek over peaceful waters at first, we head toward the exhilarating rapids of the lower Canyon, experiencing the memorable rapids Rock Garden, Sharks Fin, Toilet, Pinball, Jaws, Sequel and the unforgettable 170m Oxenbridge Tunnel, followed closely by Cascade Rapid
On arrival back in Queenstown enjoy lunch at the King George V Coronation Bathhouse. The Bathhouse Restaurant, as it's known, is situated right on the shore of beautiful Lake Wakatipu. Originally built to commemorate the coronation of King George the Fifth, the bathhouse was renovated in 1997 and has been reformed to its former grandeur as a charming restaurant and café. Large beachfront windows now provide stunning views of the lake towards Walter Peak, and boats bob in the gentle breeze. Steamer chairs sit invitingly on the boardwalk, and inside there is a cosy conservatory feel, with the glass and metal furniture and painted wood.
Following an action packed morning enjoy a leisurely lunch and time to explore Queenstown.
Gibbston Valley is one of New Zealand's leading boutique wine producers. At a latitude of 45 south, the winery is the southmost wine making region in the world. Unique to the winery is New Zealand's largest and most innovative wine cave. The cave's constant humidity and temperature provide a perfect haven for the maturation of award winning wines.
Transfer via motor coach to Gibbston Valley. Upon arrival the Gibbston Valley Monks will invite you into the Cave! The 'Brothers' will meet guests as the bells toll and Gregorian Chats echo from within. Inside the cave, participate in an informative and interesting tour of the Wine Cave followed by wine tasting of some of the very fine award winning local wines. Deep underground you will be hosted by experienced wine experts, in the candlelit surrounds, the caves are at a constant temperature of
13 - 14 degrees. Sample a selection of wines accompanied by antipasto platters.
From the cave move to the restaurant for a sumptuous dinner. A strong emphasis is placed on fresh local produce and ingredients with the inherent belief good food should be enjoyed with good wine!
DAY THREE
Join your fellow incentive travellers for a day of exhilaration and adventure! Your day begins when you board your waiting 4WD's driven by a local experienced driver / guide. Grid Lock - A Driving Challenge with a distinct Orientation!
Grid Lock is a team challenge event around the Queenstown Lakes & Arrowtown area where you are involved in cracking the clues and finding the answers. A combination
of reading maps, orientation, logic, cryptic and general knowledge clues are given, and your answers are required to help find the next geographic location in the area.
Your adventure will lead you to Skippers Road, a legendary dirt road, hand carved out of solid rock during the gold rush period. It looks fit for one way traffic only, but there is two way traffic and its windy tracks, steep gradients and extreme drops on either side of the road, make this journey a complete thrill!
We take this route, with outstanding views at every hairpin turn, across the spectacular Skippers suspension bridge to the old township of Skippers for lunch. Results and prize giving are held prior to a relaxed barbeque luncheon, where stories will be swapped and tales told of this mornings adventure.
Skippers Canyon never fails to amaze visitors, by both the man made and natural features of this unusual landscape. Following lunch, we take on the speed and excitement, combined with spectacular river scenery as we jet boat down the river, returning to Queenstown.
ROTORUA
Rotorua is one of the most famous destinations in New Zealand, and has a long history of welcoming visitors. From the moment people arrive in Rotorua they know they're somewhere quite different. There is a scent of sulphur in the air, and at nearby geothermal hotspots there are spouting geysers, acrid-smelling mud pools bubbling and belching, and warm geothermal pools and ponds that create a kaleidoscope of colour.
Within the District itself, most attractions are based around its two greatest assets - geothermal features and the lakes. Both are directly attributable to continuing volcanic activity, which has formed and reformed the landscape. At around 300 metres above sea level, the District is located on the Volcanic Plateau, and geological record shows that there has been ceaseless activity in this area for millennia, ranging from minor hot springs through to huge prehistoric ignimbritic flows, which smothered the entire landscape.
Rotorua is also the heartland of New Zealand's Maori culture. Enveloping warmth, a proud spirit, a deep sense of history and a quick humour - you'll find all these qualities in your experiences with Maori culture.
DAY ONE
New Zealand relies heavily on its sheep as a major source of income. Visit the world famous Agrodome where you can watch a sheep shearing display and sheepdog trials, feed baby lambs, or try your hand at milking a cow.
Enjoy lunch at Rainbow Springs, before exploring Rainbow Springs crystal clear pools, aviaries, and New Zealand's native and introduced flora and fauna.
In the afternoon explore Rotorua's geothermal attractions. View towering geysers erupting majestically to huge heights. Experience the power of violently boiling pools of
mud and be amazed at the huge steamy volcanic craters. Colours unimaginable of every tint and hue abound pools, volcanic lakes, and even the paths you walk on, like natures own ever changing artists palette.
An evening Maori Concert and Hangi dinner is a unique insight into this fascinating culture. You are taken back in time to experience pre-European NZ. Walk through the forest village before it's spiritual melody is broken by the blood-curdling cry of the challenge. Walk through the re-created village as it comes to life. Enjoy a traditional Maori performance before our hangi dinner. The Hangi is a mixture of lamb, kumara (sweet potato) chicken, wild game, potato, pork and beef. A deep hole dug in the ground, is lined with red-hot stones and covered with vegetation. The food is then placed on top. The whole oven is sprinkled with water and sealed with more vegetation. The hole is then filled with earth and left to steam for several hours. The end result is succulent and juicy with a subtle smoky flavour - delicious!
DAY TWO
Mt Tarawera is New Zealand's largest volcanic eruption in living memory. Share this tribal landmark with the Ngati Rangitihi tribe, guardians of this sacred volcano. Erupting
on June 10 1886 it killed over 150 people & destroyed the 8th Wonder of the World, the famous Pink & White Silica Terraces.
Today we visit the volcano and witness first hand the devastation of this eruption. There are now nine craters, which span seven kilometres across the volcano top. Enjoy a 4WD trip to the top of the craters and a hike around the summit, taking in the spectacular views of the craters and surrounding mountains and lakes.
Suggested Sightseeing
AUCKLAND
City Sights tour of Auckland: Enjoy an orientation tour of Auckland, including the white sand beaches of Okahu Bay, Mission Bay, Kohimarama, St. Heliers, Waitemata Harbour, the Domain Parks & Gardens, Parnell and Westhaven Marina.
Sailing on Auckland Harbour: Sailing on Auckland Harbour is a "must do" activity" when visiting this city which is known as the 'City of Sails' and 'Home of the America's Cup'. With three huge harbours and a gulf full of islands, the Auckland region is as much about the sea as it is about land. Passengers are encouraged to participate, or can sit back and take in the wonderful views of Auckland Harbour.
Waiheke Island: Just a 35-minute cruise from Auckland, Waiheke Island has beautiful beaches, native bush, vineyards, olive groves and laidback seaside villages. The climate of Waiheke Island, usually several degrees warmer than Auckland city, is ideal for wine production. After spending the morning exploring some of the island, visit one of the vineyards for lunch.
Waitakere Ranges & Waimauku Valley: The Waitakere Ranges are a half-hour drive from the central city. Travel along the scenic drive to Piha and visit the Arataki Visitor Centre, in the heart of the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park. Learn about the local history and experience the spectacular coastal views of Auckland's twin harbours. Continue to the Cascade Kauri Regional Park. Walk amongst ancient Kauri trees along the newly upgraded Montana Heritage Trail, complete with unique signage telling the intriguing heritage stories of the area. Continue to the Waimauku Valley and have lunch at The Hunting Lodge before embarking on an idyllic afternoon of wine tasting at four top vineyards. Matua Valley, Kumeu River, Coopers Creek and West Brook are four wineries that offer a unique range of award-winning wines and visiting experiences. Enjoy the picturesque gardens, sit by a tranquil lake, peruse sculpture and above all, enjoy the fine wines these wineries produce.
ROTORUA
Maori Arts & Crafts: Rotorua is the heartland of New Zealand's M