Win a trip to Japan valued at over $14,000
The 15-day guided trip includes:
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NZ Herald
2 days ago
- NZ Herald
Win a trip to Japan valued at over $14,000
The New Zealand Herald has partnered with Inspiring Vacations to give you the chance to win a 15-day guided tour for two through the captivating sights of Japan, valued at $14,788 NZD. The 15-day guided trip includes:
NZ Herald
14-07-2025
- NZ Herald
Why East Antarctica is your next life-changing journey
This article was prepared by Scenic Cruises and is being published by the New Zealand Herald as advertorial. Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime expedition voyage to East Antarctica and the Ross Sea – departing from Christchurch (Timaru) and Queenstown – and experience one of the most remote and spectacular regions on Earth. With ultra-luxury comfort on board Scenic Eclipse II, this journey combines rare access, rich history, and incredible natural wonders. Why East Antarctica and the Ross Sea? Named after explorer James Clark Ross, the Ross Sea played a vital role during the Golden Age of Antarctic Exploration. Historic figures like Scott, Shackleton, and Amundsen launched their iconic expeditions here. Today, its pristine landscapes and crucial scientific value make it both a natural wonder and a living museum. The region is home to the colossal Ross Ice Shelf, vast colonies of Adélie penguins, and abundant marine life including orcas, whales, and seals. You may also visit the Mars-like McMurdo Dry Valleys – among the driest places on Earth – via the two on board helicopters. Six reasons to journey with Scenic Eclipse II: 1. Depart closer to home Skip the long transit to South America. Voyages depart from Christchurch, Queenstown and Hobart. 2. Marvel at the Ross Ice Shelf Cruise past towering 50m ice cliffs. Zodiac excursions offer intimate wildlife encounters guided by the expert Discovery Team. 3. Explore the McMurdo Dry Valleys Accessible only by air with the on board Scenic helicopters, these dramatic, snow-free valleys are hubs for climate and planetary research. Guests can book and explore this unique region via a helicopter excursion on Ross Sea voyages in January and February 2026. 4. Step into history Weather permitting, visit explorer huts from early 20th-century expeditions. Scenic guests enjoy an included exclusive helicopter^ access to Cape Denison's Mawson's Hut on the East Antarctica voyage in December 2025. 5. Learn from experts Enrich your journey with talks from conservationists, historians, and polar legends like Robert Swan and his son Barney, plus Ian Godfrey of the Mawson's Hut Foundation. 6. Unwind in 6-star luxury Enjoy world-class dining, indulgent spa treatments#, butler service, and exploration via submarine, kayak, and helicopter. When to go Scenic only has three more planned departures to explore East Antarctica is from December 2025 to February 2026, with milder weather, retreating sea ice, and long daylight hours. What makes Scenic Eclipse II unique Purpose-built for polar exploration, Scenic Eclipse II features a Polar Class 6 rating, state-of-the-art stabilisers, and GPS Dynamic Positioning. Aboard, enjoy 10 culinary experiences, eight bars and lounges, a 550m² Senses Spa, and a world-leading Discovery Team of up to 20 experts. Led by seasoned professionals like Director of Discovery Operations Jason Flesher and Captain Erwan le Rouzic or James Griffiths, your voyage is expertly curated based on years of experience and daily conditions. With only 200 guests per voyage, suites are limited. Book now and uncover the awe-inspiring beauty of East Antarctica and the Ross Sea from December 2025 to February 2026.
Scoop
20-06-2025
- Scoop
Air New Zealand, Air China, & Tourism NZ Announce Strategic Investment To Boost Chinese Travel Demand To Aotearoa
In a step to further support the revitalisation of Chinese tourism to New Zealand, Air New Zealand, Air China, and Tourism New Zealand have today announced a partnership aimed at strengthening travel from China to New Zealand. The tripartite partnership will see nearly half a million NZD invested from the three organisations going toward stimulating inbound tourism from China, in addition to Air New Zealand and Tourism New Zealand's existing investments in the market. Over the next 12 months, Air New Zealand will invest more than $700,000 in marketing through strategic partnerships – an addition to the airline's significant and ongoing marketing commitment in China. The new funding will be used to support a marketing campaign to drive greater awareness of New Zealand as a preferred destination for Chinese travellers. It is also an opportunity to highlight the longstanding alliance between Air New Zealand and Air China launched in 2015, which has provided greater connectivity, codeshare convenience, and a seamless customer experience for travellers between China and New Zealand. China is New Zealand's third largest source of international visitors, comprising around 8% of total visitor arrivals. In the year to March 2025, 248,000 Chinese travellers visited New Zealand, up 18 per cent on the prior year. Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Greg Foran said the airline's service between Shanghai and Auckland are going from strength to strength. "China is an incredibly important market for us, and we're proud of the role our Shanghai service has played in connecting people, cargo, and cultures over the past decade. This joint investment is an opportunity to further stimulate travel demand to encourage growth in inbound tourism from China to New Zealand. 'We're looking forward to having our brand-new cabins on our 787 aircraft flying to Shanghai on occasion, offering Chinese customers the opportunity to be among the first to experience our enhanced onboard experience. From October, we'll see a 33% increase in premium seats on the Shanghai–Auckland route, giving customers even more opportunity to travel with additional space and comfort to New Zealand." Mr. Ma Chongxian, the Chairman of CNAH, expressed confidence in the recovery of China-New Zealand market and the alliance partnership between Air China and Air New Zealand. 'New Zealand market has always been the key focus in our Asia-Pacific network. We have deeply engaged in Beijing-Auckland service since 2015. As our strategic alliance with Air New Zealand reinforces the mutual trust and support, our network, products and services have been optimized along the way. The partnership has played a positive role in jointly promoting economic and trade growth and fostering cross-cultural communication between China and New Zealand. 'Embracing the second decade of China-New Zealand Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the tenth anniversary of the alliance partnership between Air China and Air New Zealand, we would like to join Air New Zealand and Tourism New Zealand in further facilitating market recovery and expanding collaborations to deepen practical cooperation and improve customer experience.' Tourism New Zealand Chief Executive René de Monchy said there is an audience of around 60 million people in China 'actively considering' a holiday to New Zealand. 'We're looking forward to working with Air New Zealand and Air China to get them booking trips to come and enjoy destination New Zealand sooner rather than later.' He said Chinese visitors were drawn to New Zealand's culture, friendliness, and natural scenery including mountains and lakes, hiking and national parks. "China's travel behaviour evolves rapidly. For example, we are seeing growth in smaller visitor groups that are staying for longer and getting out to enjoy more experiences and visit more regions.' New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said: 'This partnership between Air New Zealand, Air China, and Tourism New Zealand is another step toward turbocharging New Zealand's tourism recovery and growth. As we work to rebuild our visitor economy, stimulating demand from key markets like China, which was our largest inbound tourism market pre-Covid, is essential to creating jobs, supporting businesses, and strengthening communities across the country. This strategic investment will not only boost awareness of Aotearoa as a unique and welcoming destination but also deepen the connections between our peoples and cultures. We are committed to backing initiatives that bring more visitors here, ensuring tourism continues to be a driver of prosperity for all New Zealanders.' This initiative reaffirms the strong commitment from both airlines and New Zealand's tourism sector to support economic recovery and reestablish vital people-to-people ties between the two nations.
