Hot travel deals: Cruises, winter escapes and luxury stays you should book
Tongariro Crossing Lodge's new Garden Suites discount comes with free breakfast.
Cruise Europe in a small ship
Set sail aboard Le Bougainville for a nine-night luxury cruise through Croatia, Montenegro, Greece, Italy and Malta, with a free Solo Supplement on selected cabins. Departing from Dubrovnik, this journey includes an excursion at every port, from the Bay of Kotor and Korcula to Parga and Valletta. Enjoy the cruise with Ponant's all-inclusive small ship luxury, all with curated cultural experiences, fine dining, and stunning coastal views.
From $8950 pp twin share. Save a further $500 per cabin using the code NZH. Solo offer and savings are strictly limited. Visit ultimatecruising.co.nz for bookings and details.
Discover the Adriatic and Ionian seas with this cruise.
Hamilton Island escape
Stay three nights at qualia on Hamilton Island and explore the best of the Whitsundays with ease and comfort. This five-star resort sits on the island's northern tip, giving you access to ocean views, private beaches and nearby reef adventures. The package includes a three-night stay at the five-star resort, a la carte breakfast daily, VIP return transfers from the marina or airport, use of a golf buggy, non-motorised watercraft, a chauffeur service around the island, non-alcoholic drinks, Wi-Fi and 24-hour access to the concierge team.
Priced from $2910 pp twin share, valid for travel from June 13 to August 15, August 18 to September 18, September 22 to December 19, 2025, and January 11 to March 31, 2026. Book by October 30, 2025 at helloworld.co.nz/deal/30668/hamilton-island-alluring-escape-qualia-hamilton-island. Bookings must be made at least 60 days in advance.
Lounge in the pool all day at this luxury resort.
Scenic winter rail journey
Experience the magic of winter in Canada with a scenic rail journey through British Columbia and the Canadian Rockies. This 10-day itinerary starts in Vancouver before boarding VIA Rail's Canadian Train for a nostalgic ride to Jasper, surrounded by stunning snow-capped peaks. Discover Jasper's winter wonderland with an ice walk through Maligne Canyon and indulge in local flavours on the Downtown Foodie Tour. Continue to Lake Louise and Banff to enjoy picturesque drives, ice skating and immersive experiences like Nightrise at the Banff Gondola. End your adventure with a captivating tour of Calgary. Prepare for an unforgettable journey through Canada's breathtaking winter landscapes.
From $5165 pp, this deal is on sale until July 31. Valid for selected travel dates between November 2025 and April 2026. Airfares are additional. Book via travel-associates.co.nz/accommodation/canada/snow-train-to-the-rockies-21114608 or call 0800 951 655.
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NZ Herald
5 days ago
- NZ Herald
Cruise room check: Ponant Le Jacques Cartier
First impressions: How are we going to fit three bags' worth of clothes and shoes into this 19sq m room? And yes, we did pack three bags – because if you've cruised before, you'll understand the joy of dressing up for a multi-course dinner each night, and with 10 days on board, packing for both daytime adventures in the sun, air-conditioned evenings on the ship and the inevitable visits to the gym adds up fast. Thankfully, the stateroom is brilliantly designed, with smart, seamless storage solutions throughout. We each have a drawer and a double-sided cupboard for essentials like undergarments and T-shirts, plus a wardrobe with plenty of hangers for dresses, shirts and jackets. There are tucked-away cupboards perfect for stashing shoes, accessories and hats, and our big suitcases slide easily under the bed. In the end, everything has its place – and there's even room to spare. Every guest gets 24/7 room service and access to a Nespresso machine. Photo / Supplied Service: The room is serviced twice a day – once in the morning and again for evening turndown – and the level of cleanliness is impeccable. Our attendant, Agust, is attentive and friendly, always ensuring everything is in perfect order. Room service is available 24/7 for anything else you might need. There is a laundry service available on board with small items priced from €1. Each morning, you'll return to find your bed beautifully made, fluffy white towels refreshed, the minibar restocked, and Ponant's glass carafes refilled with still and sparkling water (filtered with a Nordac system that converts seawater into great-tasting drinking water). In the evening, turndown service sets the mood for rest: the duvet is folded down, the lights are dimmed, and a parade of petit fours awaits, from rich French chocolates to delicate macarons and buttery madeleines. A 19sq m cabin with a view, smart storage, and petit fours? Welcome aboard. Photo / Supplied Bathroom: No luxury cruise is complete without lush toiletries, and Le Jacques Cartier delivers with a bathroom stocked with Clarins goodies, including Energising Body Wash and Invigorating Shampoo and Conditioner. Open the generous vanity drawer and you'll find little extras like nail kits, shower caps, and cotton pads, all in compostable packaging. The shower has surprisingly great pressure (yes, even at sea), and there's plenty of room to move around. But the real star? A cleverly designed picture window that lets you gaze out at the ocean while you shower or brush your teeth, because why miss a moment of the view? And when you're after a little privacy, just slide the panel across. Cruising the Kimberley on board Ponant's luxury small ship Le Jacques Cartier. Photo / Supplied Food & Drink: The ship is generously stocked with excellent French fare and beverages at its two restaurants and bars, but you don't have to leave your cabin to experience the menu. Room service is available 24/7, offering Ponant's 'always available' menu – think a perfectly cooked Ponant cheeseburger (a must) or a grilled salmon fillet with seasonal vegetables. You can also order breakfast to your cabin using a menu tucked inside the guest information folder, ideal for slow mornings. Unlike some cruise lines that skip in-room coffee setups for safety reasons, Le Jacques Cartier state rooms include a Nespresso machine, kettle, a selection of Palais des Thés teabags, and – because this is a French ship – little bottles of chilled whole milk, not UHT. The minibar (included in the fare and replenished daily) features sodas like sparkling San Pellegrino, Coke, tonic water, and Jean-Louis Bardo fruit juices. For sunset drinks on your balcony, you'll find mini bottles of spirits, an ice bucket that stays frozen all day, and glassware at the ready. Best bits: Le Jacques Cartier sets sail late afternoon most days and viewing the Kimberley from the balcony as the sun sets is a real highlight. Sipping a coffee in bed while the ship glides through calm waters, sunlight streaming through the gauzy curtains, the promise of an adventure-filled day ahead, is a ritual that's hard to part with too. Price: From $14,129 NZD per person for 10-night Australia's Iconic Kimberley. Includes daily expert-led excursions, onboard meals and drinks, including 24/7 room service and mini bar. The writer was a guest on board courtesy of Ponant.
Scoop
25-07-2025
- Scoop
Ruapehu Snow Economy Back In Action
Press Release – Ruapehu District Council The snow industry is critical to our economy and regional tourism, said Mayor Kirton. Its fantastic to see Whakapapa and Troa up and running again, but we must keep building on this success. Ruapehu Mayor Weston Kirton has joined Peak FM host Jesse Archer for a live broadcast from the Top of the Bruce at Whakapapa ski field to celebrate the local snow industry and the importance of economic development in the region. Mayor Kirton reflected on the journey to secure government funding that enabled the continued operation of both Whakapapa and Tūroa ski fields following the collapse of Ruapehu Alpine Lifts (RAL). 'The snow industry is critical to our economy and regional tourism,' said Mayor Kirton. 'It's fantastic to see Whakapapa and Tūroa up and running again, but we must keep building on this success.' Mayor Kirton said he was hopeful for a few more snowfalls to help extend the season and encouraged people to visit the maunga and enjoy all the experiences Ruapehu has to offer – on and off the slopes. He also stressed the need to keep building on the economic momentum generated by the ski areas. 'Council is committed to working with government and others to complete our cycle and hiking trail networks which are turning Ruapehu into a true year-round destination while providing much-needed economic resilience.' Mayor Kirton also reminded listeners to sign the petition calling on government support to restore the iconic Chateau Tongariro Hotel. 'If you haven't signed our online Parliamentary Petition please do so and help restore this iconic building to its former glory as both a heritage treasure and major contributor to the regional economy. The survey can be found on Council's website Whakapapa chief executive Travis Donoghue also joined the show, saying he felt 'beyond stoked' to see the ski field its stride after a few years of uncertainty. 'Around 300,000 people visit Whakapapa every year, and they're not just coming for the snow – they're also exploring the whole region. That's great news for local businesses.' Mr Donoghue said the school holidays had been a major success, with around 30,000 people enjoying snow play, skiing, sightseeing on the Sky Waka gondola, and even taking their first steps in the alpine environment. This weekend we're looking forward to opening* the Delta Chair and with fine weather forecast it's shaping up to be a fantastic few days on the maunga.' *NOTE: Turoa ski field is also opening up its upper mountain facilities this weekend.
Scoop
24-07-2025
- Scoop
Ruapehu Snow Economy Back In Action
Ruapehu Mayor Weston Kirton has joined Peak FM host Jesse Archer for a live broadcast from the Top of the Bruce at Whakapapa ski field to celebrate the local snow industry and the importance of economic development in the region. Mayor Kirton reflected on the journey to secure government funding that enabled the continued operation of both Whakapapa and Tūroa ski fields following the collapse of Ruapehu Alpine Lifts (RAL). 'The snow industry is critical to our economy and regional tourism,' said Mayor Kirton. 'It's fantastic to see Whakapapa and Tūroa up and running again, but we must keep building on this success.' Mayor Kirton said he was hopeful for a few more snowfalls to help extend the season and encouraged people to visit the maunga and enjoy all the experiences Ruapehu has to offer – on and off the slopes. He also stressed the need to keep building on the economic momentum generated by the ski areas. 'Council is committed to working with government and others to complete our cycle and hiking trail networks which are turning Ruapehu into a true year-round destination while providing much-needed economic resilience.' Mayor Kirton also reminded listeners to sign the petition calling on government support to restore the iconic Chateau Tongariro Hotel. 'If you haven't signed our online Parliamentary Petition please do so and help restore this iconic building to its former glory as both a heritage treasure and major contributor to the regional economy. The survey can be found on Council's website Whakapapa chief executive Travis Donoghue also joined the show, saying he felt 'beyond stoked' to see the ski field its stride after a few years of uncertainty. 'Around 300,000 people visit Whakapapa every year, and they're not just coming for the snow - they're also exploring the whole region. That's great news for local businesses.' Mr Donoghue said the school holidays had been a major success, with around 30,000 people enjoying snow play, skiing, sightseeing on the Sky Waka gondola, and even taking their first steps in the alpine environment. This weekend we're looking forward to opening* the Delta Chair and with fine weather forecast it's shaping up to be a fantastic few days on the maunga.'
