AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND

Transcription

1 AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND

2 2 IntroductIon In 1979, two students returned from their travels newly cultured, slightly jetlagged and on the biggest high of their lives. Bright-eyed and inspired by their wanderlust, they founded StA travel to help other young people explore a world beyond text books and office desks. the real world. 32 years later, the ethos of STA Travel remains the same. We ve grown up with our travellers and discovered that more people, not just students, want authentic real-value travel options. We ve built our exclusive product range from the ground-up in direct response to what you need and want from us. We firmly believe that experiencing the wonders of the world will expand your mind and enrich your understanding. Travel is the best education - there is nothing like it to open the eyes, mind and heart. Our commitment to responsible travel is something we are hugely excited about. We ve partnered with the non-profit organisation Planeterra to launch a new selection of volunteer projects designed to help communities globally - and to help you experience travel with purpose. We ve also committed to raising a million dollars over the next five years to support Planeterra in its work. Inside this brochure, you ll find a whole host of Aussie and Kiwi travel options, handpicked to inspire your socks off. We ve got thousands of exclusive offers on flights, accommodation and all the essential extras to help you plan your ultimate trip. Come and talk to us by popping into one of our many branches, giving us a call or visiting our website online. We re passionate about changing the way people think about travel and in the process, making a positive impact on the lives of millions. Get out there the world is waiting for you!

3 3 CONTENTS Getting there 06 Planning your trip 08 Travel with Purpose 14 AUSTRALIA 16 Car hire & campervans 18 OZ Experience 22 Greyhound 25 Rail Australia 26 Accommodation passes 28 Big Trips 29 new SOUTH WALES & QUEENSLAND 36 Island Suntanner 38 Sydney to Cairns 40 Cairns to Brisbane 42 Surf, Sun & Sand 42 Capricorn Suntanner 43 Reef Suntanner 43 East Coast Drive 44 Sydney 46 Byron Bay 51 Learn to surf 52 Queensland 53 Gold Coast 54 Brisbane 57 Sunshine Coast 59 Fraser Island 60 Airlie Beach 62 Hamilton Island 63 Whitsundays 64 Cairns 68 Diving on Great Barrier Reef 74 NORTHerN TERRITORY & WESTERN AUSTRALIA 76 Darwin to Perth Safari 78 City, South & the Outback 80 Darwin to Adelaide 81 Melbourne to Alice Springs 82 4WD Broome to Darwin 82 Northern Territory 83 Red Centre 84 Darwin 88 Western Australia 91 Perth 92 Broome 94 VICTORIA, SOUTH AUSTRALIA & TASMANIA 96 Melbourne & Beyond 99 Melbourne 100 Great Ocean Road 103 Adelaide & Beyond 104 Adelaide 105 Tasmania 107 Hobart & Launceston 108 NEW ZEALAND 110 Kiwi Experience 112 Campervans & car hire 116 Accommodation Passes 119 Big Trips 120 North Island 130 Auckland 132 North Island 134 The South Island 138 Queenstown 140 Christchurch & Kaikoura 141 South Island 142 TRAVEL INSURANCE 146 TERMS AND CONDITIONS 147

4 4 Planeterra is a labour of love and a dream that came together in 2003 based on our belief that people and planet should be as important as profit in the travel business. Working together with travellers like you allows us all to give back to the local communities that provide us with unforgettable memories through the precious gift of sharing their culture. Bruce Poon Tip, founder, Planeterra a perfect Partnership STA Travel has embarked on a responsible travel journey, partnering with Planeterra; a non-profit travellers organisation focused on global community development and sustainability. This new partnership will not only change the face of STA Travel, but enable you to connect with community and conservation projects around the world, helping you travel with purpose. Planeterra works with local partners to develop projects and directs donations to fund needs such as tools, materials and other items to keep projects going. They also develop volunteer programs so that people can visit, live onsite or with a local family and contribute to the wellbeing of the community. Since 2003, Planeterra has developed over 25 projects spanning Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas and now with STA Travel as a partner, there are close to 80 volunteering projects. This is the launch of a totally new type of travel experience; a credible, authentic and real opportunity for you to give back directly. STA Travel has committed US$1 million to Planeterra over the next five years to develop these new volunteer programs and to support communities around the world. In addition to this investment, our goal this year is to raise US$120,000 to support the building of a community tourism training centre on Koh Phra Thong Island in Thailand. The centre will be accessible to communities throughout southern Thailand, providing a way for them to increase income and sustainable tourism in the area. Want to help at our volunteer project? We wholeheartedly welcome your involvement on Koh Phra Thong (see pages in our Voluntouring brochure) and any donations made towards our project will be doubled by us, up to US$30,000 annually. If you re keen to spend a few days (or weeks) volunteering in Australia and New Zealand, there are plenty of conservation projects on offer. You can spend time lending a hand from as little as four days anywhere up to several weeks. Help to protect New Zealand s Magic Forest or take the unique opportunity to volunteer on a marine conservation project in the Whitsundays (see page 15). Our perfect partnership with Planeterra enables us to provide you with much more than travel. We re passionate about offering you the chance to experience the real world. And what you gain from giving back is seriously priceless. To view our entire range of meaningful travel options, make sure you pick up our Voluntouring brochure, packed full of volunteer and voluntour options the world over.

5 5 Why STA Travel? Now if this is the first time you ve heard of us then where have you been living? We could say in a cave but that would be too cliché and we revolt against all things cliché, so much so that we ve made our mark specialising in all the impossibilities that used to seem just a little out of reach. We have a wild and wonderful enthusiasm for all the experiences both diverse and magnificent that travel provides. We ve been providing these kinds of adventures for over 30 years, so you should have heard of us by now! We ve made it our mission to open up the world to eager, enthusiastic, adventurous travellers and are the world s largest bona fide travel company for students and young adults but whatever your age we enthusiastically await your call, or visit as we re more than happy to show you our unique perspective of planet Earth. No matter where you are in the world, the incredibly friendly and knowledgeable people that work for STA Travel are never far away. We ve got hundreds of STA Travel branches all over the world with 24/7 global travel help - an essential backup for all travellers on the move. If you ve lost your tickets, want to change your dates or just need some local advice our help is always at hand. We ve got thousands of exclusive offers on flights, adventure trips accommodation and all the essential extras to help you plan your trip to Australia and around New Zealand. This brochure showcases the best of them, so enjoy! Come and talk to us by dropping into one of our branches around New Zealand, calling us on 0508 STA TRAVEL or visiting statravel.co.nz Top 10 reasons to travel with us 1. Global Travel Help Wherever you are, we re there for you 2. World Class Travel Partners We only work with the best to ensure you re looked after 3. Exclusive Low Airfares Our unique airline partnerships give you access to the lowest fares 4. Exclusive Flexible Airfares You can change your plans at minimal cost and effort 's of Branches Worldwide Speak face to face with us on the other side of the world 6. One Stop Shop for All Your Travel Needs With all your bookings in one place, it s easy to manage your holiday 7. Extremely Knowledgeable, Well Travelled Staff They re expertly trained with hands on experience to give you the best advice 8. Over 30 Years Experience We ve got the experience to take you to the most exciting places for less 9. award winning service We've been awarded Australasia's leading travel agency several times at the World Travel Awards 10. Massive Range of Adventures Available to Everyone No matter your age you can enjoy our extraordinary adventures in any corner of the world

6 6 Getting there Why fly wth STA Travel? Aside from our great prices, many of our airfares are unique and exclusive. We offer a wide range of flights negotiated just for you. We can book just about anything you desire, from simple return tickets to tailor-made complex round the world itineraries. Here are some of the things that make us stand out from the crowd: Lowest fares with leading airlines for students holding an ISIC card, youths under 26 holding an IYTC card or teachers holding an ITIC card. Flexibility to change your travel dates and your route before and after departure. The option to build your own itinerary using our exclusive one way fares (don t compromise when creating your perfect trip!) 'Open jaw' tickets - fly into one airport and out of another. 24 hour travel help, so wherever you are in the world, there is always an expert available to handle your queries. Hundreds of STA Travel branches worldwide, giving you personal service as you travel the globe. Sign up to our e-newsletter by visiting statravel.co.nz to make sure you don t miss out on our best deals and competitions to win free travel! Get the best price We ve been helping folks get the best airfare deals since before the dawn of time OK, so we exaggerate a little, but we have been doing this for ages! Our advisers know exactly where to look and what to check. So talk to one of our travel gurus, or have a look at our website and find yourself a deal that won t break the bank. To get you started, here are a few insider tips that ll help you get the very cheapest price: Buy an ISIC, IYTC, ITIC card to be eligible for our exclusive student, under 26 and teacher fares. If you can help it, don t leave it to the last minute. Many of our best prices sell out quickly! Try and be a little flexible with your dates and check out flying on a weekday instead of the weekend. Think about flying outside of peak times if you can. One way Flights Travelling on several one way tickets on separate airlines is often the cheapest way to get around New Zealand and Australia as well as across the Tasman. Our online flights booking engine searches the cheapest airfares across a huge range of airlines so you can be sure you re getting a great deal! Search and compare to grab a cheap flight today at statravel.co.nz Add-On Flights Add-on s are the best, kinda like fries with your burger or lemon in your vodka! They let you go well beyond your original arrival city meaning more gallivanting around Oz and NZ. The Qantas Walkabout Pass is perfect for discovering Australia and lets you stop in up to six different destinations across the country. It s only available when you book your trans-tasman flight on Qantas so ask your STA Travel Adviser for all the in s and out s! Round the world When you think of travelling around Aussie and NZ you may not immediately consider a round the world flight but why not? Throw in a few more hard earned dollars and turn your two week stock-standard break into an adventure of a lifetime! STA Travel specialise in round the world tickets so we ve got a huge range of exclusive choices and plenty of suggestions for you. Grab our See the world your way brochure for some itinerary ideas and then challenge us to create a trip tailored to your needs (and budget!)

7 qantas - your airline to and from australia 7 Qantas, the world s most experienced airline, is Australia s largest domestic and international airline and your perfect partner for flights to and around Australia. Qantas operate multiple daily services across the Tasman from Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown. Their new B aircraft, which feature brand new seating and state-of-the-art entertainment, are now operating on selected services from Auckland to Australia, and will be introduced on selected services from Wellington and Christchurch during qantas walkabout pass Once you cross the ditch, go Walkabout and see more of Aussie with the Qantas Walkabout Pass. It s perfect for travel within Australia and only available when you book your trans-tasman flights on Qantas from New Zealand so make sure you ask your STA Travel adviser when booking your fare. The Pass offers you flexibility, choice and unrivalled access to the Qantas Australian domestic network. You can stop in up to six different destinations across Australia including: Australian Capital Territory: Canberra New South Wales: Sydney Northern Territory: Alice Springs, Ayers Rock, Darwin South Australia: Adelaide Queensland: Brisbane, Cairns, Coolangatta, Hamilton Island, Mackay, Maroochydore, Proserpine, Rockhampton, Townsville Tasmania: Hobart, Launceston Victoria: Melbourne Western Australia: Broome, Perth Qantas Frequent Flyer Join the Qantas Frequent Flyer programme and earn points not only on eligible Qantas flights but for hotel visits, rental cars, retail outlets and much more. Benefits include: At least 1000 points for every Qantas flight guaranteed Earn more points when you travel Business or First Upgrade using points on selected Economy fares Points bonus for Silver, Gold and Platinum members No expiry of points for active members Earn points with other oneworld carriers All this for a $50* one off joining fee! Ask your STA Travel adviser how to join or for further details. *Price applies to New Zealand residents only. No gst applicable. As a member of the oneworld alliance, Qantas top standards ensure that punctuality, reliability and your comfort are second-tonone. So if you want to call Australia home for a while, book Qantas with STA Travel.

8 8 Checklist Get a travel discount card Book your arrival accommodation Get travel insurance Help the environment Get a Travelex cash card planning your trip Where should I go? Think about the cities you d like to visit, what you really want to see and experience. Ask your mates for their hot tips, read some travel blogs and come and chat to us for advice. Just get inspired, because your Aussie or Kiwi trip can be anything you want it to be. Go to fulfill an overseas adventure that s close to home. Go in search of bungy jumping, jandals and fush n chups or explore big and beautiful Aussie! Whatever your trip is to you, we ll do our best to make it happen. Once you ve finished flicking through this brochure and have a rough idea of what you want, pop into your nearest STA Travel branch and chat to one of our friendly advisers. All our staff are passionate travellers, so they re full of helpful advice, tips and tales about the places that you re planning to visit. Getting around Australia and New Zealand boast long, scenic roads, high-speed trains and loads of well-connected airports. At STA Travel, we take full advantage of this to make sure you get around as safely, comfortably and efficiently as possible. We feature loads of hop-on hop-off bus options, sailing adventures, 4WD tours and more. One day you might be bumping along an exciting off-road track, the next you ll be calmly sailing through beautiful azure waters - or you might simply be using your own two feet as you trek through awesome landscapes. If you re keen to get yourself on one of our adventure trips, please don t be put off if it starts in one city and finishes up in another. We sell open jaw tickets - which quite simply allow you to fly in and out of completely different locations. Money Every major town and city in Australia and New Zealand will have ATMs, giving you quick and easy access to your funds with your credit, eftpos or Travelex cash card. We ll help you to work out a budget by nutting out where you ll be going, how long you ll be away for and what you ll be doing while you re there. Booking your first few nights accommodation before you leave is always a good idea. You ll find it s quite a bit cheaper and loads more convenient too. You definitely don t want to be wandering the streets looking for a bed on your first night! Many of our adventure trips include almost everything you need to survive. These are a great option if all you want to have to worry about is your spending money for additional activities, shopping and drinking.

9 9 Travel essentials TRAVEL INSURANCE Whether you re hitting the slopes in Queenstown, going on a shopping mission to Sydney or chilling out on the beach in Queensland, you d be crazy to leave home without travel insurance. We know you must be buzzing for your trip to begin and travel insurance is the last thing on your mind - however, our experience tells us that travelling without cover is simply not a risk worth taking. STA Travel offers travel insurance policies that cover you for a range of benefits, such as cover for medical, cancellation, emergency transport and accommodation. Plus if things go wrong you ll have access to the 24 hour emergency assistance team of doctors, nurses and case managers. To chat about your travel insurance options or for a quote, ask your STA Travel adviser today! HEALTH It s your responsibility to obtain proper and detailed medical advice in good time before you go. We suggest that you visit the Safe Travel website at safetravel.govt.nz for up to date information. Your local GP can also give advice on which vaccinations you ll need for particular countries. Don t forget to make sure you pack plenty of high SPF sunblock, your hat and sunnies on your adventure. Australia and New Zealand have some of the highest skin cancer rates in the world so don t forget to Slip, Slop, Slap and Wrap when you re in the outdoors! VISA Your trip of a lifetime will quickly ground to a screeching halt if you forget to sort out your entrance visas. Please don t forget to check with the relevant embassy if you need to get a visa for the countries that you plan to visit. ISIC & ITYC CARDS Want to take advantage of over 41,000 discounts worldwide? If you re a full time student you can buy a ISIC card or alternatively if you re not a student but under 26 years old, you can buy a Youth card. They re only $25 each and can be used at home and abroad you ll save loads more than the cost of the card while you re travelling so they are well worth the spend! We sell these cards right here at STA Travel and just look at the discounts you can get: Access to cheaper student and under 26 airfares Discounts on local transport Savings on museum and art gallery admission charges Discounts at retail stores Bonus extras at hostels like free internet and welcome drinks Great deals at restaurants, pubs and bars TRAVEL SAFETY TIPS Alright it may not seem like you re going that far from home when you re heading to Aussie or travelling around New Zealand, but it still pays to be aware of things that are a wee bit different to what you d encounter normally. Have a read our travel safety advice to help prepare you for the unexpected. don t hitch-hike If Wolf Creek didn t put you off already, hitchhiking around Australia is both not recommended and actually illegal. Another great reason to look into our flexible campervan, bus and rail passes! Keep in touch Make sure you always stay in contact with friends and family back home, especially if you are near a disaster or incident! Registering your travel plans online with MFAT if also a great idea so you can be contacted in an emergency visit safetravel. govt.nz for more details. Be weary of the water The surf can be dangerous so be sensible at the beach and swim between the flags. In tropical areas of Australia you also need to be aware of poisonous creatures around the reef including stonefish and coral snakes. When you re out snorkelling or walking in shallow water, make sure you wear thick soled shoes. If you re planning on doing a bit of exploring, we suggest you get a good debrief from a local or a guide on where to go, what to look out for and how to stay safe in the water. 25% OFF AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND GUIDEBOOKS! * Visit shop.lonelyplanet.com and enter the code AUNZ25 at checkout. *Conditions apply promocodes No matter where or how you re travelling in Australia or New Zealand, there s a Lonely Planet guide for you. From comprehensive country and regional guides to pocket-sized Encounter guides or an array of guides for your mobile, Lonely Planet is your key to the best possible Australian or New Zealand experience.

10 10 Sweet dreams Where to STAy? Star ratings are often not the best way to categorise hotels. Depending on what country you re travelling through, perceptions of each standard can vary quite dramatically. To make things much easier for you, we re giving you our own, very educated travellers opinion on each property that we feature. We have three very straightforward accommodation categories to choose from: STAysimple, STAysmart and STAystylish. Read below for a description of each. + bonus Look out for our STA Travel Bonus offers - we ve sourced the very best deals that will ensure you save money and make the most out of your stay. STAysimple For those who want their travelling dollar to go further. Clean, comfortable, secure and perfectly adequate, these are no frills budget options. All of our hostels and some of our more basic hotels come under this category. The majority of our STAysimple properties have great locations in the heart of all the action, and many of them boast popular bars and vibrant social scenes. Facilities are generally limited, but this is compensated for by the friendly staff and buzzing atmosphere. Many of these options will have shared bathrooms. STAysmart Perfect for those who demand a little comfort when they travel. We have a range of STAysmart properties that will give you bang for your buck as well as everything you need to enjoy your stay. These are international-standard, modern hotels, so expect a plethora of great facilities. All rooms will have private bathrooms, air-con and a host of modern amenities. You can also expect loads of great facilities as most will have a pool, gymnasium and a couple of restaurants. STAysmart hotels are ideal for city stopovers. STAystylish These are a little bit special. Adjectives such as unique, funky and intimate are definitely very apt. Most will boast something absurdly indulgent, such as a private pool, pillow menu or a cigar lounge. Luxury, darlings! These hotels are relatively small in size, which means close and personal attention. The utmost service and an unforgettable experience are more or less guaranteed. After a fantastically hectic adventure trip or an early morning flight, it definitely pays to splash a little cash and book yourself into one of these wonderful hotels. STAysimple STAysmart STAystylish Pricing and photography The accommodation prices featured in this brochure are based on per person, twin share. The from pricing shown has been calculated using low-season stays and is based on lead-in room types. We re sourcing great deals all year long, so we recommend using the prices in this brochure as a guide and to ask your STA Travel adviser for the best available deal for your travel period. The accommodation photos featured are representative of the room types available at each property; however this may not be the actual room type that you ll receive. If you have a preference for a particular room, your adviser will be happy to help. Just ask!

11 11 Your amazing adventure We partner with leading tour companies who provide fantastic adventures across the globe to give you a variety of styles of travel and experiences to choose from when planning your big trip. We consider them our perfect partners as they share the same passion for travel as we do and we guarantee you will get the cheapest price on their trips through us. Check out our perfect partners for Australia and New Zealand. Adventure Tours Australia is the leading small group tour company in Australia and New Zealand. From the outback to the East Coast, they have the widest range of tours for active travellers, providing authentic experiences at budget prices! They cater for adventurers of all ages including backpackers, students and all with an adventurous spirit. Whether it s a crocodile cruise in Kakadu, a 4WD safari to Fraser Island, a sailing trip through the Whitsundays, cruising and kayaking on the magnificent Doubtful Sound or cycling through the remote Otago region, great activities are included in all the tours. Your trip will be action packed and you won t have to fork out for expensive optional activities The guides are extremely passionate about what they do, they ll usually have an answer for just about anything you ask them. Adventure Tours operate an industry leading in-house training programme and as a result have won a whole host of prestigious awards over the years. Exploring Australia and new Zealand isn t right unless you have the opportunity to meet real locals too and your guide knows all their favourite hangouts. Topdeck's passion is for providing unforgettable travel experiences for 18 to 30 somethings throughout Australia and New Zealand. Share the experience and adventure of the Land Down Under and journey across one of the world s most diverse countries. If snorkelling off white sandy beaches in both Oz and NZ, visiting mystical Uluru or hiking Tassie s National Parks or New Zeland glaciers is your thing, you re in for the time of your life! One of the great things about Topdeck is that all of the travelling and accommodation is taken care of. You enjoy the fun parts of travelling whilst they take care of all the boring bits. No overbooked trains, unavailable hostels or language problems...make it easy for yourself! You will also be travelling with one of their friendly guides. With their encylopedic knowledge, Australia & New Zelands s history will come alive! They ll also share their insider s knowledge and show you the local hangouts and take you to some spots off the tourist trail. The itineraries are designed to give you as much free time as possible to explore at your own pace and you will be travelling with other passengers of your own age - your new 'instant' circle of friends from all over the worls who will share amazing experiences with you. Some of you can t wait to get your hiking boots on and climb a mountain, while others look forward to exploring museums or trying new foods at the local markets. Everyone has different travel preferences and budgets, so we ve built a style for anyone who wants to add a little (or a lot) of adventure to their holiday. Keep an eye out for the stamps below throughout the brochure so you know exactly what's in store and can find your perfect adventure! Adventure Tours Australia is the leading small group nature based tour company in Australia and New Zealand. From the outback to the Coast and everywhere in between, they have an extensive range of modular tours for active travellers, providing authentic Australian experiences at budget prices. Tours are hands on and will incorporate all forms off accommodation from hostels to camping and even sailing boats. Overlander Trips offer the ultimate in small group adventures with a maximum group size of only 14 people and travelling in spacious, Eco friendly Mercedes vans. Our Overlander Trips get you right to the heart of all the wonders that Australia is famous for. From pristine beaches to the remote outback and the array of marine life on the Great Barrier Reef, we will get you there with all the freedom and flexibility for which we are famous for. We feature loads of fantastic trips for 18 to 30 somethings. The group size averages around 38 on East Coast trips and 24 on Outback trips, so you ll have just the right amount of new friends to share your experience with - on a long trip, that s a big time bonus! Trips are highly inclusive of meals and activities and there is no local payments making it easier for you to manage your budget. Accomodation will be in a mixture of lodges, campsites, hotels. EASYRIDER Tag-alongs on Fraser Island provides the fun and freedom of four wheel driving with your friends and fellow travellers- but with a knowledgeable and experienced tour leader to help you make your way around the island. This new style of self-driving helps improve safty by lowering speed limits, restricting passengernumbers in vehicles, implementing tighter rules for securing luggage. TAG-ALONG Combining the challenge of physical adventure with the thrill of fully immersive exploration, our Challenger trips are designed to push you to the edge of excitement for an adrenalin pumping experience you ll never forget. From hiking and biking to rafting and kayaking, work up a sweat as you venture off the beaten path and discover a world other travellers can only dream of. Self-drives offer you unbeatable freedom and flexibility. We have selected the best routes to incorporate the best beaches, towns and sights along the way but of course you re free to make your own detours. Self-drives include accommodations based on 3*-4* quality as well as some exciting activities. Please note that car hire must be purchased separately. Pricing based on twin share accommodation. CAR HIRE IS EXTRA

12 12 Face to face with the world Let us plan your perfect Trip SPECIALISTS We ve been selling trips over to this part of the globe for donkey s years. The majority of our advisers have travelled to the destinations in this brochure and all of them have been expertly trained to give you the best advice. E U N O R T H A M E R I C A DISCOVER EUROPE CHECK OUT THE EUROPE BROCHURE FOR INSPIRATION FROM THE BIG APPLE TO SIN CITY SEE IT ALL IN THE NORTH AMERICA BROCHURE! A F TRAVEL WITH PURPOSE CHECK OUT OUR VOLUNTOURING BROCHURE L AT I N A M E R I C A THE ALMIGHTY INCA TRAIL BROWSE THE OPTIONS IN OUR LATIN AMERICA BROCHURE IT S SAFARI TIME GRAB THE AFRICA BROCHURE FOR INSPIRATION Some photography used throughout the brochure is courtesy of Flickr.com

13 13 TRAVEL BLOGS FACEBOOK When you head off on your next hollie blog about it! Not only will you feel like an expert travel journo, but your stories will help inspire and educate other travellers who crave real travel info from real people like YOU! To start blogging or to browse for stories, visit blogs.statravel.co.nz TWITTER We heart Facebook. We re always posting new updates, pics and competitions on our wall. It s all about keeping you inthe-know. You can ask us any burning travel questions, even hook up with other travellers along the way. Click to *like* us at facebook.com/statravel.nz R RO O PP EE Festival giveaways, new comps, flight sales *tweet*! We won t bore you with tweets about what we re eating or what the dog s doing. But we will tell you about new deals and the exciting stuff first - as soon as it happens. Come follow us at twitter.com/statravelnz AMAZING ASIA ASIA EXPERIENCE TURQUOISE WATERS AND PERFECT WHITE SANDS A A SS II A A BLOG ABOUT IT IT S FREE & EASY AT AMAZING AMAZINGASIA ASIA EXPERIENCE EXPERIENCETURQUOISE TURQUOISE BLOGS.STATRAVEL.CO.NZ WATERS WATERSAND ANDPERFECT PERFECT WHITE WHITESANDS SANDS BLOG BLOGABOUT ABOUTIT IT R R II CC A A IT S IT SFREE FREE&&EASY EASYAT AT BLOGS.STATRAVEL.CO.NZ BLOGS.STATRAVEL.CO.NZ A U S T R A LAAI UA USSTTRRAALLIIAA Gold Coast NZ Gold GoldCoast Coast N NZZ

14 14 80 PROJECTS, 34 COUNTRIES... 1 WORLD volunteer Volunteering is all about making a greater contribution. Giving back - and gaining lots too. You'll make a positive difference to the lives of others on a much deeper level by donating your time, energy and experience. All of our projects aim to help local communities achieve a sustainable way of life in an environmentally sensitive manner, as well as assisting conservation and community programs worldwide. You don't need specific qualifications or skills either - just a desire to lend a hand, immerse yourself and learn more about what life is like in other communities around the world. voluntour Voluntouring is the hot new way to learn about the people and place you're visiting on a much deeper level than you normally would on a tour. It's the perfect way to spend a portion of your tour giving back to the community you're visiting. Lend a helping hand to someone in need, work towards a cause you believe in or simply give back to make a positive impact through your travels. Our Voluntours provide opportunities for travellers to engage in community projects that are working in health, education, conservation and small business opportunities around the world. Our projects Participate in a range of global projects and make a real difference. Every project has been chosen with the ultimate aim of helping local communities and their environments achieve a sustainable way of life. Work in conservation Protect some of the world s most fragile environments. By preserving these ecosystems, you ll contribute to the project s long term sustainability and pass on your knowledge to local communities. Work with animals Contribute to the protection of endangered species. In their desperate fight for survival, you ll develop an understanding of their conditions and work to protect them. Work with Children Inspire the newest generation to break the cycle of poverty. Your work will provide them with basic skills and help to create an environment in which they can reach their full potential. Work with communities Spend time with a broad cross-section of the local community. Your work will improve quality of life and ensure community sustainability in some of the world s remotest areas. Extend your stay FROM AS LITTLE AS $32 Before or after your project experience, why not extend your stay? Jump on an escorted tour, kick back and relax on a beach, or head into the hustle and bustle for a big city break.

15 Volunteer in the Magic Forest marine conservation 4 days FR $449 2 weeks FR $2,183 (Tour price FR $299, Local payment FR $150) 15 Starts anywhere where you started Brampton Island, Whitsundays WORK WITH COMMUNITIES Help protect the kiwi and other native flora and fauna as part of your travels with a 4, 7 or 10 day conservation volunteer and travel package. WORK IN CONSERVATION A unique opportunity to volunteer for two weeks on a marine conservation project on an island national park in the Whitsundays. ABOUT THIS PROJECT The Magic Forest is a restoration project which aims to create an eco-corridor of native vegetation joining two of New Zealand s well established rainforests. This growing corridor will expand kiwi habitats, protect the area from harmful development and provide natural recreational trails for future visitors. The forest requires dedicated time and effort invested into regeneration, native planting and pest control. How you make a difference Volunteers are introduced to the relationships between fragile ecosystems and human habitations as well as between cultures during this experience. You will learn about land management plans and local initiatives which will enhance the traditional Maori tribal land working with the local community to spread the conservation message. Conservation work varies depending on the time of year with seasonal focus on tree planting, plant release, plant propagation and track maintenance and development, with year round environmental monitoring. A day in the life of a Volunteer Activities include assisting with bird counts, bird feeding and assisting with an endangered species program. You will also find yourself helping to install tracking tunnels, setting up environmental monitoring stations, building nature trails and planting native trees. You will also be able to learn about the Maori uses of native plants. At night time, you may find yourself conducting night surveys of the local wildlife. Fast FactS & what s included Four days volunteering at a reforestation project Project start days: Daily year round Accommodation: Multi-share dorm at a hostel (4 nights) Getting there: Add on a Magic pass that includes a northbound coach journey from Rotorua to Tauranga/Mt Maunganui to reach the project. Passes start from $255 In-country support: Local project co-ordinator Meals included: None Budget: Allow NZ $ per project for meals not included Prices: Prices are per person and based on 2010 and 2011 departures Trip code: STAROTMAG ABOUT THIS PROJECT You will be a part of small team of volunteers assisting the project staff to return Brampton Island National Park to its natural state. The majority of the work includes eradicating invasive vegetation, collecting and analysing marine debris and conducting surveys on the coral reef. In your free time you will have the opportunity to snorkel the reef, explore the island and enjoy the local wildlife. How you make a difference Tourism has resulted in the introduction of invasive species and volunteers help by manually removing these weeds. Marine debris is very dangerous to marine animals so volunteers collect the waste, and classify and record the information. The data collected from the reef surveys provides information to gauge the impact their strategies are having on the coral reef. A day in the life of a Volunteer A typical day starts with an Aussie style breakfast at 7am. After your team briefing you ll find yourself tackling the invasive species that plague the local flora and fauna. There is a break during the hottest part of the day for you to relax and enjoy this beautiful island paradise. Afternoons can be spent surveying the stunning coral reef. Your evenings are free for you to enjoy and you can go swimming, cook dinner, or simply watch the sunset. Fast FactS & what s included Accommodation: Camping Getting there: Most people fly to Mackay. Greyhound Australia also serves Mackay from Cairns on a Mini-Travellers pass from $226 Duration: Two weeks In-country support: Project co-ordinator and staff Meals included: Yes Budget: Please allow funds for side trips if you d also like to explore your nearby surroundings. Prices: Prices are per person and valid for departures in 2010 Notes: During 2011 this project may be adapted to include a week on Brampton Island followed by a week of fauna work in a reserve on the mainland Trip code: STAWDSMCO

16 110 NEW ZEALAND

17 TOP 6 AMAZING EXPERIENCES feast on a maori hangi see PAGE 135 bungy, jetboat & skydive! all in queenstown see PAGE 140 Cruise the sounds of fiordland see PAGE ski in the southern alps see PAGeS hike franz josef glacier see PAGE 143 sail the beautiful bay of islands see PAGE 134 Average High TempERATURE (ºC) City JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC Paihia Auckland Rotorua Taupo Wellington Nelson Greymouth Christchurch Queenstown Dunedin Invercargill NEW ZEALAND

18 112 KIWI EXPERIENCE Drive along Ninety Mile Beach PAIHIA -BAY OF ISLANDS 144 islands to explore... CAPE REINGA Where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean WHANGAREI Home to the World Famous Poor Knights Island dive spot Great Barrier Is. Overnight Stop Tour Partner Operator Day Stop Optional Stop AUCKLAND New Zealand s largest city RAGLAN World class surf break WAITOMO Discover the magical glowworm caves Rangitoto Is. RIVER VALLEY Waiheke Is. Thames A unique adventure lodge Paeroa Matamata AKA Hobbiton TONGARIRO NATIONAL PARK Walk through amazing volcanic park Home to Mount Doom Taihape MERCURY BAY (WHITIANGA) Stunning coastline, Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach 2 White Is. ROTORUA TAUPO TE KAHA Whakatane GISBORNE NAPIER Opotiki A cultural, activity and geothermal hub Adventure capital of the north Enjoy true Kiwi hospitality! RANGITUKIA Farmstay - first place in the world to see the sun TATAPOURI Surf lessons, stingray feeding, shark cage diving and more Bulls MILFORD SOUND Includes 2 hour Milford Sound Cruise TE ANAU INVERCARGILL LAKE MAHINAPUA FRANZ JOSEF Haast WANAKA 2 Bluff STEWART ISLAND QUEENSTOWN WESTPORT PUNAKAIKI Pancake rocks and blow-hole walks Old West Coast pub. Spectacular lake & beach Fastest moving glacier in the world Amazing hikes/walks Worlds most southern city Snowy mountains and beautiful lakes Amazing native birdlife Old gold miners town GREYMOUTH 2 Hokitika ABEL TASMAN NATIONAL PARK NELSON FOX GLACIER AORAKI/MT COOK LAKE TEKAPO GERALDINE TWIZEL CURIO BAY Optional shuttle links to Mt Cook National Park Adventure Capital of the Southern Hemisphere New Zealand s sunshine capital DUNEDIN Population 32 - includes 8 penguins and 5 dolphins Arthur s Pass Nature s Wonders, Speights beer & chocolate! BLENHEIM NELSON LAKES NATIONAL PARK HANMER SPRINGS PICTON Marlborough Sounds KAIKOURA Spot dolphins, whales & seals CHRISTCHURCH Our garden city WELLINGTON Our vibrant capital city how DO the OVERNiGht StOPS WORk? The big red circles on the map show where your overnight stops will be. It s always best to book before you travel, but if you re taking things as they come, the drivers will happily sort you out with some sweetas accommodation. You re guaranteed a bed for every overnight stop you make. In some places it s best to stay for at least a couple of nights, to get the most out of what the area has to offer. Our big favourites include Taupo, Franz Josef and activity-central Queenstown. Don t forget, your pass lasts for a whole 12 months worth of travel - so there s no rush!

19 113 Why choose kiwi ExPERiENcE? This legendary NZ travel network offers you some of the most unforgettable experiences on the planet. Get off the beaten track and experience the adventure of a lifetime on an awesome hop-on hop-off bus adventure. Designed for travellers, by travellers, Kiwi Experience is New Zealand s original adventure company. They ve been around for more than 21 years too - so you know you re in safe and experienced hands. FLExiBLE travel Plans change. You may find something (or someone) that stops you in your tracks. Choose from over 20 different pass options and stay where you want along the way for as long as you like. Then hop back on when you re ready to move. You re the boss. take your time You ve got 12 months to kick off your trip from your date of purchase. Then you have another 12 months to complete your trip once you start. No rushing, no stress - mosey along at your own pace. UNLimitED travel Repeat your trip as often as you like within 12 months for free on the start anywhere passes (subject to terms and conditions). DRiVER GUiDES The legendary driver guides are definitely the ones to know. They ll make sure your travelling experience is loads better than everyone else s. They re totally passionate about New Zealand and their commentary, insights and advice will ensure you discover the best of it. AccOmmODAtiON Your driver can book accommodation and activities for you. Your first night s accommodation at every overnight stop is always guaranteed, even at the most popular spots in the height of summer. OFF the BEAtEN track You are guaranteed to have all sorts of weird and wonderfully unique New Zealand experiences along the way. Prepare to be shown much more of the country than you ll ever find in your guidebooks. GREAt inclusions To make sure your hard-earned cash goes as far as possible, they ve included loads of unique experiences Red Boat Cruise on Milford Sound, sandboarding on Cape Reinga, Secrets of Bungy Tour in Queenstown, Realm of Tane Cultural Experience in Rotorua, Whangara Marae Tour just to name a few! NAtiONAL PASSES the FULL monty Start: Anywhere Finish: Where you started minimum travel time: 33 days Adult: $2,202 concession: $2,091 Cape Reinga Paihia Auckland Mercury Bay Rotorua Raglan Rangitukia Waitomo Te Kaha Taupo Tatapouri River Valley Nelson Westport Wellington Lake Mahinapua Kaikoura Franz Josef Christchurch Wanaka Milford Sound Queenstown Te Anau Dunedin Invercargill the WhOLE kit & caboodle Start: Anywhere Finish: Where you started minimum travel time: 27 days Adult: $1,762 concession: $1,673 RANGi Start: Anywhere Finish: Where you started minimum travel time: 22 days Adult: $1,242 concession: $1,179 Nelson Westport Lake Mahinapua Franz Josef Wanaka Milford Sound Te Anau Invercargill Auckland Raglan Waitomo Cape Reinga Paihia River Valley Queenstown Dunedin Auckland Waitomo Mercury Bay Rotorua Taupo Wellington Kaikoura Christchurch Paihia Mercury Bay Rotorua Taupo River Valley Nelson Westport Wellington Lake Mahinapua Kaikoura Franz Josef Christchurch Wanaka Queenstown FUNky chicken Start: Anywhere Finish: Where you started minimum travel time: 20 days Adult: $1,143 concession: $1,085 Auckland Waitomo Mercury Bay Rotorua Taupo River Valley Nelson Westport Wellington Lake Mahinapua Kaikoura Franz Josef Christchurch Wanaka Queenstown NEW ZEALAND Please note: Conc. = ISIC, VIP & YHA card holders, see page 5.

20 114 AUckLAND - christchurch ZEPhyR Start: Auckland Finish: Christchurch minimum travel time: 18 days Adult: $973 concession: $924 Auckland Waitomo Paihia Mercury Bay Rotorua Taupo River Valley Nelson Westport Wellington Lake Mahinapua Franz Josef Christchurch Wanaka Queenstown christchurch - AUckLAND kea Start: Christchurch Finish: Auckland minimum travel time: 15 days Adult: $874 concession: $830 Auckland Nelson Taupo Rotorua Westport Wellington Lake Mahinapua Kaikoura Franz Josef Christchurch Wanaka Queenstown ShEEPDOG Start: Auckland Finish: Christchurch minimum travel time: 16 days Adult: $874 concession: $830 Auckland Waitomo Mercury Bay Rotorua Taupo River Valley Nelson Westport Wellington Lake Mahinapua Franz Josef Christchurch Wanaka Queenstown GUmBOOt Start: Christchurch Finish: Auckland minimum travel time: 15 days Adult: $993 concession: $943 Paihia Auckland Rotorua Taupo Westport Wellington Lake Mahinapua Kaikoura Franz Josef Christchurch Wanaka Queenstown kitchen SiNk Start: Auckland Finish: Christchurch minimum travel time: 23 days Adult: $1,613 concession: $1,532 Auckland Cape Reinga Paihia Raglan Waitomo Mercury Bay Rotorua Taupo River Valley Nelson Wellington Westport Lake Mahinapua Franz Josef Christchurch Wanaka Milford Sound Queenstown Te Anau Dunedin Invercargill JOiNt mullets Start: Auckland Finish: Christchurch minimum travel time: 20 days Adult: $1,269 concession: $1,205 Auckland Rotorua Waitomo Taupo River Valley Nelson Westport Wellington Lake Mahinapua Franz Josef Christchurch Wanaka Queenstown Mercury Bay Te Kaha East Cape Tatapouri DOG LEG Start: Christchurch Finish: Auckland minimum travel time: 13 days Adult: $894 concession: $849 top DOG Start: Christchurch Finish: Auckland minimum travel time: 19 days Adult: $973 concession: $924 Auckland Taupo Rotorua Westport Greymouth Wellington Lake Mahinapua Kaikoura Franz Josef Christchurch Wanaka Queenstown Auckland Raglan Waitomo Paihia Rotorua Taupo Nelson Westport Wellington Lake Mahinapua Kaikoura Franz Josef Christchurch Wanaka Queenstown Please note: Conc. = ISIC, VIP & YHA card holders, see page 5.

21 115 NORth island NORthERN Auckland ROUND-UP Start: Auckland or Wellington Finish: Where you started minimum travel time: 9 days Adult: $549 GEySERLAND & LAkE Start: Auckland Finish: Auckland minimum travel time: 6 days Adult: $329 Waitomo Taupo River Valley Auckland Waitomo Taupo Wellington Mercury Bay Rotorua Mercury Bay Rotorua SOUth island SOUthERN ROUND-UP Start: Anywhere in the South Island Wanaka Finish: Where you started minimum travel time: 10 days Adult: $599 BAck PADDOck Start: Christchurch Finish: Christchurch minimum travel time: 8 days Adult: $549 Please note: Conc. = ISIC, VIP & YHA card holders, see page 5. Franz Josef Westport Lake Mahinapua Queenstown Westport Greymouth Lake Mahinapua Franz Josef Wanaka Queenstown Nelson Kaikoura Christchurch Christchurch NEW ZEALAND

22 116 CAMPERVANS BAckPAckER A Backpacker campervan is the ideal way to travel around New Zealand's awesome terrain, reaching those far off spots you otherwise wouldn t get to. A full range of 2-6 berth, low cost, no-frills vehicles are available. WhAt you GEt: Unlimited kilometre travel kitchen gear (crockery, cutlery, mixing bowls, cooking utensils) General gear (clothes pegs, clothes hangers, broom, bucket) Standard insurance with an excess of $3,500 24hr on-road assistance Discounts on multiple hires in Australia and New Zealand Rates include GSt (Goods & Services tax) BAckPAckER SmARt PAck FR $36 PER DAy Liability Reduction Option 2 (nil liability) camping chairs (1 per person travelling) LP Gas refill (PGO - refill for gas bottle on return of vehicle) Linen and bedding packs Extra driver fees tyre and windscreen cover BREEZER FR $31 PER DAy One double bed Portable gas stove 44 litre esky Sink Am/Fm Radio cassette Power steering manual transmission minimum hire age is 18 years WANDERER FR $45 PER DAy One double bed Shower & toilet Gas stove Fridge & microwave Sink Radio & cd player manual transmission Sleeps two adults QUAttRO FR $68 PER DAy two double beds Shower & toilet Gas stove Fridge Sink hot / cold water Automatic or manual Sleeps four adults OUR FAVOURitE ROUtE Take in both North and South Islands! 30 days hire FR $930 cape Reinga Awanui Bay of islands kaihu Auckland manukau coromandel Rotorua Waitomo taupo Napier Abel tasman N.P Nelson Westport Wellington Greymouth christchurch Franz Josef Fairlie mount cook Omarama milford Sound Queenstown te Anau Dunedin