Down Under Answers
News
2006 News Archives
December 29, 2006
Jetstar Touches Down in Hawaii
New Jetstar Long Haul International Services, Australia to Hawaii - 5 Times Weekly
Jetstar commenced today inaugural services to Honolulu, its newest long haul international destination, flying direct from both Sydney and Melbourne. The 3 times weekly Sydney-Honolulu service will be followed on December 29 by Jetstar’s first direct Melbourne to Honolulu flight—operating two times weekly as a new international route for the Qantas Group.
December 01, 2006
Down Under Answers Launches Scholarship Reward Program
To help keep the Crocodile Hunter’s legacy alive, Down Under Answers (DUA) has created a special scholarship program to send a North American student who is studying biology or other relevant field to Australia to meet with University professors and visit Steve Irwin’s Australia Zoo.
“We hope to keep the spirit of Steve Irwin alive for our younger generation through this scholarship program.” Kirk Demeter, President of Down Under Answers said. “It’s important that we do our part in sharing Steve’s passion and love of Australia and his desire to educate others.”
Registered students between the ages of 18 and 26 will have the chance to reward their hard work in the natural science field with an all-expense paid, educational trip down under. This is the opportunity of a lifetime for the nominated student to enhance their education and learn about the unique animals, flora and fauna of Australia.
DUA’s travel agent partners will be able to nominate a student in their community who exemplifies Irwin’s spirit and desire for wildlife education and conservation. Interested students should write an essay explaining what they have done to achieve this goal and return it to their Aussie Specialist travel agent. A panel of judges at Down Under Answers will then choose a winner from the qualified nominees.
The winner will receive an all-expenses paid 10-day trip to Australia including airfare from anywhere within the US, five days at the Australia Zoo with hands-on training from zoo biologists, and the opportunity to visit any other part of Australia to further their education.
October 12, 2006
NBC’S ‘Today’ Show’s Viewers Declare New Zealand the Ultimate Honeymoon Destination
Santa Monica, CA, October 12, 2006 - NBC’s “Today” Show has sustained an ongoing love affair with America for years - and the show’s seven million viewers love nothing more passionately than its annual “Today Throws a Wedding.” The annual series climaxed last Friday with an on-air wedding ceremony and unveiling of viewers’ pick for world’s top honeymoon destination: New Zealand.
“Today’s” audience of romantics overwhelmingly voted to send California newlyweds Molly and Jason Waggoner to New Zealand for the honeymoon experience dreams are made of - jet setting them off to “the land of the long white cloud” on business class with Qantas Airways for an intimate seven-night adventure of luxury, fine dining and an endless vista of dramatic landscapes and activities.
For the honeymoon of everyone’s dreams, no expense was spared - and for other lovebirds in search of comparable experiences in New Zealand, the “Ultimate Romance” package is now available.
Staying at two of New Zealand’s three Relais & Chateaux properties, Kauri Cliffs and Whare Kea Lodge, and the boutique Eichardt’s Private Hotel, member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World.
Arriving at dawn, refreshed after a 12-hour nonstop overnight flight from Los Angeles - on Qantas’ lie-flat Skybeds - into Auckland, the largest Polynesian city in the world. A private helicopter transfer whisks you north to the Bay of Islands with 144 idyllic atolls. Retreat to Kauri Cliffs Lodge, one of New Zealand’s famed luxury lodges, situated on 6,000 acres with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. The lodge’s 22 suites and cottages - each with private porch and open fireplace - provide honeymooners with an intimate and enchanting experience.
This romantic setting sets the stage for the beginnings of a truly memorable week. Sea kayak through secluded bays and isles in search of dolphins and whales, in this wildlife-rich marine park. Then take to the skies on a scenic helicopter flight to Omata Estate, one of Northland’s finest vineyard restaurants. For a spot of fun, hop on a quad bike for a thrilling beach ride or try surfing sand dunes on the coast’s Ninety Mile Beach. Don’t miss teeing off at Kauri Cliffs’ David Harman-designed par 72 championship course, and spend a full day in prime sailing waters onboard a luxury motor cruiser, exclusively chartered for a day of swimming, snorkeling, fishing, or simply sunbathing.
Picturesque glacial lakes, lush vineyards, and majestic mountains beckon in South Island’s Wanaka. Nestled in this alpine paradise, Whare Kea Lodge is a world-class hideaway located on 60 acres of pristine farmland, and offering just six suites. In the comforts of your master suite, relax on a private sundeck with panoramic views of the surrounding untouched landscape. The next day, fly to Whare Kea Alpine Chalet, reach-able only by helicopter, and tucked away on the edge of Mount Aspiring National Park. This remote, secluded and one-of-a-kind experience comes fully-catered with a gourmet picnic lunch and a guided stroll to hidden valleys and breathtaking lookout points.
Capping this South Pacific escape is Queenstown, a short helicopter flight southwest of Wanaka. Known as the “adventure capital of the world,” Queenstown offers an endless array of soft and active adventures for couples. Capture a bird-eye view of picture-postcard scenery by tandem paragliding at 2,500 feet, or weave along the Dart River on a jet-boating adventure. On your last day in New Zealand, experience first-hand the magnificence of Milford Sound on a customized helicopter excursion, that includes a glacier landing on the West Coast, and sharing a special toast of wine and cheese on a secret wilderness site deep in the fiords.
Eichardt’s Private Hotel is an intimate haven in the very heart of Queenstown, overlooking Lake Wakatipu. This historical landmark hotel features five opulent suites with contemporary elegant dcor. The warm and inviting Parlour restaurant and The House Bar with its open log fire is a favorite among Kiwis and visitors alike.
Currently in its seventh year, “Today Throws a Wedding” features a competition for one lucky couple to win a wedding of their dreams. Each element of the ceremony - wedding dress, cake, flowers, honeymoon, etc. - is voted online and determined by viewers. In this year’s competition, there were seven honeymoon destinations for consideration - Antarctica, France, Vietnam, Barbados, South Africa, Peru - with New Zealand winning out over these other destinations!
October 01, 2006
Qantas First Class Airport Lounges Run by Sofitel
QANTAS has signed a partnership with luxury hotel brand Sofitel to operate the airline’s new International First Class lounges in Sydney and Melbourne. QANTAS believes the lounges will set a new benchmark in both Service and product offerings, with restaurant style dining and waiter service throughout. Customers will be able to order from a wide selection of freshly prepared meals designed by leading Australian chef Neil Perry. Sofitel will lend its expertise to all areas within the lounge and all staff will be highly skilled industry professionals with Sofitel conducting specialist training though its Academie Accor hotel school. The new Melbourne International First class lounge is scheduled to open in February 2007 and Sydney in April 2007.
October 01, 2006
New Spa at Kauri Cliffs Lodge - opened December 2006
New Zealand North Island
Nestled in a native Totara forest and a short walk from the guest cottages, the Lodge at Kauri Cliffs is approached by three wooded paths which wind through the natural bush and converge at the entrance. Upon entering the antique honed marble foyer, bordered by an exotic orchid and fern garden, the eye is immediately drawn to the “Femme au balcon"(after Pablo Picasso), a superb 84 x 63 inch tapestry.
The newly opened spa has four treatment rooms each open on to their own relaxing private courtyard with fireplace (for those cool evenings), overlooking a garden and meandering stream and set within a beautiful stand of native trees and ferns. Treatments may be taken indoors or “al fresco”.
October 01, 2006
Towers of Chevron Renaissance, Surfers Paradise
Towers of Chevron Renaissance As of the 1st December 2006, Accor will take over the management of the Towers of Chevron Renaissance from S8. This luxury high rise apartment complex will be associated with the Grand Mercure branding. The 276 apartments Accor will manage will range from one bedroom through to penthouse apartments. There are extensive on-site facilities including private gardens, a BBQ area, resort style swimming pools, a gymnasium, sauna and a spa. The property is located in the heart of Surfers Paradise close to the beach, shopping, nightlife, theme parks, several world-championship golf courses and the casino.
October 01, 2006
Oceanic Princess becomes Oceanic Discoverer
Coral Princess Cruises has announced a name change of its flagship vessel, Oceanic Princess, to Oceanic Discoverer. This will be effective from 12 October 2006.
Captain Tony Briggs, managing director of Coral Princess Cruises, said that the change came about because of confusion in the marketplace with the number of other vessels bearing the name ‘princess’.
“The name Oceanic Discoverer better reflects our position in the small ship expedition-style cruise market and differentiates us from other vessels with similar names that offer a completely different product” said Captain Briggs.
“There are many other vessels operating in Australian and international waters with ‘princess’ in their titles, and we wanted to reposition ourselves and our new destinations as journeys of discovery and exploration rather than conventional cruises.
“Both the expedition-style cruise and ‘soft adventure’ markets have undergone rapid growth in Australia and internationally in the past 10 years, and all indications are that this trend will continue. We are well positioned to capitalize on this growth and the Oceanic Discoverer name more accurately reflects our style of product.”
Oceanic Discoverer is currently sailing to emerging destinations such as Papua New Guinea, and offers a different perspective on destinations in the Pacific such as New Caledonia, Vanuatu, the Solomon Islands and New Zealand.
“Our voyages are designed to enable people to fulfil their spirit of adventure and experience close encounters with the environment, wildlife and culture of a region, while still enjoying a level of comfort and good service. In true expedition style, our itineraries are flexible to take maximum advantage of opportunities to view wildlife, go snorkelling or diving, or visit local villages and attractions. Using the ship as a base, landings ashore are undertaken with our purpose built excursion vessel, Xplorer, and inflatable Zodiacs, often allowing us to reach areas inaccessible to larger vessels and away from usual tourist routes.
“On all our voyages a team of naturalists and experts guide and interpret the experience for our guests, so they leave with a better understanding and connection with the places they have visited.
“Coral Princess Cruises has been operating in the Australian marketplace for more than 20 years and pioneered the concept of expedition and adventure cruising on the Great Barrier Reef and Kimberley Coast. We will continue to be innovative in our style and choice of destinations, and add new and exciting experiences to our portfolio.”