Eat chocolate and be merry!

Kia Ora and welcome. Here's the latest quick read from Flying Kiwi, so sit back break off some chocolate bunny and enjoy!

Flying Kiwi has a strong international flavour and before we get into the juicy stuff, we thought we'd share an Easter tradition with you from our Polish cousins.

Easter Monday (or Smigus Dyngus) used to be a frantic affair for Polish women as the traditional day for men and boys to squirt women with water and bucket loads where possible! The more a girl is sprayed with water, the higher her chances to get married!

The older men take a more distinguished approach spraying their wives with cologne water rather than the regular stuff - just watch the eyes! The girls did get their chance for revenge though - soaking the water bearing lads the following day! Whatever you get up to over the Easter period...enjoy!

In this Issue

Working holiday visas extended to 2 years
Adventure Hotspot - Fiji
New Zealand's great for - Sailing
Win an MP3 Player!
Easter Special and win your trip for FREE!!!
Hot Links - Can you toss the sausage?

 

Here's some exciting news for those heading our way! From July 2005, New Zealand working holiday visas are set for a change, allowing many european travellers to stay for up to 2 years and work for up to 12 months. Currently you only get 12 months to see the best we have and there's a 3 month limit with any one employer - now you can get time to enjoy a LOT MORE. More information on this can be found from the New Zealand Immigration web site.

If you are thinking of a longer stay then don't forget to mention it when booking with us. Our trips are valid for 24 months and give you the chance to enjoy extended stop offs in your favourite spots. We're also looking into the possibility of creating some work/travel trips and we'll keep you posted. If you are interested in this please contact us directly.

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Fiji is becoming an increasingly popular destination for those travelling to/from or taking a short break from New Zealand. Most round the world tickets offer the option to stop off and many airlines are now offering very cheap return fares from Auckland and Christchurch (Air New Zealand, Flight Centre, Freedom Air).

With over 300 islands fringed with coral reefs and lapped by stunning turquoise waters - the diving and snorkeling are superb. It's natural beauty is hard to match and the people themselves offer hospitality, openness and a blend of their diverse cultures. If you are into sun, sand, culture & history - and who isn't? it's a great and increasingly affordable destination.

For those looking in indulge in adventure the choices are endless. Possibilities include village tours, breathtaking hikes, tropical rainforests & cascading waterfalls, canoeing & rafting, highland tours, snorkeling, sailing, diving, surfing and much, much more. Wilderness, one of the pioneer operators, offer budget eco and adventure packages for travellers and adventure junkies. Their web site provides more details.

For more information on travelling to and around Fiji check out these sites:

Lonely Planet Fiji

Fiji Tourist Guide

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The Bay of Islands region has arguably the finest maritime park in New Zealand with over 140 Islands and secluded bays. The area boasts an abundance of marine life, including dolphins, penguinds, whales, gannets, big game fish and many other species.

The area benefits from a fantastic tropical climate and offers the chance to gain some fascinating insights into Maori culture.

This pristine natural environment is an ideal place to indulge in a number of water sports and activites, one of the finest being sailing. Island sailing adventures are offered by a number of operators thought few match the experience of She's a Lady Yacht Charters. Their day trips give you the chance to explore this stunning area and the bountiful wildlife that makes it so unique. With the opportunity to explore on "see through bottom" kayaks, snorkel, island walk and even get your hands on the wheel its a great experence.

For more information on the Bay of Islands area check out:

She's a Lady Yacht Charters

New Zealand Tourist Information

Bay of Islands Events Guide

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If you haven't quite been able to afford that Ipod yet then here's your chance to win an MP3 player for free. :)

We have got a stunning new MP3 player (256MB, metallic red, pocket size, voice recorder and built in radio) to give away to one lucky adventurer! To enter the competition just email us the name of this popular New Zealand attraction (picture on right).

Please include your name, contact details (email, tel no and address) with your entry.

The draw will take place on March 24th and winners will be notified by email or phone. So get thinking and good luck. Still not sure, check out our photo gallery for some clues!

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Unfortunately we cant send you all chocolate eggs as we'd be extremely unpopular with the local posties! However, we have rustled up a few treats:

Win your trip for free

There are just 2 days left for this one! Book your trip direct with us before 20th March for a departure in March or April and go in the draw to win your money back. That's right - not just part, not just some but a full refund on your trip costs including accommodation, food and bike hire!! Check out the site for more details.

Free woollies!

Book any South Island trip between 20th March and 20th April 2005 and receive a FREE Flying Kiwi Fleece to keep you warm at night. Let us have your shirt size when you book. Subject to availability and for direct bookings only. Check out the site for more details.

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• Toss the sausage! Not a dinner habit but a very addictive game, our top score is 1.178, let us know how you get on with this one. Play here.
• Not sure where to go to find out some real feedback on NZ. Check out backpacker's board - a great place to share thoughts with other travellers and a very handy resource!

That's it for this month. Enjoy your choccies and best of luck if you enter one of our great competitions! If you have any feedback, questions or ideas for Kiwi News or Flying Kiwi, don't hesitate to contact us.

Safe Travels,

The Flying Kiwi Team

Flying Kiwi Adventure Tours

( +64 3 547 0171 (International)

( 0800 693 296 (NZ Free Phone)

( 1800 143 515 (AUS Free Phone)

PO Box 680. Nelson, New Zealand

info@flyingkiwi.com

www.flyingkiwi.com