Flying Kiwi hots up!

Kia Ora and welcome to the first newsletter for the new season. Winter in New Zealand has been little more than a brief chill - bad luck for snow seekers but ideal for adventurers, hikers and bikers!

As we start stocking up on suntan cream and shades we have put together a few little delights for you to read through. So sit back, relax, let your eyes do the work and start thinking about the hot and sunny places you should be heading to!

In this Issue

The latest discounts in New Zealand
Adventure Hotspot - Grand Canyon
New Zealand's great for - Rafting
SPECIAL - Save 50% on your Flying Kiwi Trip
Hot Links - Battle for Gondor!

 

Everyone loves to get a good deal and there's a heap of ways to save money when traveling around New Zealand. Here are some of our top tips.

1. Purchase a discount card. There are plenty to choose from but the leading ones include:
   • ISIC - You are eligible for this one if you are a student and at least 12 years of age. It's internationally recognised, approved by UNESCO and will get you a variety of discounts.
   • YHA - This card is primarily for discount in Hostelling International Youth Hostels but also provides a number of other discounts. Most people are eligible to purchase this card.
   • VIP - VIP Backpackers Resorts International is the largest chain of independent backpacker hostels in the world with over 1200 hostels in about 60 countries. Discounts are mainly applicable to accommodation but other discounts are available.
   • Existing student card. If you are already a student or still an NUS member then carry your student card, you will often get discounts if you can prove you are a current student.
2. Travel as a group. The power of numbers is a powerful thing when travelling around, try and hook up with like minded people and don't be afraid to approach operators and ask for group discounts. Ideally you should be getting at least 5 people together to qualify for any reduction - good luck!
3. Late can be a good thing. If a trip, flight or tour is running soon but they still have a few seats going spare see if a last minute special may apply. One of our favourites is Origin Pacific's relocations which can provide some great deals!
4. If you are not afraid to work for it, then WWOOFing is a great way to see some of the real New Zealand. This basically involves working on an organic farm in exchange for free accommodation and usually meals. It can be a great way to really meet the locals - check out www.wwoof.co.nz for more information.
5. Spend some time. If you are going to be staying somewhere for a while then enquire about long stay rates, often these apply if you are staying anywhere for over 5 days!
6. Get insured. Although it's a bitter pill to swallow upfront the savings are huge if anything goes wrong, check out Down Under insurance for some great value insurance packages.
7. And finally - of course ;) Check out the Flying Kiwi specials page where you will always find an offer to tempt you!

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As a virgin traveller to the US, this was always going to be an eye opening experience. Whilst the States dominates the news for so many reasons, there is no escaping the fact that it possesses some of the most spectacular, unique and grand landscapes in the World.

The Grand Canyon is an extensive drive or short flight from Los Angeles and easily accessed from the hustle and bustle of Las Vegas. My journey involved travelling on Green Tortoise - a unique concept in travel where you can actually sleep (comfortable lying down) on the bus! As we made our way through the searing, red desert and passed the Worlds largest thermometer (clocking in at 138 degrees) it made me realise just how crucial air conditioning and a huge supply of water is on any trip.

We arrived at the Canyon for sunrise and the dramatic, breathtaking nature of the place would never be justified in a newsletter. It is simply "awesome", though the prospect of hiking down to the bottom was initially a little daunting.

A trek to the bottom isn't to be taken lightly and once you have got your passes its crucial to ensure you have a sufficient selection of energy drinks and food to last the trip. Listen carefully to the advice given and make sure you aren't caught hiking in the heat of the day - with temperatures reaching 40 degrees at 6am you could really be putting yourself in danger.

A reasonable level of fitness is certainly required to undertake this trek but the rewards are well worth it. A humbling experience in the vast and dramatic landscapes with their ever changing shades will remain with you for a lifetime. This together with the satisfaction of completing the trek and looking back at the Worlds largest chasm will ensure you too highly recommend the trek.

We conducted this trip with Green Tortoise and would highly recommend their Canyons of the West trip as a quick and cost efficient way to see the area.

Grand Canyon main site - All you need to know about passes and access

Grand Canyon directory - great source for general information

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White water rafting in New Zealand is certainly one way to get an adrenalin rush. It also allows you to enjoy spectacular and remote parts of the country many others never get the opportunity to see.

Every rafting experience is very different from the next. Different companies offer different packages so it is worth checking them out. Even the same river can change with fluctuating water flows. Rivers are graded from 1 – 6 in the degree of difficulty. Grade 1 being flat while grade 6 is commercially unraftable. Therefore if you are after the ultimate, most exciting rafting experience you need to look at trips which include grade 5 rapids.

Most river trips are suitable for first timers but it does require a reasonable standard of fitness. All rafting companies are now audited annually by the Maritime Safety Authority to ensure safety systems are in place.

Remember, rafting is quite a social activity where individuals come together to be part of a team and conquer the rapids as one. I bet by the end of the trip you will know something new about the people in your raft than what you did at the start!

There are a range of companies offering rafting options throughout New Zealand. One of our favourites is certainly Rangitata Rafts in the South Island and we reckon they are worth checking out.

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We wanted to start the season with a bang and how's this? Book an Ultimate Explorer trip direct with us for travel after 1st December and get 50% off the trip fee for the second person. That's right, if there's two of you, one gets their trip fee half price (saving around $NZ750) and will only need to pay for their food, camp fees and optional hires - you really cant beat that!! This offer is only valid on bookings made before the end of September so get in quick.

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• Battle for Gondor. Whilst Lord of the Rings sets have left our shores heres a chance to put yourselves in the shoes of our heroic hobbits! It's a very addictive one thats all we will say Play here.
• Web Marketing. Have a web site that isn't quite performing then we reckon you should check out these gusy for a handy lift up the search engine ladders - web design and marketing.

That's it for this month. We are just warming up as the first bus rolls out our doors in a couple of weeks. Its promising to be a great season here and we will be filling the future editions of our newsletter with some great prizes - so email boxes open for October! 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