16 September 2009
New Zealand Shines at Top British Awards
(Story courtesy of Tourism New Zealand)
It was gold and two silvers for New Zealand in the recent prestigious Cond Nast Traveller awards in the UK earlier this month.
Readers of one of the world's most influential travel magazines named New Zealand as their second-favourite destination, Air New Zealand the second-best long-haul leisure airline and Glenorchy's Blanket Bay lodge the best leisure hotel in Australasia and the South Pacific.
New Zealand was also listed fourth overall in the 'Best of the Best' section of the awards which includes cities, airports, hotels, cruise lines and other sectors within the tourism industry.
Tourism New Zealand chief executive George Hickton said it was a credit to the industry to see New Zealand taking first and second-place rankings across a range of categories. "The UK is probably one of the toughest markets in the world to get noticed in. Travellers have access to the lowest airfares in the world, which means they have a huge amount of choice."
Things are probably even tougher at the moment because British travellers have been hard hit by the economic downturn and are looking to holiday closer to home, so these awards this year are even more important to keep New Zealand in the limelight. This win makes 2009 the sixth year in a row that New Zealand has been ranked in the top five favourite countries by the publication's readers.
01 September 2009
United Vehicle Rentals new Depot in Christchurch up and running
This modern, environmentally friendly facility is United's new face Christchurch. Located near to the Airport and on a direct route into the City, it offers convenient access to the major routes North and South from Christchurch. It features showers, toilets, tea and coffee making facilities, filtered drinking water, email and internet access, free luggage storage and a wide range of tourist information to select from. The extensive lounge area provides a comfortable and welcoming place to rest on arrival in New Zealand or to prepare for departure by United's courtesy shuttle to the airport.
17 June 2009
Influenza A(H1N1) aka Swine Flu: Safety notice from the NZ Government and the Ministry of Health for visitors to New Zealand
The Ministry has again refined advice to international travellers arriving in New Zealand. Better information about the incubation period of the disease means that only people with flu-like symptoms within four days of travel are now considered to be suspect cases of influenza A (H1N1). Initially the Ministry advised that any travellers who became sick within a fortnight should be treated as suspicious for influenza A (H1N1); this was subsequently changed to seven days and this has now been further modified to four days. If your condition worsens, seek medical advice by PHONING Healthline 0800 611 116 or your healthcare provider.
Key message to New Zealand Residents: Be prepared
If you've got flu symptoms, stay at home for seven days after your symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer. Stop the spread of flu germs by: Covering coughs and sneezes Regularly washing your hands and drying them thoroughly Avoiding contact with sick people and reducing time spent in crowded settings.If your condition worsens, seek medical advice by PHONING Healthline 0800 611 116 or your healthcare provider.
Healthline 0800 611 116 is a free service that operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is staffed by registered nurses.
United Campervans Softens its Carbon Footprint - Sponsors Motuora Island Reforestation
Just north of Auckland in New Zealand's sparkling Hauraki Gulf is an 80 hectare island with coastal cliffs and sandy beaches. This is Motuora Island, currently being restored and reforested by the Motuora Restoration Society, (made up entirely of volunteers) and New Zealand's Department of Conservation.
The island will eventually become a forested sanctuary for endangered birds, reptiles and insects and is already being used as a kiwi nursery. Kiwi chicks from the mainland are brought to the island, reared safely to adulthood and then released back into their original habitat.
As a corporate citizen committed to environmental responsibility, United Campervans now provides financial support for the annual planting of 30,000 trees on the island. The work is carried out by volunteers and all the staff at United Campervans have joined planting parties in the past and plan to do so in the future.
Join United's efforts and take a piece of New Zealand home with you: As a client of United Campervans, you are offered the opportunity to become involved in this project by sponsoring a tree for just $10.00, paid at the time of your United motor home rental. In return, you will receive an attractive Sponsorship Certificate to take back home with you, and will receive regular newsletters on progress and activity on the island.
