Air New Zealand Weather Disrupt Policy

Air New Zealand wishes to advise that due to anticipated adverse weather for New Zealand between the 20th and 23rd July 2017 the following flexibility will be permitted on all fare types for customers ticketed to travel domestically within New Zealand up to midnight Sunday 23rd July.

Options for customers are as follows:

Defer/Travel Earlier
Customers ticketed on or before19 July 2017 for travel domestically within New Zealand up to midnight Sunday 23 July may:

Transfer their flights up until midnight, Tuesday 25th July 2017 without penalty.
If International travel is also affected, travel in a higher cabin class on international services is permitted, however the applicable fare difference and taxes will apply.

If they are unable to travel within these dates, then the value of the ticket may be held in credit for payment towards travel within the same 12-month validity.
Normal refund rules apply and non-refundable fares remain non-refundable.

Change Destination
Customers ticketed on or before 19 July 2017 for travel domestically within New Zealand up to midnight Sunday 23 July may change their travel to another Air New Zealand Domestic destination within the normal fare rules. This includes additional collection of any applicable fare differential or taxes.

Refund
Normal refund rules apply and non-refundable fares remain non-refundable.

Travel As Planned

Any customers who opt to commence their journey as planned must be advised that they do so at their own risk. Air New Zealand will not be liable for any costs associated with weather disrupted travel should a customer opt to travel as planned.

A customer who is in transit and is disrupted as a result of this weather event will be offered accommodation by the airport.

Incidental Costs
Incidental costs and penalties such as accommodation and or meals are the customer’s responsibility unless disrupted while in transit. In this instance accommodation would be provided.

Customers should be referred to their travel insurance policy to see if they are covered for any incremental costs.

Important note for all scenarios

Please endorse any changes "Invol reroute due adverse NZ weather"
Customers should be referred to their travel insurance policy to see if they are covered for any incremental costs

Air New Zealand will continue to monitor the situation and advise any changes to these guidelines accordingly.

These guidelines will expire as per the dates above unless further updates are communicated.

What kind of travel does Target Travel organise for our customers?

We have learned in recent years that there is a perception that Target Travel is an expert in business travel (we are) and that that is our focus.

We have also learned in recent years that there is a perception that Target Travel is an expert in leisure travel (we are) and that that is our focus.

The simple fact is that we are experts in organising your travel. Whether it is business or corporate, flying you to your meeting in China, or taking you and your family to enjoy the sun in Rarotonga. We do both. And we do it well.

We love sending groups of people to the Philippines for their Christmas holidays. We loved flying the Got A Trade? Got It Made! future leaders from all over New Zealand to attend their future leaders forum and awards night.

We love sending school groups on adventures to all sorts of destinations.

We love flying missionaries to and from their mission fields.

If you already use us for your business, tell us where you want to go for your next holiday with friends or family. If you use us for your leisure travel, could you please refer us to the correct person in your business?

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Have you been thinking about Vietnam?

There are many tour packages available for South-East Asia - Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos as well as Thailand. We have some great partners that we work with to ensure you will have the trip that you want - and need.

One of our friends recently visited Vietnam. I was curious as to why she went there out of all the destinations available to her, and more importantly I wanted to know about her experience. She was generous with her time to help me tell her story:

1) Why did you choose Vietnam?

I had been thinking about going to Vietnam to do some cycling, and it seemed just a little bit of a different destination from the other South East Asian countries friends had been visiting. I wanted a place that would push me out of my comfort zone and experience new and interesting things. Air New Zealand had some travel deals on so I found a tour that fit with what I wanted to do and went with it.
 

2) What were your expectations?

I had no expectations other than adventure, and with around 500kms covered in total on two wheels, including some rugged terrain, extreme temperatures and a 1700m hill climb, it certainly delivered that!
 

3) What did you get out of traveling there?

A fantastic and deeply enriching experience that I'll never forget. Stunning scenery from city to sea, meet many beautiful, humble and kind-natured people and taste the most amazing and delicious food.

I toured on bike from Saigon through to Hanoi for 15 days and got to truly push myself in a day to day adventure while immersing myself in the dynamic contrasts that Vietnam represents. I got to experience the local side of Vietnam, taste sensational food and really discover a magical place that has left a huge impression on me.

4) Any final comments?

It is a brilliant, safe and rewarding place to visit. Do your research on basics like currency and customs but other than that it is a really wonderful place and I'll definitely be returning soon.

* All images courtesy Jennifer Corbett | @msjencorbett

Flying around New Zealand?

Did you know that you pay no more for your seat if you book through your Travel Agent, and it’s a whole lot less hassle for you?

Agents also have the ability to hold seats or change them (with conditions) and it won’t cost you any penalties.

We send our clients all over New Zealand - for work, for fun, for surprise weekend getaways (although that’s a little trickier with the airline’s apps not keeping secrets!).

Where do you want to go next?

Let us do it for you. We can book your flights, cars and accommodation. We’ll make it easy.

South African Airways - Update

SAA in New Zealand has been very proactive with regard to the new visa requirements for people traveling on a NZ passport to South Africa. More detail can be found here.

Their new Airbus A330-300 planes have arrived and are now flying on selected routes.  With impressive technology, a world-class entertainment system and comfortable surroundings, the new planes make long-haul flying a joy. This aircraft is not currently on the Perth to Johannesburg route, however if you're looking to fly with SAA to Europe or USA you'll be able to enjoy it!.

If you're interested in learning more about SAA's global reach, you can download their flyer.

Meet South Africa!

Qantas Short Term fares to UK/Europe - Available until 30 Jan 2017

Qantas has short life Economy and Business fares to the UK and over 35 points in Europe, available for sales until 30 January 2017.

Including. . .

London Economy return from:
$1772* Low season ex AKL (travel on Qantas services via MEL)
$1972* Low season ex AKL/WLG/CHC

London Business return from:
$7401* Business ex AKL/WLG/CHC

And Europe Economy return fares from:
$1497* Low season to OSL ex AKL/WLG/CHC

* Add $50 to Economy for outbound travel Thu - Sat and $250 to Business Fri - Sun

Economy filed travel dates:

Low: 16 Jan - 04 Apr, 24 Apr - 13 Jun, 02 Oct - 30 Nov 17
Shoulder: 05 Apr -23 Apr, 14 Jun - 15 Jun, 01 Sep - 01 Oct, 01 Dec – 06 Dec 17
High: 16 Jun - 31 Aug, 07 Dec – 13 Dec 17

Business filed travel dates:

16 Jan – 13 Dec 17

Go Cruising with Go Holidays

 
Discover the vast countries and cultures of Asia with Princess Cruises. There’s something for everyone to enjoy from Ancient temples, Buddha statues and bustling cities to white sand beaches, forests and wildlife.

Go Holidays has access to over 40 cruise lines all over the world from small ship to large ocean liners, from luxury to rivers or even self-drive canal boating.

Download the Asia cruise brochure then give us a call. We'll help create a fantastic holiday!

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Air New Zealand have released their second phase of Earlybird Airfares to UK & Europe.

AIRFARES - Air New Zealand (FirstFares)

Paris - Return Economy Class from $1749*pp
Upgrade to Premium Economy ADD$2809*pp
Upgrade to Business Class ADD$5359*pp
 
Amsterdam/Barcelona/Copenhagen - Return Economy Class from $1805*pp
Upgrade to Premium Economy ADD$2599*per person (Amsterdam only)
Upgrade to Business Class ADD$5199*pp
 
Rome - Return Economy Class from $1835*pp
Upgrade to Business Class ADD$5199*pp
 
London - Return Economy Class from $1869*pp
Upgrade to Premium Economy ADD$2999*pp
Upgrade to Business Class ADD$5429*pp

Terms and conditions do apply so make sure you call us in the office.

^sd

Are you planning to visit Portland soon?

Discover all that you can do in Portland this winter with Travel Portland's brand-new 145 Square Miles of Portland section. They have picked out 145 uniquely iconic reasons to visit Portland this winter (one reason for every square mile of the city).

Click on Eat, Drink, Shop, See or Events to see offerings in those categories — or take a chance and click the “Surprise me” button for some random selections. At every turn, you’ll find plenty of reasons to plan a trip to the City of Roses.

^SD

Air China

In November 2016 I was lucky enough to be able to experience Air China's service from Auckland to Beijing.

Many Chinese airlines are now connecting from that wonderful country to ours, and having flown Air New Zealand previously, I was looking forward to the opportunity.

Before getting on board the aircraft, I noted that the timing of the flights was really good. We were scheduled to depart Auckland after 8pm which meant that a natural sleep would occur, leaving us fresh for the early morning arrival.

I have to say that my first impression wasn't ideal. The aircraft we were traveling on was an older Airbus A330-200. Old technology, old entertainment systems, and slightly cramped cabin didn't encourage us. I suspect that this would have been one of the last flights that this aircraft would be doing. More later.

I would guess that 95% of the passengers were Chinese returning home. I loved this of course. It meant that by the time we arrived in Beijing we had been immersed in Chinese culture. Being surrounded by boisterous and continuous non-English conversation reduced the impact of arriving in China to Westerners on their first visit.

All the meals served were rice-based (and delicious) and it was amusing to us to be offered wine, where we could choose from the white one or the red one.  (side note: it shows that there is huge opportunity for New Zealand vineyards in that particular market!).

Our return flight, which departed Beijing around 1am, arriving in Auckland at approximately 6pm local time, was much much better. This was a brand new shiny Dreamliner, and was crewed by a much more senior and experienced crew. The aircraft was beautiful although the Economy-class seats did still seem a little tight. The catering was great, although we were looking forward to a decent burger once we got home. After all, there is only so much Kung Pao Chicken one can consume in a week. And the best thing? No noticeable jetlag. We were both able to sleep a full night and be fresh for work the morning after arriving home.

So, would I fly Air China again? Absolutely. I really enjoyed the experience. Their crews were great and I was watching how they helped their passengers with small details such as filling out arrival cards. They cared a lot.