It's time to plan for the future!

I don’t know about you but I am really looking forward to being able to get on to an aircraft and fly again.

Traveling around New Zealand and supporting local in the short-term is definitely important, and we can help you put together a fun Kiwi escape, but the call of overseas travel is as strong as ever.

So, where are you planning to go?

If Australia opens up first (likely), Tasmania would be really interesting as a destination. Also think about WA - you can have many different experiences in that State.

Personally? I’m keen to get to South-East Asia. Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Or Thailand. So many choices.

Let us know what you’re thinking. What are your dreams?

Covid-19 Update

Hello valued clients and friends of Target Travel 

We want to thank you for your continued support during this challenging time that we in the Travel Industry are facing with COVID-19. 

We do appreciate at that there is a lot of uncertainty and confusion around what to do next with regards to your travel plans.

We would like to reassure you that we work closely with our travel industry partners and as such we are processing the information they are sending to us daily, so that we can advise you as accurately as possible. This is a very fluid situation and the industry is working together in an unprecedented way.

As you can appreciate the call and email volumes are significantly higher at present and so we ask that if your travel is within 72 hours do call us. If your travel plans are further than 72hrs away, we ask you to email us and we will respond as promptly as we can. 

Again, we thank you for your patience during this time and we look forward to continuing to give you professional and dependable service. 

Your Target Team.

American Airlines announcement

American Airlines has announced plans to launch seasonal services between Christchurch and Los Angeles, and between Auckland Dallas-Fort Worth from 2020.

The long-rumoured CHC-LAX service, the only non-stop flights between the city pair, is set to take off Oct 2020, with three flights weekly, Oct-Mar, operated by a 787-8.

The AKL-DFW flights, also thrice-weekly over the Oct-Mar peak, will be operated by a 787-9.

Big Changes from Air New Zealand!!

Air New Zealand has announced that from October 2020 they will launch a year round, non-stop 3 x weekly service between Auckland and New York (EWR) operated by their 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.

At a flight time of 15hr 40m northbound and 17hr 40m southbound, the 14,178 kilometre route will be Air New Zealand’s longest and the fifth longest in the world by distance.

London Heathrow

To direct capacity to faster-growing markets, Air New Zealand has made the difficult decision to withdraw from their daily Los Angeles-London (NZ1/2) service from October 2020.   

Los Angeles-London will operate as scheduled until October 2020.

The withdrawal on the Los Angles-London service will have minimal impact on their Auckland to Los Angeles services post October 2020, with up to 12 services per week continuing to operate.

From October 2020, Air New Zealand customers will be able to travel year-round between Auckland and London with partner airlines via 12 gateways in Asia and the Americas, including New York.

Africa Update from World Journeys

We recently attended an update evening hosted by our friends at World Journeys.

This continent is still the bucket list destination.

If you’re looking for a luxury trip of a lifetime, let us know. We’ll make it happen.

Rail Journeys are increasingly popular. Check out Rovos Rail or The Blue Train for unforgettable experiences. Both these operators provide luxury and an entirely different perspective.

You have many options available to you - from short stays at a luxury lodge overlooking a waterhole to an amazing luxurious fully-escorted 22 day Safari that takes you through Qatar, Tanzania and Ethiopia. Countries of breathtaking beauty, ancient histories, and so much to see, do and experience.

There are always offers available so check with us.

These currently include:

andBeyond Botswana - Mobile Camping Expeditions

Staying at one of three beautiful lodges belonging to The Dulini Collection

Or visiting the exclusive 5-star Savanna Private Game Reserve may be more you?

Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve is also extremely popular.

Let us know if you’d like more information on any of these.

^SD

Discover Tasmania

We recently had the pleasure of attending an event promoting Tasmania as a destination. I have to say, what an amazing place Tasmania is.

Three quick take-aways from the event are:

• it’s ideal for Kiwis wanting to see a different side of Australia.

• it’s perfect for those who love food and drink, and wilderness and wildlife,

• it’s really easy to get to.

Reading up about the destination, I learned that 40% of Tasmania is protected through National Parks, reserves and conservation areas. Highlights include The Western Wilds, Cradle Mountain, the West Coast Wilderness Railway, The Tarkine Drive and the Cradle to Coast Tasting Trail.

As a foodie, I have to say it was really great meeting the Cheesemaker and tasting some of Bruny Island Cheese’s best. It would be well worth a visit to the factory.

I got a strong impression that Tasmania really did feel like ‘home’. It’s a place I’m quite sure you’d enjoy if you want to do something a little different for an Australian getaway.

^SD

The USA is still a popular destination!

Every year we get updates from the Brand USA team. They bring many vendors: destinations, States, experiences, and hoteliers to our shores.

It’s always great to be reminded of the amazing discoveries that that vast land holds.

I’d like to highlight a few things that caught my eye.

• it’s easy to get to. Many airlines fly to a number of destinations in North America. There are so many different routings that we can use.

• Disney is opening their Star Wars experience - Galaxy’s Edge very very soon. It’s going to be astonishing.

• I really want to explore The Great American West - the States of Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming. Incredible landscapes, wildlife, craft breweries and distillieries.

• Oregon is also fabulous. Perfect for an American Road Trip.

• One of my favourite destinations, Zion National Park in Utah, is celebrating its 100th anniversary as a National Park. If you’ve never been there, you must. It’s breathtaking.

There are many more places to explore.

Call us for ideas and suggestions.

^SD

Qantas ‘From Here to Everywhere’ global sale now on

Qantas is offering special Economy deals to South Africa, USA, South America, South East Asia, North East Asia and Premium Economy and Business specials to selected destinations.

The fares are available for sales and ticketing until midnight 25 February 2019

There are too many to list, so call us on 09 475 0081 to get the detail.

^sd

China New Zealand Year of Tourism 2019

We recently attended an event highlighting the China New Zealand Year of Tourism 2019. It was held at SkyCity in Auckland and promoted the strengthening ties between our two countries.

Where New Zealand is enjoying an increase in Chinese travellers exploring our country, we would like to focus on helping Kiwis discover that amazing land.

The event was hosted by our friends at CTS Tours (have used, completely recommend) and Air China (have used, completely recommend), and also sponsored by Air New Zealand (have used, completely recommend).

A specific tour we’d like to highlight is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to attend a Tang Dynasty-style Welcoming Ceremony with pomp and fanfare usually reserved for Emperors. The ceremony will be held in Xi’an (home of the Terracotta Warriors) on September 10th 2019. You can download a brochure here.

Call us for more information on how to experience China in 2019.

^SD

Why Macao?

We understand. You want to get to somewhere just a little bit different. Have you thought about Macao?

Macao is an autonomous region on the south coast of China, across the Pearl River Delta from Hong Kong. A Portuguese territory until 1999, it reflects a mix of cultural influences. Its giant casinos and malls on the Cotai Strip, which joins the islands of Taipa and Coloane, have earned it the nickname, "Las Vegas of Asia."

Macao is renowned as the original meeting place between Europeans and Chinese. English is widely spoken, but the official languages are Portuguese and Chinese (Cantonese).

It's a destination for leisure, family, small to large groups and of course meetings, incentives and conferences.

You get there by flying directly to Hong Kong International Airport - ex. Auckland you can fly Air New Zealand, Cathay Pacific and Hong Kong Airlines. It is also accessible through most Asian hubs that service Macao International Airport

There is plenty to see and do. Macao offers an array of UNESCO World Heritage Sites with over 450 years of history to discover. On right now until October 15th is the 3rd Macau International Lantern Festival.

Macao's hotels and resorts have something for all tastes and budgets. Almost all the attractions are within 15 minutes from a visitors hotel. Exploring by foot is the best way to see all that Macao has to offer.

Macao is famous for its cuisine and is considered a must-visit for people who love gastronomic travel. Macanese food is a fusion of Portuguese, African, South-East Asian and Chinese cooking.  

Macau is VISA-free for those traveling on New Zealand passports.

If you want to learn more, just contact us. You can also take a look through the Macao Government Tourism Office website here.