This week we are lead to believe that the Australia / New Zealand travel bubble might begin in mid – late April. Many of us have been hoping for that for a long time and it will signify that we are gradually relaxing the international border lockdown, without quarantining either side of the Tasman. The enormity of this pandemic damage to both countries can be realised by pre pandemic tourist body numbers. In Financial year 2019, 1.4 million Kiwis visited Australia (15.5% of all arrivals – 38% for holiday and 37% VFR), spending about $2.6 billion. On the other side in the same year, Australia was NZ’s largest visitor market with 1.5 million (40% of all international visitors), also spending $2.7 billion. Our tourism in both countries is vitally dependent on each other. Both countries have amazing contrasting tourist destinations & attractions, and being close to home, it is all easily accessible (with open borders!).
TIC has some interesting tours, resorts and shortly ski packages in NZ that you will be able to consider. Both countries enjoy a high degree of self drive holidays with the flexibility to “go as you please”. Check these out:
Self Drive NZ Tours incl rental car
New Zealand Luxury Lodges
Kimberley: we can offer you some Ponant Kimberley cruises at slightly reduced prices. Ponant has 2 ships this year in the Kimberley with 13 departures. Whilst that is double their normal capacity, the demand for these cruises is high. The prices are not your usual discounts for we need to understand that the Kimberley is super popular this year and the ships are not operating at full capacity due to new health and safety regulations as a result of Covid-19. Therefore they have to maximise their revenue with approx. 30% less cabins. In saying that and having sailed the Kimberley region a couple of times, it is an experience that is unrivalled anywhere, as it is one of the oldest and largest wilderness regions in the world, abundant with wildlife, dramatic landscape and world heritage listed sites. Your 5 star luxury expedition cruise ship gives you all the comfort and is really worth the investment, even if it is not what we ‘normally’ pay. The point about our industry rates is that they are all subject to availability and revenue management. Our website is updated on the availability and TIC prices as of Wed 24 Mar.
Kimberley Cruises With
Ponant Cruises
Ponant – Kimberley Cruises
5 star all inclusive
10 nights Darwin / Broome or v.v.
13 departures from Jun – Aug
Le Laperouse 92 cabins / Le Soleal 132 cabins
Le Soleal DRW / BME 30 Jun TIC from $10360
Le Laperouse DRW / DRW 12 nights 06 Aug TIC from $11060
Available all TIC members and friends
Prices are per person twin share
Deposit, balance & refund conditions apply, check with us
