Sep 18, 2019 | Client news
Tauranga based tourism operator Bay Explorer has launched a new half-day tour showcasing Bay of Plenty marine life. The Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise is tailored to customers wanting an authentic experience in nature.
Owner and skipper Brandon Stone says that the tour is a “shared once-in-a-lifetime experience that allows people to discover marine animals in their natural habitat.”
“Our new Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise is ideal for families and travellers. The half-day cruise allows people to bond and connect whilst watching the Bay of Plenty’s diverse marine life do the same.”
“Visitors are likely to see dolphins and seals, and possibly penguins, turtles and whales.”
Departing from the waterfront jetty on the corner of The Strand and Wharf Streets in Tauranga, tours take guests on a cruise of the Bay of Plenty coastline and islands. The 9 am to 2 pm tour is spent searching for seasonal marine wildlife such as dolphins, orca, whales, sharks, seals, sunfish, school fish, turtles, penguins and seabirds.
The captain and crew provide commentary on the marine wildlife, geography and history of the Bay of Plenty.
Tourism Bay of Plenty Chief Executive Officer Kristin Dunne welcomes the new tour offering to the region.
“We’re working closely with new and existing tourism businesses to develop offerings that showcase what makes our region unique. The marine life that Bay Explorer enables visitors to connect with certainly does that.”
“We encourage tourism businesses to consider the environment they plan to operate in when developing their offerings. I am proud of Bay Explorer’s respectful consideration of marine life and the ocean.”
“Tours that celebrate our unique environment such as Bay Explorer’s Island & Wildlife Cruise create lifelong memories for our visitors.”
The Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise is available to book online at www.bayexplorer.co.nz through REZDY. Bookings are available from September to May and group bookings are available year-round.
The Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise includes:
A half day cruise on the spacious 18-metre Bay Explorer vessel.
Fully enclosed seating and an open sundeck for wildlife watching with 360° outdoor views.
Close up encounters with seasonal marine wildlife including dolphins, orca, whales, sharks, seals, sunfish, school fish, turtles, penguins and seabirds.
Cold beer and chilled regional wines from the licenced bar (EFTPOS available).
Food is available onboard, or guests are welcome to bring their own lunch and snacks.
Onboard commentary and references with facts on the Bay of Plenty and local marine wildlife.
What: New half-day Island & Wildlife Cruise of the Bay of Plenty coastline and islands onboard the Bay Explorer.
Where: Departs from the waterfront jetty, corner of The Strand and Wharf Streets, Tauranga.
When: Check in at 8:30 am for 9 am departure. Approximate return time is 2 pm.
Prices: Adult $130.00; Child (Age 6-12) $75.00; Infant (5 and under) $20.00.
Owner: Brandon Stone
Email: info@bayexplorer.co.nz
Mobile: +64 21 605 968
Sep 18, 2019 | Client news
Lake Taupo’s premier outdoor experience operator Chris Jolly Outdoors has partnered with the Ngāti Tūwharetoa to form a new tourism company with a key focus on making Taupo the ultimate outdoor destination complimented with a desire to have more authentic and cultural offerings. Simon Jolly, CEO of Chris Jolly Outdoors explained: “The Team are very excited to be partnering with the Tuwharetoa to create a long-term future for Maori tourism in the district while continuing to grow Chris Jolly Outdoors product offerings. As major providers of activities in the outdoors, we also value our role as Kaitiakitanga (guardians) of the Lake and land. Our union with local iwi, will enable us to give back to these resources so that generations to come will still be able to enjoy them.”
Chris Jolly Outdoors can offers scenic cruises & private charters on Lake Taupo to see the Mine Bay Maori Rock Carvings, fly fishing experiences, hiking biking, hunting and snowshoeing experiences across the Taupo & Ruapehu regions of Central North Island New Zealand. Read more here.
Sep 18, 2019 | Client news
With over 750 humpback whale sightings since June, Tangalooma are now on track for their biggest year of whale watching ever! In the same period last year they had sighted 688 humpback whales, so this is another positive sign that humpback whale numbers are continuing to grow following their rapid decline during the 1960’s whale hunting era. Mums are proudly showing off their new bubs by coming up close to the vessel and putting on lengthy acrobatic displays for our amazed guests. Seeing these beautiful mammals in the wild is definitely one to tick off everyone’s bucket list! Guests can choose from a classic Day Cruise which includes their ferry transfers to Moreton Island, or add to their experience by adding on dolphin viewing or dolphin feeding where they can come and meet baby Scout, Tinkerbell’s adorable dolphin calf! (pictured) You can check in on the whale-watching action here to keep up to date on how many whales have been seen cruising the ‘humpback highway’ in 2019 Whale season!
Sep 17, 2019 | Client news
Tourism Noosa has launched a completely refreshed website with new design functions, new photos and more information about things to do and where to go.
Featuring on the new visitnoosa.com.au website include;
Eco travel tips – Here in Noosa, we have a long and proud history of protecting, preserving and looking after our pristine environment – it’s one of the main reasons why people love holidaying and living in Noosa! Visit our tips on how to enjoy a Noosa holiday while keeping your green credentials in check.
Noosa’s green initiatives – Chances are high that you’ll meet many passionate locals in Noosa who all share a love and passion for this wonderful place and its natural beauty. We have listed some of the amazing community initiatives in place to protect and preserve our paradise.
Natural wonders – Noosa is a destination surrounded in natural beauty and home to a myriad of protected and threatened species of fauna and flora. The best bit is most of our environment is accessible, so you can really immerse yourself in Noosa’s natural blessings. This section explains how you can explore some of these special places.
Our custodians – Wunya Ngulum, welcome! Noosa is home to the Kabi Kabi people whose land stretches roughly 100km south and 150km north of Noosa. It is important that we all pay our respects to the traditional owners of this land – past, present and future – and their rich history. You will find information on how to learn more about the culture, language and practices of the traditional people of Noosa.
Blogs – Keep up with the latest restaurant openings, accommodation refresh projects, new activities and attractions or discover secrets of Noosa for your next holiday!
Travel Trade section – this section is next on the update agenda! Expect access to mesmerising images and video content, presentations, itineraries, Global Planner and other useful trade friendly tools to sell Noosa!
Aug 27, 2019 | Client news, News
Thala Beach Nature Reserve, located between Cairns and Port Douglas in Australia, was awarded the highest Ecotourism accreditation for maximising informative and meaningful experiences,
whilst enhancing the local environment. The Thala Experience adheres to global principals of Ecotourism. After ten consecutive years meeting the strict criteria for Advanced Ecotourism status,
in 2017 Thala was awarded Green Travel Leader status with Ecotourism Australia. Following on from there, in Apr’18 Thala in recognition of Thala’s substantial credentials in offering deluxe
eco-designed accommodation while minimising environmental impact, the beachfront eco lodge was handpicked for membership of National Geographic’s Unique Lodges of the World after
s
uccessfully undergoing a rigorous vetting process. Currently, Thala is Australia’s only mainland based property in the National Geographic Unique Lodge collection.
Aug 23, 2019 | Client news, News
Hai Au Aviation (HAA) is proud to announce the launch of direct flights between Dong Hoi Airport (VDH) and Da Nang International Airport (DAD) in Central Vietnam, commencing July 20, 2019. Hai Au Aviation is currently the only airline offering direct service along this route. This new flight route promises to bring fresh, unique travel experiences to Vietnam’s Central coast region, following the success of the recently-launched Da Nang – Hue route this past April.
The Dong Hoi – Da Nang route will be served on Thursdays and Sundays. Customers can look forward to skipping the 6-hour train ride or 7-hour bus ride to travel in comfort and style instead of in just 70 minutes aboard a Cessna Grand Caravan aircraft. In addition to saving time, customers experience this new flight route will be able to take in
stunning views of the Central Vietnamese coastline through the aircraft’s large windows, including the lush Son Tra Peninsula, the famed Hai Van (Sea Cloud) Pass which zigzags its way through the forested Truong Son mountain range, Lang Co Beach, and the “fish mazes” of the 24km-long Tam Giang Lagoon where three rivers empty out into the sea. History buffs will also enjoy flying over the former Demilitarized Zone just north of Hue and the historic Dong Hoi Citadel.
The beach town of Danang has recently gained renewed international acclaim, finding its way onto numerous top “Places to Go” lists. Called the “Miami of Vietnam”, this vibrant seaside town is developing a reputation for a serious foodie scene to go along with its 8km-long stretch of pristine beach populated by glam 5-star resorts. In contrast, quiet and gentle Dong Hoi is the gateway to the UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, well-known for its tropical forests, an extensive cave system with underground rivers, and Son Doong, the world’s largest cave passage. All flights will be operated with the 12-passenger Cessna Grand Caravan 208B-EX aircraft, one of the industry’s safest, most powerful single-engine airplanes. Fares are published, and flights can now be booked via the Hai Au Aviation website: www.seaplanes.vn
