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A S H D O W N T R A V E L S U M M E R 2 0 1 4 NEWS * CRÈCHE HOTELS * CRUISING NEW ZEALAND * CULTURAL HIGHLIGHTS A S H D O W N A S H D O W N S U M M E R 2 0 1 4 N E W S For the adventurous traveller Silversea cruises have added a third expedition ship called the Welcome to our latest newsletter! Silver Discoverer. This 120 passenger vessel will offer exceptional quality destination led Having just returned from my first visit to new Twitter account, as well our existing voyages to some of the most isolated ecosystems New Zealand I am still buzzing with the Facebook page, which we will use to bring of Southeast Asia, the stunning Kimberley in breath-taking scenery that these two amazing you the latest news and offers for all things Australia, the Sub-Antarctic islands departing islands have to offer. It was more timely than travel. If you would like to be kept up to from New Zealand, and the wilds of the Russian ever to visit with this destination growing date then please log onto the website Far East. These voyages will fill very quickly so in popularity, the recent Royal Tour and the www.ashdowntravel.co.uk and click through early booking is recommended. Cricket World Cup next year. With these on the Facebook or Twitter symbols and thoughts still fresh in mind our destination “like” us or “follow” us as appropriate. feature this time will be New Zealand and Thank you for taking the time to read our The Le Bristol Paris is legendary around the we will also be hosting a New Zealand client newsletter and we look forward to seeing world for its world class standards and facilities, evening in the Autumn for you to see more you in the shop soon. however many of you may not know that it is part of a small collection of boutique hotels called the closely what outstanding possibilities there Kind Regards, Oetker Collection. Each one is unique in style but are for a truly memorable holiday. Nick Samuels, Director guarantees you an outstanding experience. The Cruising continues to be a massive growth [email protected] collection is made up of 8 hotels and Ashdown area for us and with new destinations and luxury Travel has an excellent working relationship with all inclusive options becoming more accessible, Cover photo by Virginia King (www.virginiakingsculptor.com) them all. The latest additions to their collection are we thought it would be great to give you an the world famous Eden Rock in St Barths and the update on some of our favourite suppliers. truly outstanding L’Apogee Courchevel which really Closer to home I am delighted to has taken the luxury skiing market by storm. announce that we have been appointed members of the Starwood Luxury Privileges club. We are just one of a few travel agencies to have been awarded with this prestigious status and it allows our clients to receive exclusive benefits from complimentary room upgrades to food and beverage credits. Just some of the Starwood brands you may know are St Regis, ‘W’, Luxury Collection and Airlines around the world are all fighting for Westin to name just a few. business and are always looking for new and We have also just redesigned our website exciting products to offer and Etihad Airlines which gives you a lot more holiday content are no exception. With their hub in Abu Dhabi and suggestions as well as being able to read they offer a network of flights to over 100 more about the team and in particular the destinations and with their new Airbus A380’s areas that they specialise in. We also have a they have really upped the ante with state of the art technology and comfort in all classes right the way through to offering the world’s first inflight private residence with separate lounge, A S H D O W N T R A V E L 24-26 Station Road East, Oxted double bedroom and shower room! A S H D O W N A S H D O W N N E W Z E A L A N D N E W Z E A L A N D For a small country on the other side of the world, with over 20 vineyards in close vicinity. It’s also an New Zealand has an incredible amount of diversity ideal place to relax in a busy self-drive itinerary as and plenty to see to warrant the very long journey it’s NZ’s sunniest city, with a selection of cafes and to get there! The main highlights have to be the restaurants in the town and plenty of characterful stunning, varied scenery from fjords, glaciers, alpine accommodation to stay. The Marlborough Sounds, vistas to coastline, as well as incredible food and formed from the ocean filling a network of ancient wine, and unique cultural experiences. The list could sunken river valleys, is best seen from the water, be endless but we’ve narrowed down a tiny amount either on a luxury yacht or kayak excursion. Marvel of the numerous ‘must-sees’: at forested hills rising steeply from the sea, the clear City life in Auckland water, the sheltered inlets and sandy bays. It is a relatively small compact city and it’s easy to Wildlife in Otago and Akaroa get around. We like staying in either Viaduct or Peninsulas the main harbour area and a day or two is usually Christchurch is still rebuilding itself after its enough to recover from jetlag, enjoy a boat trip, devastating earthquake so instead, whilst in the marvel at the views from the Sky Tower or test Rotorua’s thermal activity area, we would recommend a drive out to the your nerves on the Bridge Climb, and then pick This is one of the best places to see the dramatic Wine in Hawkes Bay Banks Peninsula and the town of Akaroa where up a car or fly off to the next highlight. geo-thermal landscape of this volcanic region and New Zealand is undoubtedly famous for its you can find the largest little penguin colony hold your nose whilst visiting the bubbling mud vineyards and Hawkes Bay is particularly famous on mainland New Zealand at Flea Bay and the Island life in Bay of Islands pools and steaming water from the geysers. It is also for its red wines – cabernet sauvignon, merlot and opportunity to see the very rare Hector dolphin on a centre of Maori culture and you can try a hangi Kick-back, relax and enjoy the laidback lifestyle of syrah. It is also famous for a huge earthquake in the a harbour cruise. The Otago Peninsula is reached feast cooked in the steaming ground and visit a the towns of Russell and Paihia. A definite ‘must’ is 1930’s resulting in a huge rebuilding project and from the southern city of Dunedin. It is the home traditional village. (www.bencrawford.co.nz) to take a boat trip to enjoy some of the 144 islands Napier’s reputation as an Art Deco city, reflecting to colonies of Yellow Eyed Penguins, Little Blue that make up this region. Plus you can learn more the architectural style of the time. Penguins, Fur Seals, and Royal Albatross. about the history of the nation at the Waitangi Lake life in Taupo Treaty Grounds where the Maori and British Don’t miss the magnificent Huka Falls, just north enguin Place (www.penguin-place.co.nz) Ben Crawford Te Papa in Wellington signed the founding documents of the nation. At of this picturesque lake, and we also recommend a New Zealand’s capital is a cosmopolitan harbour Cape Reinga you will see the meeting points of jet boat ride or more sedate scenic cruise on this (bottom) city with a real buzz around the cafes, restaurants the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean and then head enormous inland lake. It is also famous for its trout and bars, a fun place for real food and wine lovers! down 90-Mile Beach, officially a highway but best fishing and Nick himself successfully caught a 10- On the waterfront you will find the famous Te left to an official tour group in a 4WD! pound trout on his recent trip!! Papa Museum, known as one of the best interactive museums in the world! Wine in the Marlborough At the top of the South Island, this area is home to the world famous sauvignon blanc that graces our supermarket aisles (and shopping trolleys) here. There are over 40 cellar doors in the region but (top) Ian Trafford ([email protected])Trafford (top) Ian& (bottom) it is definitely best enjoyed on a tour so you can truly enjoy the produce! In the heart of the region, Photo by Ben Crawford (www.bencrawford.co.nz) Photos by (top) Chris McLennan (www.cmphoto.co.nz) & Photos by the town of Blenheim is a favourite of our clients A S H D O W N A S H D O W N N E W Z E A L A N D N E W Z E A L A N D The adventure capital of Queenstown Accommodation for all tastes A ‘must’ in any itinerary. If your nerves can stand It may be an overused cliché but there are it, try out the original AJ Hackett bungee, a sky- accommodation types to suit every budget.