Archive for the 'Air Transportation' Category

Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters and Southern Lakes Heli Ski

Posted by Ruth Atherley on June 7, 2010 at 2:54 pm

There is nothing quite like seeing New Zealand from the air. Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters offers awesome New Zealand scenic helicopter flights of the mountains and lakes in and around Queenstown, Milford Sound and Fiordland National Park.

I have had the opportunity to see parts of New Zealand from a helicopter and it is incredible. Majestic mountains and dramatic glaciers rising into the sky, then the clear waters of lakes embraced by forests that are so green it feels like you are seeing something that has been photoshopped.

…And for the skiers, there is Southern Lakes Heli Ski.

Something I didn’t know is that heli skiing isn’t just for advanced skiers. The Southern Lakes Heli Ski people operate on several mountain ranges, with the most exclusive access to over 5,000 sq km of powder. There is a wide range of options available for you to get the best possible location for your heli ski adventure, no matter what your level might be.

The people at Southern Lakes Heli Ski take their role as your guide seriously – skiing in the mountains is serious business. The International Federation of Mountain Guides Association oversees their heli skiing program. They have years of experience in heli skiing in the Southern Lakes region and abroad in Canada, Turkey and Alaska.

They provide a ratio of one guide per five guests, making sure you are safe and get the most out of your adventure.

Leaving On A Jet Plane

Posted by Ruth Atherley on May 28, 2010 at 5:05 pm

I’m leaving on a jet plane, I don’t know when I’ll be back again…

More blog posts will be up in a day or so. I need some time to recover from my time in New Zealand…but I still have lots to say.

I bet you aren’t surprised!!

Bye New Zealand…hope to see you again soon!

New Daily Direct Flight From Houston To Auckland With Continental Airlines

Posted by Ruth Atherley on May 26, 2010 at 3:46 pm

Tourism Auckland and Tourism New Zealand announced that a new direct daily Continental Airlines flight from Houston to Auckland will start in November 2011.

The new service, from one of America’s biggest air hubs will open up the east and central US and will connect flights into Europe.

Tourism New Zealand Chief Executive Kevin Bowler said New Zealand has a strong appeal as a specialist destination with North Americans, particularly those interested in the outdoors, adventure and culture.

“Our research shows that US visitors are New Zealand’s most satisfied international travelers, rating their visits at 9.4 out of 10, and they are keen to recommend New Zealand once they’ve been here.”

Mr. Bowler said the new service was a great opportunity for New Zealand to attract more visitors from the US where Tourism New Zealand was actively working to build New Zealand’s profile.

Tourism Auckland Chief Executive Graeme Osborne said as the country’s largest and most globally connected city, Auckland welcomed over 70 per cent of international arrivals to New Zealand.

“This commitment from Continental Airlines is a significant coup in Auckland’s ability to host more American visitors. Securing direct air links from the second largest US state is a huge win for destination Auckland.”

“We’re looking forward to working with Continental Airlines on marketing activity to build awareness of Auckland as a visitor destination and to drive increased visitation, length of stay and spend,” Mr. Osborne said.

Air New Zealand – The Little Airline That Could…And Does

Posted by Ruth Atherley on May 25, 2010 at 3:19 pm

Ruth and Adriena Daunt of Tourism New Zealand in Hangar 9.

I am a big fan of Air New Zealand. There is always something magical going on there. And if anyone was around last year and read the post about my losing my passport, you will know how amazing they were in helping me. (I found it in the nick of time!) It also doesn’t hurt that they are an award-winning airline that rocks! (They just won airline of the year.)

I have been flying Air New Zealand throughout the country and am always impressed with how easy the flights are and how friendly everyone is. Of course, after their very funny Nothing To Hide videos, I am always wondering where those flight crews fly.

We had the opportunity to go to Hangar 9 in the heart of Auckland last night to check out the innovations set to come our way from Air New Zealand. One of the key things that I heard was that ANZ is really focused on making the economy and premium economy sections more comfortable. They are changing things up in the “airplane food” area as well; they are going to make food tempting and real (made on the plane, not just reheated).

It looks like the airline that always impresses us and reinvents air travel is at it again. You can check out more here.

Up, Up and Away…With Volcanic Air Safaris

Posted by Ruth Atherley on May 25, 2010 at 2:45 pm

Ann Parker

I got to spend a bit of time with my friends Ann and Dorien from Volcanic Air Safaris yesterday. They offer the choice of a floatplane or helicopter to view some of the most dramatic geothermal and volcanic landscapes of Rotorua and the central Bay of Plenty District.

Some of the most popular flights are over the dormant crater of Mount Tarawera. This volcano erupted in spectacular fashion in 1886 and the remains of an eight kilometre crater scar can be viewed from above. The region is splattered with hot lakes, steaming cliffs and wonderful scenes of geothermal parks such as Waimangu, Orakei Korako and Wai-O-Tapu – and they are incorporated into the flights.  Of course, there is also the once-in-a-lifetime experience of landing the helicopter on New Zealand’s most active marine volcano, White Island.

One of the key things at Volcanic Air Safaris, apart from the vivacious Ann and charming Dorien, is that the team is focused on providing an exceptional tourism experience. Their pilots are highly skilled and have a passion for and knowledge about the area. So not only do they keep you safe, but they also provide you with lots of great information about the area’s history and culture.

For anyone with a passion for planes, they have the de Havilland Otter – a 10-passenger floatplane. The only one in New Zealand, I am told.

Touring with Volcanic Air Safaris is definitely on my “must do” list when I return!