Archive for the 'Auckland' Category
Auckland’s Hippest Four-Star Hotel
Posted by Ruth Atherley on May 26, 2010 at 4:28 pm
I checked in with the people at The Quadrant Hotel Auckland yesterday and had a great time hearing about their funky hotel. Their rooms range from a studio apartment to a one bedroom apartment, two bedroom apartment and penthouse suite. I love this part – they have FREE WI-FI!!!
The hotel has lovely rooms that look extremely comfortable and each have a fully equipped kitchen. They say it’s where style and affordability spend the night together. That’s a good thing.
They have a bar and restaurant. (Sounds weird for me to say this, but when you see the website, it looks like your staying at beautiful condos.)
Check out the website, the hotel is impressive.
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.
Auckland Fast Facts
Posted by Ruth Atherley on May 25, 2010 at 11:49 am
Since Auckland is the host city for TRENZ, and an amazing place, we thought we would bring you some fast – and I hope interesting – facts about Auckland, courtesy of Tourism Auckland.
- Auckland’s sparkling waters, varied landscapes and cosmopolitan city life combine to make it one of the most desirable places in the world to live or visit.
- The Sky Tower is the largest building in the Southern Hemisphere standing at 328 metres and is the 12th largest building in the world.
- On a clear day you can see approximately 82 km (51 miles) from the Sky Tower observation deck.
- Auckland’s landscape is dotted with 48 volcanic cones. The largest and most iconic is Rangitoto Island, Auckland’s youngest volcano, which emerged from the water 600 years ago. The Auckland War Memorial stands at the domain’s highest point.
- Auckland is known as the “City of Sails” as the region is said to have the highest boat ownership per capita in the world. It is a true water lovers’ paradise.
- The Viaduct Harbour in downtown Auckland was formerly the home of Auckland’s fishing fleet and in the late 1990s it became the America’s Cup Village. Today it is full of fine dining restaurants and is a hub for Auckland nightlife.
- Auckland recently starred in the final two episodes of America’s Next Top Model.
Rugby World Cup 2011
Posted by Ruth Atherley on May 24, 2010 at 6:53 pm
One of the great things about coming to TRENZ is catching up with people. I am always delighted to connect with Jo Mackie, Communications Manager for Tourism Auckland. Jo gave me some interesting info about the upcoming Rugby World Cup 2011 that I thought I would share with you.
- Auckland will host 12 matches including the opening match, both semi-finals, the bronze final and the final.
- More information about Auckland’s overall preparations is here: http://www.aucklandnz.com.
- They have just announced free public transport to games: http://www.auckland2011.com/article-n60.asp.
- An important development from a tourism point of view is that they will have cruise ships providing accommodation for visitors: http://news.aucklandnz.com/index.php/content_B/?L1=533&L2=716&id=4775.
We have a briefing about Auckland this morning and one tomorrow about the Rugby World Cup, so I am sure I will have more for you. And on Friday, I get to spend time with ex-All Black, Bryan Williams. I am hoping he will give me some tips on how to play rugby!
