Travel Deals
by Alanna Magri
If it's accommodation, flights, tours or activities you're after, we may just know a sneaky discount to save you some dollars.... read on...
Accommodation
Who ever said backpackers don't do luxury? After trotting around the world, the weary traveller needs to rest his or her head on a silk pillow every now and then. But five-star doesn't come cheap... or does it? Check out GRAB ONE ESCAPES for deals on luxury packages, resorts and hotels at http://www.graboneescapes.co.nz
Join YHA NEW ZEALAND to get access to a range of activity, travel and accommodation discounts to keep yourself entertained! A YHA membership card gets you deals everywhere from Auckland to Otago, for such thrilling experiences as kayaking the Milford sounds, sky diving, and swimming with seals, as well as handy things like car rentals. Check out their discount list online at www.yha.co.nz
Rumour has it you like to sleep around... so why not become a NOMAD. Buy a "bed hopper" pass valid at any of New Zealand's eight NOMAD'S BACKPACKERS for just $130 and have the flexibility to stay where you want, when you want in packages of either five or ten. Learn more at http://nomadshostels.com
Sleep around for cheaper when you base jump for ten nights with BASE BACKPACKERS in Australia and New Zealand! The pass allows you to travel flexibly, staying up to three nights in each Base hostel. Sound good? Check this deal out and more at: http://bookings.stayatbase.com
Looking to book a big holiday on a not-so-big budget? Check out WOTIF for fantastic accommodation discounts nationwide that will ensure the rest of your stay in New Zealand isn't too much on the stingy side. http://www.wotif.com/
Travelling with your mates? Visit snowy Mt Cook, New Zealand's tallest mountain to experience some of the most breathtaking sights the South island has to offer. MT COOK BACKPACKER LODGE is offering beds in their quad rooms, with ensuite, priced from just $35 p/night. Have a close up encounter with the Tasman Glacier- New Zealand's largest glacier- by day, and wind down at the Chamois Bar & Grill by night. Explore this deal and others at Mt Cook Backpackers. http://www.mtcookbackpackers.co.nz/
Fiji
Fiji is a fabulously affordable destination this summer, especially when you fly with AIR PACIFIC, Fiji’s international airline. Fly from Auckland for around $300 one way between February 2012 and November 2012, or for $300 - $800 year round. www.airpacific.com
Visitors to Nadi Bay can now explore its beautiful tourist attractions from the sanctity of popular beach resort SMUGGLER'S COVE BEACH RESORT for even less! Relax and enjoy sun, cocktails and beautiful Asian/ Pacific cuisine when you stay in the Pirate's Dormitory for as little as $33 per night! Looking for something a little swankier? Enquire about Smuggler's Cove's newest addition, the luxurious yet affordable "Beach Wing". Visit http://www.smugglerscovefiji.com/
Australia
You can sleep around for cheap in Australia too! Base jump for ten nights with BASE BACKPACKERS in Australia and New Zealand with a cheap as pass allows you to travel flexibly, staying up to three nights in each Base hostel. Sound good? Check this deal out and more at: http://bookings.stayatbase.com
Earn your stripes, literally, when you save on fares with low budget airline TIGER AIRWAYS! The wallet friendly Asian airline announced new routes to and from Australia earlier this year and is now offering a Stripes Privilege card, allowing high fliers access to specials and promotions. Get yours now at http://www.tigerairways.com
Flights
For comprehensive travel packages, great service and some seriously competitive discounts on add-on such as insurance, visit your nearest FLIGHT CENTRE to ensure your international travel plans come together smoothly. http://www.flightcentre.co.nz
New Zealand is certainly missing the competitive prices of VIRGIN AIRLINES Pacific Blue which kept prices way down low for domestic travel. But never fear, as Virgin is still flying international routes, and offering cheap fares daily to our Aussie neighbours’ shores and return flights to far flung destinations such as LA. Check out their best fares section online at http://www.vaustralia.co.nz
Hop aboard for less when you book one of QANTAS special travel deals. Domestic flights within Australia and international holidays are on the cards, when you subscribe to the airline’s Red e-deals. http://www.qantas.com.au
There's no time like the present to grab a deal from the student focused folks at STA TRAVEL. Students should check out the deals at STA travel to save on flights, accommodation and travel passes. Anyone who is either a student, a teacher or is under 26 can enjoy the special prices and service at STA- always worth a look if you're backpacking with a budget! If the prospect of flying on the cheap to destinations such as Buenos Aires, Sydney or Thailand tickles your fancy, then it's time to whip out the plastic and book online at: www.statravel.co.nz
If you're busting to jet off from Aussie's sunny shores, do it for less with the brand new GETFLIGHT service. Get flight offers some brilliant sale fares within Australia and to some exotic international destinations. Check out their competitive offers at www.GetFlight.com.au
Backpackers News is thrilled to announce the arrival of AIR ASIA X to the Kiwi airline markets. Heralding a new era of international travel for New Zealanders, this budget airline can take jetsetters from Christchurch to such exotic locations as Tehran, Kuala Lumpur or New Delhi. Currently on offer at Air Asia X are attractively priced flights to such far flung destinations as Paris and London ex Christchurch via Kuala Lumpur. http://www.airasia.com/nz/en/home.page
Domestic flights have never been more affordable. Here at Backpackers News, we're loving Air New Zealand GRABASEAT - offering a new range of cheap flights every 24 hours for budget conscious travelers. Tip- if you're traveling often, make Grabaseat your browser home-page and stay up ‘til midnight, every night, to make sure you can get your hands one of Grabaseat's $1 flight specials. What's more, Grabaseat regularly offers Australian and Pacific Island deals too as well as rental car hire and accommodation and some outstanding international flight specials. Keep your eyes peeled daily, and check out Air New ZealandGrabaseat. http://flightbookings.airnewzealand.co.nz/vgrabview/en_NZ/
And in the other corner, meet JETSTAR - now Air New Zealand's one and only domestic flights challenger! Check out their Hot Fares section daily for great domestic and international deals. http://www.jetstar.com/nz
To compare domestic flight prices within New Zealand, look no further than the handy HOUSE OF TRAVEL mix ‘n matcher tool that will filter your itinerary according to price across the major domestic airlines, saving you valuable net surfing time. Visit http://www.houseoftravel.co.nz/home.htm
Alternatively, take a quiz at WEBJET. Like the House of Travel website, this helpful travel filter offers deals on flights and accommodation domestically and internationally! http://www.webjet.co.nz/
Activities
If you’re into adventures of the deep and watery kind, head up north for a dive trip or PADI training course with DIVE NORTH. Drop in to see them at 1512 State Highway 10, Kerikeri (700m north of Kerikeri roundabout on the right hand side) or phone them on 09 401 6206 or 021 027 9990. Or send an email to Dave@DiveNorth.co.nz or Sue@DiveNorth.co.nz
This summer, check out what the ABEL TASMAN has to offer with a range of specials and deals for that area. Wilsons Abel Tasman 3-Step Vista Cruise fare from/to Totaranui is $36. Combined with coach transfers the fare is $44 from Motueka and $66 from Nelson. Cost for a One Day Park Walk from Nelson is $51 and Motueka $32 per adult. Call the friendly Reservations Team at the Abel Tasman tourist centre to book on 0800 223 582, or check their website for more choices www.AbelTasman.co.nz
When in Rotorua, do as the locals do and GRABAPASS. The hydro thermal capital of New Zealand may be the country's stinkiest tourist attraction, but it doesn't stop travellers from flocking in droves to observe the spectacular geysers, to bathe in its natural hot pools and getting amongst the local social life. To do all that and more on a discount, joint up to Grab a pass at http://www.grabapass.com
Look forward to a screamer of a weekend with these new deals from AUCKLAND JET BOAT TOURS. Boaties can now hit the waters from just $65 for adults or $45 for children! www.aucklandjetboattours.co.nz
Visiting the City of Sails? I you're heading to the big city lights of Auckland you can save a whole lot on activities if you purchase an AUCKLAND MULTIPASS. This great deal gives you entry to many popular tourist traps including Kelly Tarltons Antarctic Encounter and Underwater World, Rainbows End Theme Park, and also includes a journey to the main observation deck of the Sky Tower and a cruise to Rangitoto Island with Fullers - all for the mad price of $125 for an adult or $70 for a child! To view more information and purchase your pass visit http://multipass.aucklandnz.com/
Transport
Visit WAIHEKE ISLAND for less with Fuller Ferry deals. ‘Wheels on Waiheke’ gets you a return ferry ticket from Auckland and a day’s scooter or car hire for just $88. Book online at www.fullers.co.nz
Use OODLES to ensure you get the cheapest transport available when visiting New Zealand. And if you visit a lot, make sure you sign up for their “VIP cloud” to compare your loyalty deals with a range of providers including Air New Zealand. Learn more at http://oodles.co.nz/
Kick off your jandals with KIWI EXPERIENCE this summer. The awesome Funky Chicken pass is just $529, from Auckland down to Queenstown. On the way you'll be stopping at some primo beaches including Hot Water Beach and Kaiteriteri where chillin’ is mandatory but jandals are optional! The Funky Chicken pass is at this great price until the March 1st 2012. Keep an eye on this adventure experience company’s deals on a range of passes for all around New Zealand at www.kiwiexperience.com
Are you looking for excitement and an unforgettable experience? Jump off the beaten track with STRAY'S SHORT MOE pass for only $595. Only Stray stops in stunning and remote locations like the edge of Abel Tasman National Park and Raglan, what's known as the best surf beach in New Zealand! Check out www.straytravel.com for up to date specials.
If you’re looking to take a road tour so you can cruise New Zealand at your own pace but looking to keep options cheap, keep an eye on GRABASEAT CARS daily. Thanks to Air New Zealand, you can hire rental cars at ludicrously low prices nationwide. Check them out at http://grabaseat.co.nz/cars
Want to ensure you get the best price for car rentals when you take a Kiwi rad trip? Compare a range of rental prices at VROOM VROOM VROOM. http://www.vroomvroomvroom.co.nz/
Looking to finally make it down to the South Island? Travel from Wellington to Christchurch on TRANZSCENIC'S Coastal Pacific, including an Interislander passage from $129pp. Conditions apply. http://www.tranzscenic.co.nz
When roadtripping, keep an eye out for JUCY RENTALS. This month all JUCY campervans rented from 1st of May 2011 will have the opportunity to use the amazing Tourism Radio product 100% FREE! Learn more at www.jucy.co.nz
ECONO CAMPERS awesome Last Minute hot deal is heating up! With summer temperatures on the rise all bookings made within 72 hours of pick up are benefiting from great discounts equivalent to the maximum Auckland day time temperature as shown on the New Zealand Met Service’s website. Check out today’s discount on Pip & Pete's Last Minute Special Offer at www.econocampers.co.nz and make your booking now.
If you’re considering a motorhome holiday between April and October next year UNITED CAMPERVANS and companion fleet ALPHA CAMPERVANS will give you 7 beautiful Days of Freedom absolutely free when you book and pay for 21 days, plus another Day of Freedom for every 2 paid days over the first 21 days. You've got until July 2012 to make a booking, but this is a very popular offer so we suggest you don't wait too long. Full details on www.campervan.co.nz
INTERCITY COACHLINES presents New Zealand's most flexible trip based bus pass that's sure to put smiles on backpackers' dials. Buy a special FLEXITRIP pass, and be free to travel throughout the country on your own itinerary, hopping on and off as you please over a period of twelve months. This is one heck of a deal for the restless traveler- Pay only $496 for up to 30 trips! See cheaper options and more details at http://flexitrips.co.nz/faq
EXPLORE MORE offers discount deals on car rentals NZ wide. Rent a Gizzy car from $36 per day or a campervan from $85 per day. What's more, if you think you can get your road trip cheaper somewhere else, think again. If you can prove better deals exist elsewhere, Explore More will match their competitors' price. Check them out at: www.exploremore.co.nz
Hiring a car or campervan can get pretty expensive if you're planning a long drive, so booking with MAUI CAMPERVANS will really pay off for your road trip. The Maui Ultima is the perfect option and now you can save up to 35%. And there's also 30% off the Platinum River and Spirit 6. Maui also have a range of late model vehicles - book before 29th February with travel between 01 February and 31 March and you will save 25% off their standard Maui car rental rates. Or if you are hitting the road from 01 April to 30 June, you’ll save 30%. Plus all hires will receive free GPS hire and zero liability.Take a peek online to learn more at http://www.maui.co.nz
So you fancy a road trip- but with petrol prices sky rocketing, taking the car will put a dent in your cash flow. Bussing is a cheap and easy away to get around New Zealand- it is only a wee country after all! Check out the $1 fares on the NAKED BUS website and find out how long it takes to drive the length of Aotearoa; the "land of the long white cloud". http://www.nakedbus.com/
And a sneaky wee tip for you, most bus companies offer $1 fares on every bus trip. You will have to have some serious forward thinking but nothing beats a bus trip for less than a cup of coffee.
Daily Deals
For some of the best discounts on activities, treats and gear around, visit daily deals aggregator DEAL SHRIMP at midday every day. Check discounts of up to 90% from a range of providers around the country on things like hotels, sports, eating out and goods. http://dealshrimp.co.nz/
Backpackers News is excited about the latest deal-a-day website with a difference- this one is Absolutely, Positively, WELLINGTON WEDNESDAY. That's right, every Wednesday after 8.30pm Wellington Wednesday features fantastic deals from events to accommodation and restaurant deals. Keep an eye out on http://www.wellingtonwednesday.com/
Money might not make us happy, but bargains certainly do! Visitors to New Zealand may find it worthwhile to keep an eye on websites that offer special voucher deals daily on things like activities, accommodation and other necessities. After all, who knows when you might need a cheap haircut, half price meals, or an impromptu skydive? Grab some fantastic deals with both hands on the GRAB ONE website. Anything from health appointments to accommodation, to beauty specials and concert tickets have been known to pop up on this site, which updates daily at noon. View specials for your current location and others at http://www.grabone.co.nz/home
Social Life
Check out the following websites to find out what's hot and happening in the major city centres in New Zealand, Australia and Fiji. Keep updated on your destinations and learn more about tourist attractions, travel tips and local information to ensure that you make the most of your experience down under. Many of these websites offer helpful links to partner websites where you can learn more about where to find accommodation, transport and a social scene. Try Eventfinder and Wotzon too, for to the minute information on gigs and concerts in your area. Happy travelling!
Northland http://www.northlandnz.com/
Auckland http://www.aucklandnz.com/ http://www.biglittlecity.co.nz/
Hawkes Bay http://www.hawkesbaynz.com/
Wellington http://www.wellingtonnz.com/
Nelson http://www.nelsonnz.com/
Christchurch http://www.christchurchnz.com/nz.aspx
Queenstown http://www.queenstown-nz.co.nz/
Dunedin http://www.dunedinnz.com
Australia http://www.australia.com
A bunch of enterprising Kiwi students foresaw the iPhone 'app' era and came up with a brilliant idea that's sweeping the gig-going nation. They created an app 1 NIGHT that downloads tickets to selcted events to your phone, so you don't have to print out a ticket or face the panic of forgetting it as you stand in line... ever again! To find out how it works and see the range of discounted gigs and events on offer, check out 1 Night.
http://1-night.co.nz/
Extra Specials
LONE STAR restaurants are great for a quality dining experience inspired by the wild, wild west. The great service, bar and bustling atmosphere always makes for a great night out, but a great night can be even better when a Grab a Meal voucher gets you a sweet discount at Lone Star restaurants nationwide. Check the site every morning for meal and drink deals that even the most cash strapped backpackers won't turn their noses up at http://www.lonestargrabameal.co.nz/
LONELY PLANET has gained its reputation as the backpacker's bible for good reason. If you're off to do some globe-trotting, arm yourself with a Lonely Planet guide for each destination- buy two books and get a third FREE for a limited time only as well as free shipping at http://shop.lonelyplanet.com/special-offers
SKYPE users can enjoy internet anywhere in the world with the addition of a new service that allows WiFi connections to be charged to skype accounts at over half a million hot spots worldwide! Find out more at www.skype.com
Invitation
We would like to invite you to keep us updated with any current and upcoming deals, promotions and offers for backpackers and independent travellers.
By making info@backpackersnews.co.nz a regular contact for information of this kind, we can work together to make sure travellers are making the most of their experience and the amazing facilities up for offer.