Discover Australia and New Zealand with Bales

For the first time, Bales Worldwide is offering a dedicated Australia and New Zealand programme, with an almost exclusive focus on tailor made travel choices. This selection for 2008/9 offers a wide range of flexible holiday options that take in the majesty of Australia and the natural splendour of New Zealand. The emphasis is on the ‘ultimate to do’ experiences, combining some of the newest accommodation options on offer.

This new programme means that Bales now offers a total of seven long haul destination programmes - Latin America, Egypt, Morocco and Arabia, The Orient, India and the subcontinent, Africa, Canada and Alaska (also launched for 2008), as well as the Australia and New Zealand programme.

SUGGESTED HOLIDAY ITINERARIES

With so many options available, Bales offers a range of suggested itineraries to ensure you get the very most out of your holiday experience. The perfect introduction to New Zealand is the 10 day Highlights of New Zealand and takes in Auckland, the geothermal wonders of Rotorua, a spot of adventure in Queenstown and finishes in the colourful city of Christchurch. Priced from £2,740, which includes all accommodation, sightseeing, flights and taxes.

In Australia, the Coast to Coast journey is priced from £3,995 per person for 18 days, starting in Perth and incorporating a cruise along the beautiful Swan River, the vineyards of Margaret River, overnight on the famous Indian Pacific Train, the wonder of Uluru, beaches of Palm Cove and ending in stunning Sydney. The price includes all accommodation, sightseeing flights and taxes.

NEW HOTELS WITH A DIFFERENCE

The Bales’ programme offers outstanding accommodation in both countries, from vineyard retreats and spa resorts, to eco lodges, cosy cabins, and luxury camping. Also featured are a number of newly opened hotels in both countries, offering the very latest in world class accommodation, from island indulgence to city chic.

The new Southern Ocean Lodge is a haven of style set on the South West edge of Kangaroo Island, with 21 suites and a spa opens on 1st March 2008. From one island to another, the stunning Qualia opened in 2007 and is located on Hamilton Island, offering remote luxury in the Whitsunday Islands on the Great Barrier Reef. In Kakadu National Park opt for an exclusive safari suite at the new Bamurra Plains, for the ultimate outback experience.

In New Zealand’s largest city, Auckland, head to the newly opened Westin Lighter Quay Hotel, overlooking viaduct harbour, for first class service. For a more rural location, book in to one of the suites or apartments at Marlborough Vintners Hotel, in the heart of the wine country. Finally, the new Sofitel Hotel and Spa in Queenstown offers the perfect place to relax after a day of adventure. All these hotels can be incorporated into a tailor-made itinerary.

ULTIMATE EXPERIENCES

The programme is packed with suggestions of unmissable experiences that travellers can incorporate into their tailor made itinerary. For those looking for something a little out of the ordinary, how about dining al fresco with a view of mighty Uluru at sunset? Indulge in a gourmet barbeque buffet with a view of the rock blazing red – sip sparkling wine, enjoy the food and then head off for a moonlight desert tour. Add this unique experience to your itinerary at a cost of £330 per person (includes 2 nights accommodation at 4 star hotel, private transfers, sunrise at Uluru and dinner).

Equally calming is the Milford Sound Cruise in the Fiordland National Park, New Zealand. Often described as the eighth Wonder of the World, Milford Sound offers unbelievably beautiful scenery, from lush rainforests to shimmering lakes and waterfalls. This experience is priced at £280 per person which includes two nights in Queenstown at the Crown Plaza lake view room, private transfers and overnight cruise on Milford Sound.

ANIMAL MAGIC

Kangaroo Island in South Australia is a must for nature lovers. Located 45 minutes from the mainland it is teeming with all types of wildlife, from koalas, echidnas and goanas, to the hundreds of kangaroos that call this island home. A trip to Kangaroo Island costs from £190 per person and includes one night’s accommodation, two lunches and a full sightseeing programme including Seal Bay, Penguin Tour and the Remarkable Rocks.

New Zealand can also hold its own as far as flora and fauna is concerned – its land and waters are home to many unique birds and animals. No trip to the Land of the Long White Cloud would be complete with out a spot of whale watching at Kaikoura – take a 30 minute plane ride over the coast for a chance to see the world’s largest predator, the Sperm Whale, as well as many other types of sea life. Add a whale watching trip to your itinerary from £230 per person which includes two nights at Charlotte Jane Hotel in Christchurch, private transfers and a full day tour to Kaikoura for a whale watch cruise.

TRAINS, PLANES AND AUTOMOBILES

Travelling by train allows you to really take in the dramatic scenery of these diverse countries. Take a trip on the iconic Ghan that covers 3,000 km between Adelaide and Darwin, literally through the heart of Australia. Alternatively, go from West to East on the equally world renowned Indian Pacific route, which covers 4,352 km from Perth to Sydney. Spend a night or two on board in a private cabin, enjoy mouth watering international cuisine and fantastic wines and let the land unfold around you.

The Tranz Alpine takes you from coast to coast on New Zealand’s South Island – a truly stupendous way to take in the views. Leaving from Christchurch you traverse the Canterbury Plains, the gorges and valleys of the Waimakariri River, climb into the Southern Alps before descending through beech rainforest to the town of Greymouth. The 223.8 km journey takes 4.5 hours. Make sure you check out the open air viewing carriage for the ultimate photo opportunities. This experience is priced from £255 per person which includes two nights at the Charlotte Jane Hotel in Christchurch, private transfers and a full day trip to Arthur’s Pass on the Tranz Alpine.

If trains aren’t your thing then how about taking to the air? In New Zealand the ultimate trip has to be a helicopter ride over White Island, New Zealand’s most active volcano located 55kms off the Bay of Plenty. This experience is priced from £290 per person and includes a two hour ride and a one hour trek.

Bales also offers a wide range of stopover and ‘round the world’ travel options – whether it’s a piece of paradise in the South Pacific, a touch of Eastern magic in Asia or splashing out on shopping in Dubai.

The full programme is available online at Balesworldwide.com.