Hi!
As we start to wind down from the year that was 2020, I'd like to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year!
I think we all deserve to celebrate with our friends and family, that we have gotten through a year that certainly wasn't easy for many. Thank you to everyone who has supported and continues to support me, without which, I wouldn't be able to continue my passion of creating memories that last a lifetime. I have an extra wee holiday message below for you, or you can see it here!
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PONANT CRUISES IN NZ
I am very excited to announce that just this week, Ponant Cruises have just received NZ Government Approval to sale in our New Zealand waters, and will be starting in February 2021. They must meet strict Government health guidelines – all crew are quarantining for 30 days, and there is a maximum of 100 guests onboard the ship! They have two amazing February itineraries, available to book now - including Stewart Island and the Chatham Islands. With a maximum of 100 NZ travellers these will fill up fast!
For March they are re-jugging their cruise programme with some different itineraries. No promises, however, we are hoping they will offer a similar Dunedin to Auckland itinerary that was going to sail in January or maybe an itinerary that is in Auckland during the America’s Cup!! Launch date for Ponant March Itineraries is Thursday 7 January.
TRAVEL REGISTER
What a great way to use your travel fund to explore New Zealand differently. Join our Travel Register to register your interest. Scroll down for more information about Ponant Cruises.
The New Year sales will look a bit different this year, but if you are looking for something for later in the year, or something a bit closer to home, fill out the travel register and I'll keep an eye out and let you know if any applicable specials hit my inbox.
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Until the bubble is finalised, we do still have the "Safe Travel Zone" between New Zealand and two Australian states! The quarantine free part of it is only one-way at this point, so it's not technically a travel bubble. More details can be found below.
Following on from this, there are new requirements for managed isolation. There's now a voucher system, where you must register and receive a managed isolation placement before you fly. If you have any friends or family who are overseas and planning on coming back to New Zealand, please feel free to forward this email to them.
While we wait for a travel bubble that doesn't require quarantine, I have selected a couple of great New Zealand packages and cruises for early 2021 and onwards! If you have something on your NZ bucket list that you would like to tick off, let me know!
Over the Christmas break, I will be keeping tabs on emails and the phone. Please bear with me if my response time is slightly longer than usual.
Here's to 2021!
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Kind regards,
Brigitte,
phone: +64 3 688 8486
mob: +64 27 233 3027
travel@memoriesconnection.co.nz
www.memoriesconnection.co.nz
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Olli (the Westie) and Brigitte
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The Australian Safe Travel Zone
As of the 16th October 2020, travellers from New Zealand are able to fly to New South Wales and the Northern Territory without the requirement for quarantine on arrival. It's not technically a bubble, but a Safe Travel Zone.
In order to travel to Australia, the below conditions will need to be met:
- Passengers are required to have been in New Zealand for 14 days or more and not been in a COVID hotspot as designated by the Australian Government.
- Travellers will need to be arriving in Australia on a "quarantine-free flight".
- Travellers from New Zealand will be required to complete an Australia Travel Declaration at least 72 hours before departure for Australia. NB: Without this, you may be denied boarding.
What you need to know:
A "quarantine-free flight" is one that is only carrying travellers who qualify under the safe travel zone requirements. I.e. there's no intermingling of passengers who would be required to quarantine.
The current agreement allows travellers to go one-way to NSW and NT only. Travel beyond these states depends on the relevant State and Territory travel restrictions. Appropriate exemptions/approvals for further travel may be needed if you plan to head further afield.
The rules around this may change at any time, so for the latest information please visit the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs website.
The safe travel zone is one-way, anyone returning to New Zealand will be required to go into managed isolation. And there are new requirements for this as well, more details are below.
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New Managed Isolation Requirements
The New Zealand Government has created a 'Managed Isolation Allocation System' to ensure everyone coming to New Zealand has a confirmed place in a managed isolation facility before they board their flight.
All travellers coming to New Zealand will need to register on the system as the first step to securing their place in managed isolation.
Once the individual traveller, couple or family group has completed their registration, they will be issued a voucher that confirms their allocation to a place in managed isolation. Everyone will need to present their voucher at the airport in order to board their flight.
From 3 November 2020 travellers to New Zealand are legally required to have a voucher that confirms their managed isolation arrangements. Airlines will not be able to issue a boarding pass to anyone without a voucher.
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What about urgent travel?
A system will be put in place for those who need to return and don't have the time/opportunity to complete the registration. E.g. for urgent medical/compassionate reasons.
Is there space in time for Christmas?
The managed isolation and quarantine system is fully booked up for new arrivals until December 15, at which point you'd have to remain in isolation until four days after Christmas. There is still space before the end of 2020 and more space may become available.
Should travellers book flights first before applying for a voucher?
It's better to get your voucher first, as the number of vouchers available each day depends on how many rooms/facilities are available. We suggest having a couple of potential flight options in mind and then choosing one as soon as your voucher is confirmed.
What if I'm not booking my own travel?
A friend/family member or travel agent/broker can complete the form on the traveller's behalf.
Is there a fee?
No, there's no charge to register or get your voucher. However, some people may have to pay for their managed isolation. There's a flowchart here that outlines who is liable for managed isolation and quarantine charges.
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Ponant Close To Home Cruising
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Ponant Cruises have just released some brand new voyages designed just for kiwis!
Different March Cruise Itineraries are being released soon on 7 January 2021. Register for my Travel Register here.
All Ponant Cruises Include:
- Expedition onboard a luxury ship built in 2019, flying the French Flag
- Luxurious small ship experience with a maximum of 184 guests – Now just 100 guests due to NZ Government restrictions.
- Stylish staterooms decorated by French interior designers, with King-size or twin beds and a private balcony
- Superb dining with all inclusive Gastronomic and Grill Restaurant
- Open bar including French champagne, wine, beer, spirits and your in-room minibar*
- Complimentary unlimited onboard Wi-Fi*
- Captain’s welcome cocktail and gala dinner
- Evening entertainment and events
- Room service 24hours (special selection)
- Water sports activities (except scuba diving) using the ship’s equipment
La Laperouse ship has 92 staterooms with 5 decks. The best decks are levels 4, 5 and 6. They have sliding doors with glass balconies. There are 112 crew members on board!! Click on this link to view the ship.
Plus, so that you can book with confidence this year, Ponant have introduced their Serenity Policy. For 2021 cruises departing prior to 31 October 2021:
- You only pay a 10% deposit of the cruise fare to confirm your reservation, and the final balance will be due 30 days before departure.
- Cancel up to 30 days before departure and receive a refund or transfer full amount to a future booking once without a fee.
Don’t delay – with all our NZ ‘pent up’ travel energy, these cruises will fill fast! To book February Ponant New Zealand cruises contact me today! Or to register for March Cruises sign up to our Travel Register here!
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Southern Beauty
Have you always dreamed of visiting all the South Island's iconic spots like Aoraki Mt Cook, Milford Sound, Queenstown & the West Coast Glaciers? Our Southern Beauty tour is the ultimate South Island 9 day itinerary, with all the world famous spots included in one very special tour itinerary.
Departures in January - April & October - November 2021
Includes
- Return flights Auckland
- Quality accommodation chosen for a “sense of place".
- All transport by comfortable, air conditioned coach (maximum of 18 travellers).
- Services of your knowledgeable MoaTours Kiwi guide.
- All meals including special lunches at Di and Ian Mackenzie's Akaunui Farm homestead and the Cardrona Hotel.
- Incredible Sightseeing and Exploring including a 1.45 hour nature and wildlife cruise through Milford Sounds and a scenic flight soaring high above the Southern Alps from Milford Sound to Queenstown.
*Terms and Conditions Apply, Sale Ends 1 November 2021
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Christmas Travel Vouchers Are Still Available!
If you're looking for a gift for the traveller in your life, ask me about a travel voucher.
They're a quick and always well-received gift and they're valid for any type of travel and value.
Get in touch for more information.
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Give The Gift That Grows
Nothing says holidays in Aotearoa like hitting the beach under our pÅhutukawa trees!
If you're looking for something for your nature lover, or maybe a loved one who couldn't come home for Christmas, this is a great gift that can be as cheap or expensive as you choose!
It's just $10 per native tree and you can even choose which region you would like the trees to be planted.
If you would like to know more, click here to visit Trees That Count.
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