Hi!
It’s a very BIG hello from Memories Connection. We have lots to share with you today.
The countdown to the holidays is on! We hope Christmas planning is going well for you and you are looking forward to relaxing with your loved ones very soon.
If you are still stuck on what to get that special someone, we do have travel vouchers available, for that traveller in your life who is eager to get moving again.
COVID and 2020
2020 was not the year any of us planned. It has been a roller coaster of closed international borders, 1 o’clock Government briefings, lockdowns worldwide, repatriating our travellers back to NZ shores, with paused cruising, touring and flight operations. Our office has handled many cancellations and rebooking over the last 9 months, and I am extremely proud of the work my team has done to secure so many refunds and travel credits for future use.
In amongst the travel year, I fulfilled my role as the Rangitata Returning Officer (Electorate Manager) for a very large 2020 Election. This is a role that I have now held 5 times, and this year was planned with the knowledge that I had a lovely Travel Team, of Natasha, Rachel, and Holly to work in the travel office helping you organise your next holiday.
However, as COVID hit, the team worked tirelessly unraveling all travel this year, before being able to offer their amazing skills working alongside me in the 2020 Election. Please see the photo below, taken on the day of our final Memories Connection Team lunch together, complete with thank you purple (Memories Connection colour!) pot plants for everyone.
As the international borders remained closed, and the wage subsidy finished, sadly there were no holidays to book, and our office downsized back to the beginning - just Brigitte and Olli the Westie dog. However I am now busy planning travel for 2021 and beyond, so we can have you winging away to somewhere exotic (or maybe just across the Tasman 😊) as soon as we can!
DOMESTIC TRAVEL & TRAVEL BUBBLES - complete our Travel Register
If you are flying domestically this holiday season we have an update down below for you, along with an update on the Travel Bubbles.
Would you like to be first on our list to get traveling to Rarotonga, Australia or further afield again?
With the travel demand as pent up as it is, flights and hotel beds will go quickly, so if we plan ahead of time, we can get you back enjoying the world as soon as possible!
If you would like me to contact you with some deals that might suit you, when they become available, click here and complete our Travel Register Form.
While the bubbles are still up in the air, we do have some great domestic trips on offer, see below. Whether you are wanting to relax or explore, there is something for everyone!
GLOBUS & COSMOS TOURS and AVALON RIVER CRUISES
I am also SO excited that we now have local Globus and Cosmos specially released Australia and New Zealand 2021 Tours. These can be booked with flexible booking options, and are filling fast, contact me for more information.
With vaccines also on the way, Avalon, Globus, and Cosmos Europe 2022 preview tours have also already been released (again with flexible booking conditions), contact me to express your interest. 2022 is going to be a BIG travel year, and I don’t want you to miss out.
In the meantime, if you had a holiday booked this year, thank you for being patient as my team worked tirelessly with airlines, hotels, and tour operators to get your money back. Just this week I have had the last 2020 booked holiday cancel. It has been a time-consuming process, with ever changing rules from airlines and suppliers, and I sincerely do thank you for working with us as we endeavoured to secure the best result for you.
We love referrals, at this time we are wanting to tell others about the service we have provided either for cancelled 2020 holidays, or flying folks in the middle of a Pandemic.
Would you be willing to write a short review of our services on our Facebook page or Google page (links below) or just reply to this email and we could include on our website? It would be really appreciated.
All the very best for Christmas and I look forward to being able to talk confidently with you about your next holiday before too long!
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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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Holly, Brigitte, Natasha, and Rachel
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Domestic Travel Update
As of the 19th of November 2020, domestic passengers in New Zealand are required to wear a mask to fly with only a few exceptions.
Exemptions for wearing a mask or face covering include:
- children under the age of 12
- a person who has a medical condition that prevents them from wearing a mask or face covering safely or comfortably
Passengers are welcome to wear their own face-covering, but masks will be available onboard for those who do not have one.
Travel Bubble Updates
Progress with quarantine free bubbles is still slow, as everyone makes sure the process is safe for all involved.
The Cook Islands bubble is definitely still the front runner at the moment, with New Zealand officials visiting in mid-November to evaluate whether it could be safe for Kiwis to visit. At the moment, preliminary findings seem to indicate that some more work needs to be done around contact tracing and testing, but hopefully, a plan should be with us soon. Once they have finished their report (which could be any day now), if the green light is given, it could be up and running in a few weeks!
In regards to South Pacific countries outside of the realm of New Zealand, for those who want a bubble, they are being worked on as separate proposals, with the government not considering these proposals until next year. Some are waiting to see how the Cook Islands travel bubble succeeds, so many of these will likely still be far off.
As for an Australian bubble, it is looking unlikely we will see this until 2021. With cases much more under control, Australia is pushing for a bubble to open as soon as possible. Australia's Chamber of Commerce has suggested a smaller bubble of Canberra-Wellington, due to neither of these cities having international flights in or out and then if proven successful, expanding the bubble to other airports. The New Zealand government, however, is concerned about Australia's hotspot criteria, with apprehensions around a Covid-carrier travelling to a Covid-free state and then flying to New Zealand.
When these travel bubbles do start opening, we want to be able to get you back exploring as soon as possible. So if you do have plans to visit any of the above, when you are able, let us know! |
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The Latest Travel Specials
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Coastal Coromandel Getaway
With a mountainous interior cloaked in native rainforest and more than 400kms of white sand beaches, The Coromandel is the perfect getaway for those seeking a rustic, unspoiled and relaxed destination. Cruise the stunning volcanic coastline with hidden sea caves and an abundant array of marine life, all in the comfort of a glass bottom boat.
Includes
- 2 nights at Anchor Lodge Coromandel in a Standard Studio
- Coromandel Remote Coast tour
- 2 nights at Grand Mercure Puka Park in a Tawa Treehut with breakfast
- Glass Bottom Boat cruise including snorkel equipment
Travel Dates: 01 September 2020 - 31 March 2021
We also have a family getaway option for 2 adults and 2 children, so if you are looking to take a family trip, let me know!
*Terms and Conditions Apply, Sale Ends 31 March 2021
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Star Gaze at Lake Tekapo
Near the shores of Lake Tekapo, in the heart of Mackenzie Country in New Zealand’s central South Island, is Peppers Bluewater Resort. This resort is located in an intensely beautiful part of the world. Romantic and secluded, the accommodation is built to reflect the beautiful surrounding landscape. Explore the natural wonders of Mount Cook and the Mackenzie region. Marvel at millions of stars at the International Dark Sky Reserve or immerse yourself in the Tekapo Springs Day Spa and Hot Pools.
Includes
- 2 nights at Peppers Bluewater Resort Lake Tekapo (Deluxe Lakeview Hotel Room)
- Tekapo Star Gazing - Night Tour
- Stargazing tour
- Hot pool entry
- Free towel hire
- Free shuttle pick-up & drop-off from stargazing office
Travel Dates: 02 December 2020 - 31 March 2021
*Terms and Conditions Apply, Sale Ends 31 January 2021
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New Zealand Great Walks
Great Walks are the Department of Conservation’s (DOC) premier walking tracks passing through some of New Zealand’s most awe-inspiring landscapes. DOC’s new independent walking packages are designed especially for Kiwis who want to spend less time planning and more time exploring!
Independent walkers are unguided and carry all their own gear. Great Walks are on well-graded tracks and easy to follow, but walkers will need a reasonable standard of fitness to carry their pack over the climbs and descents of the beautiful, rugged landscapes to each night’s accommodation. Those kayaking or canoeing should be comfortable paddling for a few hours a day.
They All Include:
- One night pre and post walk accommodation in comfortable 3 star accommodation
- Transport to and from the track
- Pre booked DOC Huts
- Trip Notes including contacts for gear hire
- Packages can be tailormade to suit your needs
There are 7 packages available across the country; including two with kayaking or canoeing. You can view them all here!
If you would like more information on one of these packages, including information on the DOC accommodation, let me know!
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Christmas Travel Vouchers Are Available Now!
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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