Welcome to Chelsea Ouwehand - NZ Travel Broker, your one stop shop for all things travel.
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Fun Fact Friday 📣
This week our fun fact is from one of my favourite places in the world, the beautiful Rarotonga!
In Rarotonga, there is a government mandate that no building can be taller than a coconut tree 🥥
The official currency of the Cook Islands is the New Zealand dollar so it makes travelling for us kiwis much easier!
If you’re thinking of heading here for your next holiday get in touch!
Fun Fact Friday 📣
Quick and short fact this week - did you know the land area of New Caledonia is larger than Hawaii?
A flight to New Caledonia from New Zealand is less than 4 hours, could this be your next travel destination?
Photos are from when we stopped into port on our P&O cruise!
Fun Fact Friday 📣
The English word “taboo” comes from Vanuatu. The word “tabu” means forbidden, sacred or no entry when written across a doorway.
Photo is from our visit to Vanuatu from a P&O cruise, riding ba****ck into the water 🐴
We interrupt your regularly scheduled fun fact Friday with some highlights from my parents (Ruth Ouwehand & Ko Ouwehand) recent trip to Europe & Singapore!
The trip was planned around the Olympic Games in Paris, in which my incredible younger sister Hazel Ouwehand was competing as swimmer. At the point they booked their travel arrangements she hadn’t qualified yet, but we all had faith that she would, and she proved us all right.
They spent the first week spending a few days in each Annecy, Marseille & Barcelona, before heading to Madrid for a 2 week Intrepid tour of Spain & Portugal.
Following this they went straight into a Trafalgar tour covering 12 nights of the Mediterranean, then enjoyed some more time in Rome, Pompeii & Venice before catching up with old friends in Pontresina Switzerland.
At this point there was still plenty of places to cover, so they ticked off some bucket list activities (the sound of music and salt mines tour, and eagles nest) in Salzburg & Strasbourg.
Finally it was time to head to Paris to catch the Olympic Games. After a much needed reunion & celebration with my younger sister, they stopped over in Singapore to relax for a few nights and spend time with my older sister and flight attendant Holly Kenyon , before touching back down on NZ soil.
2 months, 7 countries (plus Singapore). It was a full itinerary comprised of rail travel, several tours, varied accommodations, activities and independent arrangements.
I had an absolute blast planning this for them, and an even better time when they had no complaints 😂
If you have any questions about their holiday please don’t hesitate to ask!
*I tried to narrow down the photo choices but they’re all incredible so still chose 40, please enjoy!
Fun Fact Friday 📣
In 2011 Samoa skipped a day across the international date line. Since then, Samoa is one of the first countries to welcome the New Year 🥳
Fun Fact Friday 📣
This is one of those facts about Bali that everyone should know. I’m sure most people have heard of Bali belly and that tap water is not something you want to drink.
As for ice, there are actually government regulations in place to ensure all ice is made with filtered water at food and beverage establishments. Do avoid ice though when eating your favourite street food!
Picture from our last trip to Bali enjoying a drink and sunset on Seminyak beach 🍸
Fun Fact Friday 📣
I hope you guys are loving these facts as much as I am! For this weeks fun fact we head over to China!
Apparently, the strength of the Great Wall of China comes from sticky rice! The bricks are held together by a sticky rice mortar. Around 500 CE, sticky rice soup was mixed with slaked lime to make an inorganic−organic composite mortar that had more strength and water resistance than lime mortar.
Fun Fact Friday 📣
Did you know dogs aren’t allowed in Antarctica?
They were banned as early as 1994 due to the risk of introducing diseases that could be transferred to seals 🦭
Fun Fact Friday 📣
The world’s longest commercial flight took around 30hrs and passengers were able to see the sunrise twice. It was a Qantas operated flight from Australia to Sri Lanka in 1943-1945
Fun Fact Friday! 📣
60% of the worlds lakes are located in Canada!
Here's just some of these stunning lakes 😍
Do you know which ones are pictured below?
Fun Fact Friday! 📣
Did you know that Alaska has over 100,000 glaciers ranging in size from small to huge valley glaciers! At least 5% of the state is covered in glaciers 😱
Fun Fact Friday!
I thought I'd start a new weekly segment to bring you fun travel & destination facts every Friday. (well Thursday for me but Friday for my kiwis!)
To kick this segment off I'll start with a fact specific to my current destination Canada!
In Canada, all products sold are written in both English & French. As Canada has 2 official languages it is a requirement by law for bilingual packaging, so both English & French speaking Canadians can access important information in their preferred language.
If you're keen to see more content like this give this post a thumbs up 👍
Vancouver 🍁
I’ve just reached the end of my time in Vancouver and wanted to share some highlights and tips & tricks for future travellers!
👀 Sightseeing
Vancouver aquarium - located in Stanley Park, the aquarium is the perfect place to head to on a rainy day (or any day). You can see otters, sea lions, plenty of fish life, and even a sloth!
Stanley park - catch the bus 19 from downtown to stanley park and either hire a bike from one of the many spots across the road (price between $7-$11 per hour for standard bike), or head for a walk around the Seawall! Heaps of spots to stop off at along the way, the path is nice and flat so great for all fitness levels
Grouse mountain - this is a great spot if you’re wanting to safely see a bear up close. Grouse mountain has 2 resident grizzly bears, also included in your admission ticket is the chairlift for another viewing point, lumberjack show, birds in motion and ranger talks!
*Trick* If you purchase your ticket in advance you can save $$, plus you can catch the free shuttle provided from Canada Place
Vancouver lookout - located in Downtown Vancouver the lookout provides a 360 degree virw of the area and has facts about different landmarks as you walk around the viewing platform
Granville island - a wicked spot to head to and enjoy a bite to eat at the markets. You’ll also find art galleries, performers and a variety of events are held here. Catch the 50 bus from downtown and the island is a short walk from the last stop
🚎 Transportation
The city has an abundance of public transportation available and is very user friendly. There are plenty of buses covering the inner and outer city, plus aquabuses and sea buses providing you with a different way to travel.
The buses operate with either a compass card which provides you with a bit of a discount on your ride, or you can use your debit/credit card to tap on the machine and pay as you go.
*Tip* When trying to figure out what bus to catch and when, enter your journey into google maps and click on the transit icon - it’ll give you a range of options to choose and includes any walking time (if applicable), your bus number and the timing.
🍔 Food
Everything we’ve eaten so far has been DELICIOUS. There’s anything and everything available so follow your taste buds!
Some of my favourites were
- old spaghetti house
- rogue
- chipotle
*Tip* Yes tipping is a thing here in Canada! Don’t forget to add your tip when dining out. Recommendation is between 15% - 18%
Any questions please don’t hesitate to ask!
Good news for my Bali lovers out there, Air New Zealand are now operating their non-stop service from Auckland to Bali year-round!
And of course with that announcement sales are also released (flight specials or air & land packages) so get in touch to lock in your next Indonesian escape 🌴
Breakdown of services
• April to end of October – between five and seven flights per week.
• November to mid-February – three flights per week.
• Mid-February to end of March – two flights per week.
Canada so far has been incredible!
We flew over on Air New Zealand and upgraded to skycouch which I think was absolutely worth the purchase. It made a 13 hour flight much more comfortable. We enjoyed dinner and breakfast on the flight, both of which were delicious!
The first couple of lovely days in Vancouver were spent exploring some of the local attractions in between the admin stuff, like setting up bank accounts and getting our social insurance number.
Now we’re relaxing on a Princess cruise travelling around Alaska 🚢
We’ve been to Ketchikan & Juneau so far, with 10 days to go I’m excited to see some more of the sights!
Here’s some of the highlights so far!
Any questions please feel free to ask!
PSA: Moving to Canada!
I am relocating to Canada on the 20th of May for a working holiday. My plan is to utilise the full 2 year visa and travel for a bit afterwards, but eventually returning back to New Zealand.
I aim to continue this business while I am over there, however I may have reduced capacity, certainly in the first few months. Due to the different time zones my responses may come through at random times. For any enquiries I will let you know my availability and will redirect you to another broker if necessary.
Thank you to everyone who has supported me so far, I am very excited for this next chapter and can't wait to help you with your own travels!
One of my amazing clients just got back from her travels over the New Year break, and she's kindly letting me share some of her beautiful photos with you!
Her travels started by bringing in the New Year in Melbourne with friends and family, then she hopped on a flight bound for Singapore to then cruise Southeast Asia.
Aboard Royal Caribbean she immersed herself in the wonders of Southeast Asia from the land and sea. From the vibrant culture and magnificent sites of Singapore to cruising the best of Vietnam and Thailand, her recent adventure unforgettable 🛳️
What a happy day, Disney is celebrating 100 years! 🎉
💲 Let’s talk about prices! 💲
It’s a common misconception that travel agents/brokers are more expensive than if you book yourself online.
9 times out of 10 we have the same price as you can see online (with the added benefit of having someone here to help you if anything goes wrong), plus our rates can often be cheaper due to the long lasting relationships we have with suppliers.
There is the occasional time where an organisation may have an independent sale that is not available to agents. I will always try my best to match the price, but if I am unable to I fully understand if you choose to book direct. I don’t charge to quote unless it is a complex itinerary so there is no loss to you by asking me to check!
Any burning questions about travel or how my business operates please ask below!
Contiki – 2024 Travel at 2023 Prices
Planning your European adventure for 2024? Now’s the time to lock it in. All Contiki European trips will be subject to a price rise on 6th September – so you have until 5th September to lock in your 2024 trips at 2023 prices. Only a $200 per person deposit, for more information get in touch!
I’m back from my P&O cruise and thought I’d share a little bit about the trip and some pictures!
Our trip departed from Auckland cruise terminal and we sailed out to visit the Pacific Islands. Our scheduled stops were Noumea New Caledonia, Lifou, Port Vila Vanuatu and Mystery Island.
Unfortunately we encountered some extremely rough seas on our trip (one lady said that out of the 37 cruises she’s done this is the worst seas she’s encountered!), and we had to miss two of our ports (Lifou & Mystery Island) as these were tendered ports, and it was unsafe to take the boats into shore.
Despite this, we still had a great time on the ship enjoying everything that was provided for us onboard!
For Noumea we went on one of the P&O tours called the Tchou Tchou Train. This tour took us around the highlights of Noumea and showcased the beautiful beaches and views 😍
After heading back to the ship for lunch we then took a hop on hop off bus to the aquarium to see the local marine life.
Vanuatu was absolutely stunning, even with a bit of rain we still had the most amazing time.
The highlight of my trip had to be riding a horse along the beach and into the water! After our adventure we had a quick browse at the local markets, and then it was time to head home.
Feel free to ask me any questions below about my cruise or cruising in general!
As always, P&O is out with another great deal!
Only running until the 1st of August so make sure you don’t miss out!
Have it All Sale
HELLO THAILAND – RENEW, RESET, REFRESH
Now’s the time to escape the hustle and bustle of city life; RENEW your senses, RESET your soul, and REFRESH your mind with a spa getaway to Thailand!
Sales: to 31 Jul 23
Travel: 01-24 Sep, 01-17 Nov 23 & 16 Feb - 31 Mar 24
• Bangkok Spa & Shopping Break
o Return Economy Class airfare flying Qantas from Auckland to Bangkok (via Sydney)
o LiT Bangkok Hotel & Residence: Flights + 4 nights from $2,135pp twin share – includes buffet breakfast daily, return private car airport transfers PLUS BONUS FREE room upgrade, 1x 10 minute foot massage per person, and 50% discount on spa treatments
• Harmony in Hua Hin
o Return Economy Class airfare flying Qantas from Auckland to Bangkok (via Sydney)
o Dusit Thani Hua Hin: Flights + 4 nights from $2,565pp twin share – includes exclusive club breakfast daily, club benefits, return private car airport transfers PLUS BONUS one-for-one treatments at Devarana Spa
• Relax in Phuket
o Return Economy Class airfare flying Qantas from Auckland to Phuket (via Australia and Bangkok)
o The Kee Resort & Spa: Flights + 8 nights from $2,525pp twin share – includes buffet breakfast daily, FREE welcome drink, FREE Wi-Fi, return private car airport transfers, PLUS BONUS 10% discount on spa purchases and on food & beverages when dining in house
• Unwind in Khao Lak
o Return Economy Class airfare flying Qantas from Auckland to Phuket (via Australia and Bangkok)
o The Sands Khao Lak by Katathani: Flights + 8 nights from $2,799pp twin share – includes buffet breakfast daily and return private car airport transfers
Bali travel restrictions lifted!
• Indonesia have removed all remaining Covid-19 requirements. Covid-19 vaccination requirements and the SATUSEHAT mobile app (contact tracing app) are no longer required for travel to Indonesia.
Passport Validity Reminder:
• Passports and other documents accepted for entry (for most nationals including NZL, AUS) must be valid for a minimum of 6 months beyond the date of arrival in Indonesia.
Visa Requirements Reminder:
• The majority of passengers travelling to Denpasar on Air New Zealand will be able to purchase a visitor visa on arrival (VOA) or electronic visitor visa on arrival (E-VOA) which is valid for a stay of 30 days (extensions of stay are possible for an additional 30 days). An E-VOA can be obtained before departure at: HTTPS://MOLINA.IMIGRASI.GO.ID/ A VOA or E-VOA costs IDR500,000 (Indonesian Rupiah) which is approximately NZD$53. To minimise processing delays on arrival, passengers are recommended to purchase a E-VOA prior to arrival in DPS.
Indonesian eVoa, This application is used for the issuance of e-VOA for foreigners who will enter Indonesia
Let our friendly team take the stress out of travel and help you plan the best trip to fit your needs!
Find your local broker on our website: https://nztravelbrokers.co.nz/find-a-broker/
🔥 Winter Warmer Deal 🔥
Ready to get away from this cold New Zealand weather? I know I am! We've got plenty of deals available to warm you up even in the coldest winters! 🥶
Sales to 30th June 2023 (unless sold out prior)
Land only deals, combine with best available airfare
• EXCLUSIVE Hayman Island Offer – SALE ENDS 23 JUNE!
o 4 nights from $1,389pp twin share at InterContinental Hayman Island Resort including:
o Full buffet breakfast daily and use of non-motorised watercraft including windsurfers & paddleboards
o BONUS complimentary bottle of wine and FREE luxury launch transfers from Hamilton Island to Hayman Island with beverages and canapes
o Up to $1,308 of exclusive savings!
• Sydney – Holiday Inn Darling Harbour
o 3 nights from $539pp twin share
o Sydney Opera House Tour & Dine experience with a 1 hour guided tour and 1 main meal at the Opera Bar or House Canteen
o BONUS full breakfast daily, GUARANTEED room upgrade, late check out to 12pm, PLUS bottle of wine on arrival
o Includes savings of up to $405 per room!
• Samoa – Saletoga Sands Resort & Spa
o 5 nights from $469pp twin share or $635pp family share
o Continental breakfast daily, complimentary sarongs in room and use of non-motorised water sports equipment
o BONUS includes 1 FREE night, return airport transfers PLUS 2x 30 minute massages per room
• Vanuatu – Breakas Beach Resort Vanuatu
o 4 nights from $655pp twin share
o Continental breakfast daily, welcome fruit cocktail, use of non-motorised water sports equipment
o BONUS includes 1 FREE night and one cocktail each for 2 people
• Cook Islands – The Edgewater Resort & Spa
o 5 nights from $739pp twin share or $395pp family share
o Tropical breakfast daily, FREE entry to the Coconuts Kids Club for children
o BONUS NZD$100 resort credit per room, FREE 5GB Wi-Fi credit per booking, 1x 60 minute massage per room PLUS up to 2 children under 12 years old eat FREE (conditions apply)
• Blue Lagoon Cruises (Fiji) – 3 Night Explorer Cruise
o 3 nights from $1,519pp twin share onboard Fiji Princess
o All meals and drinks, all scheduled cruise excursion activities, a complimentary reusable metal drink bottle and sulu (sarong) per person, and a complimentary branded tote bag per cabin
o BONUS includes 25% discount PLUS a FREE Moments at Malamala and FJ$50 per person food & beverage voucher to use at Malamala
• Bali – Blu-Zea Resort by Double-Six
o 7 nights from $715pp twin share
o Full breakfast daily and return private car airport transfers
o BONUS 1x 60 minute Balinese Massage OR a 2 course set menu lunch, 1x bucket of beers, discounts on food & beverage and spa treatments, FREE use of the Kid’s Corner for the first 3 hours
o Includes savings of up to $629 per room!
• Thailand – The Kee Resort & Spa
o 7 nights from $645pp twin share
o Buffet breakfast daily, FREE Wi-Fi, and a welcome drink on arrival
o BONUS includes 3 FREE nights, discounts on food & beverage and spa treatments
• Singapore – Orchard Rendezvous Hotel
o 4 nights from $829pp twin share
o Full breakfast daily, FREE Wi-Fi, return private car airport transfers
o BONUS includes 1 Free night, late check out to 3pm PLUS 1x FREE ticket to River Wonders
• Hawai’i – Aston Waikiki Circle
o 7 nights from $1,449pp twin share
o Return shuttle airport transfers
o Note: pricing is based on dynamic pricing and is subject to change at the discretion of the hotel operator
P&O $1 deposit sale!
Book on a P&O cruise for only $1 per person, PLUS receive onboard credit of up to $600AUD per cabin! This is an offer you won't want to miss
Sale Highlights:
Depart Auckland - 4 night 'Tribute to the King' cruise from $499pp quad share*
Depart Auckland - 8 night Fiji Encounter cruise from $899pp quad share*
Depart Auckland - 9 night Pacific Island Hopper cruise from $999pp quad share*
Depart Auckland - 10 night Tongan Discovery cruise from $1,099pp quad share*
Depart Auckland - 13 night Bounty Adventure cruise from $1,299pp quad share*
Sale ends 29th August 2023
Contact me at [email protected] for more information
**INTERRUPTING YOUR NEWS FEED WITH EXCITING NEWS**
When Disney Cruise Line first announced their inaugural sailings in Australia and New Zealand, the excitement was unprecedented, and we were blown away by the response. And now, due to popular demand, Disney Cruise Line is announcing a whole new season of voyages. Sailing from Auckland, Sydney, Melbourne & Brisbane, Disney Magic at Sea will bring enchantment and cherished Disney friends to your shores for a special new season of 2-7 night cruises from October 2024 to February 2025.
Auckland itineraries:
Auckland roundtrip
• 29 Nov 2024 | 3 nights | from $2,692pp twin share
• 2 Dec 2024 | 2 nights | from $1,808pp twin share
• 4 Dec 2024 | 4 nights | from $3,455pp twin share
• 8 Dec 2024 | 5 nights | from $4,261pp twin share
• 13 Dec 2024 | 4 nights | from $3,575pp twin share
Auckland to Sydney
• 17 Dec 2024 | 4 nights | from $2,733pp twin share
Melbourne to Auckland
• 24 Nov 2024 | 5 nights | from $3,323pp twin share
Cruises go on sale to the public on the 27th of June. If you're wanting to book onto one of these cruises make sure to register your interest so you don't miss out! These sold out pretty much the day they were released last time!
Refer a friend to book their travel arrangements through me (Chelsea Ouwehand NZ Travel Broker) and you'll both receive a $50NZD per person credit towards your holiday cost!!
-Referred friend must book and confirm travel arrangements before credit will be applied to either parties
-$50NZD per person credit is valid for the first 2 people in the group travelling (maximum $100NZD redeemable for a single booking)
-Booking total must be a minimum of $500NZD to redeem the credit
-There is no limit to the number of referrals you can make
-You don’t have to be an existing customer to be eligible for the deal, just refer your friend and make sure they mention you and this post when they go to book
-Deal is valid for travel booked and paid between 5th of June 2023 - 31st of March 2024 (travel can be after these dates)
Contact me at [email protected] for enquiries
TEMPTING THAILAND
Return Economy Class airfare flying Malaysia Airlines from Auckland to Phuket or Bangkok (via Kuala Lumpur)
• Bangkok City Stay: Flights + 4 nights at LiT Bangkok Hotel & Residence from $2,129 per person share twin – includes buffet breakfast daily, return airport transfers PLUS BONUS FREE room upgrade, FREE late check out, 1x 10 minute foot massage per person and up to 25% discount on room rates
• Phuket Beach Break: Flights + 8 nights at Phuket Graceland Resort and Spa from $2,199 per person share twin – includes full breakfast daily, return airport transfers PLUS 4 FREE nights
• Phuket Family Getaway: Flights + 8 nights at Sunwing Kamala Beach from $2,049 per person family share (2A2C) – includes buffet breakfast daily, FREE kids meals, return airport transfers PLUS 4 FREE nights
• Khao Lak Beach Escape: Flights + 8 nights at The Sands Khao Lak by Katathani from $2,399 per person share twin – includes full breakfast daily and return airport transfers.
• Add on a full day tour to Phi Phi Island by Speedboat for $188 per person – includes entrance fees, parking fees, an English speaking guide, and shared coach transfers (from Phuket Town area only)
Sales: to 23 Jun 23
Travel: 01 Aug 23 to 30 Nov 23
Tauranga
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Now that we're in September (where has the year gone?!) it's cruise sale month, and the range of cruises on sale is huge! One of the great things about cruising is the value - your accommodation and main meals are included in the fare. When you compare a cruise fare to a similar itinerary on land, the difference in price can be huge! This is especially true when you're planning a family holiday.
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