• Lofoten Islands, Norway.
  • Lake Dunstan Trail.
  • London Tower Bridge.
  • European travel is back.
  • Nugget Point Light House, Catlins.
  • Trains of the South, Kahutara River, near Kaikoura.
  • Trafalgar Family Tours.

Celebrating the return to travel

As we were planning this issue we were keen to have a good travel article, written by someone who knows it inside out. So we asked Mary Buckley of Shore Travel to provide a good feature to keep our readers well informed. In the interim we also heard the very satisfying news that our borders are to open from April 13th. So travel as we knew it is coming back to reality. Time to get travelling again guys and there’s no better organisation to help you than Mary and her team!

It feels so good to be back doing what we love! Helping our customers plan and book long-awaited overseas travels, free of any self-isolation requirements when they return home.
Customers are planning visits to family they've been separated from overseas for so long; booking dream cruises and tours for various parts of Europe; and planning a variety of unique independent travel itineraries, from driving Route 66 to island hopping in the Mediterranean.
With many of us hungry to experience the world, but apprehensive about what our ‘new normal’ will resemble, the excitement of impending travel also comes with uncertainty. Shore Travel is here to help you travel with confidence.
Travelling in 2022 has become more complex than the pre-Covid era. Some countries require vaccination, some just a test, some have dropped mandates altogether. It’s changing weekly, or even daily, as governments adjust their regulations to the new health requirements.

 

How prepared do you need to be to travel?

Book early: Understandably, many people are waiting to see what impact Omicron (and future variants) will have on International borders. Our recommendation is to not let this stop you from planning your travels. With the rest of the world ahead of us travel-wise, cruise and tour suppliers are selling out their popular itineraries. To ensure you don't miss out, take the opportunity to hold a cabin or place on your dream trip.
Testing: We keep up to date with current testing requirements for travel on each airline and to specific countries, factoring in transit times. Each country has different requirements and these can change between the time you book and your departure. When you book with us we will communicate any pre-departure changes specific to your booking. We have partnered with local testing facilities who can meet the tight pre-departure testing deadlines.
Insurance: Never has insurance been more important than in this new travel environment. We work with two different comprehensive travel insurers. International travel currently has limited Covid coverage available, but we expect these to improve as the government lifts restrictions to overseas travel throughout 2022. In the meantime, our comprehensive insurance options will cover all traditional travel interruptions and concerns.
MIQ & Self-Isolation: Currently MIQ is only required for unvaccinated New Zealanders returning to New Zealand, but this could change soon. There is no self-isolation for any vaccinated returnees. Each arrival will be issued a pack that includes rapid antigen tests.

For a free copy of our extensive 2022 guide to travelling, register with your email address via our website: www.shoretravel.co.nz


Travel closer to home

For those not ready to depart New Zealand, or who want to explore our beautiful country, there are plenty of opportunities to support local tourism while having a unique travel experience. Here are a few of our top suggestions:
Lake Dunstan & the Otago Rail Trail: Fresh air, magnificent scenery, fun and rewarding experiences! Cycling trails connecting you to the nature and culture, towns and heritage of this country we call home. Experience the newly opened Lake Dunstan Trail with unique and fascinating landscapes characteristic of Central Otago. Continue your cycling adventure with two days on the Otago Central Rail Trail passing through the region’s heartland of ever-changing mountainous landscapes.
Iconic trains of the South: Discovering New Zealand by road and rail. TranzAlpine train from Christchurch to Greymouth, and the Coastal Pacific train from Picton to Christchurch are two of the world’s great scenic train trips, combined with self-drive independence from Greymouth to Picton, driving the dramatic West Coast and the stunning Queen Charlotte Sound coastal road. A two night stop in Nelson with a full day Abel Tasman nature eco-cruise and walk, and two nights at Furneaux Lodge on Queen Charlotte Sound put an exclamation mark on this exceptional itinerary!
Forgotten worlds & Kapiti Island: Discover our authentic backyard New Zealand on this self-drive package as you travel through the back country regions, learn about the lost history of the Forgotten World and highway and the famous Whangamomoma. Visit the remote Kapiti Island and get in touch with nature on an evening kiwi spotting tour, ride rail carts through tunnels, and explore a privately owned glow-worm cave.
Otago Peninsula, the Catlins & Stewart Island: Discover New Zealand’s stunning Otago Peninsula, and deep south. Otago Peninsula is the home of an abundance of magnificent marine wildlife, namely the Royal Albatross, the endangered yellow-eyed penguin and the blue penguins at Pukekura. The Catlins is a highlight of the Southern Scenic Route – with its rural heartland and podocarp forest, rugged coastlines, hidden lakes and waterfalls, stunning natural landscapes, and extraordinary wildlife. Just across the water from Invercargill – enjoy a short flight and birds eye view of New Zealand’s third island, Stewart Island – a glimpse into a simpler, slower lifestyle, in rhythm with the sea and the tides, attuned to the natural world of land, sea and night-scapes.
From gaining new perspectives, embracing new cultures and environments, to creating lifelong memories with the ones we love, travel is a chance to leave our comfort zones, explore the world and truly live.

Contact: Mary Buckley, Shore Travel,
Corner Kitchener and Milford Roads, Milford.
Email: mary.buckley@shoretravel.co.nz
or Phone 09 489 2597.
Visit: www.shoretravel.co.nz


Issue 129 April 2022