MAGNETIC SOUTH NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2010

Finally we have managed to solve the GST issue in our tariff and you can now view the correct rates online. We are currently busy loading the 11-12 season. In the meanwhile, please do not hesitate to contact us for any missing rates. Should you have forgotten your log-in details for the tariff, please email Sanna.

Product NEW US investor Julian H Robertson III and family - owners of Kauri Cliffs, in the Bay of Islands, and The Farm at Cape Kidnappers - have added a third property to their portfolio of luxury lodges. Matakauri Lodge, which sits in a wilderness location above Lake Wakatipu, opens 27 August. Just 10km from Queenstown, it has sweeping views across the lake to the Remarkables. Matakauri Lodge - originally built in 2000 - was New Zealand’s first organic spa, and was named in Tatler’s 2008 ‘Top 101 Hotels of the World’. Constructed in a contemporary New Zealand design, the strong simple forms of the lodge have been designed to minimise the visual impact on the landscape and maximise views of the natural location. The lodge has accommodation in 11 luxurious suites, plus a stylish and spacious main lodge. Three guest suites are located in the main lodge, and eight more in private cottages nestled in native forest and overlooking the lake. Each suite has a private porch, bedroom with sitting area and open fireplace, walk-in wardrobe and bathroom. Facilities include a full-service luxury spa, fitness centre, outdoor infinity swimming pool, sauna, jacuzzi and walking trails. Since the Robertsons acquired the existing property 12 months ago, Matakauri Lodge has been closed for extensive refurbishment. The new interiors have been styled by interior designer Virginia Fisher, whose signature contemporary casual style features in high-end lodges in New Zealand and overseas. An emphasis on natural materials, warm colours and textures, reflects “the ruggedness that is very Queenstown”, she says. British-born chef Dale Gartland, who has worked at Kauri Cliffs and The Farm, will head the Matakauri kitchen. He also has the role of group chef for the three lodges and has won accolades for his food, including Conde Nast Traveller (UK) Gold List ‘Best for Food’ in 2009 (The Farm) and 2010 (Kauri Cliffs).   Britz is pleased to announce the arrival of the Britz Renegade for New Zealand. This is the first dual cab for Britz and caters for up to four adults and two children. The dual cab sits six passengers nicely up front and comes with twin portable DVD playes and a 14 litre fridge in the front.    CHANGES Great Sights time change. From 01 October 2010 our afternoon Rotorua Heritage Tour (GS40P) will depart at the earlier time of 12.15pm and finish at 4.00pm. ( Current departure is 1.00pm returning at 5.15pm. ) All tour inclusions remain the same.  Passengers will see five of Rotorua's lakes; enjoy a guided tour of the Buried Village and a guided tour through the award winning Rotorua Museum.  A lunch break (at own expense) will be made at the Buried Village which has a cafe with a good range of lunch options. The time change also affects the full day Rotorua Icons Tour (GS340).  This tour will continue to depart at 7.25am, however will finish earlier at 4.00pm. New Zealand’s three Duxton Hotels are to rebrand under the Amora Group. Duxton Wellington has finally announced a top to bottom refurbishment to all rooms, suites and hallway starting 25 September. The work will be done floor by floor and will include painting, carpet laying, soft furnishing, installation of new beds, furniture and fittings. The work will be done between 7.30 in the morning and 7.30 in the evening. Main service areas like the lobby and restaurant will not be affected and the hotel will remain operational. The expected date of completion is 31 January 2011 and will coincide with the rebranding.   From October 1, 2010, Wild Escapes NZ and AU will only be offering only a selection of the tours on a share basis. Further to this, tours operate only Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. All existing bookings are honored. . Captain Cook Cruises says its flagship overnight vessel Reef Endeavour has indefinitely replaced MV Reef Escape on 3, 4 & 7-Night Fiji Discovery Cruises. Reef Endeavour will handle Mamanuca islands pick ups, available on 3 & 7-Night Yasawa Island Cruises on Saturdays between 4.30pm and 5.30pm. Available resorts include Plantation Island, Musket Cove, Lomani Island, Liku, Malolo, Castaway and Mana Island. The ship will anchor off Honeymoon Island close to Castaway at 1600 on Saturdays and its tender will collect guests from the following resorts at the following times: Plantation Island -1630hrs - Musket Cove -1630hrs - Lomani Island -1630hrs - Likuliku -1645hrs - Malolo-1700hrs - Castaway -1715hrs - Mana Island -1730hrs   DEALS     The Quadrant Hotel Auckland has released a stay 3 / pay 2 offer for Studio and One Bedroom Apartments over December  2010 and January 2011. Some closeout days apply. Only one free night per booking.  Check your tariff for the Waiora lakeside Resort and Spa. New dramatically reduced rates include breakfasts, broadband internet, free parking and transfers. Guests also receive access to the spa, sauna and steam room at the Wai Ora Day Spa. Sofitel Queenstown has released a Stay 3 Pay 2  for October 2010 - 19 January 2011. Excludes Christmas and New Year. Also note new reduced summer season rates at the Novotel Queenstown Lakeside and All Seasons Christchurch. FEATURE Quality Assured. Qualmark New Zealand Limited is New Zealand tourism's official quality agency. It is a government - private sector partnership between Tourism New Zealand and New Zealand Automobile Association. Qualmark licenses professional and trustworthy New Zealand tourism businesses to use the Qualmark 'tourism's official quality mark' to help international and domestic travellers select places to stay, things to do and ways to get around. It's a role defined for Qualmark in the New Zealand tourism strategy to help achieve the industry's overall goal to enhance New Zealand's reputation as a world class visitor destination. Qualmark is run on a not-for-profit basis. Every accommodation provider has undergone a rigorous assessment and licensing process to become part of the Qualmark licensing system. They'll meet your essential requirements of cleanliness, safety, security and comfort; and offer a range and quality of services appropriate to their star grade. The categories are: - Backpackers: including budget hotels and hostels - Exclusive: including intimate and  highly individual establishments offering the finest of locations, facilities, activites and   service. - Guest & hosted: including farm/home stays, bed & breakfasts, inns, lodges and heritage homes.   - Holiday home: including individual holiday homes and multiple properties - Holiday parks: incuding camping grounds, motor camps.   - Hotels: including all suite hotels and resorts. - Self contained & serviced: including motels, serviced apartments, serviced holiday cottages. Transport and activity providers do not have a star rating but an endorsement. See www.qualmark.co.nz for further information and listings. Tips And the promised part 2 of Kenneth’s Queenstown exploration. Mercure Resort – Situated close to Fernhill, about 20-25 minute walk up hill from town. Rooms have been refurbished with a modern décor and flat screen TV. Recommend Lakeview rooms over Garden view – the lake view is stunning Novotel Lakeside – Town centre location that is walking distance to all shops and bars. Recommend upgrading to Lake or Garden view rooms as the guest rooms are located on ground floor with no views and they are a bit tired. Classic Novotel style with relatively modern décor but not luxury, nice bathrooms but very compact shower over bath. Grand Mercure St. Moritz – A 5 Star property within minutes of walking distance to town. A strong feeling of a boutique hotel as it has a lot of character through the contrast of colour used in the décor. No sign of being part of a hotel chain, suitable for high end families and couples. Rooms are well lit and very spacious. For longer stays recommend One Bedroom. Millennium – Another typical “Millennium - style” hotel, a grand feel through the marble at the lobby, hallways and guest rooms. Rooms are not huge but cosy with soft lighting and heritage furnishings. 5 Minute walk to town, suitable for couples. Free covered parking. Copthorne Lake Front – Good 4 Star property, good size rooms and décor is modern with flat screen TV & recently replaced bed spreads. Suggest Superior Plus Lakeview rooms which gives great view to the Remarkables, Lake Wakatipu and Walter Peak. . Kingsgate Terrace – About 8-10 minute walk to town. The hotel is undergoing major refurbishment and Stage 2 is due to complete in October. Have seen mock-up one bedroom apartments with very modern kitchen, furnishings and a flat screen TV. A complete makeover of the traditional Kingsgate. . Shotover Jet – This might be the best jetboat experience you can get in Queenstown. Free transfers depart ever hour from Station Building on Shotover Street, for self drive clients just follow Shotover St about 8 minutes will get you there. Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise ex ZQN – Check in at Real Journeys visitor centre at 06:35 for 06:55 departure (to get a good seat) or being picked up from your accommodation around 7:10. A full on day experience with magnificent sceneries. Recommend pre-ordering lunch and pick them up at Manapouri Visitor Centre as the boat only offers a limited selection of snacks on board. The cruise in Doubtful sound itself is 3 hours, small vessel therefore you will rarely see tour groups (compared to Milford). A must-do trip for photography, nature enthusiasts. Insect repellent and camera is essential.

Events & Shows 2010-2011 Date Event Location 04-12 Sep 2010 Gay Ski Week Queenstown 24 Oct 2010 Gisborne Food & Wine Festival Gisborne 18-21Nov 2010 Auckland Flower Show Auckland 21 Nov 2010 Toast Martinborough Martinborough 21-23 Jan 2011 Wings over Wairarapa Masterton Sep-Oct 2011 Rugby World Cup New Zealand