Updated December 19, 2003 -- With the fantastic success of the Lords of the Rings movies, New Zealand is now billing itself as Middle Earth, with good effect. At least two tour operators have low-priced packages for us mere mortals who want to visit the sites where the films were made, from as low as $999 for seven nights. And at that price, these packages are selling out fast.
Tahiti Vacations has a New Zealand Fly/Drive Campervan tour starting from $999 from January 1 through March 1, 2004. The package includes airfare from Los Angeles on Air Tahiti Nui, seven nights in New Zealand, eight days rental of a camper van (upgrades available), and free transfers between airport and rental depot.
A similar Fly/Drive Motel package starts at $1,099 with the same airfare, but seven-day rental car and seven nights in a Golden Chain Motel of your choice (you can move daily if you wish).
You can add on three days to either package for $390 with three nights on Moorea and one night on Tahiti. You might have to add $20 per day for the Campervan rentals in January and February (their summer). Prices for both packages do not include about $83 in related airport taxes and fees.
To contact Tahiti Vacations, phone 800/553-3477 or visit www.tahitivacations.net.
Delving even deeper into LOTR juggernaut is Newmans South Pacific Vacations, which has a great package starting from $1,399 per person. This includes the roundtrip airfare from Los Angeles on Air New Zealand, seven nights lodging across the country with Go Kiwi Silver Hotel Pass, an eight-day compact manual car rental, as well as a Lord of the Rings Location Guidebook, by Ian Brodie (one copy per booking). Upgrades of car and hotel are possible. The deals run through December 31, 2004.
The $1,399 rate applies from April 26 through August 26, 2004 (their late fall and winter), and is per person sharing a twin room. The rates rise to as high as $2,099 this December 10 to 31 and to $2,149 next December 10 to 31, 2004. Prices are based on midweek travel (Mondays through Wednesdays). Some restrictions may apply, and government and other taxes of about $55 are not included.
For more information, contact Newmans at 800/416-0667 or visit www.newmansvacations.com/middleearth, e-mail middleearth@newmansvacations.com.
Another opportunity to save money on your New Zealand tour is using the New Zealand Budget Travel Card, which its sponsors claim can save you hundreds of dollars on your vacation. They say you can save 5% to 25% on accommodations, transport, attractions and tours. Normally, the cost for the card is NZ $55 (about US $35.50), but on their website it's currently on sale for NZ $39.95 (about US $25.75) for a limited time only. They send the card anywhere in the world, along with a New Zealand map and a 120-page Discount Directory, all without a delivery charge. Contact them at www.discounttravel.co.nz.
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