May 19, 2004 -- However you define a vacation -- from lazing on a beach to schussing down snowy slopes -- it can all be found in the Antipodes. We've assemebled a wide-range of options to suit your tastes.
Pleasant Holidays (800/448-3333; www.pleasantholidays.com) can whisk you away to the once remote Cook Islands for journeys this fall (their spring, though the seasons know no limits thereabouts), between September 20 and December 8, 2004. A seven-night stay at the Rarotonga Sunset begins at $1,510 per person, for instance. Packages include roundtrip airfare from Los Angeles on Air New Zealand, lodging, daily tropical breakfast, inter-island transportation where applicable, and transfers. A two-island visit lasting for five nights at the Rarotonga Edgewater Resort and two nights at the Aitutaki Lagoon Resort, starts at $1,958 per person, with the same amenities as for the previously-mentioned trip.
In the heart of Polynesia, the Cook Islands are south of Hawaii, west of Tahiti and east of Samoa & Tonga. Rates for departures from other gateways cities are available, as well as rates for additional room nights. Some restrictions apply, and taxes and airport security fees are not included.
In August 2004, Mountain Travel Sobek will take adventurous travelers on two expeditions to the Watut River in Papua New Guinea, where the stream drains the peaks of the Owen Stanley Range (some 10,000 feet high). The two 14-day trips depart on August 4 and August 11, 2004, with the land cost starting from $3,690. Participants will number from eight to 12, they say. In addition to the whitewater run, you'll visit the Highlands Show, a gathering of tribes from throughout the area, competing in dance and ceremonial competitions. For more information, check out their website, www.mtsobek.com, or phone 888/MTSOBEK (same as 888/687-6235).
Ski New Zealand This Summer
According to Holidaze Ski Tours, experts on the New Zealand ski scene predict the snow pack this season will rival the 1994 record of over 13 feet, so the slopes should be rewarding this summer (their winter) down under. Holidaze has packages from $1193 per person, including roundtrip air on Air New Zealand from Los Angeles to Auckland, domestic flights to Queenstown, five nights of lodging in that city's three-star Aspen Hotel, airport transfers, all local taxes and a welcome night event. Starting June 30, 2004, Air New Zealand begins nonstop service between San Francisco and Auckland, as well.
For more information on skiing on South Island, check out www.holidaze.com.
You needn't ski if you don't feel like it with E.E.I. Travel, which is offering a New Zealand Fly & Drive Special from the low price of just $869. A part of the same firm that includes Go Today, E.E.I. says its package includes roundtrip airfare to Auckland on Air Tahiti Nui, rental of an RV, car or camper for seven days, local taxes and unlimited mileage. The deal is valid from now through September 24, 2004, and for this price, you must depart on Wednesdays. For more information, go to www.eeitravel.com or phone 800/927-3876.
For more information on New Zealand proper, check out our in-depth, online coverage starting at www.frommers.com/destinations/newzealand.