No Images? Click here Greetings to all, As we get nearer to the end of the year, we wanted to share with you a couple of exciting updates. Take a read below for information on the following: * DC3 NZ Air Tours * Waikato River Explorer Refurbishment * Hamilton - a great little stopover Explore NZ from above - DC3 NZ Air Tours 2017. Bookings now open An adventure like no other! The DC3 revolutionised air travel to become one of the most significant transport aircraft ever made. Today, your DC3 ‘ZK-DAK’ (operated by Fly DC3 NZ) is one of only a few in the world to hold a full ‘Airline Operating Certificate’. So join our professional flight crew and tour director for a unique New Zealand adventure with an exclusive perspective! 12 DAY TOURS - Fully Escorted & Inclusive DC3 NZ Air Tour 2017 - Departs 10 Feb & 17 Mar 2017 DC3 Omaka Air Show Tour 2017 - Departs 13 April 2017 Click here for further information DC3 Autumn Colours Air Tour 2017 - Departs 13 April 2017 Click here for further information DC3 Short Breaks - ** Please note: Only 2017 Dates now remaining ** Click here for further information Waikato River Explorer The team at Waikato River Explorer have been working tirelessly over the past few months on an extensive refurbishment project, and they are overjoyed with the end result. Here's the rundown from the team in charge: * Replacement of main engine - To ensure continuous running, a second identical engine was purchased so when one is being worked on the other can powering the boat. * New Generator & inverter. Following some issues with our power supply, we have invested in two new units designed to power all appliances onboard (and quietly as well). * New Bridge electronics. One of the biggest challenges during summer when the weather is dry and the river is shallow is avoiding fallen trees lying under the water. Our new Sonar allows us to see them under water as we approach them so we can give them a wide berth! * New exterior paintwork. We stripped back all the way to the wood, and our vessel was completely sandblasted and given a brand new coat of Antifoul under the water line and a new coat of white gloss above the waterline. We have also repaired the side belting and given her a general tidy-up. * New Canvas Roof on the stern half of the Saloon. Four years of a hot Waikato Sun had deteriorated the old canvas roof. This one can be manually tensioned so we can avoid water pooling on the roof after rain and spilling over the side. * New Exterior Saloon Roof and interior ceiling forward of the Main Cabin. Totally watertight … and with new clear hatches to let in the air on a hot day, our new ceiling adds a stylish touch to our refurbished interior. * New Stern Viewing Deck. Capable of holding 6-8 people, our new deck extension allows our guests to enjoy the beauty of the Waikato River up close! * New four-year Certificate of Survey from Maritime New Zealand. HAMILTON With Hamilton just 1 hr 35 from downtown Auckland, and 1 hr 20 from both Auckland Airport and Rotorua, it's easy to see why it's becoming such a popular place to visit. Adding a stop in Hamilton is a great way to break up the journey northbound or southbound and there are a few very good reasons to do this! If The Waikato River Explorer above hadn't already caught your attention, don't forget Hamilton Gardens and Distinction Hamilton Hotel & Conference Centre. Hamilton Gardens Whether you want to stop in for an hour or a day, there is something for everyone at Hamilton Gardens. Explore the stunning Paradise Garden Collection, visit Te Parapara – New Zealand’s first traditional Maori garden, picnic with the family or catch one of the many exciting events staged here each year. Hamilton Gardens is a conceptual garden based in the Waikato that explores the context, history and meaning of gardens through time, and from around the world. It is internationally recognised for its unique concept and is the Waikato’s most visited tourist destination. Guided tours at Hamilton Gardens transport visitors through time and to far-flung corners of the world. Be guided through a lush tropical jungle, visit ancient China or enjoy the splendour of a Renaissance Prince’s 16th century garden. Around every corner there is something different, something to delight. Our experienced guides will enthrall visitors with the inside ‘story’ of the Gardens, and how the gardens have been transformed from a humble rubbish dump to an internationally significant garden. Distinction Hamilton Hotel & Conference Centre Distinction Hamilton Hotel & Conference Centre are currently in the process of refurbishing 55 of their 147 hotel rooms, which are due for completion in early 2017. The hotel’s new, refurbished superior rooms and suites have been designed to feature a modern, chic, contemporary feel. Guests will be treated to upgraded, luxury king beds combined with sumptuous linen ensuring a restful night’s sleep, plush new carpet, comfortable armchairs and a work desk, 55” flat screen televisions, free unlimited WiFi and individually controlled heat pumps/air conditioning. Complementing these refurbishments is Distinction Hamilton’s quality conference centre, located only metres from the new superior rooms which can host up to 600 delegates. Guests can experience tantalising cuisine, perfectly executed by talented Executive Chef Arun Mani and his team at the on-site Garnett’s Restaurant & Bar and also enjoy complimentary access to the indoor swimming pool, 3 spas, steam rooms and gym. If you require any further information on the above, please contact Jason. Jason Baker email 021 952 028 |