Antarctica cruise and a New Zealand tour top the list
New Zealand, Antarctica and the Southern Highlands shine in these immersive tours.
Into the white
Antarctica
Follow in the footsteps of explorers Scott and Shackleton on a 21-night Antarctica expedition aboard Ponant’s Le Soleal. Passengers sail from Dunedin, New Zealand, to the Subantarctic Islands before heading for the Ross Sea. There’s also the chance to visit Ernest Shackleton’s hut on Ross Island.
Fine print Departs January 13 and February 3, 2022; from $27,370 a person, twin-share, with $500 flight credit, one night’s accommodation pre-cruise and airport transfers.
Taste trail
Regional NSW
Join journalist and food author Jane Hutcheon on a five-day gourmet trip around NSW’s Southern Highlands. The Renaissance Tours outing includes a truffle hunt, wine tasting, visits to bee hives, farms and a cheese factory, a cooking class and fine dining. Bowral, Berrima, Kangaroo Valley and Robertson feature on the itinerary, with accommodation at Peppers Manor House, Sutton Forest.
Fine print $3750 a person, twin-share; June 14-18.
All about the base
South Island
Located near the much-photographed Church of the Good Shepherd at the South Island’s glacial Lake Tekapo, Peppers Bluewater Resort is handy for exploring Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. A Flight Centre package offers three nights in a one-bedroom mountain view suite or villa, entry to Tekapo Hot Springs, ice-skating, snow-tubing and a stargazing experience.
Fine print $499 a person, twin-share; book by June 10.
Best and fairest
New Zealand
Starting in Christchurch, take a greatest-hits guided tour of the country over 19 days. Guests will see the Franz Josef Glacier (pictured) on a valley walk, ride the TranzAlpine Train, visit a kiwi nursery, and explore Fjiordland by catamaran and on foot. The geothermal wonders of Rotorua and the wines of Hawkes Bay are also in the mix.
Fine print From $14,110 a person, twin-share; maximum 20 guests; multiple departures from December 6 this year.
In the news
Abercrombie & Kent is offering two Qantas frequent flyer points for every dollar spent on four of its 2021 tours in Australia and New Zealand. Travellers can earn up to 22,840 points under the offer, which applies to two Kiwi journeys, the Scenic Rim Discovery Hike and a Top End trip. Until June 11.
Mornington Peninsula’s Winter Wine has moved from next weekend to Saturday, July 24, due to the Covid outbreak. More than 200 wines from 45 producers will be available for tasting at Red Hill Showgrounds, 10.30am to 4pm. Six restaurants are participating; $120 a person.
morningtonpeninsulawine.com.au
Sales have opened on Ponant’s highly anticipated luxurious polar exploration ship Le Commandant Charcot. The vessel, which uses hybrid propulsion powered by liquefied natural gas, will embark on 10 Arctic voyages from April to September next year.
Two Australians, Olympic sprinter Morgan Mitchell and Katie Brauer, founder of the Yoga Professional, have helped Celebrity Cruises devise a comprehensive wellness package on new ship Celebrity Beyond. More than 120 spa treatments are available, along with F45 training and Peloton classes, yoga and meditation.