New Zealand Land Arrangement


To download printable land arrangement:
New Zealand Land Arrangement until September 2013 (updated 6/12/13)


There’s a reason the sun shines on New Zealand before anywhere else – every new day in Aotearoa is something to cherish! Small, remote and thinly populated, yes, but NZ punches well above its weight with its outlandish scenery, fabulous festivals, superb food and wine, and magical outdoor experiences. Equally impressive is NZ’s potent, mainstream Maori culture. This is a country that recognises and celebrates its indigenous people – the world is a kinder, gentler, more respectful place down here! And while the fanfare surrounding the Lord of the Rings trilogy is waning, visiting the real-life Middle-earth still has a geeky allure - LOTR director Peter Jackson's filmmaking prowess still holds Wellington (aka ‘Wellywood’) in its thrall.

In 2007, around 2.2 million overseas visitors tramped, wheeled, wined and dined across the country, up almost 40% from a relatively meagre 1.6 million in 1999. But at what cost? Extra visitors strain the clean, green environment NZ is renowned for, and all this wilderness frenzy is having an impact: the skies above Franz Josef Glacier buzz with droning aeroplanes, tourists still shampoo in creeks, and locals simply avoid entire chunks of NZ because of the tourist hordes. In response, the Department of Conservation (DOC) has implemented a booking system for its Great Walks - there are nine including the Milford Track, Routeburn Track and Abel Tasman Coast Track - to avoid overcrowding and minimise environmental damage. The NZ tourism industry is embracing all things ‘eco’, while regionally, eateries and farmers markets selling local produce present sustainable options. Regardless, hardcore environmentalists claim the industry and government aren’t moving fast enough. Drought and climate change are fanning the flames...

On the broader arts front, Kiwi live music remains brilliant (dub, hip-hop, reggae and rock), while NZ radio remains abysmal. Culturally, debate rages between anti- and pro-arts lobbies: one side would rather chew their arms off than see another art gallery open; the other sees cultural celebration as the future for both community and tourism. How does NZ forge its cultural identity? What role do the arts play? Do cultural attractions lure the tourists? From our perspective, they most certainly do!

And then of course there’s the national obsession – rugby. After yet another dazzling failure at the 2007 Rugby World Cup in France, the All Blacks are desperate to redeem themselves on home soil in 2011. The most successful rugby team in history (a 74% winning record!), the beloved All Blacks, were red-hot favourites in 2007, but crumbled under sustained quarter-final pressure from the French. Errors, poor decision-making and appalling umpiring delivered the New Zealanders a 20-18 defeat. The dumbfounded nation wept in the streets and looked around for someone to blame – calls for wholesale sackings were followed by ugly character assassinations in the media. The fragile national psyche took a beating, distraught Kiwis turning to each other and saying, ‘We suck at the only thing we’re good at!’ Until 2011, the team will have to satisfy itself with routine demolitions of Australia and South Africa in the annual Tri Nations and Bledisloe Cups.

The national real estate boom continues to mesmerise sellers and infuriate buyers. Rising house prices have stabilized with rising interest rates, but wages have failed to keep up: Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington are among the world’s most expensive cities in terms of housing affordability (relative to income).
Other topics on local tongues include fixed-net fishing endangering dolphins, vexatious treaty settlements, and didymo (aka ‘rock snot’) infestation in rivers and lakes. And don’t get anyone started on petrol prices...
That’s contemporary NZ in a nutshell! You’re in for an awesome trip. Back home on the couch, your memories will drift from rampaging outdoor activities to world-class food, wine and beer (oh, especially the wine and beer), and chilled-out locals. But your most sparkling recollections will come courtesy of NZ’s natural splendour – there are few countries on this lonely planet as diverse, unspoiled and utterly, utterly photogenic.

Source:  Lonely Planet
Last updated: Jun 7, 2011

Photos are Skycab's own.

Best of India Tour (Jan. 28, 2012)


Here's a new tour to consider for January 2012!  We are now gathering participants for this.



Price from $1,788.00+ per person (Twin Sharing)
January 28, 2012 - February 8, 2012
Download Printable Itinerary


DAY 01  JAN 28 ARRIVE DELHI 
You will be met and assisted on arrival in Delhi and proceed to your hotel.


DAY 02  JAN 29 DELHI (BD) 
Breakfast inside the hotel. You will visit the 12th century Qutub Minar, gracefully hand-carved for its entire height of 234ft, and the iron pillar, which has withstood the ravages of time and not rusted even after 1,500 years. You will also visit the mausoleum of emperor Humayun - a forerunner of the Mughal style of architecture. We will then drive past the India Gate (war memorial dedicated to the lives of Indian soldiers), the president's residence (formally the Viceroy's Palace), Parliament House and the Secretariat buildings - an interesting blend of the Victorian and 20th century architecture. You will also visit the Laxmi Narayan Temple - a modern Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

The Taj Mahal.  Photo from Squidoo
DAY 02  JAN 30 DELHI –AGRA (B/D)
After breakfast in the morning proceed for the full day city tour of New Delhi. In New Delhi visit Qutab Minar, the tallest stone tower in India; Humayun’s Tomb built in the Indo Persian style and a predecessor to The Taj Mahal in Agra; India Gate – A War Memorial Arch. Also drive past the President’s house, Parliament house, Government secretariat buildings and Connaught place – the heart of New Delhi and a busy shopping center. Later we depart for Agra by surface. Check in at the hotel.




DAY 03  JAN 31 AGRA (B/D)

After breakfast in morning half day city tour of Agra city. Visit the red sandstone Agra Fort, which stands like a crescent on the banks of the Jamuna River enclosed by forbidding 20-meter high walls, with a 12- meter moat between them. Three successive Mughal emperors - Akbar, Jehangir and Shah Jehan. Then proceed for the famous white marble mausoleum, which was built in the middle of the 17th century by the Moghul emperor Shah Jehan for his wife Mumtaz Mahal.

DAY 04  FEB 01 AGRA- JAIPUR (B/D)
Post breakfast we depart for Jaipur by surface. Evening at your own leisure.

DAY 05  FEB 02 JAIPUR (B/D)
This morning you will drive 11kms in the outskirts of the city to visit Amber Fort, the ancient capital of the State until 1728. Visit the Temple of Kali, the Hall of Victory or Jai Mahal and Jagmandir. You can have the unique experience of traveling on elephant back to and from the top of the hill on which the fort is situated. In the afternoon visit the Observatory, the Palace of Winds and the City Palace and Museum.  Spend time in crowded lanes & by lanes of pink city, haggling and souvenir-hunting.

DAY 06  FEB 03 JAIPUR - JODHPUR BY TRAIN  (B/D)
Morning at leisure of own activities. Later transfer to the railway station to board train to Jodhpur. Meeting and assistance on arrival at the Jodhpur railway station and transfer to the hotel.



Mehrangarh Fort.  Photo from Dirk Ott (Shutterstock)
DAY 07  FEB 04 JODHPUR (B/D)
Jodhpur is the second largest city in the state of Rajasthan.  In the morning, visit the MEHRANGARH FORT.  Considered one of India's best forts, this invincible stronghold of the Marwars sits on a steep hill lording over a wonderful view of its surroundings. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.

DAY 08  FEB 05 JODHPUR- JAISALMER BY SURFACE   (B/D)
Post breakfast we depart for Jaisalmer by surface. Check in at the hotel of stay.



DAY 09  FEB 06 JAISALMER  - DELHI  (B)
Breakfast at the hotel of stay. In the morning, we proceed with a half - day tour of the city. Visit the famous Havelis (mansions) known for their frescoes.  Made of local golden-yellow sand stone and wood, some of the havelis are still in excellent condition. The most elaborate and magnificent of all the Jaisalmer havelis is the Patwaon Ki Haveli. The haveli was built between 1800 and 1860 by five Jain brothers. Salim Singh Ki Haveli and Nathmal Ki Haveli are the other two havelis that are opened to visitors.  Transfer to railway station to board train for Delhi. Overnight Train.

DAY 10  FEB 07 ARRIVE DELHI    (BD)
Arrival transfer at the Delhi Railway station and transfer to the hotel of stay. Breakfast at the hotel of stay. Morning at leisure of own activities. Afternoon time to shop. Dinner and transfer to Delhi International airport to board the flight going back to Manila

DAY 11  FEB 08 DELHI – MANILA
Home sweet home.


Inclusions:

Economy Roundtrip Airfare
Hotel accommodation based on twin sharing
Meeting & assistance at Delhi Airport
Porterage of 1 luggage at hotels
Sightseeing as per itinerary
English-speaking Tour guide
Private air-conditioned motorcoach
Buffet Breakfast at the  Hotel
Standard Dinner as indicated
Filipino Escort
Tonga ride at Taj Mahal
Jeep ride to Amber fort
Travel Insurance for 60 yo below
Souvenir Bag and Travel Kit
Personalized Luggage tags

Notes:

$300 booking deposit is non refundable.
Full Cancellation charges will be applied to any cancellation made
        2 weeks before departure.
Minimum 25 to run this tour.
$550 Supplement for Single Room Accommodations.