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Meet Joni, one of our travel experts for New Zealand.
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Born in the Southwest, raised in the Northwest, I have called the South Pacific home for over 30 years. I founded J2 Travels in the late 1990s to share our knowledge with other like minded travelers – remembering always, that the joy is in the journey. I currently live on Maui, I'm endorsed by IATA, and am a member of the Fiji, Tahiti and New Zealand Tourism Boards.
Testimonials from Joni's clients:
"I want to say a big THANK YOU!! We had the most amazing time on our trip. Everything was wonderful. We absolutely loved Queenstown. We took the bus out to Milford Sound and then took a helicopter back as you suggested. It was raining the whole way out there but then the rain disappeared so we saw so many waterfalls it was breathtaking! We also went horseback riding in Glenorchy (well, I did – Pete got sick!) and that was amazing. The drive out there was beautiful and the ride itself was really fun. We tried to go skydiving but unfortunately it cancelled twice because of the winds. We also went jetboating,and spent a lot of time in the restaurants and bars in town. We then spent a few hours in Nelson and went out to Bleinhem for a day and did some wine-tasting, which was a lot of fun. When we were in Motueka we spent sometime relaxing and then did an 8 hour kayak/hike through Abel Tasman, which was truly amazing…and tiring! We spent a lot of our time in Rotorua just hanging out at the hotel and relaxing because it was just so beautiful, but we did go to hell’s gate which was really neat. In Auckland we spent a day walking around and then played golf one day. We also went to dinner at the Mudbrick restaurant in Waiheke which was great.
And on to Fiji...it was amazing! We loved Tokoriki. It was a beautiful spot and the Fijian people that worked there were so warm and friendly. The honeymoon bure that we stayed in was absolutely amazing, and we spent a lot of time just hanging out in our plunge pool. We also went snorkeling a few times, which was great. The food was also really good. As for the seaweed, there was definitely a fair bit of seaweed around and a slight smell of it, but it really wasn’t a big problem. After the first day we didn’t even think about it. I would definitely recommend Tokoriki to others, and would love to go back someday.
Thank you again for all of your help. We will definitely let our friends and family know how great you were when they head off to NZ / Fiji!
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- Megan & Pete
Testimonials from Joni's clients:
"We had a fantastic time in Fiji. Qamea was particularly wonderful-rustic, authentic, beautiful, and communal. Staff members were incredibly friendly and always very accommodating. Namale was spectacular and definitely more upscale. Our bure was so elegant and we had a private deck overlooking the ocean that was phenomenal. We appreciated the remoteness and feel of Qamea over Namale, however, so we were delighted to have been there longer. I would certainly recommend Qamea to anyone traveling to that area of the world.
Thanks again for arranging this remarkable trip. It was incredibly unique and one we will remember always. We're both grateful to you.
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- Naomi & Matt
Testimonials from Joni's clients:
"The Four Seasons Maui and your recommendations for the other island resorts we visited were wonderful. The Four Seasons Maui is impeccable, as we also enjoyed the Halekulani on Oahu and the Hyatt at Poipu on Kauai.
Thank you so much for your attention to detail, your availability every step of the way planning our honeymoon and assisting our guests. Your surprise gifts to us and our guests were extra special touches, and I can't rave enough about you. Even through the most stressful times I endured, you always kept your calm and made sure we were taken care of. You went above and beyond for us, going to the Four Seasons to take pictures of the construction before we got there for the wedding so we would be prepared, calling around to local stores to help me find items for gift baskets, giving us the scoop on where to shop, eat, etc.-all in such great detail as well!
You really are a true, experienced travel agent that doesn't just book trips, but travels to and knows the areas and resorts in which you book your clients and you become a trusted friend. It is with the utmost gratitude we write this in appreciation for everything you did to help make our honeymoon dreams come true for us and our guests.
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- Michelle & Scott
Testimonials from Joni's clients:
"We are now home and slowly acclimating to reality. We had the most fabulous time on our holiday and want to thank you for seeing to it that every little detail was well planned, organized, and executed. We feel you really listened to our desires and planned "THE PERFECT" holiday...thank you so very much. We will definitely call you again and have recommended you to several of our friends. It is obvious that you really know both New Zealand and Fiji as I'm sure you know the other locations you book for your clients, I especially liked how you found locations that were less "touristy" and more reflective of the countries we were visiting...just as I requested. Thank you!"
- Randy and Teresa
Testimonials from Joni's clients:
"Kurstan and I had the most amazing time on our trip to Maui. The wedding went off without a hitch, even though when we arrived at the house that we rented for the occasion there were hurricane strength winds. They died down in just enough time to get the flower circle in a perfect place overlooking the ocean and everything went according to plan. The ceremony was thoughtful and such a happy time for us as well as Kurstan's mom and Jack who seemed pleased with the arrangements as well.
As for the honeymoon, that was a vacation of a lifetime. I have never been as happy as I was on this trip. The hotel was lovely and the service was fantastic. Our room was more spacious than I imagined and the view was breathtaking. The hotel itself was beautiful from the lounges to the restaurants to the pool area to the beach. The beach was the best that we saw on the island.
Also, Joni, you were so helpful in getting everything arranged with us and Kurstan's mom. It was difficult for us not having ever been to Maui figuring out where to stay and what to do, but you were more than helpful in making this a trip that will be remembered throughout our lives. What a way to start a marriage!
And, thank you for the champagne you sent to our room upon our arrival. It was such a great way to start our trip.
Thank you so much for everything, and we'll definitely contact you for any help we need with travel in the future.
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- Heather & Kurstan
Testimonials from Joni's clients:
"Lisa and I had a magical experience at Qamea and everything was wonderful! You prepared us perfectly and all the details were worry free. We had a beautiful sunny day outdoor wedding in Michigan and then whisked away to paradise.
Thank you does not fully communicate our appreciation and we will be sending you referrals at every opportunity. We will be in touch soon and again, sincere thanks and warm regards!
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- Scott & Lisa
Testimonials from Joni's clients:
"Hey Joni! Thanks so much for checking in. We had an awesome time! Best vacation ever!! Would love to talk with you about everything, let me know when is good for you? We really want to go back, maybe in a few years.
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- Traci
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TranzAlpine
![TranzAlpine - Tranz Scenic Rail. Copyright Tranz Scenic Rail.]( "TranzAlpine - Tranz Scenic Rail. Copyright Tranz Scenic Rail.")
Departing Christchurch and Greymouth daily
The Christchurch Earthquake Update
KiwiRail resumes TranzAlpine train from Christchurch to West Coast.
From Monday 7 March, the iconic TranzAlpine train will begin running between Christchurch and Greymouth.
The TranzAlpine and TranzCoastal were suspended following the earthquake in Christchurch on 22 February. The TranzAlpine has been suspended until now so resources could be concentrated on the important task of keeping supplies to Christchurch moving via KiwiRail Freight.
'We now have the resources available, staff are ready to come back to work and we have passengers wanting to travel on one of the world's great train trips,' comments Deborah Hume, KiwiRail's General Manager Rail Passenger. 'We can also support local suppliers and tourism businesses in Canterbury and the West Coast.'
The TranzAlpine will resume operations with an 8.15am departure from the Christchurch passenger railway station in Troup Drive, which was undamaged in the earthquake. 'It sends a clear signal that, while Christchurch city centre has been affected, the rest of New Zealand still has stunning scenery and is very much open for tourism business.'
Update information and booking enquires - call free 0800 872 467.
Last updated 1930hrs, Friday 4 March 2011.
The TranzAlpine – Christchurch to Greymouth, rated one of the world's great scenic railway journeys!
The TranzAlpine scenic train journey travels between Christchurch and Greymouth, from one coast of New Zealand to the other. From your carriage you'll see the fields of the Canterbury Plains and farmland, followed by the spectacular gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River. Your train then climbs into the Southern Alps before descending through lush beech rain forest to the West Coast town of Greymouth – a great base for visits to Punakaiki and the always popular glaciers.
The TranzAlpine journey is an ideal weekend getaway or honeymoon vacation highlight. All carriages include both one way seating and tabled group seating allowing you to experience the amazing views while enjoying the company of other passengers on-board. An open air viewing carriage allows you to get even closer to the stunning scenery and provides many opportunities to photograph your favourite spots. There's a lot to look forward to!
Our train journey sets off from Christchurch - New Zealand's largest city on the South Island. The trip is 223.8 kilometres long and takes just four and a half hours. There are 19 tunnels, and 4 viaducts, the highest being the Staircase standing at 73 metres.
The TranzAlpine departs Christchurch and Greymouth daily. Whether you are planning a weekend getaway or a longer trip, tour New Zealand's South Island from one coast to the other by train and relax while rediscovering the uniqueness of train travel.
Photo copyright Tranz Scenic Rail.
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TranzAlpine Express
Video copyright Air New Zealand.
Overview
Children
The infant age is between 0-23 months, the child age is between 2-14 years inclusive. Children aged from two years must be allocated a seat. All children under the age of 14 years must be accompanied by an adult. An infant travels free if seated on an adults knee one infant per adult can travel in this manner. If an infant under two years of age is to travel in a car seat , a seat is to be allocated at the applicable fare.
Senior Discounts
Our Senior Saver fares are available all year to all persons 55 years of age and over. Senior Saver fares offer 30% discount off the standard adult fare and bookings can be made by phoning us on 0800 TRAINS (872 467) or at your local Tranz Scenic accredited agent. Presentation of proof of age may be required. Senior discounts are only available on the TranzAlpine and TranzCoastal services.
Backpacker/YHA cardholders
Our backpacker/YHA cardholder fares are available all year and offer a 20% discount off the standard adult fare. Bookings can be made by phoning us on 0800 TRAINS (872 467) or at your local Tranz Scenic accredited agent. This discount is available on the TranzAlpine and TranzCoastal services.
Baggage
Tranz Scenic advises passengers to insure all baggage and personal items. Please remember to attach labels with your contact details at your destination.
Checked Baggage Allowance: 2 items per person, maximum weight 20 kg per item. Size must be no more than 200 linear cm (height plus length plus width).
Baggage between 20-30kg: we require your assistance in loading and unloading your bag from the baggage van or you can repack into bags provided to meet the 20kg per item limit.
Baggage over 30kg: will not be accepted, your baggage will need to be repacked into bags provided to meet the 20kg per item limit.
Extra Baggage (eg surfboard, bicycles) will be carried only if space is available at a cost of $10 per item per service. Hazardous or offensive items will be rejected at check-in. Hand Baggage, which is obstructing passenger areas, will be moved to the baggage van.
Bicycles
Bicycles are charged at a rate of $10 per train service and are limited to one per passenger. Passengers are advised to book in advance as space is limited on all services and transport of bicycles which are not pre-booked cannot be guaranteed. Removal of pedal, folding of handlebars, covering of chains and all sharp edges may be requested.
Alcohol
All Tranz Scenic services are fully licensed. A range of alcoholic beverages is available for purchase onboard. Passengers are prohibited from taking their own alcohol onboard any Tranz Scenic service for consumption during travel. Passengers transporting alcohol (e.g. a case of wine) are asked to have it carried in the baggage van en route.
Smoking
By law all Tranz Scenic trains are designated non-smoking services. Passengers may not smoke anywhere onboard.
Animals
No animals are permitted on Tranz Scenic trains other than seeing-eye d
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