We'll Match Any Price
We have access to virtually every travel special out there.
Our agents make a commission from the travel wholesalers, same
as every other agent or online travel site.
Why wouldn't you want a real travel expert on your side...for free?
Related articles:
Need expert help?
|
|
Meet Joni, one of our travel experts for New Zealand.
|
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!
"
- 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.
"
- 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.
"
- 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.
"
- 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!
"
- 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.
"
- Traci
|
|
Otago Central Rail Trail Guided Cycle Ride Tour
Daily Trip Descriptions
Day 1 Clyde to Alexandra 8km Your adventure starts in Queenstown where you will be picked up by our shuttle at 9.00am to travel to Clyde and be taken to the Trail Journeys base at the start of the Rail Trail.If you are traveling by vehicle, you will need to be in Clyde by 10.30am to get fitted with your cycle and get briefed by your tour guide. You will have the day to yourselves, so time to check out the shopping in Clyde and Alexandra or visit the many attractions in the area. From Clyde you can cycle past vineyards and over an old wooden trestle bridge on the ride to Alexandra. For the more adventurous, there is the option of riding on the Clutha River Centennial Track to Alexandra which adds another 8km to your cycle ride. You will stay in Alexandra for the night. You are responsible for your own meal arrangements on this day. Trail Journeys staff can make recommendations for you.
Day 2 Alexandra to Omakau 28km From Alexanda you bike to Galloway Station where we boil the billy for morning tea with good old home baking.You then bike to Chatto Creek, twice crossing over bridges on the Manuherikia River. You will reach the Chatto Creek Tavern, an historic stone building which is where you will stop for lunch. After lunch you cycle up Tiger Hill, an easy gradient of 1 in 50. From the top of Tiger Hill it is all down hill to your over night accommodation in Omakau. Sites of significant interest are the Daniel O'Connor Suspension Bridge and the Ophir Post Office which will be worth checking out in this old gold mining town. You will then travel a short distance by bus to the historic gold mining town of St Bathan's and a visit to the old Vulcan Hotel returning to Omakau where you will dine in the evening at the Omakau Commercial Hotel.B/L/D
Day 3 Omakau to Wedderburn 45km Highlights of today's cycle ride is the beautiful Poolburn gorge section of the trail featuring two tunnels and two viaducts all set in a secluded gorge. You then cycle through the vast open expanse of the Ida Valley farm lands past the Idaburn dam, one of New Zealands few out door winter curling sites. A site visit to Hayes Historic Engineering Works, then there is a short ride to Oturehua for lunch at Oturehua Hotel. After lunch you'll cycle on to the Golden Progress mine just north of Oturehua, then on to Wedderburn just past the highest point on the rail trail before stopping the night at Wedderburn Lodge and Cottages B&B. When you arrive at Wedderburn your guide will take you on a short side trip to Naseby to try your hand at curling and look through the old gold mining town. The evening meal is a traditional farm style meal, at the Wedderburn Hotel.B/L/D
Day 4 Wedderburn to Hyde 43km From Wedderburn the trail is mostly down hill to Ranfurly, the Art Deco Capital of Otago for morning tea by the old railway station, then crossing the Maniototo Plains on to the Waipiata Tavern for lunch. After lunch the days highlight must be the lovely trail section between Daisybank and Hyde alongside the Taieri river which snakes around the Rock and Pillar Range, crossing the stone Cap Burn bridge, the Price's Creek Viaduct which is 32m high and the last tunnel which 152m long arriving at the recently restored Otago Central Hyde Hotel, your over night stop, dinner, bed and breakfast. Depending on the time you arrive at Hyde, your guide may take you on a short side trip up to the goldmining town of Macraes, the site of New Zealand's largest working gold mine. B/L/D
Day 5 Hyde to Middlemarch 29km Just a short ride today and slightly downhill with views of the Rock and Pillar, Taieri Ranges, and the Hyde Railway Disaster Memorial. We provide a morning snack along the way. For those traveling on the Taieri Gorge Train trip to Dunedin we will arrive at the Middlemarch Railway Station in time for you to depart by train at 1 p.m. The rest of the group will then return to Clyde by bus. If required we will arrange to get you onto Queenstown.Breakfast provided.
|
Overview
Trail Journeys has been built up around the very popular NZ Cycle Trail, The Otago Central Rail Trail offering bike hire, complete guided packages, personal railtrail itineraries and transport associated with the railtrail. We can book your accommodation for no extra cost to you, have your bags moved each day by our Railtrail Transport Service and finally bring you back on one of our buses to your starting point once you've finished your adventure! We are lucky to be working on one of the best New Zealand Cycle Trails.
|