For three days over Easter 2010, Lake Wanaka in New Zealand, will become centre stage for this amazing extravaganza of aerial action. This is the largest Airshow in the southern hemisphere and gets completely sold out every year.

Wanaka provides the perfect setting for this International Airshow nestled on the shores of the azure blue lake with the mountains creating a stunning backdrop and natural amphitheatre. For this event we have got access to a premier 13 day tour which includes gold class tickets for the show for 3 days and most importantly due to a recent cancellation, accommodation in Wanaka.

Our supplier is the only operator able to offer accommodation in Wanaka, everyone else has to drive over from Queenstown each day. Warbirds over Wanaka is the complete entertainment package for the whole family. As this is a last minute fire sale we have access to this 13 Day tour including Breakfasts & Dinners at a PHT Exclusive $2860.00 per person twin share. (Normally $3310.00 per person twin share)

Bookings on 1300 889953

Find out on this easy to watch short DVD from one of our major travel suppliers Trafalgar Tours.

People are always asking us what it’s like being on tour. Even though we have many experienced travel consultants who have been on coach tours over the years, we have sometimes found it hard to answer that question and describe the experience in words. This newly released DVD, The Experience, truly captures all the fun, camaraderie & special moments that make up a Trafalgar tour.

The film provides a genuine portrayal of the way that we can make a destination come alive for all of our clients. As we follow the tour around Europe you can see the things that make a tour with Trafalgar extra special. Whether this be the "Be My Guest" experience or a Hidden Treasure excursion, there is something there for everyone.



We also have full details on all Trafalgar tours worldwide available on our NEW interactive website. Click here to find a tour to suit your requirements

In a coup for South Australia, Phil Hoffmann Travel won the prestigious International Cruise Council Australian Cruise Agent of the Year for outstanding achievements at Saturday night’s presentation dinner in Sydney.

In a double-win, popular Glenelg Cruise Specialist, Christa Kinnear was voted Australia’s Cruise Consultant of the Year in the inaugural Frank Johnson Award. Christa is a second time winner of such a prestigious award after taking home the ICCA Best Cruise Consultant of the Year Australia in 2005.

The awards which are hotly contested are nominated by the Cruise Line principals of the International Cruise Council of Australia and winners determined simply as those with the most votes.

In his acceptance speech at the Gala Dinner, Phil Hoffmann, Managing Director of Phil Hoffmann Travel praised the professionalism and contribution of Christa Kinnear and his team of Consultants in Adelaide. He also thanked the cruise principals for their ongoing support and training to assist them in the fastest growing segment of the travel industry.

See some of the highlights here



Capping off a stellar year for Phil Hoffmann Travel, the award for Australian Cruise Agent of the Year and Consultant of the Year, was welcomed on top of their win at the Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA) National Travel Industry Awards as Australia’s Best Travel Agent for 2010.

Phil Hoffmann Travel, celebrating its 20th year in 2010, has just expanded its network to seven locations throughout South Australia, with convenient locations in Glenelg, Adelaide API, Norwood, Unley, Stirling, Semaphore and Victor Harbor. Their headquarters at Glenelg will move to new purpose-built six-star energy rated premises on the corner of Brighton Road and Jetty Road Glenelg in a few weeks time.

Media Contact - Jo McLaren, Marketing Manager, Glenelg Office

The most anticipated theme park in the Universal studios Family opens next week in Singapore at Santosa Island!

The cost for admission for adults is, $66.00SGD and children $48.00SGD. Weekend Rates are $72.00SGD for Adults and $52.00SGD for children.
Hotel and park ticket packages for individuals and families; including annual passes for frequent visitors are now available.
This is a great add on for families visiting or transiting through Singapore with long layovers between flights. Please bear in mind, it may take up to 45 minutes (depending on the traffic) for transit from the airport to Santosa Island.
Park hours are as follows: Monday – Friday 9:00AM to 7:00PM; Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00AM to 8:00PM

This attraction is going to be fantastic, I can’t wait to get there myself!! A must see for 2010. Please note that the Transformers ride is still being built and will not be opened until 2011.
To book or for more information call us now on 1300 88 99 53

There is luxury cruising, and then there is The World.

At 43,000 tonnes, there is no other ship in the world which can boast 265 professional and friendly crew looking after an average of 175 passengers with an extensive range of luxurious studios and apartments, all of which feature a private balcony. The World offers a unique cruising experience for the discerning traveller as the leisurely itineraries often feature 2 to 3 nights in each port, allowing you to really explore your destination.

The ship has four restaurants, as well as several casual eateries, and at least 2 restaurants are open for every meal. The absolute highlight of the ship is the Marina restaurant and pool, as the entire stern of the ship opens while the ship is stationary to create a marina where passengers can swim and snorkel. It has to be seen to be believed! For the golf addicts the golf simulator and putting green will keep you amused and for the spa addicts, the stunning World Spa, operated by Banyan Tree Resorts has complete range of beauty and body treatments. There are also two swimming pools, fitness centre, aqua spa and the only full size tennis court at sea.

With fares starting from $7195US per person, this luxury ship is comparable to other 5 star ships but experience is completely different. There are a number of itineraries to chose from, all offering exceptional value. They include a private balcony studio, off ship accommodation in luxury hotels and all transfers. Availability is extremely limited.

Call us for more details on 1300 88 99 53

AUSTRALIAN visitor arrivals into Fiji topped over 27,500 in Oct, nearly 1,200 more people than the previous record set in Sep 2009. Tourism Fiji’s regional director Australia Paresh Pant believes the Nov and Dec arrival figures should help bring the 2009 season on par with that of the year prior – a massive turnaround following the “huge drop” recorded between Jan-Mar which was fueled by flooding in the region in Jan. Pant said, “The fact that more than 27,500 Aussies have chosen to visit Fiji in the space of just one month represents a huge vote in confidence from this market.

MEANWHILE, Air Pacific has released sale fares from East coast capital cities to Nadi, priced from $410 including taxes. The promotion is for travel between 01 Feb-31 Mar and must be booked by 5th March

Call one of our experienced agents now on 1300 88 99 53 to find out more about our Range of Fiji Holidays

We have heard on the grapevine that Silversea Cruises Silver Spirit is happily docked in Barcelona and welcoming guests aboard her 11-day "Holiday Spirit" cruise.

Set to depart from Barcelona, Silver Spirit will then visit Malaga, Gibraltar, Cadiz, Casablanca and Tangier before concluding her first official sailing in Lisbon.

Now that the dust has settled, carpets are laid, furniture arranged and the finishing touches are all in place, we're delighted to unveil these brand new photos of this beautiful new cruise ship.

See the new pictures of Silver Spirit on our Facebook page - click here

With special thanks to Pacific Blue / Virgin Blue

Pacific Blue Flight Adelaide - Nadi
Check in was smooth efficient and fast. All Virgin Blue staff were extremely friendly at check in, boarding and in flight. Flight DJ4157 left right on time (9.05am).

In flight entertainment included foxtel channels ($4 fee) and choices of new release movies, $10 per movie. TV channel in flight entertainment ended up being free for all passengers as there was a problem with being charged and channels not working. Each seat included a TV screen behind head rest for personal use. TV’s loose signal once out of Australian waters (about 2 ½ hours into flight). Movies can be watched for whole duration of flight. Can swipe credit card on screen or pay cash. I had two spare seats next to me so could spread out (yay), plenty of leg room.

Nadi airport is small and was quite busy on arrival but still fairly efficient through immigration. Easily changed up some foreign cash at airport.

Coral Sun Transfer
Was greeted with shell necklaces, Fijian songs and our Fijian host ‘Junior’ at the airport. Junior escorted us to our Coral Sun Transfer to Taunovo Bay Resort for our first night accommodation. Transfer was about 3 hours. Our driver was crazy and we all felt for our life a few times! Roads were ok but quite bumpy.


Taunovo Bay Resort – Pacific Coast
Check in was slow, didn’t seem that organised but still very Fijian friendly! Was treated with an amazing 3 course meal, cocktails and wine. 5 star luxury resort. Could order off breakfast menu or eat from buffet including fresh fruit, waffles, eggs etc.. Did hotel inspection in the morning. Taunovo Bay Resort includes 10 luxury beachfront villas all with private ensuites, spa baths, infinity edge swimming pools, large out door areas and tropical gardens. Can fly here from Nadi in 20 mins. All transfers to resort will soon be included in room rate. Expect to pay minimum of $30 for a main and $10-$18 for breakfasts.
Didn’t get to visit heaven, the President was staying here at the time. Heaven consists of 1, 2, 3 or 4 bedroom villas all with private butler and amazing views over the bay. Offers extreme privacy and luxury. 1 bedroom villa prices start from $2400 per night!
Special at the moment for Taunove Bay – Stay 3 pay 2 with all meals included.

Pacific Coast is known as the ‘Adventure Capital of Fiji’ and has plenty of activities to offer for all ages. Activities in this region include: Diving, shark diving, white water rafting, sea kayaking, zip-lining through the rainforest canopy, jet skiing, game fishing, surfing, villages tours and golf.

Toberua Island Resort
Would highy recommend but not the easiest to get to. It’s about a 3 ½ - 4 hour drive from Nadi then a half an hour boat transfer to the Island. One million dollars has just been spent on refurbishments. 15 Deluxe and Premium beach front bures. They are both the same but the Premium is right on the beach (Deluxe has a small sea wall infront of bure) although either room I would recommend. Premium rooms are on the side of the island where you get less wind. Staff here were fantastic and food was great. We were treated with a BBQ cooked for us on the beach and staff played and sang songs to us for nearly 6 hours (no intervals!). Bar and restaurant right on beach front. This resort is extremely private and quite small – good for honeymooners of those not wanting to do much! Got taken to Picnic Island (approx 40 min boat ride) for some excellent snorkelling. Felt like I was on Getaway here! Guests have the opportunity to go here every Wednesday. Fijian staff build a shade and most importantly pack an esky! When tide goes out you can play golf in the sand. Kids under 16 stay free.

Wananavu Beach Resort
Located on the Sun Coast (Sunniest part of Fiji) and not far from Rakiraki. 2 hour drive from Nadi airport. This location offers world class diving, easy access to snorkelling (off the marina), good fishing, weddings (approx 20 per year), various activities and day tours such as bamboo rafting and village visits. Food here was simple but very nice. No buffet for breakfasts. You order the regular eggs, bacon, tomatoes etc off the menu and it is cooked fresh. Resort grows as many fresh fruit and vegetables as the can (they also make their own jam – no sachets). Happy hour 5.30-6.30. Usual Fijian hospitality with a farewell song sung to us! Not many of the villas are right on the beach but all have good views (resort is built up on a hill). Rooms were quite small and dark. Would have been good if pool had a view of the beach.

Anchorage Resort
2 hour Coral Sun transfer. Good restaurant/pool area with swim up bar, infinity edge and view of beach. Rooms were large and open but bathroom was slightly dirty. Rooms were quite simple but nice didn’t really give the ‘Fijian feel’. Service was ok, had to ask for beach towels numerous times. Lunch menu ranged from around $8-$30. Option of 2-3 bedroom self-contained apartments which offer own private pool and BBQ area if there are a few families occupying the apartments next to each other.

Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa
296 rooms, 3 restaurants, 3 bars and 8 function rooms. Really nice rooms – what you would expect of a luxury 5 star resort. Comfiest beds on trip so far. Huge nice pool but no view of beach. Features the Salt Restaurant and Bar voted Fiji’s ‘Best Restaurant’. Not the best swimming beach but still plenty of water activities. (Parasailing, waterskiing, sailing etc). Night activites such as Fijian dancing lessons. Kids Club open all day. Would recommend to those wanting really nice accommodation and are happy to just chill by the pool and don’t mind having a few people around. (Can imagine it gets quite busy here).

While staying at the Sofitel I went for a walk along the beach and had a look from the outside of some of the other resorts. The Westin Resort and Spa looked really really nice. Fijian architecture, dining and pool on the beach front. Radisson was also very appealing. Pool seemed to pretty much weave the whole way through the resort, had a swim up bar and volleyball net. Enough space to be in quiet or in all the action. Ladies doing hena tattoos and hair plaiting on the beach.

Caught Bula Bus back to Sofitel. Bula bus runs past each resort about every 15 mins and cost about AUD$3.50. Bus runs til 11pm.

Mana Island Resort
Good for families. Very large resort (I got lost a few times – and nearly taken out by a coconut). Being on Mana Island I almost felt as though I was staying in a caravan park. Heaps of activities to do but some quite pricey. Plenty of water sports (water skiing, wakeboarding, jet skiing, parasailing etc) Water skiing for 10min was about AUD$25. Fishing and snorkelling trips also available from Mana Island. Day spa area was very nice. 6 different room categories – bit confusing. Honeymoon bures were very nice, large, right on beach, nice views, dark timber finishes and away from the main areas of the resort. I stayed in an ocean front suite. Perfect for families – 2 story, 2 doubles beds, 2 bathrooms, extremely roomy, large balcony areas and close to beach. Snorkelling off the beach here is really good.

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