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Australia 2000 Travel

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February 2, 2018

Thank you from Dawn and Phil Minch

Photo Credit to Dawn & Phil Minch

Thank you, Australia 2000. Our trip and wedding that was orchestrated by your team was everything we could have dreamed and more. From the moment we landed in Sydney, every detail of our travel was exquisite. The escort company that Australia 2000 selected, met us at the airport, took us on our tour of Sydney and transported us to airports were professional, friendly and informative. The owner, Karen, made sure that our accommodations were top notch. Radisson Blue was within walking distance of the Sydney Opera House, Royal Botanic Gardens, the Rocks and so much more in Sydney. She extended our trip in Australia to include Tasmania, where we stayed at a transformed cannery, The Henry Jones, located on the bay. The d?cor was old world charm with contemporary room accommodations. It was one of the many highlights of our visit to Australia.

Karen knew that we have a passion for wine and opera and incorporated this into our vacation. She arranged a backstage tour of the Sydney Opera House and tickets to an outdoor stage performance of ?Turandot?. The evening included dinner at the Platinum Club, a moving performance and fireworks during the opera. They were many more delightful experiences in Sydney but I must move on to Tasmania and share that portion of our trip also. This is where Karen and Australia 2000 fused our love of wine and our wedding during our trip.

Photo Credit to Dawn & Phil Minch

My husband and I had a fleeting thought of the possibility of eloping during our trip to Australia and shared this with Karen. From that thought a beautiful wedding was created and performed at a winery in Tasmania, Frogmore Creek, by a celebrant that was handpicked from many interviewed, Bridget. This was all done by the expert minds at Australia 2000. The vineyard wedding was followed a 14-course luncheon at the winery.

Photo Credit to Dawn & Phil Minch

The next day we departed for our memorable rustic honeymoon on Maria Island, a beautiful National Park, for 4 days and 3 nights. I must explain that Maria Island has been reborn as a well-maintained haven for hikers and campers. Accessible only by boat, my husband and I comfortably experienced the wilds of Australia as we were chaperoned by guides that cooked, nursed and shared their knowledge of the island while we trekked.? If you have ever heard the term or dreamed of ?glamping? you must experience this part of our trip.? Everything was 5-star from the guides, meals, rugged huts and evenings with candelabras and wine. ??By the way, we did ?see the southern cross for the first time? while on the island!? The boat picked us up after our last breakfast on Maria and whisked us off to the Hobart airport for a quick flight back to Sydney.

We had one more night at the Radisson Blue and spent the evening relaxing and discussing how soon we could come back. ?We were saddened when our driver arrived at the hotel in the morning to take us to the airport and send us home. I will finish with, ?of all trips we?ve ever taken, this trip of two weeks in Australia is the only one that we still remember every single moment?. I could not include them all in this letter.

Thank you, Karen and Australia 2000 team, for all the efforts that went into the arrangements and ensuring that every detail of our trip was 5-star plus.

Article by Hillary / Blog, Testimonial / 14-course luncheon, 5 Star Trip, Australia, Australia 2000 Travel, Australia Wedding, Australian Wedding, Camping, Customized Wedding, Destination Wedding, Dream wedding, Food and Wine, Frogmore Creek, Guided Tour, Hiking, Hobart, Karen Hardy Hodgson, Maria Island, Maria Island Walk, National Parks, Platinum Club, Radisson Blu, Royal Botanic Gardens, Southern Cross, Sydney, Sydney Opera House, Sydney Tour, Tasmania, The Henry Jones, The Rocks, Tour Guides, Tour of Australia, Tour of Sydney, Travel to Australia, Trip to Australia, Vineyard, Wedding Ceremony, Wine, Winery

May 8, 2017

Thank you from Donna Mann

When my husband and I decided to go to New Zealand and Australia to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary, we turned to Karen and her team at Australia 2000 to help us plan it.

Photo Credit to Chris & Donna Mann

At our first meeting, we talked to Karen about the places that interested us, the types of things we liked to do, and discussed our budget.? Then Karen used her knowledge of the area and her extensive contacts to develop the itinerary and recommend hotels, tours and experiences for us.? After some discussion and advice from Karen, we decided to fly Premium Economy on Air New Zealand for our flights over the Pacific, and it was worth every penny.? We were so much more comfortable that we would have been in coach, and we arrived in New Zealand ready to begin our adventure.

Photo Credit to Chris & Donna Mann

Karen also arranged transportation for us when we needed it so we didn?t have to worry about driving in unfamiliar places on the opposite side of the road.? That worked flawlessly.??? We felt so spoiled!

Karen chose a nice mix of B&B-type lodgings as well as traditional hotels.? All were well located and offered excellent service and food.? She also arranged a number of excursions for us, including:

  • A guided hike on the Routeburn Track
  • A luxury overnight cruise on Milford Sound
  • My husband?s fly-fishing trip
  • Touring Kangaroo Island to see koalas, kangaroos, seals, sea lions and even an echidna in the wild
  • A day long tour of Sydney
  • Our farewell dinner at Cafe Sydney, where we were seated at one of the best tables in the restaurant

We really appreciated Karen?s suggestions and her expertise.? There is no way we could have put together this kind of trip on our own, and we would have missed some amazing experiences had we tried.? Plus we met so many wonderful and interesting people along the way who not only helped us out, but also were excited to share the places they lived with us.? Knowing there were local people we could call if we had any problems made us confident that we would enjoy our trip to the fullest.? If you want a customized and personal vacation, turn to Karen and her team at Australia 2000.? They won?t disappoint!

Donna Mann

 

Article by Hillary / Blog, Testimonial / Air New Zealand, Anniversary, Australia, Australia 2000 Travel, Australian sea lions, B&B, Cafe Sydney, Celebrate Anniversary, Customized Tour, Customized Trip, Echidna, Excursions, Fly fishing, Food and Wine, Hiking, Kangaroo Island, Kangaroos, Koalas, Milford Sound, New Zealand, Routeburn Track, Seals, Sydney, Wedding anniversary

December 19, 2016

Thank you from Hillary & Andrew

Photo credit to Hillary & Andrew

We used Australia 2000 Travel to plan our honeymoon to New Zealand. Karen planned an amazing honeymoon for us that allowed us to experience the country like a local rather than just going to all of the tourist destinations. We met with her and told her our budget and what we enjoyed.? She handled everything else and developed a customized itinerary?for us. The day before our trip started a major earthquake hit New Zealand. Karen and her crew worked tirelessly to rearrange our trip so that we stayed safe and away from the impacted area.

Photo credit to Hillary Andrew

She communicated frequently and had our new itinerary to us before we made it to the airport. ?All the accommodations that she booked for us were astounding with amazing views. Everything from our progressive wine dinner to our trip to Doubtful Sound couldn’t have been better. She included numerous sites to see and places to eat at every city we visited as well. This was our first time to New Zealand and our first time using a travel agent and were extremely impressed with both.? We?highly recommend Australia 2000 Travel!

?Thanks,?

?Hillary and Andrew

Article by Hillary / Blog, Testimonial / Accommodation, Australia 2000 Travel, Customized Itinerary, Customized Tour, Doubtful Sound, Food and Wine, Highly recommended travel agent, Honeymoon, Karen Hardy Hodgson, Luxury accommodation, New Zealand, New Zealand accommodations, New Zealand Travel Agent, Restaurant booking, tour

May 28, 2015

Aussies ~ The Hippest Foodies in the World

SYD-Credit to Tourism Australia (6)
Photo Credit to Tourism Australia

We have a taste for something special…. a taste for fine wines, food and lifestyle. We truly believe that food and wine is a personal experience, best enjoyed in an intimate atmosphere with time and comfort on your side.

Contact us, your Aussie Specialists, to create a personalized itinerary featuring Australia?s most decadent delights.

Article by Hillary / Blog / Australia, Food and Wine, Foodie

May 2, 2014

Thank you from Marlies and Helmut Kraemer

Hi Karen,

The ?Down-Under Travelers? of 2012 have now enjoyed a second trip with Australia 2000 Travel ? this time to New Zealand! How can we really thank you for putting together another amazing journey for the Kraemers? The answer became apparent these past few weeks. We spent 5 incredible weeks in New Zealand (February 1 ? March 8, 2014) and while the experience was a once in a lifetime, the retelling to friends is a special way of reliving the trip. And that is how we can really thank you. It is an ongoing experience with us every time we get the iPad out and share pictures and memories. And we see the looks on our friends? faces?..first a bit of envy, then joy, and then?.the question?.who did you use for this amazing trip? Then we can return the favor and say, well of course, Karen at Australia 2000 Travel! It was also interesting that during our New Zealand travels we met other guests during our stops who upon hearing our itinerary asked that same famous question?..who was your agent? Again, the joy when we could share your information with them!

Kraemer #3 NZ Trip 2014

Our 5 week journey took us from Auckland to Queenstown with our overnights at some of the most beautiful places one can imagine. Though each were wonderful, Helmut and I had some favorites: EdenHouse in the Nelson region, Otahuna Lodge outside of Christchurch, Huka Lodge in the Taupo area, and both the Farm at Cape Kidnappers in Hawke?s Bay and Matakuri Lodge in Queenstown. And we should not forget Mollies in Auckland and Hapuku Lodge in Kaikoura! But a trip is not about lodges, it is about what one learns. We met such wonderful ?Kiwis?, hospitable, kind, and fun-loving. We learned so much about New Zealand, its history, culture, and its life today both economically and politically. I have told so many friends that we attended the ?University of New Zealand? for 5 weeks!

Kraemer #2 NZ Trip 2014

I must confess that I was a bit hesitant to travel to New Zealand because I am not a ?sports? person and rather risk adverse to things that the locals find just plain fun-like jet boat rides and bungee jumping! But one need no athleticism to eat and drink one?s way through New Zealand?.only stamina!! With an agro/aquaculture based economy one certainly has access to the best foods in the world. The concept of paddock to table is everywhere and we were in good food withdrawal for days upon our return! The wines?..shall we say most of the good wines remain ?home? in New Zealand!

Kraemer NZ Trip 2014

Finally, the natural beauty of New Zealand, alone, is worth a trip. I have likened New Zealand to California on steroids?..ocean, mountains, desert, rainforests, volcanoes, tectonic plates?..you name it, it is there! And the animals?.for all my days I will remember my ?baby??..Vortex, the kiwi bird, who has been so fortunate to be in a sanctuary at Cape Kidnappers and be able to grow up in safety in his natural habitat.

In a nutshell, New Zealand touched each one of our senses: our eyes took in the magnificent scenery, our ears heard the calls of native birds and the wind, our noses smelled the beautiful flowers and sheep, our taste buds burst with the amazing flavors of the foods we ate, and our hands touched and felt so much of the texture of this incredible world. All perfection?and because you helped to bring all of that into our lives by paying attention to every detail of our journey. That brings smiles of joy to our faces!

The three pictures say so much??.we enjoyed and we thank you, your US team, and the New Zealand team that made it all a beautiful reality for us!

Fondly?..Marlies and Helmut Kraemer

 

Article by Hillary / Blog, Testimonial / Auckland, Australia 2000 Travel, Christchurch, Eden House, Food and Wine, Hapuku Lodge, Hawkes Bay, Huka Lodge, Kaikoura, Kiwis, Matakuri Lodge, Mollies, Nelson, New Zealand, otahuna Lodge, Queenstown, Taupo, The Farm at Cape Kidnappers

March 23, 2012

Foodie’s Wanted at Tasting Australia

Celebrate one of the finest culinary galas of the?year,?Tasting Australia, taking place in South Australia’s finest wine producing region April 26 to May 3, 2012.

San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival
Photo Credit to Fast Forward Event Productions

Hosted by hundreds of the world?s top chefs and wine producers, Tasting Australia, has become one of the country?s best attended, prominent food and wine events since its inception in 1997.? Attracting upwards of 50,000 foodies from all over the country, the festival features interactive, hands on experiences with more than 80 events designed for anyone with a zeal and passion for?food and wine.

Celebrity cooking classes and demonstrations, food photography, cheese making workshops and wine appreciation classes are among a few of the events taking place.??This year,?The Australian Culinary Federation joins up with?Tasting Australia for the much anticipated?battle of the chefs, where selected contestants put their culinary skills to the test competing for the honor of ACF chef of the year 2012.

It is not too late to be a part of this extraordinary event.? Contact us today and we will weave this highly regarded affair into an unforgettable?once in a lifetime journey to the Glorious South Pacific.

Article by Hillary / Blog / ACF Chef of the Year, Australian Culinary Federation, Food and Wine, South Australia, South Pacific, Tasting Australia

October 10, 2011

New Zealand Gourmet Food Tours

Is there a better way to discover a new place and its culture than to experience it through its food and wine?

The Platter
Photo Credit gautsch

For a fantastic day of exploration joined with the ultimate cuisine and a sampling of delicate flavors of the finest wines, join our specialist guide for a private walking gourmet tour in New Zealand. Where sightseeing combined with great food and our knowledgeable specialist create a unique introduction to the food, culture and sights of each city.? Our specialist guide introduces New Zealand?s food scene showcasing all of our favorite places. Taste the finest food and meet the passionate producers behind them, at places the locals know and love.

Mornings begin with great coffee and treats at a boutique coffee roaster. Stop at the best food stores where local foodies and chefs shop.?? While exploring top food spots your guide will share personal stories, recommend favorite spots and join you in a taste or two along the way. You?ll be indulged in a tasting lunch at an award-winning restaurant, where the owners and chefs will introduce their food and regional wine matches.

Tours are customized for the individual traveler, so whether you are a wine aficionado looking to create your very own wine, blended to suite your palate, or simply yearn to relax in an intimate setting with country tea and scones, or dream of joining a renowned caterer and cookbook author for a stylish lunch or cooking demonstration, our guides relish the opportunity to create a uniquely tantalizing experience for you.

Article by Hillary / Blog / Customized Tour, Food and Wine, Gourmet Walking Tour, New Zealand

July 24, 2011

Culinary Tours to Australia

Photo Credit to Fast Forward Productions

According to the article below from Travel Age West, culinary travel is one of the fastest-growing travel segments.

As many travelers do, I love food, and I love to try new flavors and cuisines every time I travel. In my mind, it?s one of the best ways to discover a new culture. And, I?m pretty sure that I?m not alone. In fact, when I listen to my colleagues and family members reminisce about their own travels, it almost always starts with some type of culinary experience ? from eating at a Michelin-starred restaurant to sampling street food, cuisine is a dominant force in travel…read entire article.

Ask any self proclaimed ?foodie? (a lover of food) about the importance of incorporating a variety of culinary dishes and dining selections into their everyday living and you?ll quickly discover it is simply the very essence of who they are.? These same vibrant, vivacious individuals choose to travel in the same manner in which they are accustomed to living their life sampling a variety of fresh local delicacies and fine wines while exploring new cultures and creating new travel experiences.
[Read more…]

Article by Hillary / Blog / Australia, Culinary, Culinary Tour, Customized Tour, Food and Wine, Food and Wine Tour, Foodie

July 11, 2011

Should Technology Take the Place of Personal Service and Interaction?

As technology is taking over practically everything it touches perhaps it’s time to get back to basics, human contact and interaction.? This NY Times article touches on the both sides of the issue.

Some hotels have begun to expand the definition of concierge to mean more than just a knowledgeable employee. It now can also mean smart digital devices. Software companies are creating programs that offer information like restaurant tips, flight arrivals and departures and driving directions via these devices to guests at midtier hotels that do not provide traditional concierge services.

Even more upscale brands that employ human concierges are joining in, by offering location-specific information, accessible via the Internet, iPhone apps and even live chats. And all Hyatt hotels let guests send requests, via Twitter, to customer service agents who are on call 24 hours a day…read more

[Read more…]

Article by Hillary / Blog / Aussie, Aussie Specialists, Australia, Dream Vacation, Excellent Customer Service, Fiji, Food and Wine, Honeymoon, Kiwi Specialists, Kiwis, Local Knowledge, New Zealand, Private Tours, Small Group, South Pacific, Special Occassions, Tahiti, Tour Guides, Travel Destinations, Vacation

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