We’re still trying to get our heads around whatever happened to summer 2008 and already we are being reminded “it's (nearly) snowtime!”
Quick off the mark, car hire giant Hertz is promoting its self-drive adventures to the renowned snow country of New Zealand's South Island.
The company has reintroduced the popular HertzSki package, adding an exclusive ski package which includes the NZSuperpass, offering a wide range of South Island activities, all valid from May-September.
Hertz also has an earlybird special if you sign up before April 30, including gear rental at last year's rates and guaranteed availability of 4WD vehicles like the Toyota Prado pictured here atop Mt Hutt.
The popular ultimate skier package, from NZ$132 per vehicle per day includes lift passes for all the premier skifields like Cardrona, Coronet Peak, Mt Hutt, The Remarkables and Treble Cone. It is, however, based on a minimum three-day rental.
Hertz ski and activity package has more options enabling renters to combine skiing or snowboarding with discounts at more than 100 other South Island attractions and activities - everything from a massage to jetboating or rafting - from NZ$158 per day.
For more information and bookings on this side of the Tasman, call 03 9222 2536 or visit www.hertz.co.nz
Airport snacking with class
A rare good reason to get to the airport early for an international flight is the arrival of famed caviar and smoked salmon specialist Caviar House & Prunier which has joined the Asia Pacific jet set with its first seafood bar at Hong Kong International Airport.
Pioneering fine gastronomy in airports elsewhere in the world, Caviar House & Prunier offers contemporary dining style with an indulgent menu including fresh Prunier caviar and smoked Balik salmon.
Signature dishes range from the Tsarina, which is caviar served with smoked salmon and toasted blinis, to the classic Balik smoked salmon, seafood platters and salads, prawn cocktails, lobster, local sushi and sashimi specialties.
And there are the inevitable caviar shots with vodka or champagne.
Caviar House & Prunier Seafood Bar is located airside in the departures area of HKIA's Terminal One. Grand flights to London
Wunderkind of the low-coast airline scene, AirAsia X has revealed plans for a $1000 regular return fare between Australia and London from later this year.
According to the influential and impeccably informed Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation, the carrier's chief executive officer Azran Osman Rani says the fare (plus taxes) will apply to its projected services from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to London Stansted using leased A340s.
“We are a point-to-point service, so a passenger would have to buy two tickets: Gold Coast-KL and KL-London,” Azran said. “And while we have promotional and generally lower fares for far-advance bookings so we are looking at a combined price of $1000 for both round-trip tickets.”
The airline is also in discussions with Manchester airport.
AirAsia X would like to run the service daily but the proverbial fly in the ointment is aircraft availability.
Blooming summer in Santa-land
With over 188,000 lakes, 647 rivers, and more forests than any other country in Europe, the magic of its beautiful islands and the raw beauty of its far northerly Lapland makes Finland more than a “left-field” ingredient of any summer vacation in Europe.
It is the proverbial breath of fresh air whether you opt to hike along pristine waterways, fish in clear rivers, sail or canoe the lakes, cycle through the countryside or just soak up the sun on the veranda of a waterfront summer cottage.
Infectious promotion of her homeland has become a major part of Satu Raunola's marketing business in Sydney. She speaks with affection and enthusiasm of a summer laden with everything from rock opera, jazz and ballet events to the highlight Helsinki Festival of music, dance and theatre from mid-August.
Event venues are “pristine”, from courtyards of ancient castles, charming old churches, centuries old cobblestone streets and squares.
Finnish summer dining showcases absolute delights from flamed salmon, crayfish and Baltic herring to market stalls laden with the fruits of the forest from strawberries, blueberries and cranberries to cucumbers, tomatoes, mushrooms and the renowned red Finnish caviar.
There is a big range of summer tours structures to capture Finland at its best and you can get an idea from www.visitfinland.com/au | 
