helloworld announces its exclusive Silver Fox & Foxette's 10 Day New Zealand guided holiday with AAT Kings that will take travellers on a bespoke itinerary specifically designed for baby boomers. Respected and award-winning actor, Roy Billing, who this year received an Order of Australia medal for his contribution to the performing arts, stars in the social media video #saysorrylater that showcases the new adventure holiday https://youtu.be/uVZN2WbmSj0.

Roy epitomises the carpe diem attitude of the baby boomer generation, and as a native Kiwi, is the perfect spokesperson to share his existing knowledge of his homeland as only a local can. Roy also explores some other spectacular destinations, such as Queenstown, for the first time.

There has never been a better time to visit New Zealand #saysorrylater

Baby boomers turned social convention on its head when they pioneered rock 'n' roll, free love and flower power – so why should retirement be any different? It's this positive can-do attitude and desire to stay active that has inspired helloworld to partner with AAT Kings to create an exclusive New Zealand adventure specifically tailored to the needs of this post-war generation.

Kim Portrate, Chief Marketing Officer of helloworld explains: “We understand that the expectations of the baby boomer generation are totally different to all that have preceded them and we are responding by creating exclusive travel experiences that satisfy their desire for a healthy, active lifestyle. The exclusive itinerary created with our partner AAT Kings showcases the natural beauty of New Zealand, whilst combining diverse experiences, culinary delights, social interaction and as much or as little adventure as our baby boomer customers want.”

“Each year New Zealand features in helloworld's top ten places for our customers to visit, so developing the hashtag #saysorrylater demonstrates our commitment to giving our baby boomer customers the best, most interesting value for money holiday in the market and encouraging them to travel now and say sorry to friends and family later.”

Anthony Hayes, Managing Director, AAT Kings adds: “By creating The Silver Fox & Foxette's New Zealand guided holiday we're not just aiming to introduce our guests to the incredible scenery and one-of-a kind experiences that New Zealand has to offer – that's a given. We're bringing like-minded people together and creating a fun, care-free atmosphere that will be filled with unforgettable experiences over a few laughs. Whether our guests join us with existing friends or are looking to make new friends, this trip offers plenty of opportunities to get involved, get to know one another, and to take the time to enjoy the best things in life which are often the most simple – good food, good wine and good company.”

Explore New Zealand from Auckland to Arrowtown

This ten day itinerary will kick-off in Auckland for two nights and after exploring the City of Sails, the group will move on to Rotorua, where travellers experience a traditional Maori hangi feast followed by a campfire experience. Born and raised in Auckland, Roy Billing offers some great advice on one hotspot not to be missed in his hometown.

“Auckland really has so much to offer and exploring the city by foot will satisfy any curious traveller. But when I think of home the first place I want to go is the micro-climate of Waiheke Island a 30 min hydrofoil trip from the city. It's a pristine haven of incredible beaches and rolling hills offering fresh local produce. A must try are the bluff oysters when in season, local fish like whitebait and Hapuku, fresh olives, aged New Zealand beef and what better way to wash it down than with a glass of sauvignon blanc from one of the islands high quality vineyards. Just heaven on middle-earth!” 

The group then leaves the North Island behind for the spectacular scenery of the Southern Alps starting in Christchurch. No trip to New Zealand would be complete without a sheep show and this tour offers the award winning theatre Agrodome Sheep Show variety! The following day travellers  

take-in the landscape on the way to Franz Josef Glacier for the night before heading into adventure wonderland itself – Queenstown.

Roy Billing now in his sixties learned first hand how much fun you can have exploring Queenstown. “I am not sure what I loved more, the Shotover River jet boats or flying up to remote peaks in a helicopter to sip wine and take in the view! It's incredible. What a picture perfect place Queenstown is – the village is nestled around the lake and then framed by towering mountains. The colours of the landscape from the deep green dense tones to the light gold and lush lime greens are just spectacular! As is the food and those wonderful Otago pinot noirs. Try Two Paddocks pinot from my mate, and acting colleague, Sam Neil's vineyard.”

From Queenstown the tour is just hours away from the famous Milford Sound which you have a whole day to explore as well as Arrowtown where you spend the day stepping back in time in the quaint town nestled under the towering mountain ranges. From the artisan bakery to an arts lesson, this historic treasure on the banks of the Arrow River will not disappoint. The final day, travelling back to Christchurch, you take in the beauty of Mt Cook, Lake Pukaki & Tekapo, and have lunch at the home of a local family to take in the real country New Zealand experience.

Prices for the exclusive Silver Fox & Foxettes in NZ tour start at $3795 per person twin share* ($4940 single) and will be on sale 9 July with the first tour departing on 13 September 2015. For further information and to book, visit your local helloworld agent, phone 13 14 15 or visit www.helloworld.com.au/instore/silverfox for the complete itinerary.

-Ends-

Notes to Editor:

Silver Fox & Foxette's 10 Day Tour of New Zealand Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Auckland

Day 2: Auckland

Day 3: Auckland – Rotorua

Day 4: Rotorua – Christchurch

Day 5: Christchurch – Franz Josef

Day 6: Franz Josef – Queenstown

Day 7: Milford Sound Day Trip

Day 8: “Step back in time experience” in Arrowtown

Day 9: Queenstown – Christchurch

Day 10: Farewell from Christchurch

A detailed itinerary including activities can be provided on request.

* Offer valid until 22/05/2016, unless sold out prior. Availability is limited and pricing is subject to change. Airfare not included. Tours depart on select dates from 13 Sept 2015 to 22 May 2016.

helloworld

Knowledge, passion, individual attention, tailored services and absolute commitment – this is what helloworld stands for. Launched in July 2013, helloworld – experts in everywhere - is an innovative travel brand, representing Australia's newest, leading travel experience.

helloworld evolved from some of the most trusted brands in Australia including Harvey World Travel, Jetset Travel, Travelworld and Travelscene American Express that together have over 40 years' experience in the travel industry. 

With almost 1000 travel agencies, helloworld is one of the largest travel networks in Australia. helloworld was awarded Australia's Best Travel Agency Group (100 outlets or more) at the National Travel Industry Awards in 2014.

For more information visit www.helloworld.com.au.

AAT Kings 

At AAT Kings we strive to represent the very best that Australia and New Zealand have to offer. Our people are warm, friendly, engaged and enthusiastic. We love a laugh and a good story. We celebrate our great characters, and we will show you landscapes and cities that are beautiful beyond belief.

Our goal, every day, is to share Australia and New Zealand with our guests, to bring Australia and

New Zealand to life.

For more information, visit aatkings.com.

Media Contacts:

Jade Glashoff or Amanda Fry

Holysmoke Agency

E: jade@holysmokeagency.com ; amanda@holysmokeagency.com

P: +61 2 8599 1098 or 0401 845 065

Simone McDermid

helloworld

Advocacy Manager

E: simone.mcdermid@helloworld.com.au

P: +61 2 8229 4061 or 0499 799 136