New Zealand’s North Island experiences snow for the first time in 30 years

Heavy snowfall blanketed New Zealand‘s North Island this week in what is being described as the heaviest snow fall there for 30 years. Blizzards that swept across the South Island made their way north covering Wellington and Auckland, and caused airports and schools to close as well as blackouts.

Despite the disruption many Kiwi’s enjoyed the unusual weather conditions, building snowmen and sledging in the fields.  

June, July and August are considered New Zealand’s snow and ski season, although snow of this magnitude is unusual. With a similar climate to us in England, New Zealand experiences four, generally mild and temperate seasons, with summer being the peak time to travel to the country.

Tokyo fish market to re-open

Tuna auction at the Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo

Tokyo‘s famous Tsukiji  fish market has recently re-opened to the public following months of closure due to the earthquake that hit the country in March.

Well-known for its tuna auctions, the market is a hit with many travellers to Tokyo, whose early morning visits are rewarded with a frenetic and fast-paced atmosphere in the biggest wholesale fish and seafood market in the world.

The market can be visited as part of a tailor-made trip to Japan with Audley, however, group sizes have now been reduced to 60 and time allowed viewing has been reduced to 30 minutes as the market is first and foremost a business. No trip to the market would be complete without a sushi or sashimi breakfast before leaving though, which comes highly recommended by our Japan specialists!

To find out more about tailor-made trips to Japan, visit the Japan section of our website.

Audley clients share photos from their trip to China

One of Mr Fleming's photos from his recent China trip.

Two Audley clients, who recently returned from a trip to China have sent in some of the photos they took along the way.

Mr and Mrs Fleming, who travelled to China along with their son in August, returned with some wonderful images which we are keen to share.

To take a look at all of Mr Fleming’s photos, visit his Flickr page.

If you would like to find out more about tailor-made trips to China, please visit the China section on our website.

Audley’s summer party 2011

The naked chefs enjoying one of the challenges.

Every year, Audley employees are treated to a summer party in the ground of our New Mill offices in Witney, and this year was no different.

With the rain holding off, the majority of the company headed outside at 4:30pm to be met by the crew of It’s A Knockout who were ready to put seven eager teams through their paces on numerous challenges.

For the rest of us not taking part, we peered on in amusement as zombies, ninjas, old people, chavs, naked chefs (not literally!), Mexicans and a team resembling ‘The Life of Brian’ found themselves covered in water and foam. There were free ice creams, face painting and a bouncy castle for the kids (although the adults seemed to be enjoying the face painting more!) and a hearty barbecue which was quickly devoured before a local band took to the stage to provide us with some tunes to boogie along to.

With a bonfire providing some warmth after the sun went down, happy revellers continued to dance well into the night.

As always, a brilliant night had by all!

Toronto’s latest attraction opens to the public

The Toronto skyline

Thrill seeking visitors to Toronto in Canada will be falling over themselves to take part in the city’s newest and most exhilarating attraction. Continue reading »

Moscow’s Bolshoi theatre to reopen

Stars of the Bolshoi Theatre, Moscow

After five long years of reconstruction, Moscow‘s famous Bolshoi theatre is due to reopen this October with a grandiose gala concert.

This iconic theatre, world-renowned for its ballet and opera performances, has rebuilt it’s main stage on which a first season premiere of ”Ruslan and Lyudmila” by Glinka will be presented.

Throughout the 2011/2012 season, world premieres will be performed on the renovated main stage along with the renewed masterpieces of Russian ballet and opera.

If you would like to spend an evening at the Bolshoi as part of a tailor-made holiday to Russia, please visit the Russia section of our website.

Australia season at the British Museum

Aboriginal girl in Australia

From August until October the British Museum will be holding a number of free events as part of their Australia season.

The season includes a range of talks, workshops, films and family activities exploring Australia, as well as ‘Australia Landscape’, the reconstruction of an Australian landscape in the Museum’s forecourt, created in partnership with the Royal Botanic Gardens, ‘Out of Australia’, a prints and drawings exhibition featuring works by Australian artists from the 1940s to the present, and ‘Baskets and belonging’, a collection of around 60 Indigenous Australian containers.

Until 9th October the Museum will also be holding a free exhibition showcasing a crocodile dance mask from the Torres Strait Islands, which was used as part of many celebrations and ceremonies.

If you would like to find out more about Australia season, please visit the British Museum website.

See your own sushi creation on a restaurant menu!

Mixed sushi

How would you like to see your very own sushi creation on a restaurant menu in London? Well, now you can! Continue reading »

Audley’s sales manager for Japan returns to the country

Laura Morris, Regional Sales Manager for the Japan team here at Audley, has just returned from a short but rewarding visit to Japan. Here, she tells us about her latest trip, her first since March’s devastating earthquake and tsunami:

“Having been to Japan many times before, I was expecting it to feel different this time, given the circumstances. However, Tokyo, Kyoto and Hiroshima all felt very “normal” and the Japanese people were as welcoming and friendly as ever. As usual, everything ran like clockwork on the trip and served to remind me how fun it is to travel in Japan.

Before the earthquake and tsunami, Japan was booming as a tourist destination and we had seen a huge increase in enquiries compared to last year. We have recently seen interest coming back, with clients now feeling confident in returning to Japan. We had several clients visit Japan in the aftermath of the disaster, who have returned with glowing reports on their trips. You can see more on this on our post ‘Travellers are returning to Japan’.

Now is the perfect time to be booking travel for October and November to see the stunning changing colours of the autumn leaves, or for spring next year to time your visit with the famed cherry blossoms.”

To find out more about tailor-made trips to Japan visit the Japan section of our website, or call on of our Japan specialists on 01993 838 210 to discuss your ideas further.

Raising money for Japan: Update

One of the photos included in Skye's fundraising efforts

You may remember that a couple of months ago I wrote a blog about a photographer called Skye Hoffman who, after living in Japan for five years, felt inspired to help the country after this year’s devastating earthquake and tsunami.

As a professional photographer, Skye decided to sell some of her Japan prints, with all proceeds going towards the Red Cross efforts in Japan. Photos were also donated by Canadian photographer Kate Inglis and Japanese photographer and blogger Ai.

I have just received an email from Skye and am delighted to report that her efforts have generated over $600 to this worthy appeal.

If you would like to contribute you can still purchase a print or two on Skye Hoffman’s website. They really are beautiful, and what better way to support the cause?

Congratulations once again to Skye for raising such a substantial amount of money for a very worthwhile cause.