world journey nz

World Journeys

Discover world journeys.

Our Journeys are designed through personal experience and tailored with passion to ensure a premium, hassle-free travel experience.

BRITISH ISLES 

Remote islands, book by 31 may 2023 to save 20%.

Priced From NZD $7,355

22 May13, 25 Apr

3 June7, 19, 31 May

Enjoy a unique coastal exploration along the length of the British Isles and beyond, discovering the wildlife, nature, and distinct heritage of these diverse destinations.

From Dover, you sail along the south coast of England and up the west coast of the British Isles to the Hebrides before returning to Dover via different ports. This expedition is crammed full of discovery, taking in England, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man, Republic of Ireland, Scotland and the Hebridean islands. See how nature and heritage have distinctly shaped the culture of each destination. Alongside picturesque towns and historical landmarks, you’ll encounter wild landscapes, scenic coastal paths and impressive natural landforms.

MS Maud has capacity for 528 passengers and is equipped with advanced technology that makes her exceptionally well-suited for expedition cruises in Norway and the British Isles. Its bright interiors are appointed in a classic Art Deco style. Colours are inspired by the Midnight Sun, allowing you to relax in warm vibes every day of the year.

Hurtigruten Expeditions ship is all about the amazing destinations. Channel your inner scientist in the advanced Science Center and enjoy daily lectures in the lecture hall or in the comfort of your cabin with our new streaming service. Sample delicious dishes from local suppliers in the restaurants and enjoy beverages and the spectacular views in the Explorer Lounge and Bar. On deck 9, you can enjoy the spectacular views from the outdoor Observation deck. There’s also a gym and a sauna with stunning views.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner including beverages in restaurant Aune and Fredheim

A la carte restaurant Lindstrom included for suite guests

Complimentary tea and coffee

Complimentary Wi-Fi on board

Complimentary reusable water bottle to use at water refill stations on board

English-speaking Expedition Team who organise and accompany activities on board and ashore

Use of ship’s hot tubs, panoramic sauna and indoor and outdoor gym

Informal gatherings with the crew for daily briefings

Escorted landings with small expedition boats

Loan of boots, trekking poles and all equipment for activities

Expedition photographers on hand to assist you

In-depth lectures and discussions hosted by experts on the Expedition Team

Full use of our Science Center, extensive library and advanced biological and geological equipment

Citizen Science Programme where you can assist with ongoing scientific research

Photography tips and techniques for capturing landscape and wildlife from our onboard professional photographer

Not Included

International flights

Travel insurance

Luggage handling

Optional shore excursions with our local partners

Optional small-group activities with our Expedition Team

Spa treatments

Booking Conditions

Prices quoted are based on lead-in cabin rates, please enquire for other cabin categories

All planned activities are subject to weather conditions

Excursions and activities are subject to change

Please make sure you meet all entry and boarding requirements

Please make sure you meet all vaccination requirements (global health insurance recommended)

Email us to find out more about this deal or for any other travel enquiry.

Cherry Blossom Japan 2024

Travel dates.

25 Mar 2024

Dec 22, 2023

Priced From

$19,890 per person

Each spring, Japan’s landscape is host to fragile pink and white sakura blooming; stunning colour that is celebrated throughout the entire country.

Start this journey in bustling Tokyo and see its impressive gardens, go in search of the famous ‘snow monkeys’ and the alpine ‘old town’ of Takayama. On to cultural Kyoto and poignant Hiroshima, ending with spectacular views of Mt Fuji from the top of Mt Owakudani. This unique and incredibly scenic country with enchanting culture, wonderful cuisine and gracious people awaits you.

Special Experiences

The ultimate sushi-lovers experience in Tokyo.  A sushi master will guide us through making sushi rolls and nigiri which we will then enjoy for lunch. Visit steaming hot springs to see monkeys bathing. Visit Yudanaka Onsen where we hope to see wile "snow monkeys" (Japanese Macaque) relaxing in the steaming hot springs surrounded by thick forest.

Tour the historic villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama Located in the mountainous region that was cut off from the rest of the world for a long period of time, these villages with their Gassho-style houses subsisted on the cultivation of mulberry trees and the rearing of silkworms.  On this tour we will see the fascinating houses with their steeply pitched thatched roofs, the only examples of their kind in Japan

• Economy class airfares ex Auckland • A World Journeys host • Accommodation in 4-star hotels • Transfers, sightseeing and entrance fees as per the itinerary • Train journeys as per the itinerary • Airline taxes • Meals as indicated

• Items of a personal nature • Travel insurance (mandatory) • Visas (if applicable) • Airfare upgrades to Premium Economy or Business Class are available at additional cost, subject to availability • Optional activities

• A non-refundable deposit of $1,500 per person is required, with the balance due 22 December 2023 • In order to maintain the advertised tour price, it may be necessary to collect the airfare portion earlier than the final balance date • As cancellation fees apply, travel insurance is mandatory • Due to the lack of porters in Japanese railway stations and the unavailability of storage on Japanese trains your luggage will travel separately from you on days that involve train travel. From Osaka your luggage will travel directly to Tokyo so you will travel with a small overnight bag for 3 nights. The separate transfer of luggage within Japan is done by courier and is in the interest of your safety and comfort on the tour • As this tour involves quite a bit of walking, in order for you to obtain maximum enjoyment and benefit from the itinerary, you must be able to walk a minimum of at least 3 km unaided at one time. On some days during the tour there is a total distance walked throughout the day of up to 8 km. Unfortunately, this tour is not suitable for those with mobility issues. • On a New Zealand passport no visa is required to enter Japan. However, it may be necessary to complete an online form before departure from New Zealand to enter. It may also be necessary to provide evidence of Covid-19 vaccination in order to enter Japan. A detailed update on entry requirements will be provided closer to departure.

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More about World Journeys

World journeys  plan so you don’t have to. Itineraries are crafted on their own personal knowledge and experience. We are travel aficionados–we have worked in the industry for over 30 years and we still travel regularly to be able to bring new and exciting opportunities to the market.

Not only is it their passion, it is their job to provide the very best level of service and knowledge. World Journeys generally won’t sell a destination unless someone from our team has been there.

Styles of Travel

Tailor-made Journeys

We have journeys to some of the most exciting, fascinating and exotic places on earth. They are our personal suggestions of what to do, what to see and where to stay. We know travellers value flexibility so we generally have no set departure dates and itineraries are not regimented. We offer professional planning and expert knowledge, working with you to create your dream trip. Our backup services take the stress out of travel; if your flight is delayed or transport doesn’t show, we’ll sort out the arrangements. You will also receive beautifully prepared documents which are a wonderful memento of your travel.

Hosted Journeys

Enjoy unique and inspiring small group travel to some of the most fascinating places on earth. We’ve added emerging ‘hot’ favourites such as Madagascar, Japan and Sri Lanka to the mix. Repeat journeys are Grand Tour of South America, Best of Southern Africa, Best of the Med’,  and Cuba. These journeys are guaranteed to go with a maximum group size of 18 and with a World Journeys host to smooth the way.

Come to life

Stir up something new.  .

When you step out of the everyday and into the extraordinary, something changes inside.    You’re shaken awake with a fresh perspective, sparked with a burst of joy, and landed with a wave of realisation.   

Come with us, and explore the very real, and even more extraordinary nature Aotearoa New Zealand has to offer. Come with us, to life.  

Featured Experiences

Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruises

Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dining

Milford Sound Cruises

Te Anau Glowworm Caves

Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruises

Stewart Island Ferry Services

Queenstown Jet Boat

TSS Earnslaw Lake Cruises

Walter Peak Farm Tours

What's on special.

If you're looking for some great deals, then you've come to the right place. Browse our specials below.

Share Your Adventure

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Milford Sound is a must-see spot renowned for its beauty. See the most popular tourist attractions to snap for your Instagram around the area.

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Discover 4 incredible glowworm facts that will surprise you! Learn about the fascinating world of New Zealand Te Anau glowworms and their magical bioluminescence. Plan your trip to explore.

8 reasons why Milford Sound is a ‘Must Do’ in New Zealand

Milford is the epitome of clean and green - the jewel of Fiordland, here lush rainforests are abundant, with towering glacier-carved peaks, waterfalls everywhere, lakes galore and moody skies, what’s not to love?

Awards we’ve won

We've launched a 20% off Early Bird offer! Book Now for the 2024/25 season - offer applies to all our experiences!

• Tokirima Taster
• Rail River Run
• The Republic
• The Ultimate
• The Expedition
• Custom Experiences
• Buy Gift Voucher Online

Latest News

• History of the Line
• Sustainability
• Midge's Homemade Baking
• Forgotten World Motel
• Accommodation
• Attractions & Activities

An Unforgettable Experience For All

Early bird discount - 20% off any of our six experiences, book now for the 2024/2025 season - our biggest deal yet.

Call 0800 7245 2278 or +64 7895 7181 from overseas to book

Abandoned since 2009, the 142km long Stratford-Okahukura Line with its 24 tunnels and 90 plus bridges, all hand-built, now serves as our playground.

The mystically remote and seldom seen region in New Zealand's central North Island known as the 'Forgotten World', is steeped in history and cultural significance. Immerse yourself in passionate storytelling about our ancestry whilst exploring one of the country's most beautiful and isolated locations, with its backcountry ghost towns, pristine native bush, rugged hills and deep hidden valleys.

Forgotten World Adventures are experts in guided experiences throughout this spectacular destination. Choose from six unique adventures, each featuring an iconic self-driven guided rail cart journey between Taumaraunui and Stratford. Experiences can also include a jet boat ride along the majestic Whanganui River, helicopter flight over the Whanganui National Park and visits to the unique Whangamōmona Hotel and Bridge to Nowhere amongst other historic landmarks and attractions.

Choose your Forgotten World Experience

What To Expect

We feature in the top 10% of attractions worldwide, winner of the traveller's choice awards 2023 - trip advisor.

We offer a unique and unrivalled experience in New Zealand. Enjoy a front row seat as you travel through the breathtaking, ever-changing landscape whilst discovering our country's cultural and pioneering history. Escape the everyday and embark on an experience that will transport you to a bygone era bursting with intrigue and embark on one of the most enchanting and genuine experiences New Zealand has to offer.

We pride ourselves on our understated kiwi professionalism and friendly, helpful staff who will go above and beyond to ensure you have a memorable, safe trip with us. We treat our guests like friends. As well as being competent and knowledgeable, our local guides also bring the perfect blend of humour and inclusivity to your experience in the hope of making it unforgettable.

Our bookings team is currently available by email or phone to assist with enquiries from 8am to 5pm, 7 days a week, during our off season.

"An unforgotten experience. Proud Kiwis driving a very unique Kiwi venture"

TripAdvisor, Feb 2024

“Best money spent in NZ and just what we were looking for. Real New Zealand”

Guest Review of 'The Epic', Feb 2024

"Sheer natural beauty that brings peace to the soul!"

Google Reviews, Jan 2024

Our Purpose

We strive to provide unforgettable experiences of a lifetime for all and endeavour to ensure these experiences are some of the most enchanting and genuine New Zealand has to offer. We are passionate about sustainability and uphold the Tiaki Promise. We have a crucial role as kaitiaki guardians; to protect and respect our special place, the Forgotten World, a role we embrace today and will continue to honour tomorrow.

Find the right adventure for you

Whether you're considering a half-day excursion, the 142km two-day trip or something a little extra special, we offer adventures to whet all appetites, for all ages and abilities. Choose from six unique experiences, all of which feature an iconic self-driven guided rail cart journey. We trust the ever-changing vista, with its magnificent expanses of sub-tropical rainforest and untamed native bush won't fail to disappoint.

$11,590 raised for Taumarunui Women's Refuge

Book now to "Ride for Refuge" with Sir Wayne Smith

Brand new range of gifts and souvenirs launched

Gearing up for the new 2023/24 season - and we can't wait!

That’s a wrap – will we see you again next season? 

Riding the rails into an exciting new chapter

HUNT FOR THE REDBANDS WINNER CLAIMS HER PRIZE

FWA Explores The Forgotten World With Toyota New Zealand

See all news

Want the Shore Travel Bucket List Travel brochure? Download Now .

Escorted Tours

• Current Deals
• Destinations

World Journeys - Travel with personality

Tailor-made Journeys: Offering professional planning and expert knowledge, working with you to create your dream trip and provide support during your travels.

Hosted Journeys: Enjoy unique and inspiring small group travel to some of the most fascinating places on earth. We’ve added emerging ‘hot’ favourites such as Madagascar, Japan and Sri Lanka to the mix. Repeat journeys are Grand Tour of South America, Best of Southern Africa, Best of the Med’,  and Cuba. These journeys are guaranteed to go with a maximum group size of 18 and with a World Journeys host to smooth the way.

Cherry Blossom Japan - 17 day hosted tour departs 26 March 2025

Details for World Journeys 2025 Cherry Blossom Japan hosted journey are now out. This is a reminder to book early if you are interested as the tour is expected to sell out. The 17-day tour departs 26 Mar and takes in the highlights of Tokyo, before heading to see the ‘snow monkeys’ of Yudanaka, the alpine Old Town of Takayama, Kyoto and Hiroshima, plus views of Mt Fuji from atop Mt Owakudani before ending in Tokyo. The tour is priced from $21,730 per person (twin) including return airfares ex AKL, four-star hotels, transfers, guided sightseeing and entrance fees, land transport and some meals. A World Journeys Host will accompany the group, which has a maximim size of 18, from Auckland and return. Note: Solo rooms also available.

Each spring, Japan's landscape is host to fragile pink and white sakura blooming; stunning colour that is celebrated throughout the entire country. Start this journey in bustling Tokyo and see its impressive gardens, go in search of the famous 'snow monkeys' and the alpine 'old town' of Takayama. On to cultural Kyoto and poignant Hiroshima, ending with spectacular views of Mt Fuji from the top of Mt Owakudani. This unique and incredibly scenic country with enchanting culture, wonderful cuisine and gracious people awaits you.

On this journey you will enjoy the following special experiences

 • Enjoy the ultimate sushi-lovers experience in Tokyo - a sushi master will guide us through making sushi rolls and nigiri which we will then enjoy for lunch

• Visit steaming hot springs to see monkeys bathing - visit Yudanaka Onsen to see wild snow monkeys relaxing in the steaming hot springs surrounded by thick forest

• Tour the historic villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama - set in a mountainous region that was cut off from the rest of the world for a long period of time, these villages with their Gassho-style houses subsisted on the cultivation of mulberry trees and the rearing of silkworms. On this tour you'll see the large houses with their steeply pitched thatched roofs, the only examples of their kind in Japan.

17-day Hosted Tour departs 26 March 2025

Price from $21,730 per person ex Auckland (includes flights)

Best of the Med

25 days | Auckland roundtrip - 25 days / 24 nights from $22,820.00 per person, until 3 September 2025.

Embark on an unforgettable journey beginning with two delightful days in Barcelona before cruising along the enchanting French and Italian coastlines onboard Azamara Cruises latest ship, Azamara Onward .

Sail along the sparkling Cote D’Azur, explore glamorous Monte Carlo, and discover iconic Italian cities. Wander through the medieval streets of Kotor and Sibenik before disembarking in Chioggia. Experience the magic of Venice before exploring the picturesque villages of the Cinque Terre and the beauty of Lake Como. These extraordinary experiences are sure to be the highlight of your travel bucket list!

Business Class Upgrade available on request and subject to availability

What's Included:

• Return Economy class flights from New Zealand to Barcelona
• Accommodation in 4 star hotels
• 12-night cruise onboard Azamara Onward from Barcelona to Venice in your choice of stateroom, including basic drinks package, entertainment onboard the ship, laundry, Cultural Evenings on shore & port taxes
• Transfers, sightseeing and entrance fees as per the itinerary
• Meals including 21 breakfasts, 12 lunches and 13 dinners

What's Not Included:

• Items of a personal nature
• Visa (if applicable)
• Travel insurance (mandatory)
• Cruise shore excursions and optional activities

Tipping is customary in the countries visited so for a hassle-free journey, tipping for all group activities is included and will be handled by your host.

Special Experiences

Gastronomy tour and cooking class in Barcelona. Wander the exotic and lively Bouqueria Market awash with fruit juices, olives, seafood, fruit, meats and cheeses. Topped off with a hands-on cooking class.

Discover hidden Venice with a Bacari tour to enjoy food and wine as the locals do.

Walking tour of Portofino and the delightful fishing village of San Fruttuoso.

Visit the stunning Cinque Terre villages of Monterosso, Vernazza and Manarola.

Prices are in NZD (unless specified otherwise) per person, in complete twin/double share accommodation (or single occupancy or family share where specified), valid for new bookings only, subject to availability. Offers are capacity-controlled and may be reduced, changed, extended or withdrawn at any time, without notice. Unless specified, airfares (and often transfers) are additional. Pricing variations may occur due to fluctuations in currency exchange rates. Prices include savings/discounts where applicable and all taxes/charges. A non-refundable deposit of $3,000 per person is required, with the balance due 120 days prior to departure. Amendment and cancellation fees apply. All products and itineraries are subject to change at the discretion of the supplier. Prices are based on cash, Eftpos, or Direct Credit payment only. We accept all major credit cards, however, processing fees apply. World Travellers reserve the right to correct any errors or omissions at any time. To be read in conjunction with the booking terms and conditions applicable to World Journeys. Please always refer to your World Travellers Consultant for full details. Travel documents & vaccination requirements are the responsibility of the individual traveller and Travel Insurance is mandatory. Professional service fees may apply.

Safari through Sabah's Wilderness

12 days | Kota Kinabalu to Lahad Datu - 12 days / 11 nights from $14,835.00 per person, 1 Jan - 31 Dec 2024.

Embark on a thrilling expedition through Sabah, starting in Kota Kinabalu and venturing into Mount Kinabalu National Park for a canopy walk. Explore rehabilitation centers in Sandakan for orangutans and sun bears.

Cruise the kinabatangan river for wildlife sightings before journeying to danum valley for rainforest adventures and night safaris. optional water tubing adds an extra thrill to the journey. discover the diverse landscapes and vibrant wildlife of sabah for an unforgettable adventure..

Tailor-made journey

11 nights’ accommodation~

11 breakfasts, 11 lunches, and 10 dinners

Meet & Greet at Kota Kinabalu International Airport

Meet & Greet at Sandakan Airport

English-speaking local guides

Private transfers as per the itinerary

Shared boat transfers as per the itinerary

Private sightseeing in Kota Kinabalu and Sepilok

Shared sightseeing in Kinabatangan and Danum Valley

Entrance fees as per the itinerary

Flights from New Zealand to Kota Kinabalu or from Lahud Datu to New Zealand

Flight from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan

Additional night cruises, drives, and walks

~ Accommodations in Sepilok and Kingabatangan are best available

Prices are in NZD (unless specified otherwise) per person, in complete twin/double share accommodation (or single occupancy where specified), valid for new bookings only, subject to availability. Offers are capacity-controlled and may be reduced, changed, extended or withdrawn at any time, without notice. Unless specified, airfares (and often transfers) are additional. Pricing variations may occur due to fluctuations in currency exchange rates. Prices include savings/discounts where applicable and all taxes/charges (which are subject to change). Offers valid for travel originating in New Zealand only. Required deposit amounts and deposit/final payment dates vary by product booked. Deposits may or may not be refundable. Amendment and cancellation fees apply, which vary based on supplier. All products and itineraries are subject to change at the discretion of the supplier. Prices are based on cash, Eftpos, or Direct Credit payment only. We accept all major credit cards, however, processing fees apply. World Travellers reserve the right to correct any errors or omissions at any time. To be read in conjunction with the booking terms and conditions applicable to World Journeys.  Travel documents & vaccination requirements are the responsibility of the individual traveller. Professional service fees may apply.

Sarawak Cultural Discovery & Mulu Adventure

6 days | Kuching to Mulu National Park - 6 days / 5 nights from $2,400.00 per person, 1 Jan - 31 Dec 2024.

Embark on a journey through Sarawak, Malaysia's hidden gem in Borneo.

Start in Kuching, where you'll meet rescued orangutans and learn about conservation efforts. Then, explore Sarawak's rich culture at the Sarawak Cultural Village.

Next, head to Bako National Park for diverse wildlife and rainforest trails. Encounter proboscis monkeys and pitcher plants, immersing yourself in nature.

Continue your adventure at Mulu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its breathtaking caves. Marvel at vast caverns and witness the spectacle of a bat exodus at sunset.

Explore Mulu's rainforest, discovering rare orchids and endemic species. Experience the beauty and magic of Malaysian Borneo in all its glory.

Tailor-made journey 5 nights’ accommodation 5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 2 dinners Meet & Greet at Kuching International Airport Meet & Greet at Mulu Airport English-speaking local guides Private transfers in Kuching Shared transfers in Mulu Private sightseeing as per the itinerary Entrance fees as per the itinerary

Commercial flight from Kuching to Mulu Gratuities

Hosted Journey - Fables of the Silk Road

Fables of the Silk Road - Departs September 2025 - Twin share $18,995pp or Single $21,495pp

29 day Small group hosted journey of The Silk Road, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan

Hurry!  The 2024 departure sold out quickly.  Don't miss out - enquire today!

Explore the cultural diversity and wonderful scenery of the ‘Five Stans’ of Central Asia.

This varied landscape is home to traditional villages, ancient towns and glorious cities with time worn trading routes. Vast armies, marauding Mongolian hordes, philosophers, explorers and traders have travelled these roads in times past. Visit Uzbekistan’s architecturally stunning cities of Bukhara, Khiva and Samarkand, see the canyons and lakes of Kazakhstan, the mountains and culture of Kyrgyzstan, the natural way of life in Tajikistan and the ancient desert city of Merv in Turkmenistan.

YOUR JOURNEY AT A GLANCE • Experience the stunning and diverse landscapes of Kazakhstan • Visit ancient mosques and Orthodox churches in Kyrgyzstan • Marvel at the wonderful intricate architecture of Uzbekistan • Explore Central Asia’s largest oriental bazaar at Payshanba in Khujand, Tajikistan • Follow in the footsteps of Tamerlane through the mighty cities of Samarkand, Bhukara and Tashkent • Bask in the opulence of Ashgabat and the history of the Karakum Desert in Turkmenistan.

SPECIAL EXPERIENCES

See the extraordinary Dzhety-Oguz Gorge in Kyrgyzstan This 37 km long ridge of bright red rocks dotted with waterfalls is a spectacular sight.

Experience traditional cuisine Enjoy tasting regional specialties made by locals in a yurt.

Chat with exceptional artisans in Fergana See how the magnificent Khan Atlas silk is produced.

Vibrant markets and bazaars Spend time exploring the array of fresh food and exquisite handicrafts.

The beautifully preserved medieval town of Khiva Explore this remarkable town, its magnificent Juma mosque and caravanserai.

World Journeys

Cruise Journeys - See some of the world’s most interesting destinations from another vantage point.  Choose from  luxury ocean liners cruising the Mediterranean, charming river cruisers in the Mekong Delta, small ships in the Galapagos Islands, Amazon or Patagonia, or even river barging through Europe.

Hosted Journeys - Group travel offers a chance to share the trip of a lifetime. Travel is about much more than just ticking off the sights on the well-trodden tourist trail.  It’s about experiencing new cultures, savouring local cuisine, hearing new melodies and meeting fascinating people.  Travelling to some of the world’s most exciting, challenging and exotic countries is all the more achievable in a small group of like-minded people .  People love the conviviality of group travel; there’s company if desired, but also time to explore alone.  Every person brings something to the mix.  With a maximum group size of 18, all tours are guaranteed to depart, so travellers can book with confidence.

Rail Journeys - There’s something refreshingly traditional about travelling by train, particularly if you’re travelling over a long, multi-night route. And the rail journey can be a destination in itself! Dining cars with full-service meals, uniformed wait staff – there’s so much to love about travelling by train. Take a journey on some of the world’s most scenic, most luxurious train trips, many of which offer fascinating off-train excursions. Choose from the Rocky Mountaineer and travel through dramatic Canadian landscape, Rovos Rail in the heart of South Africa, the luxury Maharajah-style trains of India and more.

Small Groups Tours - In some destinations World Journeys offer the chance to travel with a small group which provides you with not only a local guide and travelling companions, but can be a great option for a more cost effective way to travel.  Group sizes vary per destination but generally range from maximums of 6 to 18 travellers.

Wildlife Journeys - There is little that compares to seeing the world’s wildlife in its natural habitat. Search for game in your high-spec 4×4 or on foot with a guide; glide down a riverine delta watching game come to the water to quench their thirst; or experience nature by horseback. Whilst Africa is well known as the safari continent – they also offer wildlife experiences in India, South America, Canada and Alaska.

Culinary Journeys - Some places you go for the museums, some for the scenery and others, for the cuisine and wine! Enjoy exclusive cooking courses and meals at top restaurants in Vietnam; take an historical and culinary tour in Quebec, complete with a gourmet dinner at La Patriarche; or delve into the heart of the maritime history and culture through cooking lessons in beautiful Italian seaside villages such as Portofino and Cinque Terre.

Active Journeys - Almost all World Journeys tours will include walking as you explore your chosen destination. If you are looking for a higher level of activity then their active journeys could see you walking the Camino Real in Spain; sea kayaking in Alaska or a walking safari in South Luangwa National Park in Zambia.

Wellness Experiences - Unplug from the frantic pace of everyday life and take time for yourself to refresh, rejuvenate and revive.  Fly out to a private island where wellbeing and natural delights take centre stage, take a yoga holiday in India, a massage in a wilderness lodge in Alaska or simply retreat to the Maldives and swim among coral atolls with turquoise crystal lagoons.

Petra to the Pyramids

25 days | Small group hosted journey by World Journeys - 25 days from $22,598.00 per person, 24 October - 17 November 2024.

Introduction

From floating in the Dead Sea more than 400 metres below sea level, to walking through the Siq for your first glimpse of the soaring facade of the Treasury at Petra.

Wandering the Via Dolorosa to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, standing in front of the mighty pyramids of Giza, sailing the Nile and seeing the glittering treasures from the tomb of Tutankhamun – this exotic journey through the Middle East will also surprise you with some quirky twists in true World Journeys style.

Petra by candlelight In a night time visit to Petra, walk the entire Siq to the soaring facade of the Treasury, lit with over 1,500 candles. This glittering, spectacular experience is truly a magical way to see the Rose Red City.

Street art tour Take a step on the wild side and head into the Florentin neighbourhood in the city of Tel Aviv. This lively area is the host for a fascinating tour of graffiti and street art – participate in one of the most thriving street art scenes in the world!

Stay in the iconic Old Winter Palace Overlooking Luxor temple, this winter retreat for the Egyptian royal family is the epitome of faded, luxurious glamour. Be sure to explore the extensive gardens, sip a cocktail as you watch life alongside the Nile, or take afternoon tea in one of the majestic reception rooms.

Your Journey at a Glance

• Float in the Dead Sea • Visit Petra and camp overnight in Wadi Rum • Cross overland into Israel for the wonderful highlights of Jerusalem • Fly to Cairo • See the Pyramids, Sphinx, and visit the Cairo Museum • Visit Abu Simbel and join a luxurious Nile Cruise • Take in the atmosphere of the Commonwealth cemetery of El Alamein • A World Journeys host to guide you every step of the way

WELCOME BACK OFFER Travelled on one of our Hosted Journeys before? We would like to offer you a saving of $400 per couple (or $200 per person) if you book this journey.

This small group hosted journey is guaranteed to depart, regardless of numbers!

• Economy Class airfares ex Auckland • Airline, border crossing, and airport taxes • A World Journeys host • Accommodation in 4 and 5 star hotels, Nile cruise and one night in a tented camp • Transfers, sightseeing, and entrance fees as per the itinerary • Meals as indicated • Gratuities

Not Included • Items of a personal nature • Travel insurance (mandatory) • Visas (required for Jordan and Egypt) • Optional activities

Bike & Cruise Croatia - 8 days from $1,545 per person

Island Hopping in Dalmatia!

This guided cycling tour in Dalmatia starts on Brac Island and ends in Split, exploring amazing coastlines, medieval towns, old villages and picturesque bays. Highlights include visiting great beaches, vineyards, pine woods, cycling on the historic islands and exploring Mljet National Park. Croatia is a land of beautiful islands, rich history, Mediterranean vegetation and mild climate. The best way to explore it is, without a doubt, by bike.

Premium Ships Premium steel hulled vessels with a traditional, yet modern, look offer accommodation in air-conditioned, spacious en suite cabins with double or twin beds, hair dryer and safety deposit box. Included services: buffet breakfasts, three course lunches OR dinner, Captain's dinner, professional bike guide, daily cabin service, mid-week fresh set of towels and bed linen, luggage handling, unlimited water from the water dispenser, and free Wi-Fi.

Departures:  20, 27 May; 3, 10 Jun; 26 Aug; 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Sep; 7 Oct 2023

Alaska's Scenic National Parks Self-Drive - 16 days from $13,247pp

• Kenai Fjords • Talkeetna • Denali National Park • Fairbanks • Prince William Sound

From mountain peaks and glaciers to magnificent coastlines and abundant wildlife, this self-drive tour is an ideal mix of unforgettable Alaskan highlights. Starting in Anchorage journey to Seward and the Kenai Peninsula before heading north to the vast interior of Alaska. View incredible scenery of snow-capped mountains, active volcanoes and magnificent coastlines before heading north into the wilderness of Denali National Park's back country.

Other highlights include a bush plane flight over the vast wilderness of Wrangell-St Elias National Park, cruise Prince William Sound and Sheep Mountain Lodge.

Departs daily between late May to mid-September.  Price based on 2023 travel.

Best of East Africa - 14 days from $9,870pp

• Samburu National Reserve • Aberdere National Park • Lake Nakuru National Park • Lake Naivasha • Amboseli National Park • Lake Manyara • Serengeti National Park • Ngorongoro Crater

Follow the call of the wild! Visit savannahs, home to immense herds of wildlife, and meet the traditional peoples with their fascinating cultures. See the world famous Masai Mara with majestic scenery and wildlife, and explore the vast plains of the Serengeti National Park. It is here where one of earth's most natural wildlife cycles takes place - the Great Migration. The safari also takes in the arid landscapes of Samburu National Park, the rift valley lakes of Nakuru and Naivasha and Ngorongoro Crater, the largest intact caldera in the world.

2023 departures: 18 May; 1, 15, 29 Jun; 13, 27 Jul; 10,24 Aug; 7, 21 Sep; 5, 19 Oct; 2, 16, 30 Nov; 14 Dec

4 star, price based on 1 Nov- 13 Dec departures.  $10,718 for other departures. Prices vary seasonally

Rail Journey - Al Andalus 7 days from EUR4,700pp

• Seville • Jerez • Ronda • Granada • Cordoba

The Al Andalus train offers you the privilege of travelling in a palace on wheels. A train that evokes the Belle Epoque, unmatched in terms of comfort, elegance and spaciousness. Its carriages have a long history of luxury and sophistication behind them. Explore the rich scenery, history and gastronomy of Spain on one of the world's most exclusive trains, the 'Al Andalus.'

2023 departures: Sevilla > Malaga 21 May; 4, 18 Jun; 24 Sep; 8, 22 Oct; 5, 19 Nov

Malaga > Sevilla 28 May; 11, 25 Jun; 1, 15, 29 Oct; 12, 26 Nov

Rail Journey - Ancient Silk Road, 17 days from $12,768pp

• Beijing • Xi'an • Dunhuang • Turpan Oasis • Kuche • Kashgar • Urumqi • Shanghai

Discover the legends, culture and natural beauty of the Silk Road on this most remarkable of journeys. Some of the many highlights include visiting the Mongao Grottoes, riding a camel into the Singing Sand Dunes, seeing the Flaming Mountains and passing sections of the lesser-visited Han Great Wall. You will also visit Turpan Oasis - one of the lowest points on earth. The train journey begins at Liuyuan, travelling past the Tianshan (Heavenly) Mountains, then along the edge of the Taklamakan Desert - the second largest in the world after the Sahara. Drive through the Gobi Desert to the Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves, before continuing by train to Kashgar, alive with storybook scenes of merchants haggling over camels, carpets and other goods; imams on donkeys and veiled women in black robes. Fly to Urumqi, a vastly different China where you will experience a Middle Eastern bazaar, nomadic Khazakhs and local Han people. End your journey of a lifetime in the bustling city of Shanghai - symbol of 'tomorrow's China'.

2023 May to Dec daily departures - 4 star from $12,768pp, 5 star from $14,069pp

2024 Jan to Mar daily departures - 4 star from $12,768pp, 5 star from $14,069pp

Rail Journey - Machu Picchu, 6 days from $6,832pp

• Exquisite character luxury hotels • Belmond Hiram Bingham luxury rail journey • Sacred Valley of the Incas • Machu Picchu • Pisac Markets • Ollantaytambo Fortress • Sacsayhuaman • Cuzco

Discover Cuzco and Machu Picchu while staying in stylish historic hotels and enjoying a famous journey on board the luxury Belmond Hiram Bingham train to Machu Picchu. Visit the Land of the Inca in the most luxurious and memorable way possible.

2023 departures are daily, except for the last Thursday of each month.

Rail Journey - Maharajahs' Express Indian Panorama 7 days from US$8,138pp

• Delhi • Jaipur • Ranthambore National Park • Agra • Khajuraho • Varanasi

The Maharajahs' Express offers the highest end of luxury train travel in India, savouring the country's rich heritage on exclusive journeys. Guests board the train to a chorus of live Indian music, while traditionally dressed staff drape garlands around necks and daub foreheads with vermillion - there is even a royal red carpet. A range of Indian and international cuisine is served in two sumptuous restaurants, and the onboard bars offer a selection of exquisite spirits and wine.

2023 departures: 1, 29 Oct; 26 Nov; 24 Dec

2024 departures: 21 Jan; 28 Feb; 17 Mar; 8 Apr; 29 Sep; 27 Oct' 24 Nov; 22 Dec

2025 departures 19 Jan; 16 Feb; 26 Mar; 6 Apr

1 April 2023

30 November 2024

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• New Zealand
• The 5 Most Beautiful Train...

The 5 Most Beautiful Train Journeys in New Zealand

New Zealand is consistently voted as one of the most beautiful, varied and dramatic places in the world when it comes to scenery and landscapes. This accounts for the numerous camper-vans you’ll see zipping through scenic roads, pulling up every now and again to take in some spectacular vista. However, there’s another great way to see the country and that is by rail. Here is our guide to the five most beautiful train journeys in Aotearoa.

The marlborough flyer.

Convenience-wise you’re going to find it hard to beat the Marlborough Flyer for pure ease of transport. This train starts off in Picton at the top of the South Island, the port of which is connected to Wellington by the Interislander ferry service. So if you’re tripping through New Zealand from top to bottom, this train is the easy and logical next step if you want to cruise in comfort. It actually leaves from the ferry terminal, meaning stress is kept to an absolute minimum. A new steam-hauled service began in December 2017 over the 19 miles (30km) to Blenheim – a lovely little city that is very much worth exploring. The train uses historic carriages and a 1915-built locomotive to reach Blenheim for wine tours and the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre. This contains the collection of First World War aircraft set up by Lord of the Rings trilogy director Sir Peter Jackson as well as a Second World War collection with the only flyable Avro Anson and a Griffon-powered Spitfire.

TranzAlpine, New Zealand

This is an east to west journey by rail, linking the eastern city of Christchurch with western Greymouth. You already know that a railway that crosses the Southern Alps is going to have the sort of scenery that’ll leave your battery in your camera depleted in a matter of seconds. The section through the Waimakariri Gorge is the highlight of the journey, as the train burrows through 16 tunnels and crosses five viaducts with snow-covered mountains in the distance. This journey is a 10-hour return trip so it’s perfect if you want to head over to Greymouth and the stunning West Coast for a few days and then return to Christchurch and its international airport. If you’re worried about sustenance on the journey then fear not, there is a splendid buffet car to keep you happily fed and watered.

Taieri Gorge Railway, Dunedin

This is just the rail journey that anyone who counts themselves as a keen photographer needs to take. The Twenties carriages have open balconies so photographers can take unobstructed pictures of the landscape, and there is a buffet car and shop on board for when you need a rest from clicking away on that shutter button. And you will be doing a lot of that because this train runs through some pretty awe-inspiring country. For most of its length it twists and turns through a spectacularly deep gorge, leaping across vertiginous defiles on lattice viaducts and clinging to ledges in the hillsides. Most trains run as far as Pukerangi, but on certain days they reach Middlemarch, the eastern end of the Rail Trail. The northern end of the Rail Trail is also one of New Zealand ‘s most popular long-distance cycle routes.

The Northern Explorer

This is probably the most modern and comfortable rail journey in New Zealand. The Northern Explorer carriages have an advanced air bag suspension system for quieter and smoother travel as well as un-tinted, non-reflective, panoramic side and roof windows to capture the dramatic coastal and mountain views of the magnificent North Island. It also features GPS-triggered journey commentary in five languages at your seat via headphones, information displays and overhead HD video, plus central heating and air conditioning for passenger comfort. This is scenic rail travel for the 21st century. This 10-hour ride between Auckland and Wellington will see you take in the sights of New Zealand farmland and rugged bush landscapes. You’ll then ascend up the world famous Raurimu Spiral to the volcanic plateau, passing the majestic volcanoes of Mt Tongariro, Mt Ngauruhoe, and Mt Ruapehu – home of the North Island ski fields – then descend again through stunning river gorges to the farming landscapes and rocky seascapes of the lower North Island.

The Coastal Pacific

However, it will be back, so if you’re a railway nut or like the idea of seeing a bit of the South Island by rail, then don’t despair and consider this journey as it’s a thumping good one. The Coastal Pacific train operates between the delightful port of Picton, the gateway to the beautiful Marlborough Sounds, and Kaikoura , the home of whale watching, as well as onto Christchurch, the South Island’s largest city. This means that, if you’re feeling like life on the rails is for you, you can hop straight on the train at Christchurch and catch the TranzAlpine as described above. The Coastal Pacific takes you through the wine growing region of Blenheim and through to the rugged Kaikoura mountain ranges on one side of your train. The Pacific Ocean coastline is on the other side with views of marine wildlife such as seals and penguins. You’ll also get to see some of New Zealand’s finest horticultural and farmland areas of the Canterbury Plains – all from the comfort of your carriage.

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The spawning journey of Qinghai Lake's naked carp

From May to August every year, naked carp migrate from Qinghai Lake, China's largest inland saltwater lake, to upstream freshwater rivers to spawn. During this period, the fish are likened to "sprites of the water," bravely ascending against the current in the vast blue aquatic world, showcasing their resilience and the beauty of life. 

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Claustrophobic thriller If You Go explores motherhood’s darkest corners

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Alice Robinson (right) maintains tension and offers an unexpected resolution in If You Go. Photo / Jax / Gang of Babes Photography

Book review: Esther wakes up terribly ill with a breathing tube down her throat and no idea what has happened. She is nursed by Grace, a mysterious woman who is reluctant to explain the situation. Why is Esther imprisoned with her in an abandoned building? Suspense builds. The reader, too, yearns to know what’s going on. Each time Grace seems about to enlighten us, she withdraws.

As Esther struggles to understand, she begins to recall her past. In flashbacks, we learn about her childhood with her feminist mother, Vivienne. We meet her as a mother herself, divorced and bringing up two young children. The flashbacks provide relief from the close and horrifying present, but claustrophobia starts to pervade them, too, so intensely do they partake of the experience of motherhood.

Everything reminds Esther of pregnancy, or birth, or parenting. These experiences are undeniably intense, yet they’re also universal, and some skill is required in translating the individual sense of wonder and significance into art.

Robinson, a prizewinning Australian author, has Esther, a poet, reflect on this difficulty. Whereas Vivienne “had publicly railed against domesticity from a distance, my own work perfectly described the intimacy of its entrapment. Perhaps that was why it was so unpopular, I thought. As women writers across history have long known, no one wants to read about the experience of the animals while they’re still inside the zoo.”

For a novelist, the problem is one of emphasis. Having children is the most extraordinary, overwhelming thing you’ve ever done. And it’s also mundane. Once you get outside the zoo, you understand the disconnect: the individual experience doesn’t necessarily translate. More is required than simply detailing the confined conditions.

The juxtaposition of domesticity and horror is strange, and adds to the reader’s discomfort. If you’re paying close attention to the prose, things quickly get convoluted.

On one single, busy page we get all this: “The tears burbled up from a place beyond my control … This idea bloomed up fresh from beneath the fog of drugs … The idea of the mountain house broke through the murk the way a plane breaks through cloud cover as it ascends to high altitude. As with my comprehension of Claire and Wolfie, three components converged … a reflexive concept that seemed to burble up from a place deep within me, subconscious, beyond the scope of my cerebral cortex …” And so it goes.

“Burbling up” twice in one page – along with “bloomed up”, “broke through” and “breaks through” – could be called a copy-editing problem (as could the various incorrect placings of apostrophes). But surely the author should have imposed an organising sensibility over all this creative writing.

The control seems equally loose in sentences like this: “‘I know what it’s like when bad things happen,’ Vivienne used to say to me gravely when I flapped hard to get free of her, gripping me so tightly as we crossed the street that I felt the bones in my hand crunching together like twigs underfoot.”

While the prose meanders, the structure is intricate and clever, with numerous twists and some genuine shocks. The tension is maintained, and there is grim satisfaction in the final working out of the mystery; a resolution that’s unexpected – and ambiguous. The scenario is horrifying, and yet there’s the odd straw to clutch, a few cracks against which you can press your eye, looking for light.

This is a novel to relish if dystopian bleakness doesn’t depress you, if you don’t mind an overwhelming tone of grimness, if cleverness without joy is acceptable. If you don’t want your art to be life-affirming or hopeful, or infused with comedy, then this will be your thing.

If You Go is the kind of novel that confidently bustles the reader into hell, because hell is on the writer’s mind. Motherhood is, too – pregnancy, labour, birth, childcare – along with various kinds of dysfunction. The flashbacks portray an interesting set of characters, generations of a blended family, but they are rendered indistinct by the distancing structure of the plot.

It is perhaps difficult to evoke original, richly observed human detail when the character who’s recalling it is desperately ill, confused and imprisoned in a concrete labyrinth. Family life viewed from a bunker far, far away: it is a tricky exercise to pull off.

If You Go by Alice Robinson (Affirm Press, $38) is out now.

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Japan, New Zealand agree on intel sharing pact amid growing regional security concerns

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, left, and Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida shake hands prior to their bilateral meeting at Kishida’s office in Tokyo Wednesday, June 19, 2024. (David Mareuil/Pool Photo via AP)

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon speaks during a joint press conference with Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida following their bilateral meeting at Kishida’s office in Tokyo Wednesday, June 19, 2024. (David Mareuil/Pool Photo via AP)

Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida speaks during a joint press conference with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon following their bilateral meeting at Kishida’s office in Tokyo Wednesday, June 19, 2024. (David Mareuil/Pool Photo via AP)

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, left, and Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida Fumio prepare to attend a joint press conference following their bilateral meeting at Kishida’s office in Tokyo Wednesday, June 19, 2024. (David Mareuil/Pool Photo via AP)

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, left, and Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida prepare to attend a bilateral meeting at Kishida’s office in Tokyo Wednesday, June 19, 2024. (David Mareuil/Pool Photo via AP)

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TOKYO (AP) — Japan and New Zealand agreed Wednesday in principle on an intelligence sharing pact as their leaders shared concerns over the increasingly challenging security environment in the region, including closer ties between Russia and North Korea.

In a joint statement, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and his New Zealand counterpart Christopher Luxon expressed concern about rising tension in the South China Sea , where China has become increasingly assertive in pressing its territorial claims.

Kishida and Luxon “welcomed the agreement in principle of an information security agreement” to facilitate classified information sharing, according to the statement released by Japan’s Foreign Ministry.

The two leaders also agreed to accelerate talks toward signing a pact that would allow the two countries’ forces to share logistical support and supplies during bilateral training and other operations.

Under Japan’s 2022 national security strategy the country has been accelerating military buildup and expanding defense partnerships amid threats from China, North Korea and Russia.

Kishida and Luxon condemned “in the strongest possible terms” the increasing military cooperation between North Korea and Russia, including the North’s shipment to Russia of ballistic missiles used against Ukraine, the joint statement said.

“There is no more important time than right now for our two countries to be engaging together to understand and to respond to the serious regional issues in Japan’s neighborhood,” Luxon told a joint news conference after the talks. He said the two leaders discussed Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Pyongyang and “how North Korea is fueling Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine.”

Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Wednesday signed an agreement that pledged mutual aid if either country faces “aggression,” at a summit held at a time both face escalating standoffs from the West.

Putin’s visit was his first in 24 years as the United States and its allies expressed growing concerns over a possible arms arrangement in which Pyongyang provides Moscow with badly needed munitions for its war in Ukraine , in exchange for economic assistance and technology transfers that could enhance the threat posed by North Korea’s nuclear weapons and missile program.

Japan has signed similar intelligence agreements with eight other countries including the United States, Australia, Britain, India and South Korea, as well as with NATO. Japan is also negotiating with Canada over a similar deal and has agreed with Ukraine to start talks.

AP video journalist Richard Colombo contributed to this report.

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T20 World Cup 2024

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UAE emerges as top remittance source for Bangladesh

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History beckons for South Africa or Afghanistan in the Caribbean

A first appearance in a Men's World Cup final is on the line when South Africa host Afghanistan in the first semifinal at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024.

Afghanistan's progression to the semi-finals of the World Cup is a remarkable achievement for a team who have been on the rise in this format for some time, with New Zealand and Australia the highest-ranked teams knocked out in Afghanistan's wake.

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Unbeaten South Africa stand in their way, with the nation hoping it's eighth-time lucky at a men's World Cup semi-final across formats, with a current record of played seven, lost seven.

With a powerful batting line-up that possesses attacking weapons right down to number seven and a bowling attack that has pace and guile aplenty, South Africa will have confidence that 2024 will finally be their year.

The Match Details

South Africa v Afghanistan, Wednesday June 26 (8:30pm local), Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Tarouba, Trinidad and Tobago

The Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba is a 15,000-capacity ground that is hosting its fifth and final match of the tournament.

All four previous matches came in Group C during the first group stage, where runs proved reasonably hard to come by. West Indies' 149/9 against New Zealand was the highest total at the venue across the four fixtures.

How They Got Here

South Africa have a perfect record at the tournament, but have been pushed close a number of times across their seven matches.

Netherlands, Bangladesh and Nepal will all feel they could and maybe should have beaten the Proteas during the group stage. before tournament co-hosts USA gave them a bit of a scare at the start of the Super Eights.

Fascinating matches against England and West Indies were both in the balance for long stretches until South Africa came out on top in each.

Such a run is either a sign of a team in winning form or one that is consistently vulnerable, and it is tough to ascertain which is the leading characteristic.

Afghanistan's brilliant win over Australia was key to their progression to the semi-finals, but they've been impressive right the way through the tournament.

Drawn in the toughest of the initial groups, they progressed at the expense of frequent semi-finalists New Zealand. And, after a loss to India, they upset Australia and then made it past a Bangladesh banana skin to make history and seal their first semi-final spot.

South Africa:  Aiden Markram (c), Ottniel Baartman, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, David Miller, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs

Afghanistan:  Rashid Khan (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Azmatullah Omarzai, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Ishaq, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Karim Janat, Nangyal Kharoti, Hazratullah Zazai, Noor Ahmad, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Fareed Ahmad Malik.

Team Selections

For South Africa the big decision will be whether to stick with a second front-line spinner in Tabraiz Shamsi, or bring back an additional pace option in Ottneil Baartman, who has played in five matches at this tournament so far.

Afghanistan experimented with adding Hazratullah Zazai as an additional top-order player against India to try and add a bit of solidity in the face of such a high-quality bowling attack.

They could be tempted to do the same again, but potentially with the incoming batter in at No. 3 on this occasion to leave the Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz partnership settled.

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গবেষকরা বলেন, চাল অতিরিক্ত পলিশ করলে এতে থাকা আয়রন, ক্যালসিয়াম ও ভিটামিন ‘বি’র মতো প্রয়োজনীয় পুষ্টি উপাদান কমে যায়।

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At World Journeys our mission is simple – we design journeys that we, as travellers, would undertake ourselves. In our youth, we travelled the world on a budget, arriving into cities late at night with nothing pre-arranged, battling through bureaucracy and language barriers to prove we could do it on our own. In later years we found, like many, that we had less time to travel, let alone the luxury of having time to plan our travel.

That’s what inspires World Journeys today. We plan journeys so you don’t have to. Itineraries are crafted on our personal knowledge and experience. We are travel aficionados–we have worked in the industry for over 30 years and we still travel regularly to be able to bring new and exciting opportunities to the market. We won’t stop travelling – not only is it our passion, it is our job to provide the very best level of service and knowledge. In fact, we generally won’t sell a destination unless someone from our team has been there.

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Tailor-made journeys.

We have journeys to some of the most exciting, fascinating and exotic places on earth. They are our personal suggestions of what to do, what to see and where to stay. We know travellers value flexibility so we generally have no set departure dates and itineraries are not regimented. We offer professional planning and expert knowledge, working with you to create your dream trip. Our backup services take the stress out of travel; if your flight is delayed or transport doesn’t show, we’ll sort out the arrangements. You will also receive beautifully prepared documents which are a wonderful memento of your travel.

Enjoy unique and inspiring small group travel to some of the most fascinating places on earth. We’ve added emerging ‘hot’ favourites such as Madagascar, Japan and Sri Lanka to the mix. Repeat journeys are Grand Tour of South America, Best of Southern Africa, Best of the Med’,  and Cuba. These journeys are guaranteed to go with a maximum group size of 18 and with a World Journeys host to smooth the way.

WE BUILD IT ALL FROM SCRATCH

World Journeys was founded back in 2007 to meet the demand for specialist skills in tailor-made travel. Our founding Directors have decades of travel experience under their belts, and work hands-on, answering the phones and creating itineraries, alongside our experienced and passionate team of Travel Designers.

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Over the years we’ve found a few charitable organisations to support their quest to minimise humankind’s impact on the environment, and bring relief to those in need. Join us in aiding these noble organisations to keep our world beautiful and prosperous so that future generations can enjoy inspiring journeys of their own.

WORK FOR WORLD JOURNEYS

World Journeys believes in designing the most inspiring travel experiences for our clients. Our team of professionals work for a company with a strong emphasis on providing exemplary customer service with passion. The company has a focused team approach to all aspects of its operation and a strong belief in sustainable tourism.

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Virgin australia's response to travellers on emergency flight 'a slap in the face'.

Franz Demhardt (left) and his partner Luke Andrews say they thought they might die as flames began to belch from the engine of their Virgin Australia flight on Monday evening. Photo: SUPPLIED

A passenger aboard an Virgin Australia flight diverted to Invercargill after an engine began spewing out flames says the airline's response has been a "slap in the face" to traumatised travellers.

Melbourne man Franz Demhardt said he booked and paid for his own flights out of Invercargill because the 18-hour journey proposed by the airline was "unacceptable".

He said he was shocked to find himself travelling alongside the crew from the stricken flight while seats that could have taken his fellow passengers remained unfilled.

Virgin Australia said 15 passengers travelled on a more direct service from Queenstown the next day, but there were not enough seats to accommodate everyone.

Flames could be seen near the engine compartment on the Virgin Australia flight moments after take-off on Monday night. Photo: Supplied / Michael Hayward

Passengers pray as fire shoots from engines

Demhardt said he and his partner were seated on their flight home from Queenstown on Monday evening when - moments after take-off - he heard a loud bang and saw flames belching from the engine near his window.

"You could see the fire and explosions and they kept coming," Demhardt said

The mood inside the cabin, at least on that section that saw what happened, quickly changed and everyone became very distressed and panicked . People started to recite prayers."

Demhardt took to checking the flight's progress on the Flightradar24 website where he could see the plane had headed south towards Invercargill.

Nearly 50 minutes after take-off, the aircraft touched down in Invercargill.

"It was quiet. There was no clapping or anything like that. It was just quiet relief. Coming from a state where you're basically resigned to the fact that you might die to then being down on the tarmac, having landed safely - thanks to the good work of the pilot - it is a state of relief. But everyone was fairly quiet and and it's obviously a moment of shock," he said.

Passengers were herded from the plane and assisted by Invercargill Airport staff who told them they would be bussed to a hotel and contacted by the airline.

But no contact came. At about 10pm, Demhardt checked his booking on Virgin Australia's app and saw an itinerary change.

He said the airline proposed a bus trip back to Queenstown followed by a flight to Brisbane and then on to Melbourne - interspersed by hours waiting in between - 18 hours of travel in total.

Demhardt said he was made to feel "like a nuisance" by call centre staff who said the airline's plan had been put in place for "safety reasons".

Photo: SUPPLIED

Virgin crew fly Air New Zealand from Invercargill

Demhardt made the call to book and pay for his own flights home with Air New Zealand - but was shocked to find himself sharing the plane with crew from the Virgin Australia flight.

He said neither of the flights - from Invercargill to Christchurch and then to Melbourne - appeared to be fully booked and he believed each had the capacity to include the 67 passengers from the diverted flight.

"It was a slap in the face to see the flight crew on the Air New Zealand flight's going back to Melbourne. It really left a sour taste. Putting your passengers through an 18-hour journey with horrendous long waiting times after a traumatic experience like this emergency landing. It's not okay. It's simply not okay," he said.

Demhardt said he had applied to Virgin Australia for reimbursement for his flights and was in the process of filing a formal complaint.

He said he was hugely grateful for the skill of the airline's pilots and the Invercargill Airport staff who worked after hours to help him and his fellow passengers, but he would never fly Virgin Australia again.

A Virgin Australia spokesperson also praised the support of Air New Zealand, Invercargill Airport and local emergency services in their handling of "very challenging circumstances".

They said they had been working directly with Demhardt to address his concerns and pointed out that he had been contacted via email the day after the flight and, at that time, appeared to be unavailable to reach by phone.

They said phone calls were made to all passengers to check on their wellbeing and passengers were offered "advice on compensation for out-of-pocket expenses" as well as "free and confidential counselling services".

Fifteen passengers had been flown directly to Melbourne from Queenstown on another airline the day after the emergency landing but seats were not available to include all passengers aboard that flight.

"The situation was made challenging by the fact that Virgin Australia does not operate its own services out of Invercargill and has a limited number of services from Queenstown (e.g., we do not offer a daily service to Melbourne). The next available Virgin Australia option was a Queenstown service to Brisbane with a connection to Melbourne, which was offered to the remaining passengers.

"While we appreciate that this was not an ideal solution, it was the best alternative Virgin Australia was able to provide taking into consideration a number of variables, in an operationally complex environment unfolding late on a Monday night," the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson did not offer comment on the transportation of the flight crew other than to say they "returned from Invercargill consistent with our post-incident protocols".

"We were impressed by the calm and measured demeanour [the pilots] demonstrated while simultaneously ensuring they seamlessly executed their standard operating procedures as part of an emergency landing.

"Our pilots and cabin crew at all times followed the instructions of air traffic control, New Zealand immigration and biosecurity services, and airport staff in managing what was ultimately a calm and successful disembarkation. We are deeply appreciative of the professionalism and guidance of all authorities as these circumstances unfolded."

Copyright © 2024 , Radio New Zealand

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