G’day Mate, is the most popular expression of a true blue Aussie. Have you tried eating some Kiwi in New Zealand? Smart travelers are encouraged to take a step back from the busy cities of Europe and the United States and try a different road down under and perhaps visit the set of the movie “Lord of the Rings” in New Zealand.

Australia Vacations vs. New Zealand Vacations: Which Road Will You Take?

Wholeheartedly rooting for rugby’s All Blacks to destroy the Wallabies? Rather live in a Crowded House than burn the Midnight Oil? Those who do,  possess a clear preference for All Things New Zealand.

Fortunately, multi award-winning travel wholesaler Down Under Answers has a dream vacation to suit the traveler who clearly knows where their loyalties lie in the age-old “Aussie vs. Kiwi” rivalry. They have teamed up with New Zealand’s top tourism professionals to create an array of dream getaways.

Travelers favoring the New Zealand route can choose from several New Zealand vacations or packages that include both Australia and New Zealand. Prices begin at only $999 per person, with offers ending June 30, 2010 or until sold out. Contact the experts to book directly at (866) 792-5458 or visit http://www.duatravel.com/aussievskiwi/ to customize an ideal dream getaway.

“The Aussie-Kiwi debate is a fun, friendly rivalry. All of our Kiwi travel partners, from Qantas Airways to Tourism New Zealand and every organization in between, are invaluable in creating each unforgettable New Zealand vacation. Since Sir Peter Jackson’s “Lord of the Rings” movies, New Zealand travel has grown in popularity and now there are even more fantastic ways to enjoy New Zealand’s North and South Islands,” notes Down Under Answers president Kirk Demeter.

For honorary Kiwis excited to explore magnificent scenery, flora and fauna, world-class wineries, intriguing Maori culture and crowd-free golf courses, Down Under Answers offers such packages as

• Get to know the North Island with Auckland & Rotorua (5-night air and land inclusive, from $999 per person/double occupancy). Explore New Zealand’s largest city, the “City of Sails,” then pick up a rental car and drive to Rotorua, learning and relaxing along the way.
• Get the most out of a New Zealand vacation at a leisurely pace with the New Zealand RV Vacation (14-day air and land self-drive inclusive package, from $1,589 per person/double occupancy). Explore the North and South islands with plenty of time to relax in a home away from home—on wheels.
• Oenophiles should take to the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail (10-night air and land self-drive inclusive package from $3,449 per person/double occupancy). Paired with cultural highlights and gourmet meals, enjoy some of the finest Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot and Chardonnay the country has to offer while taking in lush New Zealand scenery.

Or…opt for “both roads.” Travelers who cannot choose will enjoy the luxury of Queenstown & Sydney (8-night air and land self-drive inclusive package from $1,499 per person/double occupancy). Revel in the natural beauty of New Zealand, then fly to Sydney and embark on the ultimate urban adventure in the South Pacific’s most vibrant metropolis.

New Zealand fun facts:

New Zealand was the first country to grant women suffrage in 1893.
Originating in China, the kiwifruit is also known as the Chinese Gooseberry.
The name given to New Zealand by Dutch explorer Abel Tasman was “Staten Landt,” but that the Maori name for New Zealand is Aotearoa, colloquially translated as “Land of the Long White Cloud”.

For those who adore “Flight of the Conchords,” it’s time to take flight to New Zealand. Book now, before it’s too late.

Founded in 1992, Seattle-based Down Under Answers is the industry leader in travel to Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Tahiti, the Cook Islands, Vanuatu and Dubai. Repeatedly voted Best Travel Wholesaler by Tourism New Zealand and Tourism Australia specialists, the company employs seasoned staff members to customize tours—ranging from unique, hands-on holidays to more traditional itineraries—for groups of virtually any size. For further information email info@duatravel.com, or call (800) 889-1464.

Related articles:

• Down Under Answers Partners with New Zealand Tourism Board for Vacations Starting at $999 (prweb.com)
• Postcard from New Zealand: ‘Lord of the Rings’ and well-run nature trails (crosscut.com)
• There’s nothing like… a kiwi brandjacking (mumbrella.com.au)
• Win A Trip To New Zealand For Four: The Great Kiwi Adventure and ZESPRI’s Kiwi A-Go-Go Bloggers’ Contest (prweb.com)
• On New Zealand Not Being the Same as Australia (justinelarbalestier.com)