Flippin’ heck darl! Irene Roberts could be swapping the sweltering heat of Summer Bay for a spring getaway, with New Zealand offering the actress the “retirement break she deserves.”
Actress Lynne McGranger has played the strong-willed Irene Roberts on Home & Away for 33 years, making her the longest-serving female actress in an Australian drama. Earlier this month, she won an elusive Gold Logie for most popular television personality.
After being a constant presence on our television screens since 1991, Lynne has announced that she’s finished filming the show, and her character’s final storyline will play out over the coming weeks.
Sale fares from 18-20 August, seat only, one way:
- Sydney – Auckland / Christchurch: $279
- Sydney – Wellington: $259
- Sydney – Queenstown: $299
- Melbourne – Auckland / Wellington: $269
- Melbourne – Christchurch: $279
- Melbourne – Queenstown: $309
- Brisbane – Auckland / Christchurch: $269
- Brisbane – Wellington: $259
- Gold Coast – Auckland / Christchurch: $269
- Adelaide – Auckland / Christchurch / Wellington: $355
- Adelaide – Christchurch: $345
- Hobart – Auckland / Christchurch / Wellington: $335
- Sunshine Coast – Auckland: $385
- Cairns – Auckland / Christchurch / Wellington: $445
- Perth – Auckland / Christchurch / Wellington: $545
But after such a marathon career run, surely she’d need of a holiday?
René de Monchy, Tourism New Zealand Chief Executive, commented: “You’ve spent three decades working hard to entertain Aussies and Kiwis alike, and we know you’re going to want to put your feet up. So to celebrate your retirement from the show we’ve designed the ideal vacation just for you.
“There’s no better time for retirees to visit than Spring; the waterfalls in Milford Sound are likely to be in full display, you can spot humpback whales off the coast of Kaikōura, and temperatures are just right to tackle some of our easier nature walks.”
The offer for Lynne McGranger is valid for her and a guest catching any of the 117 Air New Zealand flights departing weekly between Australia and New Zealand, along with a personalised itinerary including:
- A luxurious stay at Hotel Britomart in Auckland, with an invitation to swap the Pier Diner for the fresh seafood restaurant Kingi
- A relaxing afternoon and evening at Rotorua’s Wai Ariki for 7 step geothermal bathing, mud and sauna experience
- A day casually cycling around vineyards tasting award winning Chardonnay and Syrah in Hawke’s Bay, the newest Great Wine Capital of the world
- An afternoon off the coast of Canterbury with Whale Watch Kaikoura to spot the whales, dolphins and seals
- A scenic boat trip in the pristine Abel Tasman National Park
- And stone the flamin’ crows, she’ll finish with a final hurrah at Queenstown’s prestigious Amisfield Restaurant – which was recently named the third best in the world by Food & Wine Magazine.
To pay tribute to Lynne’s incredible success with Home & Away, Air New Zealand has launched a three-day sale in her honour with one-way fares as low as $259 from Sydney, $269 from Melbourne, $345 from Adelaide, $259 from Brisbane, and $545 from Perth*.
Air New Zealand General Manager Australia Kathryn O’Brien commented: “After 30 years at home, you need some time away. We’re thrilled to host you and a guest on a trans-Tasman adventure; and because you’ve been such an icon we’re sharing the love with all of Australia thanks to our three-day sale, starting today.”
