New Zealand
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New Zealand is an island of contrast, a land of dramatic landscape and beautiful natural scenery, over a quarter of New Zealand’s land area is National Park. The North Island offers sandy beaches and rolling green hills and is also home to New Zealand’s largest lake, Lake Taupo and the longest river, the Waikato.
The South Island is dominated by mountains and hills and offers great outdoor activities such as hiking, land and water based activities plus fantastic skiing in the winter weld. New Zealand.
New Zealand’s diversity means its two main islands combine easily to make a holiday to remember.
Below are a few of the many places to stay and visit during your stay in this fantastic country.
Auckland
Auckland – a vibrant city with a fantastic harbour offering great shopping, a fantastic choice of restaurants and cafes and with Auckland being the commercial centre of New Zealand there is a great choice of entertainment on offer. Don’t miss a trip to beautiful Waiheke Island – and island of unique art, stylish cafes and vineyards.
Rendezvous Hotel, Auckland – this hotel is New Zealand’s largest and most luxurious hotel. Located within walking distance of the shopping district, restaurants and entertainment and also Auckland’s famous harbour.
Hyatt Regency, Auckland – this deluxe hotel offers superb views of Auckland harbour and parks. Just a five-minute walk from the main shopping district. Enjoy the views from the 14th floor, Top of the Town bar, which is a great spot for s drink day or night.
Experiences not to be missed in Auckland:
- ‘Hole in the Rock supercruise – board a luxurious catamaran and set sail for the spectacular volcanic Black Rocks, pass through the awesome ‘Hole in the Rock’ and meander in and out of the many picturesque bays. You will also stop at Urapukapuka Island and here there will be time for sightseeing and a swim. Prices from £31 per person.
- Cape Reinga Wanderer – take a trip to New Zealand’s most northerly point of Cape Reinga. Included in this tour are a walk through Puketi Kauri Forest, a drive along Ninety Mile Beach and careful negotiation of the Te Paki quicksand stream. At Cape Reinga you will visit the famous lighthouse and enjoy a delicious BBQ. Prices from £42 per person.
Wellington
Wellington – discover the many delights of New Zealand’s capital city, Wellington. Te Papa is New Zealand’s bold, innovative museum set on Wellington’s waterfront and offers an insight into New Zealand’s land and people. Take a cable car ride from downtown Wellington up to the Botanical Gardens for sweeping views of Wellington City and it’s harbour.
Intercontinental Wellington hotel – a contemporary style deluxe hotel situated in the heart of Wellington’s business district and just minutes from the excellent shopping facilities Wellington has to offer. This hotel offers a stylish base to discover all of what Wellington has to offer.
Mercure Hotel, Wellington – in a great location at the top of ‘The Terrace’ offering spectacular views over the city and harbour and a short walk from the many amenities of Wellington. Guestrooms feature all the modern comforts you would expect of a 4 star hotel.
Experiences not to be missed in Wellington:
- Palliser Bay and Lord of the Rings – visit the various Lord of the Rings film sites along with additional highlights such as Rimutaka and Tararua Ranges, Featherston a top vineyard for wine tasting at Martinborough, the village of Ngawi and the wild South coast and seal colony at Palliser Bay. Prices from £65 per adult.
- Discover Kapiti Coast – travel up the coastal highway via the popular Chocolate New Zealand Factory. Visit Lindale Farm and taste some Kapiti Cheese and take in the views from Pekakariki Hill. Prices from £29 per adult.
Rotorua
Rotorua – explore geothermal wonders and discover the unique culture of New Zealand’s Maori people. From the moment you arrive in Rotorua you will smell the scent of sulphur in the air. Experience the abundance of bubbling mud pools and geothermal pools that Rotorua has to offer.
Millennium Roturua hotel – located on the outskirts of the city centre offering superb views of Lake Rotoura, however it is just a short stroll into Rotoura’s town centre.
Peppers on the Point -situated on the waters of Lake Rotoura, this luxury lodge offers it’s guest an array of activities such as massages, fishing, watersports and a gym. Every guestroom is luxuriously appointed and the lodge offers gourmet New Zealand food and wine.
Experiences not to be missed in Rotoura:
- White Island Helicopter – your flight will take you over Heli’s Gate Thermal Valley and onto the active volcano of White Island. Land at the crater’s rim and enjoy a guided walk of this fascinating natural attraction. Prices from £287 per person.
- Mount Tarawera4WD Adventure – Mt Tarawera erupted in 1886. Travel by 4WD to summit of this spectacular volcano. Spend upto 2 hours on the mountain with an optional guided walk. Prices from £55 per person.
Christchurch
Christchurch – here you will find a colourful city full of atmosphere and great attractions. Christchurch is the second largest city in New Zealand and attracts visitors wanting to unwind in the refreshing mineral waters.
Millennium Hotel – situated in the centre of the city and overlooking the Cathedral Square, this impressive hotel offers excellent accommodation and service close to the shopping. The hotel rooms all feature air-conditioning, TV, minibar, tea/coffee making facilities, bath and shower.
Hotel Grand Chancellor – this hotel boasts spectacular sweeping views over the Canterbury Plains. Conveniently located in the centre of the city with the main shopping mall just around the corner. The Grand Chancellor offers two restaurants, bar, laundry service and parking.
Experiences not to missed in Christchurch:
- Tranzalpine Experience – enjoy a spectacular train journey through some of the most magnificent scenery in New Zealand aboard the TranzAlpine train. Travel across the Canterbury Plains to the mighty snowcaped Southern Alps. After lunch, there will be time to explore the picturesque mountain village of Arthur’s Pass before departing for your return journey by coach to Christchurch. En route you will stop and enjoy an exhilarating jet boat ride through the impressive gorge on the Waimakariri River and visit a working sheep farm for late afternoon tea, followed by a sheep demonstration. Price from £112 per person.
- Kaikoura Whale Watch cruise – spend the day getting closer to nature. This morning travel to Kaikoura through the rural pastoral scenes of North Canterbury where the mountains meet the sea. Kaikoura is one of New Zealand’s leading Eco-tourism destinations and world renowned for its variety of marine mammals. Sperm and Humpback whales, dolphins and seals are all attracted here by the rich feeding grounds off the coast. On arrival, you will join a whale watch tour by boat. Following lunch there will be time to explore a fur seal colony located on the rocky shores, which surround Kaikoura. The seals may be viewed at close quarters making for excellent photographs. On your return journey to Christchurch there is the opportunity for wine tasting at either Kaikoura Vineyard Ro Waipara Springs. Price from £76 per person.
Queenstown
Queenstown – New Zealand’s self-styled outdoor adventure capital. Queenstown is the home of the stunning Lake Wakatipu. The aptly named Remarkables and the Eyre Mountains form a breathtaking backdrop to this super-active town.
Copthorne Lakefront – located five minutes walk from the centre of the resort and the lakefront of Queenstown. Copthorne Lakefront offers it guests spectacular views of the lake and mountains. In the centre of Queenstown there is an array of cafes, bars and restaurants to choose from. Lake View rooms are recommended for their superb views of Lake Wakatipu.
Grand Mercure St Moritz – in the heart of Queenstown and close to Steamer Wharf, restaurants, cafes and attractions are within a short walk. The region recently found fame in the Lord of the Rings trilogy and there are special adventures, which take in locations used in the film. Rooms are equipped with telephone, tea and coffee making facilities, minibar and bathroom with bath and shower.
Experiences not to be missed in Queenstown:
- Safari of the Rings – Choose from two itineraries or combine them for a full day tour. Join a special 4WD adventure that includes some of the locations used for ‘The fellowship of the Ring’. See outstanding natural beauty and experience the magical atmosphere captured in the film. Option one includes gold panning at Ford Brunen, Misty Mountains, Pillars of the Kings and Road to Mordor. Option two includes Lothlorien, Isengard, Ithihen Camp and Aman Hen. Prices from £46 per person.
- Shotover Trio – Start your day with a ride on the famous Shotover jet boat before an exhilarating helicopter flight over the Remarkable Mountains and Queenstown. Finish your day with a dramatic white water rafting experience. Prices from £130 per person.
Weather
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
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| Temp (°C) | 23 | 24 | 23 | 20 | 17 | 15 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 18 | 20 | 22 |
| Rainfall (inches) | 3 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 4 |
