Reasons To Visit New Zealand
This small nation has established a name for fabulous wineries, many internationally acclaimed. Whilst most will point connoisseurs to the Marlborough region for the finest vintages, Hawkes Bay and Martinborough should not be ignored. A trip here would not be complete without trying the local 'fush 'n' chups' or traditional Maori fare either.
For a small country, New Zealand incorporates landscapes as diverse as they come. Mountains, volcanoes, beaches, lakes, fiords, valleys and caves - to the everyday traveller these remarkable sights are other-worldly. Both the North and South islands share many common features, but are also wonderfully contrasting.
It's not necessary to throw yourself off a suspended platform in order to fully experience New Zealand. Alternative options include air safaris over White Island, heli-hiking the Fox and Franz Josef glaciers and wilderness cruises in Milford and Doubful Sounds.
New Zealanders are proud of their Maori roots. Maori song, dance and mythology are prevalent, towns are adorned with carvings and rooms are dressed in flax weavings. Most physical locations also have Maori names with literal translations such as Waimakariri River (Cold water river).
The 'outdoors' perception of New Zealanders is not something consciously cultivated; with such a plentitude of mountains, beaches, fiords lakes and forests on their doorstep it is simply a way of life.
New Zealand has wonderful roads - scenic, safe and, especially on the South Island, largely empty. They even drive on the left and some of the most scenic routes are waymarked. There are car hire stations at all of New Zealand's airports.
There are so many excellent hikes - or 'tramps' as the locals call them - in New Zealand that it is sometimes difficult to know which one to select. We feature several of the country's 'great walks' which can easily be incorportated into any itinerary.
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New Zealand and the South Pacific
Few towns in the world - if any - have so dramatic a setting as Queenstown, on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and backed by the constantly dramatic ‘Remarkables’ Mountains.
Overlooking Queenstown Bay, with spectacular lake and mountain views, Queenstown House offers charming, elegant accommodation with a relaxed atmosphere and a genuine commitment to provide New...
With its walled courtyard and balconies facing the sun, Brown’s has a distinctly European feel. The outlook, however, is quintessentially Kiwi, facing the impressive peaks of the Remarkables...
Just a short stroll through a peaceful park from the centre of Queenstown, Central Ridge Boutique Hotel offers a tranquil, relaxing environment despite having a central town location. The...
Evergreen Lodge is only a few minutes drive from central Queenstown yet is set in peaceful natural surroundings that convey remoteness and a feeling of total seclusion. The lodge...
The Heritage Hotel is modern in design, but draws heavily on its Alpine lodge inspiration. A roaring log fire in the stone reception area sets the scene, and this cosy ambience is reflected...
Set in a beautifully converted 1920's general store, The Dairy Private Hotel is a welcoming small boutique hotel only 150 metres from the town centre and its amenities, surrounded by wonderful...
Stunningly set overlooking Lake Wakatipu, this luxury lodge offers fine dining, superb service and comforts in this wonderful setting. After your busy day in Queenstown, come back...
Tucked under the Remarkables mountain range just ten minutes drive from Queenstown Airport this traditional historic lodge has been lovingly restored and extended to create a luxury...
This super-modern hotel is in the heart of Queenstown, only a few minutes from the lake edge. All ten of the luxuriously appointed guest suites are state-of-the-art, with multimedia stations...
With possibly the best location in Queenstown this hotel has the town and the lake on its doorstep and is a prime example of contemporary provincial elegance, stylishly furnished with...
14 days from £2,830pp
19 days from £3,145pp
21 days from £5,085pp
Southern Lakes, 9 miles away
Southern Lakes, 18 miles away
Southern Lakes, 33 miles away
Southern Lakes, 44 miles away
Southern Lakes, 53 miles away
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