Best Time of Year to Visit New Zealand

TRAVEL SPECIAL: Hotel St Moritz

Idyllically located in the heart of delightful Queenstown, New Zealand’s premier four season lake and alpine resort, Hotel St Moritz embodies the spirit of its location. With breathtaking views overlooking Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables mountain range, Hotel St Moritz has gained somewhat of an iconic status.

Combining a refreshing blend of stylish understatement overlaid with warmth and genuine hospitality – there is little pretence here, allowing guests to immerse fully into the natural alpine environment of the Queenstown region. Sophisticated interiors are reminiscent of an upscale mountain lodge, and the classic lodge facilities include an outdoor hot tub garden, boutique gymnasium, and sauna. Hotel St Moritz offers a choice of rooms, suites, and apartments, each handsomely appointed to cleverly blend timeless classics with modern essentials.

The multi award-winning Hotel St Moritz was honoured to be inducted into Tourism New Zealand’s Hall of Fame in 2004 for winning ‘Premium Hotel’ in New Zealand for three consecutive years. After a mandatory stand down period, the hotel was the first to re-enter the awards to celebrate the hotel’s 10th birthday, refurbishment and entry into Accor’s exclusive MGallery collection – winning ‘Best Hotel and Resort’ and ‘Best Visitor Accommodation’ at the 2008 New Zealand Tourism Awards.

Queenstown is considered New Zealand’s capital of adventure – a destination for a voyage of discovery at the bottom of the world. The resort is a popular destination with skiers and snowboarders in the winter and cyclists, hikers and outdoor enthusiasts year round.

The interior design and decor of Hotel St Moritz’s 134 rooms, suites and apartments convey an understated elegance which is complemented by richly decorated and wooden furnishings. An eclectic mix of colour and texture create a sense of warmth set against the backdrop of dramatic lake views.

The spaciousness of the guest rooms are a defining element of the hotel, with the suites and apartments a true residence from which to explore the surrounding region. All guest rooms at Hotel St Moritz feature king size beds, ensuite bathrooms, bespoke bathrobes, high speed internet access, a dedicated work area, spacious dining and living areas in suites, iPod docks, a mini-bar and luxury Aigner bathroom amenities.

The award-winning Lombardi Restaurant boasts enthralling views of dramatic mountains, lake and the charming township of Queenstown. Attracting locals and in-house guests alike, the offering here is compelling. From the relaxed and convivial bar to the brassiere-style dining room, Hotel St Moritz offers a choice of dining style to suit mood and moment. The Library also serves as a private dining room for intimate occasions. Lombardi Restaurant and Bar presents a carefully crafted wine list that focuses on the famous Pinot Noir variety renowned in the Central Otago region. Hotel St Moritz has won numerous accolades for its fare including Best Restaurant in Queenstown, Chef of the Year – Monteiths’ Wild Food Challenge and most recently, Best Lamb Dish in Central Otago at the New Zealand Beef and Lamb Awards.

Catering to conference and incentive groups, Hotel St Moritz launched an informal Private Dinner menu named “South”. Served in The Den, the fare is entirely organic and matched with an organic wine selection. Perfect for up to 40 guests, dishes are served to the table in a succession of courses in classic St Moritz style to taste and share. Drawing on all the senses, this dining experience is made complete with its own soundtrack and scent (from fresh thyme).

Hotel St Moritz has been awarded the highest accolade for responsible tourism in New Zealand, the Qualmark Enviro-Gold certification. St Moritz has implemented a raft of environmental initiatives, some of which are designed to encourage guests to become more involved in reducing their impact on the environment. For example, each room has recycling bags for paper and plastics, a guest recycling receptacle is situated in the car park, and guests can opt to reuse towels and sheets as part of “Trees for Survival”, an initiative by Accor that involves the local primary who will grow and nurture native seedlings for planting in key neighbourhood areas. Lombardi Restaurant sources local produce where possible and even makes homemade house feta. The unique South dinner also features organic local fare.

TRAVEL SPECIAL: Millenium Hotel Queenstown

Millennium Hotel Queenstown is located on Frankton Road, the main road into Queenstown. Just 6 kilometers from the airport and only minutes away from the Queenstown central shopping, entertainment and outdoor activities such as bungee jumping, white water rafting and jet boating. Coronet Peak ski area is only 20 minutes away; Remarkables ski area is 25 kilometersaway and Cardrona ski field is 65 km to the north.

Millennium Hotel Queenstown is a 4 Star Plus and Enviro-Silver Qualmark Rated Hotel, with 220 guest rooms, meetings facilities, business centre, gym, sauna, spa, bar and restaurant

TRAVEL SPECIAL: Peppers Parehua Martinborough

Just over an hour by road from Wellington is the world famous wine-growing region of Wairarapa with vineyards, pastoral farms, and rolling green hills on a rugged New Zealand coast. On its outskirts lies Peppers Parehua Martinborough – a meticulous sprawling Parehua country estate, with large sweeping gardens, luxury Martinborough accommodation and panoramic views. A complete destination in its own right, Peppers Parehua Martinborough takes you on a journey where the region's best food and wine takes centre stage and your every wish and desire is catered to. After all, your Peppers experience is truly all about you.

Peppers Parehua offers luxurious accommodation in the beautifully scenic district of Martinborough, the Cottages and Villas are character filled with charming touches. The decor is contemporary with neutral tones and splashes of colours that blend in with the surrounding landscape. All rooms have a delightful open fireplace giving a warm and cosy ambiance. Choose from our Winemakers Cottages, Secluded Cottages, Garden Cottages, Lakeside Cottages, and Woodland Villas all featuring New Zealand art and providing the perfect retreat for romance, celebrations or just a little time out for yourself.

Let food and wine take centre stage. Let Pavilion Restaurant Martinborough at Peppers Parehua introduce you to the best of the region. World-class food and wine have long been synonymous with Peppers. It's just something they have known would always appeal to those that appreciate the finer things in life. Relax and indulge in the retreat's onsite Pavilion Restaurant intimate dining room and take pleasure in a deliciously intriguing menu overlooking the meticulous gardens of the country estate, whether you choose from a full a la carte service or a defined six-course degustation menu. Whether you prefer wine or beer to complement your meal, let the team cater to your every whim.

Peppers Parehua Martinborough features the Pavilion – a perfect space to play board games, read and relax whilst looking out on the surrounding lawns and trees. The Pavilion also has a restaurant and open-air bar where guests can enjoy pre-dinner drinks. Bicycles are also available for hire for those who wish to venture further through the village and Martinborough vineyard tours. There are just so many things to do in Martinborough, you'll be spoilt for choice each day. Take time out to relax at Spa Boutique Parehua, be pampered with luxurious treatments by our highly qualified therapists and experience complete relaxation onsite at our beautiful spa at Peppers Parehua Martinborough.

Sitting in the midst of internationally acclaimed vineyards, Peppers Parehua gives you the freedom to choose your own magical setting for your Wairarapa wedding. Whether you wish to exchange vows by the willow-fringed lake or have an indoor winter wedding by the roaring fireplace, Peppers Parehua promises a heart-stirring Martinborough wedding during every season.

Martinborough on New Zealand's North Island is one of the world's greatest wine growing regions, with over 40 wineries and many more vineyards growing grapes. Renowned for its pinot noir, Martinborough wineries have also received international awards for many of their other varieties. Located in the Wairarapa region and just over 75 minutes east of Wellington, the village of Martinborough is a unique wine village with 30 wineries within walking distance, a charming town square, numerous restaurants, cafes, galleries and heritage architecture. The close proximity of the region's attractions allow you to create your own Martinborough wine touring experience.

The history of winemaking in Martinborough goes back to 1978 when the first vineyard was planted but it wasn't until 1986 when Larry McKenna arrived from Delegatas in Auckland to take charge of the winemaking at Martinborough Vineyard that national and international accolades and recognition were achieved. Many of the wineries are open for tastings and sales throughout the year and several also have restaurant or cafe facilities serving exquisite food. If time does not allow for travelling to all the wineries, in the centre of town the Martinborough Wine Centre offers a wide range of the region's wines for you to sample all under one roof.

TRAVEL SPECIAL: The Langham

The Langham Hotel Auckland embodies the enchanting hospitality and timeless elegance of the original Langham grand hotel.

Distinguished among Auckland hotels, the five-star Langham Hotel Auckland is a haven of tranquility in the heart of this vibrant city.

The seasoned traveler will appreciate The Langham Auckland Hotel for both its classic charm and innovative amenities.

When you visit New Zealand, a wonderland of refined indulgence awaits you at our luxury Auckland hotel.