Best Time of Year to Visit New Zealand

TRAVEL SPECIAL: Blanket Bay

Relax within our elegant yet rustic lodge surrounded by majestic alpine scenery.

Nestled amidst rugged snow capped peaks of the Southern Alps on the shores of Lake Wakatipu is New Zealand's finest Lodge – Blanket Bay. Here we celebrate the art of pure relaxation.

In this spectacular corner of New Zealand discover endless ways to restore your physical and spiritual well-being. There is nowhere else on Earth where there are so many activities so close by – fly-fishing and heli-skiing, the country's best hiking on the Routeburn or Milford Tracks, jetboating and kayaking, 4WD tours, horse riding, art trails and vineyards, plus flight-seeing over the World Heritage Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound.

We invite you to stay and find out why Blanket Bay is consistently voted one of the world's best Lodges by many prestigious publications and organizations such as Conde Nast Traveler, National Geographic, The Discovery Channel, Virtuoso, Andrew Harper's Hideaway Report, The Robb Report and Small Luxury Hotels of the World, to name a few.

TRAVEL SPECIAL: Distinction Te Anau Hotel

We invite you to enter a world where elegance and generous hospitality meet sophistication and style – creating a welcoming haven, and ensuring you leave feeling better than when you arrived.

Distinction Te Anau Hotel and Villas has recently been renovated, now offering chic, elegant accommodation for the perfect getaway. Surrounded by extensive, colourful gardens and overlooking spectacular Lake Te Anau and the Fiordland ranges, this hotel and villa accommodation sets the tone for your stay in one of the world's most breathtaking regions.

Located on the Te Anau lake front, a short stroll from the Te Anau town centre, Distinction Te Anau Hotel and Villas is perfectly situated for you to make the most of this beautiful area. If you need an escape from every day life, and a chance to indulge yourself with a relaxing holiday, this is the place for you.

Designed for your comfort, we offer 112 luxurious rooms, including standard hotel rooms, spacious villa suites, comfortable villa rooms, and deluxe suites, offering a breathtaking lake or garden view.

On-site is the renowned MacKinnon Room Restaurant offering the very best of South Island cuisine, and the Explorer Bar and Lakefront Terrace where you can relax and enjoy the uninterrupted views of Lake Te Anau with the finest ales and wines. The hotel offers the largest hotel based conference centre in the area, and its very own lakefront wedding chapel, plus extensive recreational facilities, including a spa, sauna, heated swimming pool and massage services.

There are plenty of activities ensuring visitors can find things to do while enjoying the relaxed atmosphere and picturesque surroundings. The international reputation as the 'walking capital of the world' is well earned, with Te Anau being the departure point for many excellent walking tracks. Coach and boat transfers are available to all major tracks, including the Great Walks: the Milford, Routeburn and Kepler Track. The Te Anau glow-worm caves are another attraction accessible from Te Anau with regular scheduled launch departures transporting passengers across the lake to explore these unique caves. Guided tours also depart from Te Anau daily to visit the fiords or to explore other features within the National Park.

With so much to do, see and explore all year round, a minimum 2 night stay is required to truly experience the range of activities in this truly magnificent part of New Zealand. Consider one of our tailor-made packages, or design your own package to make the most of your holiday in Te Anau.

TRAVEL SPECIAL: Edgewater Resort

With lawns stretching right to the water’s edge of Lake Wanaka, Edgewater is nestled within the spectacular Southern Alps on the South Island of New Zealand. Explore the best that Wanaka has to offer, whether you’re looking to be inspired or you’ve made some plans already. Wanaka is a stepping-stone for you to discover the wilderness of Mt Aspiring National Park.

When you arrive at the water’s edge the comforts of our spacious Wanaka accommodation will let you relax and unwind. All accommodation rooms provide spectacular views of the surrounding lawns, gardens, Lake Wanaka and beyond, to the magnificent Southern Alps. Edgewater’s guest accommodation includes hotel, suite and apartment accommodation options.

Enjoy the fresh and contemporary atmosphere in Sargoods Restaurant and Wineglass Cafe, situated at the very heart of Edgewater. Savour the outstanding New Zealand wines and cuisine, from the Wineglass Cafe menu, on the surrounding outdoors terrace area, and soak up the spectacular scenery and ambience of Lake Wanaka. There is so much Edgewater and Lake Wanaka have to offer that you may not have the time to return to our enticing Wineglass Cafe. Edgewater can arrange picnic hampers on request, should you wish to dine somewhere slightly off the beaten track. For those looking to show off their own culinary skills with a classic New Zealand barbeque, we offer gourmet barbeque packs. These can be organised at reception, and prepared by you on one of Edgewater’s gas barbeques.

Element Edgewater Day Spa services are designed to relieve your stress, strains and re-balance your body, mind and soul. Whether you come with a large group of friends, with your beloved or a day just for you, your satisfaction and comfort are our top priority. Sooth way those weary muscles with a massage or treat yourself to being pampered from head to toe, all conveniently located within Edgewater. Our spa and sauna is the perfect way to rejuvenate. Whether it’s a relaxing break from a busy schedule, or to soothe the day’s exertions on a bike or the ski slopes, experience the warmth and benefits of a modern spa and sauna.

Wanaka, the home of Edgewater, has an activity or attraction for everyone. Perhaps you’re an adventure seeker looking for a quick thrill or adventure sport, or maybe you’re a romantic wishing to whisk your beloved away for a quiet, tranquil escape or leisure activity. Perhaps you’re looking for a fun place to visit that your whole family can enjoy, or you’re here to enjoy Wanaka’s winter sports.

We provide facilities to hire either mountain bikes or kayaks, making sure our guests can explore all Wanaka has to offer. The bikes, new in August 2013, are 'Avanti 29ers' in both men and women's frames. As part of the rental we offer helmet, pump, lock and saddle bag with basic repair kit. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or looking for an afternoon’s paddle on Lake Wanaka, we can cater for all skill levels and interests.

TRAVEL SPECIAL: Grand Mercure Nelson Monaco

The award-winning Grand Mercure Nelson Monaco Resort, located in the sunny city of Nelson, is renowned for its relaxed atmosphere. All of its cottages, restaurant and facilities are arranged around a beautiful, village-style setting.

Gorgeously landscaped around its own quiet stream and village green, it's the perfect place to disappear and relax. Take a tour of our site to see everything Grand Mercure Nelson has to offer you!

TRAVEL SPECIAL: Heritage Queenstown

Queenstown, New Zealand's mountain playground, is now compared with the great alpine accommodation of the world and is home to the sumptuous Heritage Queenstown Hotel. This is a resort that will simply leave you breathless.

At Heritage Queenstown you could be forgiven for thinking you were in a postcard. Soak in the amazing view of the towering Remarkables mountain range rising from the rippled waters of Lake Wakatipu from your choice of room, suite or three-bedroom villa. The hotel's Queenstown holiday apartments are perfect for families.