Best Time of Year to Visit New Zealand

TRAVEL SPECIAL: The Farm at Cape Kidnappers

Set atop 6,000 rolling acres of stunning pasture-land in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand, The Farm at Cape Kidnappers affords spectacular 180-degree views of the Pacific Ocean. The perfect setting for honeymoons and romantic breakaways.

On the exterior, the Lodge resembles a cluster of farm buildings. Local materials are incorporated into graciously scaled rooms full of natural light and unexpected treasures. Comfort and ease are at a premium, with each room taking on a character of its own while harkening back to the rural feeling of the New Zealand sheep station and wine country.

The main lodge features many warm and welcoming common areas in which to relax, including lounge and dining spaces and 'outdoor rooms'. Roaring open fires, contemporary art and stylish interior design await you here. The main lodge also features a wine cellar with tasting room and a fully-equipped gymnasium.

The Lodge accommodation has 22 guest suites, and a Four Bedroom Owner's Cottage and is just a 60 minute flight from Auckland. Every suite offers its own private balcony and affords spectacular views of the property, golf course and Pacific Ocean.

Spacious cottages, each with breathtaking views, open to large porches
overlooking a stunning Pacific panorama. Each cottage suite has room controlled air conditioning, high-speed wireless internet, remote control flat screen LCD TV, DVD player, CD player with iPod connection, security safe, fully stocked mini bar, walk-in closet, spacious bathroom with heated towel rack, separate WC and shower stalls, oversized bath tub, and twin vanities. 180 degree panoramic views of the farm, golf course and Pacific Ocean are enjoyed from each suite's private balcony. Interior design is by Linda Bedell of Aspen, Colorado.

Our Culinary team always aims to source produce as locally as possible, and with an idyllic Hawke's Bay location, their "food miles" have been relatively few. Now with the Cape Kidnappers' vegetable garden in place and its close proximity to the lodge, our chefs are able to create daily menus based on what is freshest, utilising many vegetables straight from the garden and offering the most seasonal produce to our guests. Depending on the season we have a wide variety of different vegetables growing and we would be delighted to show you through.

We pride ourselves on making as much as we can on site. Our Pastry Chef makes everything from scratch here at The Farm – from cereals, cookies, breads, jams, exquisite pastries to ice cream. Our chocolate chip cookies are gaining legendary status and the smell of melting chocolate wafting from the kitchen means our chefs are making one of their wonderful desserts for the night's dinner menu.

The par 71 championship golf course measures 7,119 yards or
6,510 meters and will challenge every skill level. Designed by Tom Doak, currently the hottest architect in golf, the course has been voted Number 22 Best Golf Course in the world by Golf Digest, the world's leading authority on the subject.

The Farm at Cape Kidnappers offers a wide variety of active and passive activities for guests to enjoy during their stay. We invite you to take full advantage of everything on offer.<ul><li>full-service luxury spa
<li>fitness centre
<li>outdoor heated pool
<li>jacuzzi/spa
<li>pool cabana
<li>Golf
<li>hiking
<li>kiwi walks
<li>gannet safari
<li>farm tour
<li>Wine tours
<li>fly fishing
<li>Art Deco tour
<li>horseback riding
<li>river kayaking
<li>And more!</ul>

TRAVEL SPECIAL: Peppers Carrington Resort

Peppers Carrington Resort sits at the heart of a luxury 3000-acre estate on the Karikari Peninsula in New Zealand's Northland. This pristine region features stunning natural beauty and amazing beaches, including Maitai Bay, one of the most idyllic beaches in New Zealand, just four scenic kilometres away.

TRAVEL SPECIAL: Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki

IN THE HEART OF TE WAHI POUNAMU ....... where the Tasman Sea and its Fiordland Crested Penguins meets the ancient rainforest

On arrival we give you a copy of our current activities programme, maps and information. Forget your car for a couple of days and settle in and explore.

Radiating from the Lodge is a network of rainforest and Tasman seacoast walks. In front of the Lodge there is a fleet of canoes for you to explore the Moeraki river and you can paddle the short distance up the river to the Lake.

TRAVEL SPECIAL: Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel

Experience the sophistication of Queenstown Park Hotel, a haven of luxury accommodation for all seasons. A boutique hotel with a modern romantic style and exclusive service awaits.

Stay in designer luxury accommodation, close to Queenstown's vibrant shopping, cafes and nightlife. Savour views of Queenstown's mountains from every luxury room and suite.

Delight in your Queenstown vacation, romantic escape or executive retreat at our exclusive boutique hotel. At Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel your comfort and pleasure is our highest concern.

TRAVEL SPECIAL: Rydges Auckland

Rydges Auckland, the newest and freshest Auckland hotel, is primed to set a new standard in style, service and contemporary elegance with a well needed breath of fresh air.

The city's latest hotel mixes elements of London sophistication, Sydney cool, New York style combined with the warmth of world class Kiwi hospitality. Worthy of the most discerning traveler, Rydges Auckland is the city's best kept secret…… until now.

Offering Auckland accommodation in close proximity to the centre of the city makes it ideal for both business and leisure. Take a short stroll to the Viaduct Harbour, Auckland's stunning waterfront with an array of restaurants and bars. Auckland has an abundance of shopping to satisfy the shopping addict's in all of us right on our doorstep. High Street and the Chancery are home to original fashion designers, artists, jewelers and café owners converging on this narrow, meandering street transforming it into one of the central city's best shopping attractions. If you are here to soak up a world class concert at Vector Arena, look no further for a stylish hotel to feel like a star.

Standing proudly above the city on Hobson Street, Rydges Auckland Hotel presents the new Hobson Tower, complete with 88 stunning guest rooms to form a 267-room urban oasis in the heart of Auckland.

The newly revitalized rooms are designed to exude warmth and sublime comfort. Each accommodation includes a specialized workstation, 32 inch LCD television, air conditioning and up to the minute broadband and Wi-Fi access for the internet lovers in all of us. All rooms enjoy views of the inner city, many looking over the Sky Tower, while the Harbour View rooms enjoy sweeping views of the Auckland Harbour Bridge and the picturesque Waitemata Harbour.

Auckland is New Zealand's gateway city and we couldn't be better placed in welcoming you to the land of the long white cloud. Our friendly and attentive team are on hand to assist you in exploring Auckland and beyond. We are dedicated to ensure your expectations are exceeded with passion in a fresh and friendly contemporary hotel environment.