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: 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: Azur Lodge

It would be hard to imagine a more perfect view than the one from Azur Lodge, this luxury accommodation offers amazing uninterrupted views of Lake Wakatipu & the surrounding mountains. Azur offers nine identical free standing villas and a main lodge that houses the lobby, breakfast dining room & stunning guest lounge.

Azur is located on a hilltop in a private & secluded part of Queenstown offering complete privacy & isolation, yet it is only 5 minutes by complementary transfer from downtown & 15 minutes from Queenstown Airport. Azur is renowned for personalized friendly and professional service, nothing is too much trouble.

TRAVEL SPECIAL: Bay Plaza Hotel Wellington

A warm welcome to one of Wellington's best-loved hotels in New Zealand's exciting harbour capital. Bay Plaza Hotel 40-44 Oriental Parade, Wellington.
Can there be a better quality yet affordable place to experience Wellington's wonders?

Just a short drive to the airport, rail and ferry terminals – and a very short walk to explore the vibrant waterfront, city bays and beaches, the incredible national museum Te Papa, top shops, weekend gourmet food market and the entertainment zone filled with the city's best bars, restaurants and cafes. Working in the central business district? Be there in minutes by taxi, bus or a delightful walk along the waterfront.

Love the look out
Views from every window of the city, harbour or historic homes of Mt Victoria will wow you. On the inside, you'll equally love our beautiful décor, smart clean rooms and the professional, friendly service that means we get many return guests.

Have a sustainable stay
We look after you and the planet. The Bay Plaza Hotel has long been dedicated to sustainable tourism, with recycling, water-wise and beach clean-up initiatives that have proudly earned us Earthcheck benchmarking, a Qualmark 3 Star Plus rating and Qualmark Enviro-Silver.

Our restaurant serves market-fresh, creative New Zealand cuisine for you to enjoy. Choose from the wide range of options on our menus, which feature delicious meals designed to please every palate. With first-floor windows looking out to Wellington Harbour, this is a very special spot to meet friends or family, dine alone, host a business lunch, or take a date.

Take some time out and relax over drinks in our friendly house bar. Enjoy a range of food and beverages including cocktails, fine wines and premium beers, served with a smile day or night. You can continue at the famous bars and clubs in Courtenay Place just a short walk away – known as not only the best place to party in Wellington, but also New Zealand.

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.