Best Time of Year to Visit New Zealand

TRAVEL SPECIAL: Grand Chancellor Auckland Airport

Find true comfort and convenience at Hotel Grand Chancellor Auckland Airport. Our 4-star hotel near Auckland Domestic & International Airport delights even the most discerning of travellers with an atmosphere so quiet you might be surprised to learn the airport is just three kilometres away.

Enjoy the easiest of arrivals and departures, with a twice-hourly airport shuttle waiting to transport you from the terminal to our doorstep. For guests conducting business in the city, Hotel Grand Chancellor Auckland Airport is just 17 kilometres from the Central Business District. Success is ensured for onsite conferences with the help of our professional meeting specialists.

Choose your pleasure of accommodation, from well-thought-out Stopover Rooms to exceptionally appointed Executive Suites that have anticipated every travel need. Private balconies or patios with pool and garden views are ideal for relaxing after a long flight, while 24-hour room service from Places Café allows time zone hopping guests to dine at their convenience. In addition to the outdoor pool, the hotel's modern gym and sauna offer a well-deserved escape from travel fatigue.

TRAVEL SPECIAL: Lakeland Resort Taupo

Lakeland Resort is situated on the beautiful shores of Lake Taupo, New Zealand's largest lake and world renowned for its trout fishing and scenery.

Set amidst 2.8 acres of landscaped grounds, complete with 64 well equipped studio units, with 42 plasma flat screen TV, tennis court, outdoor seasonal swimming pool, 2 private indoor spa pools, guest laundry facilities, ample off-street parking, 2 conference rooms and the Lakeland Bar and Brasserie.

Lakeland Resort offers relaxing and comfortable accommodation, superb conference and function facilities with The Lakeland Bar & Brasserie serving divine cuisine.

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: Kingsgate Hotel Greymouth

Situated right in the centre of the town, Kingsgate Hotel Greymouth is perfectly located for easy access to the West Coast's spectacular scenic attractions. A 3 Star Plus Qualmark rated hotel, Kingsgate Hotel provides ideal accommodation and facilities for holiday makers, team building events and conferences alike. Visiting the wild and beautiful West Coast of the South Island is like stepping back in time to New Zealand the way it used to be - an unspoilt landscape, slower pace and a welcome that's genuinely warm and heartfelt. At the historic Kingsgate Hotel Greymouth, you'll get all those things along with the service and comfort you'd expect from an international hotel.

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.