Best Time of Year to Visit New Zealand

TRAVEL SPECIAL: Kauri Cliff

Located on 6,000 acres near Matauri Bay, The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs is Northland's premier luxury vacation destination.

The Lodge affords spectacular 180-degree views of the Pacific Ocean. Enjoy exquisite Pacific Rim cuisine prepared by our talented chefs whilst taking in stunning panoramic views of Cape Brett and the offshore Cavalli Islands from the verandas, lounge, card and dining rooms.

Offering 22 guest suites, and a two Bedroom Owner’s Cottage. Every suite offers its own private porch, bedroom with sitting area and open fireplace, walk-in-wardrobe and ensuite. The cottages are nestled in a native forest overlooking the golf course and the Pacific Ocean.

Fish, dive or discover New Zealand’s pristine shorelines, play your best ever round on our world-class golf course or indulge in a therapeutic treatment at our full service luxury spa . Kauri Cliffs is just a 45 minute flight from Auckland and offers a range of facilities that accommodate all luxury vacation requirements.

TRAVEL SPECIAL: Te Waonui Forest Retreat

Creating a luxury hotel retreat in Franz Josef on New Zealand's South island was an opportunity for the Scenic Hotel Group to do something truly unique. We named this very special luxury hotel of ours, the Te Waonui Forest Retreat, and invite you to share a unique eco-retreat experience in the heart of the rainforest.

Te Waonui Forest Retreat is at the cutting edge of sustainable, luxury hotel accommodation. Great care has been taken to not only respect and preserve the environment around the property, but to celebrate and embrace the rainforest within the hotel design.

Every aspect of this luxury hotel has been crafted to an impeccable standard. Comfort is a top priority, with luxuriously appointed rooms featuring soft woollen underlays and plush down and wool duvets. The energy efficient rooms in the hotel feature double-glazing and deluxe soundproofing technology. In the appropriately named Canopy Restaurant guests can enjoy sumptuous meals with the freshest West Coast and South Island produce presented in a five-course degustation menu.

Our commitment to service includes attentive front office staff, valet parking, 24-hour reception and more.

Throughout the hotel you will find eco-friendly features such as natural lighting, soft timbered detailing, natural colour schemes and recycled local materials that make Te Waonui feel at one with its surroundings. Furniture and fixings include natural wool carpets, organic cotton bedspreads and even possum skin cushioning.

Te Waonui Forest Retreat is a new and innovative venture for Scenic Hotel Group and raises the bar in luxury sustainable hotel accommodation in New Zealand.

The Scenic Hotel Group's other brands are Heartland Hotels and Scenic Hotels and Suites. The Scenic Hotel Group head office is in Christchurch in the South Island.

TRAVEL SPECIAL: Best Western President Hotel

Best Western President Hotel Auckland is located in the absolute centre of Auckland City and only 100 metres walking distance to Sky Tower, Sky City Casino and 50 metres to Queen Street, with its shopping and attractions and the central business district.

120 non-smoking rooms with air-conditioning. Ideal for free and independent travellers, family, group and corporate clients. The best value for money in the mid-range accommodation in Auckland CBD without sacrificing quality, space and comfort at an exceptional value.

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: Treetops Lodge and Estate

Treetops Lodge offers the ultimate in world-class luxury accommodation in the heart of New Zealand’s unique forest and thermal wonderland, trout fishing mecca and cultural capital, Rotorua.

Nestled in 2,500 acres of 800-year old native forest, this ecology inspired award-winning lodge is a nature lovers sanctuary. Located in the trout fishing capital with rivers, lakes, waterfalls and 35 miles hiking trails. New are their natural heritage and native wilderness inspired ‘Signature Experiences’ offered daily. Also offering, helicopter adventures, a dedicated spa, and access to The Kinloch Club, an 18 hole Jack Nicklaus designed golf course.

Escape for a few days to your own piece of paradise and savour the peace, tranquillity and spectacular surroundings that engulf you at Treetops.