Best Time of Year to Visit 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.

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: Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua

Sudima Lake Rotorua is the perfect destination for your Rotorua holiday! We offer comfort, charm and convenience in an ideal location.
Set on the shores of beautiful Lake Rotorua, Sudima Lake Rotorua is the largest hotel in Rotorua, and a great choice for business or pleasure. Adjacent to the world famous Polynesian Spa, Rotorua Museum and Government Gardens, the hotel is a short stroll from Rotorua's vibrant city centre, Convention Centre and the Energy Events Centre.

Recently refurbished, the Lakes Restaurant & Mallards Bar provide the perfect dining experience. Lakes Restaurant will delight you with its first-class service and a fresh approach to top-quality dining for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Our lavish buffet breakfast is just the right way to start an action-packed day in Rotorua. Open daily, Mallards Bar offers the ideal venue for a quiet drink while taking in the magnificent view over Lake Rotorua. Alternatively enjoy a round of pool while catching all the sports action on our big-screen TV. In-room dining is also available for guests 24-hours a day.

We are pleased to offer our guests a range of facilities for your enjoyment. Enjoy a swim in the heated swimming pool, or relax in one of our three private spas, or. Or why not book in for some relaxing massage therapy.

To ensure you stay connected, we have high-speed broadband internet throughout the hotel, including guest rooms and common areas. Our restaurant and bar can cater for all your dining needs and room service is available 24 hours a day. You can choose to be entertained with a concert and hangi feast designed to give you a taste of our local Maori culture.

Te Roopa Manaia, an award-winning Maori cultural group, put on a nightly concert and hangi feast for our guests. You'll even have the opportunity to perform Maori dances and songs with the group if you choose!

Watch in awe as two warriors perform a formal Powhiri (welcome), be thrilled by the Haka, see the skillful Poi dancers, enjoy traditional and contemporary Maori songs and hear the rich tapestry of Maori legends in this two hour long event.

The traditional Maori entertainment is complimented by a traditional hangi feast, all cooked underground using geothermal steam. There is also a mouth-watering buffet selection of Eastern and Western cuisine as well as divine desserts, including the very Kiwi pavlova.

Rotorua is undoubtedly one of New Zealand's premier tourism destinations. Here you can witness some of nature's most powerful forces, experience the richness of Maori culture and be thrilled by the vast array of adventure activities and attractions on offer. All activities can be arranged through the hotel, so make sure you're staying close to all the action at Sudima Lake Rotorua Hotel.

TRAVEL SPECIAL: Silver Fern Motor Inn

Rotorua Accommodation at its finest, Silver Fern Accommodation & Spa offers plenty to make your stay in Rotorua an enjoyable one.

Silver Fern is conveniently located just minutes from Rotorua’s city centre and close to many popular thermal attractions, cafés, restaurants and golf courses.

Silver Fern provides relaxed friendly service. Each suite comes with stylish furnishings and facilities offering the perfect blend of comfort, luxury and sophisticated elegance.

All our suites are spacious, well appointed, quiet, secure and have a private spa pool or double spa bath for you to unwind and relax.

Enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi, Sky TV and DVD/CD facilities during your stay. A continental or cooked breakfast can be delivered to your room every morning of your stay and an 11am check out will make your stay in Rotorua totally memorable.

Your hosts, Shirley and Allan, look forward to welcoming you at Silver Fern Accommodation and Spa.

TRAVEL SPECIAL: Bayview Wairakei Resort Hotel Taupo

Wairakei Resort Taupo located only 5 minutes north of Taupo town centre, offers superb hotel accommodation in Taupo, excellent indoor & outdoor leisure facilities and dining as well as a purpose built Taupo conference venue, all located in a stunning historic setting, close to Taupo's many attractions. Our spacious Taupo hotel is the place for all occasions; whether it is business or leisure, you will find everything you need right here.

Since the late 1800's, people have come from all over the world to experience the beauty of Lake Taupo and to stay at the wonderful Wairakei Resort. For over a hundred years our guests have enjoyed Wairakei Resort's style, comfort, beautiful scenery and the finest cuisine. Today the Wairakei Resort Hotel in Taupo is the largest international 4-star resort in the central North Island but the hotel still enjoys a wonderful historic atmosphere.