Posts Tagged resort

How to Choose Hotel Accommodation in Auckland New Zealand

When choosing a hotel in New Zealand, a great starting point is to understand their star ratings. The Qualmark system in New Zealand and Australia has a star grading for accommodation and is New Zealand Tourism’s official mark of quality:

- Basic acceptance is that a 1 star will meet the customers’ minimum requirements – Basic, clean, and comfortable.

- 3 stars and the accommodation provider provides a range of facilities and services and achieves a good to very good quality standard.

- The highest standard is 5 stars and is considered to be amongst the best in that country.

The AAA (US) rating system applies a similar method and rates accommodation on a one to five Diamonds scale. Many Hotel providers also use a “self rating” system and this shouldn’t be taken as a negative in most cases. Larger Hotel chains have developed their own rating systems that accurately reflect what options are available for each of their resorts.

Star ratings can be a good guide for pricing, but should not be the sole decider, when choosing your Auckland hotel.

It is expected that a 1 star Hotel room will be cheaper than a 5 star. But for those 2, 3 and 4 star hotels, specials, last minute offers and specific locations can lead to a 2 star hotel being more expensive than a 4 star. For example, a 3 star hotel located in Auckland city centre, could charge more than a 5 star hotel an hour out of town. This needs to be kept in mind when choosing a place to stay, but don’t let price be your indicator of quality and comfort.

With cost in mind, think also about what your stay is intended for.

If you are visiting friends or family in Auckland, then try to consider your choices based on location. Meaning that you can get to (and leave as quickly) your guests location without any major requirements or inconveniences to them.

If your travel is for business, do you really need to be located in the city?

Unless you can walk to your meetings, maybe a hotel at Auckland airport will suit your purposes better. Just like any other day, you will be heading into work for 8-12 hours and should have no real need to return to your hotel room throughout the day.

With it’s international airport, Auckland has a plentiful array of hotels and offerings for travelers. Hotels near the airport tend to cost less than those in the central business district and cater predominantly to business people. You will also avoid having to get up hours earlier than needed. By staying close to the transport hubs you avoid the need to allow additional time for delays and traffic jams prior to departure. Plus most Airport hotels provide a free shuttle service. One thing we have also noted is that the staff in Airport hotels take wake-up calls seriously – They know the importance of these calls and the consequences. So unlike many other stays, I have never missed a flight (due to a missed wake up call) when staying at an Airport Hotel.

It is a good idea to also list in writing, what you want in a hotel stay. Quality ratings are a good indicator of comfort, but do you want to pay for options you know you probably won’t use? Most websites will list all the amenities such as 24 hour reception, mini-bar, room service, valet, laundry etc. Compare these offerings and if you find you’re paying 20-30% more for the use of a gym or sauna (that you probably won’t use), then theses savings are worthwhile.

Finally, decide on what your budget is and stick with it. Search online and try last minute accommodation websites which offer great discounts for those travelers wanting to book at the last minute. But don’t always just take the hotel rate into account when deciding as there may be some inclusions on offer. These could include free breakfast, a drink voucher and discount tickets to local attractions or free parking. If you are traveling with kids serviced apartments have become popular choices because of the kitchen facilities and the ability to cook your own food and thus save money. Also consider taking smaller more frequent breaks as apposed to a long getaway.

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Discover New Zealand by Car Hire

New Zealand is divided into two islands each offering something different and the best way to see it all is by hiring a car.

New Zealand Car Hire Tip – Drive on the left and give way to traffic approaching from the right.

The Northern Island is the smaller of the two islands although about 75% of New Zealand’s population live there. Auckland, known as ‘the city of sails’ is the largest city in the northern part of the island. Sailboats and yachts are an impressive sight and line the waterfront around Auckland.

There’s lots to do in and around Auckland. Just as in any large city the shopping is great and there are numerous traditional markets and many attractions, vineyards and beaches a short hour drive of the city. Waitakere Ranges Park is perfect for family fun. It’s full of green forests, waterfalls and canyons as well as beaches with great surfing and horse riding. From Auckland get on the North Western Motorway, turning left at Lincoln North, this will bring you to Waitakere. If you’re an adrenalin junkie you’ll love it here – popular activities in the area include skydiving, paragliding, kayaking, and windsurfing.

Kelly Tarlton’s Antarctic Encounter & Underwater World is about 15 minutes drive from Auckland. This is a magical experience and perfect for a family day out. Head along the scenic Tamaki Drive to get here.

New Zealand Car Hire Tip – The distances are in Kilometres and the speed limit on the open road is 100km/hr. In built up areas it’s 50km/hr.

Travel south along the Southern Motorway and after a couple of hours you’ll reach Tauranga, the largest city in the ‘Bay of Plenty’ region. Tauranga is great for beaches, shopping and has some excellent restaurants. White water rafting is very popular here on the Wairoa River between Tauranga and Matamata.

The Southern Motorway will take you from Auckland to Rotorua and here you can take in some traditional Maori singing and dancing. Rotorua is the tourism capital of the North Island and it’s also where you’ll see the famous geysers. Some geothermal attractions include Waimangu Volcanic Valley, Whakarewarewa Thermal Village, Te Puia and Kuirau Park.

New Zealand Car Hire Tip – all passengers have to wear safety belts.

The spectacular Waitomo Caves are definitely worth a visit. To get here, head west from Rotorua and continue along the Southern Highway. From here you could drive south to the capital Wellington which is located in the south of the island. Wellington is the cultural capital of New Zealand and home to the country’s National Museum. It has a stunning harbour and is surrounded by hills. Activities here include mountain biking and bush walking while popular attractions well worth checking out include Wellington Zoo, the Botanic Gardens and the Museum of Wellington City and Sea.

From Wellington it’s possible to hop on a car ferry to Picton on the South Island. The 19km stretch of water, known as Cook Strait, will take about three and a half hours to cross, It’s definitely worth the experience though! Alternatively you can take the more speedy catamaran.

From Picton you can visit the east coast city of Christchurch by travelling on the Southern Highway. The vibrant city has many attractions, festivals, theatres and art galleries and lots of shopping opportunities. Christchurch is also known for its gardens and the standard of restaurants here is exceptional. Christchurch also has skiing and snowboarding opportunities and is blessed with amazing scenery.

New Zealand Car Hire Tip – There is zero tolerance to drink driving in New Zealand. Do not consume alcohol and then drive.

Drive south along the coast and head for Dunedin. Dunedin is an excellent example of a well-preserved Victorian city in the southern hemisphere. There’s loads to do and see here including a chocolate factory, historic houses, gardens, galleries and museums. Larnach Castle is well worth a visit. It’s set on 35 acres of landscaped gardens and boasts stunning views over the bay. Baldwin Street in Dunedin is said to be the steepest street in the world.

The well-known city of Queenstown is a holiday destination for all seasons. In the wintertime Queenstown turns into a winter wonderland. It offers fantastic skiing and snowboarding opportunities and people come from all over the world to test their skills.

Golfers should take the opportunity to play on some of the most picturesque courses in the world. These include Millbrook Resort, Arrowtown and Frankton – these areas are also great for fishing.

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Ski Holidays in New Zealand – Where is the Snow Skiing in the South Island of New Zealand?

Now is the time to get excited and to get your snow gear ready to head to New Zealand this winter to have some serious fun in the snow.

Here is some up to date information on the main three South Island New Zealand ski areas.

Opening Dates 2009 ski season:

  • Coronet Peak and The Remarkables are scheduled to open on Saturday 6 June and Saturday 20 June respectively
  • Mt Hutt is scheduled to open on Saturday 13 June

CORONET PEAK QUEENSTOWN Lifts: 1 detachable Quad lift, 1 Triple Chair, 1 Double Chair, 1 T- Bar lift, 1 Magic Carpet and 1 Beginner tow lift Terrain: For Beginners 20%, for Intermediate skiers 45% and advanced 35% Season: Early June – Early October Facilities: Everything you need for your New Zealand Ski holidays and children are well catered for and if you forgot to bring any clothing or accessories you can purchase them from the Retail outlet shop Drive from Queenstown to the mountain: 25 minutes (18kms) Ski Shuttles: Daily service to/from Queenstown Operating Hours: 9:00am to 4:00pm Night Skiing: Mid July to mid September, Friday and Saturday nights 4:00pm until 9:00pm

Coronet Peak’s South Island Ski Season has open slopes and wide rolling terrain and with only a short drive from Queenstown is the New Zealand most popular ski resort It is the first New Zealand resort so this is the original one and leads the way with quality. Coronet Peak has everything for your NZ Ski Holidays – from easy beginner to rolling off-piste slopes including long well groomed runs. Whatever your style or speed, there is something for everyone to enjoy their NZ Ski Holidays including amazing views from the top.

Coronet Peak also offers night skiing which is an experience out of this world and not to be missed – only the main trails are lit up for night skiing. If you get hungry or wish to rest the West End or Rocky Gully Cafes are open for great meals and drinks At the Base lodge you can get mountain chains, tickets and rental, also food and beverage.

The Remarkables Queenstown Lifts: 3 Quad Chair lifts, 1 Magic Carpet & 1 Beginner Tow Terrain: Beginners 30%, Intermediates 40%, Advanced 30% Season: Late June – mid October Facilities: Everything you need to make your Ski Holidays enjoyable including a children’s crache, self service cafe, ski and board repair and rental, a shop where you can purchase gloves, hats and scarf’s etc Drive from Queenstown town centre: 45 minutes (26kms) from QueenstownFor clients with no vehicle a daily Ski Shuttle runs from/to Queenstown.

Across the valley lies the Remarkable’s – Queenstown’s real alpine ski area. The emphasis here is in joining in and having serious fun on the New Zealand ski slopes – especially if you are a beginner or advanced skier or rider looking for a serious adrenaline kick!

The Remarkables enjoys three sunny sheltered bowls framed by towering peaks, and is known for its friendly and very relaxed atmosphere. This New Zealand Ski area is a wonderful place to learn to ski with the easy to use chair lift. For the more adventurous ones you will find lots of challenging terrain you have never seen before. The Remarkables offers one of the longest off-piste runs on the south island. Children are well catered for. If they are ten years or younger they will receive a free day lift pass and ensure that your New Zealand Ski holidays will be remarkable and unforgettable. Check out the new tubing park – it offers even greater fun in the snow for small and big children.

In addition to the above, all Multiday Lift passes and Combo Packages to the Remarkable’s include this year free transport to/from the Queenstown Snow Centre at Duke Street (The Station) – opposite the Hotel Sofitel.

MT HUTT – METHVEN CANTERBURYLifts: 1 Quad Chair, 1 Triple Chair, 3 T-Bars, 2 Platters and 2 beginner tows Terrain: Beginners 25%, Intermediates 50%, Advanced 25% Ski Shuttles: Daily service to/from MethvenLifts operates 9 am to 4 pm daily depending on the weather

Nestled high inside the eastern rim of the Southern Alps lies the Mt Hutt New Zealand Ski Area, which receives some of the deepest, lightest, driest powder in the entire Australasia region. Overlooking the spectacular patchwork quilt of the Canterbury Plains with the blue Pacific Ocean in the far distance, skiers and snowboarders from all around the world can enjoy the longest winter season in the Southern Hemisphere.

The wide open terrain is great for first time skiers and families alike. Extreme skiers and boarders will find more different challenges they can handle. There is a newly designed children’s crache available. The beginners terrain is well catered for teaching you how to ski and ride a snowboard.Snowmaking machines are busy from early May on to ensure great snow conditions for the whole Ski season.

Mt Hutt ski area is only one hour’s drive away from Christchurch and Mt Hutt’s village – Methven is very close by. The newly introduced radio station can now broadcast live on road snow conditions and other important information for everybody heading up the mountain.In 2008 Mt Hutt experienced one of its biggest snow seasons ever and we hope this year it will be another bumper season much better prepared.

So, what are you waiting for – come and have fun in the snow this winter – you will have a New Zealand Ski Holiday experience of a lifetime?

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