Posts Tagged resorts

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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National Parks of New Zealand

Undoubtedly, among the things you should come to New Zealand for are its national parks, which occupy the country’s one third. New Zealand’s stunning mountains, forests, rivers, lakes and waterfalls are something you aren’t used to seeing while traveling around Europe and Asia. It is no wonder why director of the world famous “Lord of the Rings” chose this country to shoot his film here – its islands do really look like a wonder land, inhabited with fabulous creatures. There are 14 national parks in New Zealand, but I’ll list only the ones I find most interesting.

Let’s start with the south. The most interesting park of New Zealand, compared to no others is, without any doubts, Fiordland National Park. Its boundless and truly wild territory is full of wonderful gorges and rocks, unusual animals and birds, beautiful and astonishing plants. You can get to the Fiordland by its Milford Road running from Te Anau. The only park that could compete with Fiordland is Kahurangi National Park in the island’s north. The park is an excellent place to get yourself acquainted with wildlife – here you will see impetuous rivers, huge platens, mountain flowers and coastal forests. But don’t be afraid to get lost, since the park is equipped with numerous footpaths and roads which will make your walks safe. Another park in the island’s north is Abel Tasman National Park, with mild climate all year round. The park attracts those fond of beach resorts, as it is famous for its sandy beaches and intricate granite rocks. A travel path on the park’s coast will make your walks easy and pleasant.

If you prefer active rest in the mountains, go to the Southern Alps and walk around the Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, located in the island’s centre. Another spectacular place here is Arthur’s Pass National Park located north from the Mount Cook and lying on a historic path, connecting Canterbury (in the east) and the wild Western shore. Magnificent mountains with steep rocky slopes won’t leave you untouched. Westland/Tai Poutini National Park stretches from the highest peaks of the Southern Alps to the remote western beaches. In the south of the Southern Alps, not far from the coast by the Fiordland border there is a Mount Aspiring National Park. If you want to see the most beautiful lakes in New Zealand, Nelson Lakes National Park stretched along a 102 thousand hectare territory is waiting for you. In addition to various large and small lakes, the park will meet you with its beechwoods, rocky mountains and mountain streams. If you are making a visit to Greumouth or Westport, don’t forget about the Paparoa National Park lying between them. The park presents almost all the ecosystems of New Zealand, from mountain peaks to the coast.

North Island. Egmont national park is easy to reach, that is why this is one of the most visited parks of New Zealand. It is located in the west coast not far from New Plymouth, Inglewood and Opunake. The largest park in the North Island is Te Urewera National Park, located far from the built-up areas. It is huge and difficult to traverse, but still it attracts the most active tourists. Wonderful lakes and forests are filled with the ancient history. Tongariro National Park offers most interesting spots – active volcanos, deserted mountain plateaus and calm lakes. South from the mainland there is a small Stewart Island, 85 % of which is occupied with Rakiura National Park.

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The Joys of a New Zealand Luxury Holiday

New Zealand is truly a country with the most spectacular landscapes almost everywhere you look, making it popular for film-makers – the Lord of the Rings trilogy was filmed here as was the hit movie Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe and its sequel, The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian. From dense forests to snow-capped mountains, along with an abundance of wildlife, and lakes galore, there is plenty for you to see and do on your luxury New Zealand holiday.

This is a country that is drenched in culture and history, with a unique blend of Maori, European and Pacific influences making up the friendly warmth that New Zealanders are known for. Wherever you travel in New Zealand, on both the north and south islands, you’re sure to have ample opportunity to see some of the traditional Maori lifestyle. The Maori New Year is centred around the time when a particular cluster of stars called the Matariki appears over New Zealand’s Aotearoa, bringing on a huge celebration throughout each June.

No matter what part of New Zealand you are visiting, there’s sure to be celebrations at this time of year, including traditional dancing, food, craft-making and generally renewing relationships with family and friends.

New Zealand luxury cruises are another way to see this amazing country. There are many long, breath-taking strips of coastline for visitors to discover, either on a large cruise liner or by chartering a smaller, more personal yacht or motor boat. Cruising in the World Heritage listed Fiordland is simply amazing. The rocky landscapes around Dusky, Milford and Doubtful Sounds are almost vertical and dwarf even the largest of cruise ships, with a wealth of cascading waterfalls adding to the already incredible scenery. The Bay of Islands has more than 144 islands and bays for you to explore.

As well as the stunning coastline, New Zealand offers many picturesque harbours, fiords and islands for you to explore. If you enjoy a bit of adventure, there are several places where you can experience the exhilaration of white-water rafting on your New Zealand luxury holiday.

Christchurch is known for its formal parks and gardens, along with its TranzAlpine train trip. Cited as one of the top 6 scenic rail journeys in the world, this is an ideal way to explore Arthur’s Pass. Meanwhile Wellington, on the country’s north island, is more creative; better known for its arts, culture and heritage.

Food lovers will appreciate the fine selection of fresh cuisine throughout New Zealand, with their unique blend of European, Asian and Polynesian influences. Eating in New Zealand is traditionally more relaxed, with a focus on enjoying the company and experience in a laid-back manner. If you enjoy a fine wine, visit the Hawkes Bay wine region where there are several vineyards for you to sample the local fare. You will also find a lot of Art Deco architecture around this region.

Rotorua offers visitors a selection of beautiful beaches, boutique shopping with nearby natural hot springs for total relaxation. This area also boasts some amazing volcanic landscapes that are definitely worth visiting. Waimangu Volcanic Valley is another natural phenomena worth experiencing. This Valley was formed after the 1886 eruption of Tarawera, with seven massive craters forming. One of these, Inferno Crater, is the largest geyser-like phenomenon in the world, with its contents flowing over below, into the Frying Pan Stream, every few weeks.

Many of New Zealand’s cities, including Auckland, have a selection of five star resorts and lavish retreats where you can relax in style. After a day of exploration and discovery you can indulge in some well-deserved pampering before deciding how to enjoy your evening.

For absolute opulence, New Zealand’s north island offers Rahimoana Eagles Nest. This exquisite accommodation boasts a personal chef and personal trainer, along with use of a Porsche Cayenne Turbo!

For luxury New Zealand travel to the snow-fields, Terrace Downs, near Christchurch, is the perfect place to stay. Here you can combine the ski slopes with a fantastic golf course, fishing, bushwalking and delectable food and wine. If you’re keen on skiing around Queenstown, Peppers Beacon, on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, is ideal.

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