Archive for the 'Accomodations' Category
Ralston Marketing Launches New Products At TRENZ
June 09th, 2010
The people from Ralston Marketing have many high quality boutique accommodations and activity suppliers on their roster. They include Atholwood Luxury Country Accommodation in Mapua, Adrift Outdoors in National Park Village, Bay of Many Coves Resort in the Marlborough Sounds, Knapdale Eco Lodge in Gisborne, Bachcare Holiday Homes found across the country, U-Fly Adventure Rides in Wanaka, and - new this year - Waiatoto River Safaris and Hannah’s Homestead in Hasst .
I spent some time in Haast last year and loved it! It is a breathtaking place and these two new products are worth checking out! I had the opportunity to see Hannah’s Homestead as it was just being developed. I also got to experience Waiatoto River Safaris. It was an excellent experience (see my blog post) and anyone looking to get out there and really connect with Mother Nature will enjoy the adventure!
Bay Of Islands Overnight Cruise On Ipipiri
June 01st, 2010
At TRENZ, I had the chance to learn a little more about Ipipiri, the latest addition to the Fullers GreatSights fleet at TRENZ. This is a unique overnight cruise that allows visitors to immerse themselves in the breathtaking beauty of the Bay of Islands. On the cruise, you learn about the region’s historical and cultural significance as you journey back to the birthplace of New Zealand. You can snorkel or kayak in the clear waters and then sit on the rooftop sundeck and relax with a drink.
The overnight experience accommodation is in one of 30 ocean view cabins, each with private ensuite and uninterrupted sea views. Also included are a three-course buffet dinner and a full cooked breakfast featuring local produce. There are complimentary afternoon activities at one of the favourite sheltered bays – that could include snorkeling, kayaking or nature walks.
I am told that starting in September 2010, there will also be a two-night cruise option, allowing guests to extend their wonderful experience in the Bay of Islands.
Another one to add to my wish list for next year!!!!
Auckland’s Hippest Four-Star Hotel
May 26th, 2010
I checked in with the people at The Quadrant Hotel Auckland yesterday and had a great time hearing about their funky hotel. Their rooms range from a studio apartment to a one bedroom apartment, two bedroom apartment and penthouse suite. I love this part – they have FREE WI-FI!!!
The hotel has lovely rooms that look extremely comfortable and each have a fully equipped kitchen. They say it’s where style and affordability spend the night together. That’s a good thing.
They have a bar and restaurant. (Sounds weird for me to say this, but when you see the website, it looks like your staying at beautiful condos.)
Check out the website, the hotel is impressive.
Take A Walk On The Wild Side!
May 26th, 2010
Kaikoura Wilderness Walks are one of those magical, experiences of a lifetime activities. The luxury guided walk traverses New Zealand’s highest privately owned land rising to 8,000 feet to Shearwater Lodge, a beautiful guesthouse that holds a maximum of 12 guests.
On the walk, you experience the wide range of ecosystems found here, which includes rare and endangered species of flora and fauna. It is a unique, authentic and sensory wilderness encounter. Because the walk takes place on private land, you won’t see any other people – it’s you, your group and Mother Nature.
Shearwater is a purpose built eco-lodge and is set in a spectacular alpine valley. It provides some of the most outstanding scenery that nature has to offer.
One of the hopes that the Kaikoura Wilderness Walks team has is that they will inspire guests to take away a little of their sustainable practice ideas to their part of the world, along with great memories of their extraordinary New Zealand wilderness experience.
Everyone on the Kaikoura Wilderness Walks will look after you with true Kiwi hospitality. Attention to detail is important to them and nothing is overlooked.
Classic New Zealand Wine Trail
May 25th, 2010
Biking Marlborough - photo credit to Ian Trafford
You have to love New Zealand, they have a wine trail that runs through the country! The Classic New Zealand Wine Trail is a 380 km (236 mile) self-drive touring route that leads you off the beaten track. You travel through many of New Zealand’s most interesting and scenic regions, including three major viticulture areas that account for more than 70% of the country’s wine production. And you don’t have to worry about getting lost, because along the way, there are road signs with images of grapes. No words, just a bunch of grapes. It’s like a little secret code for wine lovers.
Wine growing regions in New Zealand include Northland, Auckland, Waikato/Bay of Plenty, Gisborne, Wairarapa, Hawke’s Bay, Nelson, Marlborough, Canterbury/Waipara Valley and Central Otago.
All through the trail are lovely little villages, historic towns, artist studios, specialty food, live theatre, forest hikes, brewery tours, fishing, hiking and of course – a range of wineries producing everything from Sauvignon Blanc to Pinot Noir.
You will come across both large estates and smaller vineyards that make batches by hand. In most of New Zealand’s wineries, the emphasis is placed on quality rather than quantity.
I’m sold. Another adventure to go on my bucket list!!!
Anyone want to join me?