Archive for the 'Nelson' Category
Fashion & Cars
Posted by Ruth Atherley on May 13, 2012 at 2:37 pm
It’s always a delight to catch up with the World of WearableArt and Classic Cars Museum team. This is an iconic “must see” Nelson, New Zealand visitor attraction that celebrates two distinctly different passions. A world-class collection of classic cars can be viewed alongside incredible wearable works of art from all around the globe.
All the garments on display have performed on stage in the annual Brancott Estate World of WearableArt Awards. The magical experience of the annual Brancott Estate WOW Awards show is brilliantly translated to the gallery setting by the use of superb music, specially sequenced lighting and a cleverly introduced element of movement. Here you will truly appreciate the intricate detailing of these incredible creations up-close.
The images are very good, but having visited this fabulous attraction, I can tell you that you need to see them in person. The attention to detail in the creations is almost beyond belief, the imagination and creativity is exceptional, and the focus on blending art with wearability results in some outstanding and awe-inspiring creations.
The car collection represents years of passionate sourcing from around the world and New Zealand. This is one of Australasia’s largest private collections.
These cars are some of the most sought-after models in classic motoring, presented to the highest standard, with some having undergone extensive restoration. As well as being classic examples of automotive technology, these cars tell an important story about the twentieth century. They represent the spectrum of automotive history, design and craftsmanship.
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Relax and Rejuvenate with Green Gourmet
Posted by Ruth Atherley on May 12, 2012 at 11:28 am
I was interested to catch up with Green Gourmet at TRENZ to learn more about what they have to offer visitors to New Zealand. It’s pretty interesting, to say the least.
Green Gourmet provides guests with a selection of very special accommodations along one of the most scenic tourist trails in New Zealand. Their itinerary takes travellers on a journey from the Nelson Region with its three national parks, golden beaches, art and gourmet trails, down the spectacular and remote West Coast, past the glaciers and through the majestic alpine beauty and adventure playground of the Southern Lakes, and finally on to Dunedin to explore the rugged rural landscapes and rich wildlife of the Otago Peninsula.
The route can be done in nine days or, more comfortably, over a 12-day itinerary. Each of their accommodations is unique in the region, and all are individually hosted. Green Gourmet lodges provide guests with a haven of space and tranquility, while still being close to resorts and activities. Each lodge is small (no more than 10 rooms or cottages) and enjoys a wilderness setting and extensive grounds – the only exception being Mahitahi Lodge which is in the tiny settlement of Bruce Bay (a collection of precisely three houses). Space, peace, quiet and tranquility are luxuries that very few people can enjoy, but they are essential to a genuinely relaxing and rejuvenating holiday.
All of their locations are activity-rich. They offer guests many options for experiencing New Zealand, whether hiking and day walks, biking lakeside and riverside trails, kayaking in Abel Tasman National Park, horse-trekking, scenic flights and glacier helicopter excursions, exploring New Zealand’s seashore and discovering your own private penguin and seal colony, remote Westland beaches, 4WD high country farm adventures or individually designed wine and food tours.
Stay in any of their lodges and you will hear bellbirds and tuis or watch keruru feeding and falcons and hawks hovering in the alpine valleys. Because of their surroundings, the six lodges in the Green Gourmet collection enjoy amazing views and an environment that can be enjoyed directly from your accommodation, without driving or even moving from the comfortable seating on your guest verandah.
Their other passion is food. Food that is local and fresh and the best the season and region have to offer. Pinot noir or sauvignon blanc from the wonderful vineyard down the road, fish from the estuary, peaches, apples, berries and apricots from the nearby orchards, lamb direct from the farmer, superb New Zealand venison, local olive oils, homemade breads and cookies, and the conversation in the evening that accompanies good food and wine.
The Green Gourmet is passionate about travel and their selection is designed around those wanting a truly individual experience.
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Feel Like Someone Special at Heritage Hotels
Posted by Ruth Atherley on May 8, 2012 at 3:29 pm
It was great to hear all the news from Heritage Hotel Management. They have some exciting new developments happening which they are talking about at TRENZ.
Heritage Hotel Management offers a preeminent range of luxury hotels that are unique to New Zealand and located in Auckland, Wellington, Nelson, Hanmer Springs, Christchurch and Queenstown. Heritage Hotels are often based in unique or iconic sites, while CityLife Hotels are conveniently located in prime central business districts.
They offer stylish self-contained suites, award-winning cuisine, fully equipped health clubs, swimming pools – and even tennis courts and a golf course at some locations. Conference facilities are available to seat up to 500 guests for an event.
Opening in late 2012 is a new purpose-built 700-person capacity conference centre, adjoining the Rutherford Hotel Nelson, which will be the largest conference development in the South Island this year.
The Heritage Boutique Collection is another exciting innovation by Heritage Hotels. The new collection includes properties in the Bay of Islands, Auckland’s Waitakere Ranges, Rotorua and Akaroa. The latest addition is the prestigious Wellesley Boutique Hotel of Wellington. More boutique properties will be announced very soon.
Heritage Auckland has been a fore-runner in vegetarian haute cuisine and has established itself as a specialist in vegan and vegetarian dining. The hotel has created a world first – being the first international hotel to offer a solely vegan menu in its lobby café and an extensive selection in the hotel’s signature restaurant Hectors and on its conference banquet menus.
Heritage Hotels promise their guests they will feel like someone special staying somewhere special.
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Boutique Hotels & Lodges
Posted by Ruth Atherley on May 7, 2012 at 1:29 pm
I had the opportunity to connect with the people at Boutique Hotels & Lodges and found out a bit more about their fabulous accommodations – luxurious, with a great price range and a new focus on cuisine.
The Bishop’s Suites are located on the edge of Nelson. This historic and grand Victorian home has been transformed into luxury accommodation, with spacious suites annexed to the main homestead and built as stand-alone apartments. The suites were mentioned on Conde Nast’s 2012 “Hot List” of the world’s best new hotels as being “on par with the best high-end lodges in New Zealand.” Gourmet dining is available.
Located on the hills above Lake Wanaka in Central Otago, Tin Tub Luxury Lodge has stunning lake and mountain views. Featuring outdoor tubs, a heated outdoor swimming pool for summer use, and for winter – a ski drying room and sauna. And it is within an easy drive of six ski hills.
Cloud 9 Luxury Self-Contained Villa is positioned in a natural bush setting on the hills above Russell in the Bay of Islands. There are panoramic sea views from every room. Surrounded on three sides by decking and terracing, relax on the loungers, in the stunning infinity pool or the spa pool and soak up those gorgeous sea views.
Kaikoura Boutique Hotel is a restored historic hotel in the seaside township of Kaikoura. This hotel has had a complete makeover and now features a chic, designer interior. Be rendered speechless when you catch sight of a humpback whale right outside the window. They also have a bistro restaurant.
Boutique Hotels & Lodges continues to search out unique luxury properties in some of New Zealand’s most beautiful regions. All of their properties are owned and managed by interesting and welcoming hosts. They hand-pick the very best boutique luxury accommodations, oozing with character – with interesting owners who wish to provide guests with a real experience. The properties offer top-end hotel standards in terms of quality linens and finishes, yet are unique in their feel, decor and location.
For more information, please visit their website at http://www.boutiquehotels.co.nz/.
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