When you first visit New Zealand you are stunned by the beauty throughout the country.  An English speaking country where the mountains meet the sea, the rivers meet the lakes, cosmopolitan cities, and the incredibly warm, fun, and hospitable people are there to meet, welcome and be of service. New Zealand people add a huge positive spin to your vacation experience along with the fact that New Zealand is most likely the cleanest and most eco-minded country in the world.

                                                  
 
New Zealand is a country of incredible variety for all travelers’ tastes:
 Honeymooners: beautiful beaches & mountains, romantic bed & breakfast resorts and world class hotels, great shopping, excellent food & drink, and wonderful outdoor and indoor activities.
 Winery Tours: New Zealand is world famous for wine throughout the country with their Pinots and Sauvignons being on some of the world’s most fastidious wine lists.
 Hunting Enthusiasts: Targets include deer (including red, fallow and sika), chamois, tahr, pigs, wallabies, goats and possums. Also offered is first-rate waterfowl and upland game-bird hunting.
 Fishing  Enthusiasts: World Class Fly fishing for huge rainbow & brown trout. The exotic rivers, streams, and lakes are endless, with top guides.
 Bird Watching:  New Zealand’s fascinating bird population offers hours of enjoyment. More than 80 types of seabird breed along the shores. Some migrate annually from the other side of the world and others are only found within New Zealand waters. Penguins, Gannets, Albatross & more.
Skiing: U.S. Summer skiing in New Zealand’s Southern Alps offers 11 major ski resorts for world class skiing.
Volcanic & Geothermal Activities: Walkways around Rotorua and Taupo offer easy access and good geothermal views. If you want to experience the thrill of a live volcano, tours can take you to the edge of a steaming crater.
Thrill Seekers: World’s first & best Bungy jumping, jet boating, wind & kite surfing, heli-skiing, mountain climbing, glider planes, kayaking and hiking.
 Farm Stays: Learn about traditional New Zealand farming. Watch sheepdogs working on the steep hills and in the sheep yards. Witness a sheep shearing demonstration and learn about different sheep and wool.
 Cities & Towns: Auckland, Rotorua, Napier, Wellington, Queenstown, Dunedin, and Christchurch are some of the more well known areas offering: arts & culture, great food & drink, along with activities for all tastes.

                                      
 TRANSPORTATION TO NEW ZEALAND:
 Regularly scheduled direct flights on Air New Zealand from San Francisco and Los Angeles that take about 13 hours.  Very comfortable flights with great service, nice meals, comfortable seats, excellent entertainment w/ 20 movie selections, TV shows and games.  Lots of restrooms.  Maximum allowable weight for a piece of luggage is 44 pounds.
 USEFUL INFORMATION:
 Currency is New Zealand dollar, worth around $.72 U.S. (at time of this report 10/07)
Long distance calling is very expensive . . . send emails instead –computers plentiful at most hotels for a nominal charge
Electricity – 220-240 watts, must have a converter (not just an adapter plug) when bringing own appliances
Driving is on the left side of the road and the steering wheel is on the right.
New Zealand people are known as Kiwis.
  NORTH ISLAND
 New Zealand’s North Island is known for its subtropical climate, unspoiled beaches and world renowned thermal areas.  Here you will find fertile farmland, virgin coastline and soothing hot springs.  For a more cosmopolitan adventure, the North Island offers Wellington, New Zealand’s capital, and Auckland, the “City of Sails,” both waterfront cities brimming with history and culture.
PAIHIA REGION
Paihia is the main tourist town in the Bay of Islands. With 144 islands and bays, the Bay of Islands is one of the best maritime park in New Zealand.
Pahia Beach Hotel: Nice hotel, larger rooms, SPA, pool, beautiful coastline & island views, poolside restaurant, excellent food. Nice property.
Waitangi Treaty Grounds: The Waitangi Treaty Grounds is New Zealand’s most historic site where our Treaty was signed between the Maori Chiefs and the British Crown. Guided tours, cultural performances or you can freely walk around our immaculate grounds which feature abundant native bird life, heritage gardens, bush tracks and stunning sea views of the Bay of Islands. Russell Cottages: Nice moderate cottages (condos) offering 1, 2, 3 bedrooms with a total of 16. Close to town.  Built in 2006.
Eagles Nest: Nice villas, great room lodge to relax, swimming pool, close to town. Nice.
Kauri Cliffs: Very upscale property on world famous golf course, Kauri Cliffs consists of eleven outlying guest cottages, each with two guest suites providing twenty-two accommodation units. The main lodge, which overlooks the golf course and the Pacific Ocean, consists of a spacious beamed living room, meeting room, card room, and small computer room. Gourmet a la carte dining is available in the main dining room or on the verandas. Very romantic, beautiful SPA, fitness center with lap pool, Internet. Surfing, horseback riding, hiking.
Copthorne Hotel & Resort Hokianga: Moderate property with great food, pool, beach activities, sand boarding. Excellent fishing for Marlin.  36 rooms, nice property.
Waipoua Kauri Forest: Waipoua Forest is one of the best examples of kauri forest in New Zealand. It is famous for having the two largest living kauris (Tane Mahuta and Te Matua Ngahere), which are easily accessible. Huge trees over 2,000 years old. Great experience.
AUCKLAND
New Zealand’s largest city. Wherever you stay in Auckland, you’re never far from breathtaking scenery, beautiful beaches, invigorating walks, idyllic holiday islands, outstanding food and wine, great shopping and exciting nightlife.
  Stamford Plaza Hotel: Beautiful 4 star hotel in great downtown location.  Very close to waterfront with great shopping & dining.  Also, close to the Sky Tower, for incredible city views and entertainment.  Nice spacious rooms, excellent restaurant food, brand new fitness center
 Westin Hotel: Very modern 172 room property right on the wharf. Large rooms, restaurants on property and close by, excellent fitness center with lap pool. 5 star property.
 ROTORUA AREA
 A town on the southern shore of Lake Rotorua that is well-known for geothermal activity. There are a number of geysers, notably the Pohutu geyser at Whakarewarewa, and hot mud pools located in the city. Great Māori (indigenous Polynesian peoples of New Zealand ) heritage with excellent evening dinner shows like the Mitai (similar to a luau).  Area also famous for fishing, hunting and thrill activities.
 Novotel Lakeside Rotorua: Nice 3 star property with good sized rooms, laundry facilities, pool & fitness center, business center and good location.
 Peppers – On the Point: Very high-end bed & breakfast lodge set on 5 acres. 7 suites & 2 cottages.  Beautiful chapel for weddings. Tennis court, SPA, gorgeous views. Stunning place!
 Treetops Lodge – Very eco-minded, high-end lodge property.  Beautiful main lodge, very serene and relaxing. Excellent food, with kitchen open to enjoy with chefs.  Hunting & fishing opportunities. 19 large rooms and suite.  hunting lodge feel, one of the nicest properties in New Zealand.
  LAKE TAUPO REGION
 Huka Lodge: luxury lodge and surroundings offering the highest standards for comfort & hospitality. Charming property with fireplace and river views, wonderful outside dining, SPA, pool, wine cellar, close to town.  Excellent food, great outdoor activities. Queen Elizabeth stays here.
  NAPIER CITY
Art Deco City, the ‘jewel in the crown’ of Hawke’s Bay Wine Country. Take an Art Deco walk, visit a winery, swim with the dolphins or go see the gannets. Lots of personality, very fun town.
The County Hotel: Building survived the 1931 earthquake . . . built in 1908 beautiful property, 18 rooms, downtown location, across street from waterfront, charming Winston Churchill Bar & Restaurant.  Excellent property.
SC Te Pania: Comfortable property with spacious rooms, Internet, excellent Health club with pools across the street on the water. Laundry facilities.
Breckenridge Lodge: Wonderful bed & breakfast lodge on beautiful winery. 5 rooms, many with balconies. Very relaxing with excellent food. No TV in rooms.
Cape Kidnappers:  Area that includes one of the world’s top rated golf course, as well as a four wheel adventure experience for beautiful ocean views and rare bird migration areas to see Australian Gannets.
Cape Kidnappers Lodge: Wonderful deluxe new property to open in November.  22 suites, 4 cottages, spectacular views, pool, SPA, Internet.  Very relaxing with many available outdoor activities. Very close to golf.
Mangapapa Lodge: Charming winery property with 12 suites, 3 hole golf course, grass tennis court, expansive lawns, beautiful swimming pool & hot tub. Very appealing.
WELLINGTON
Capital of New Zealand, Wellington is New Zealand’s political centre, housing Parliament and the head offices of all government ministries and departments, plus the bulk of the foreign diplomatic missions based in New Zealand. Wellington’s compact city centre supports an arts scene, café culture and nightlife much larger than most cities of a similar size. Great waterfront city that serves as a connection point between North Island and South Island.
Holiday Inn Wellington: Excellent hotel with 280 spacious recently renovated rooms.  Centrally located to the waterfront, downtown area and ferry, this is one of Wellington’s nicest hotels. Business center, fitness center, pool, and tennis court.
Ferry from Wellington to South Island: Huge and very comfortable ferry that transports cars as well. 3 hours to Picton, with wonderful views, good food service, bars, movies, shopping.  Fun experience.
  SOUTH ISLAND
The South Island offers mountains and glaciers, as well as gentle plains.  The birthplace of Bungy jumping and jet boating, the South Island is a playground for the adventurous.  Whether hiking in Fiordland National Park or riding the tram through downtown Christchurch, the magnificent natural beauty, history, and culture of the South Island will enthrall you.
The Yacht Club Hotel: Moderate property in Picton. Big expansion set for 2009. Minutes from ferry, close to fishing, and wineries
Old St. Mary’s Convent: Wonderful bed and breakfast in the heart of wine country. 5 charming and large rooms, lots of antiques, beautiful gardens on 60 acres, chapel for weddings.  Excellent property.
Hapuku Lodge & Tree houses: upscale contemporary country lodge with six guest rooms, a stand alone spacious apartment, five luxury Tree Houses, meeting and function venues and multiple dining rooms. New in 2006. Close to wineries and marine town of Kaikoura. Wonderfully unique.
CHRISTCHURCH
Located on the east coast of the South Island, Christchurch - is a city of contrasts. Amidst a natural environment world-renowned for its beauty. A growing cosmopolitan ambience also adds a touch of excitement to a city of culture, great shopping, world class hotels and excellent dining experiences.
Millennium Hotel: This downtown hotel is very upscale, with fitness center, excellent restaurants in the hotel and close by. Large rooms, Internet.
Charlotte Jane: 5 star boutique luxury accommodation and offers dining, both alfresco and in a conservatory set in beautiful gardens, this Victorian mansion offers guests service and comfort, including one of Christchurch’s finest restaurants and an extensive wine list to enjoy a romantic dinner.
The George: Beautiful hotel, 53 nicely appointed rooms, recently renovated, 2 restaurants, free Internet in lobby, guest house with 3 bedrooms, great location to park with botanical gardens, downtown shopping & restaurants, museums, golf. Great property.
Huntley House: Beautiful “Castle like” property with 17 exquisite rooms, with TV in the bathtub. The natural presence and charm of this fine colonial house place it in perfect harmony with its most beautiful, mature and tranquil setting. The manicured lawns, gorgeous pool, and park like gardens which are fringed with towering trees and ample shrubbery, belie its location just minutes from Christchurch airport and city centre.
WEST COAST of SOUTH ISLAND
Kapitea Ridge: an intimate and stylish, luxury boutique hotel on the rugged West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand. The lodge is located between Hokitika and Greymouth, and lies amongst 22 acres of prime coastal land with panoramic views over the wild beaches and indigenous rainforest. Rooms are beautiful and the food is gourmet.
Westwood Lodge, Franz Josef: located the heart of New Zealand’s spectacular Glacier Country, this bed and breakfast lodge is an ideal place to unwind and explore Franz Josef Glacier. Beautiful surroundings, walking distance to town. Billiard room and lounge area, 9 suites. Great property.
Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki: surrounded by towering rainforests and pristine seacoast great place to explore the lakes, rivers, forests, birds, seals and Fiord land Crested penguins of this area. 28 good sized rooms, some with patios on river, jetted tubs, Internet. Great nature walks. Excellent food.
WANAKA LAKE REGION
Lakeside Serviced Apartments: spacious one bedroom, two bedroom and three bedroom apartments have full kitchen and laundry facilities, two bathrooms, private balconies with lake and mountain views and secure garages. All apartments have internet and computer access. Facilities include a swimming pool and children’s pool (heated summer months only), spa pools and BBQ area overlooking the lake and mountains. There is an elevator to all floors, and all apartments are serviced daily.
Wanaka Springs: Very charming boutique hotel with eight superior guestrooms large deck areas to enjoy the garden, full cooked and continental breakfast, afternoon tea and hosted pre-dinner drinks guest lounge with cozy open log fire and entertainment systems, eight seater garden spa-pool. 3 minute walk to town. Great outdoor activities haven.
QUEENSTOWN
Rugged mountains, majestic lakes, crystal clear air, and just so much to do. From bungy jumping to wine trails, jet boating to tramping, dining out to skiing, and great shopping. Queenstown has got it all!
 Dart River Safaris: The Safari is a unique blend of scenery, remoteness, history and soft adventure. Journey through scenes immortalized in “The Lord of the Rings” by jet boat, by back road through Paradise, and during a stroll amidst ancient forests. Great fun.
 Shotover Jet: It’s a thrilling ride - skimming past rocky outcrops at close range in your Shotover Jet ‘Big Red’, as you twist and turn through the narrow canyons at breath taking speeds. And thrill to the world famous Shotover Jet full 360º spins! Really a great experience!
 A J Hackett Bungy - Kawarau Bridge Bungy: home to the world’s first and most famous of leaps. 140 feet above the Kawarau River.  This is one of the safest and most incredible experiences ever. A must!
 Peppers Beacon: Nice moderate lakeside hotel, close to town, smaller rooms, laundry facilities, hot tub.
 Millennium Hotel – Queenstown: Upscale well located hotel that has recently been renovated.  220 spacious rooms (great for groups) Internet, SPA, nice pool area, excellent food. Very nice.
 Remarkables Lodge: offers all the facilities of a small luxury hotel but with the intimacy and hospitable ambience of a country estate country estate, epitomizing the New Zealand luxury lodge luxury lodge experience. 7 rooms, breakfast & dinner inclusive, pool, hot tub, tennis, pool room. Beautiful property!
 
Matakauri Lodge: My favorite property in New Zealand. An alpine lakeside hideaway, which offers luxury accommodation 4 villas and 3 suites. Charming library, beautifully landscaped, wonderful Spa, hot tubs, excellent food. Short 5 minute drive to Queenstown. Just fantastic!
 Skyline Gondola: Enjoy the best views in the region spread out in a spectacular 220 degree panorama, with breathtaking views of Coronet Peak, The Remarkables mountain range, and across Lake Wakatipu to Cecil and Walter Peaks. It’s truly magnificent and awe-inspiring! Nice restaurant, shopping, luge riding and bungy jumping. Great variety of activities.
  DUNEDIN
 Larnach Castle: This is New Zealand’s only castle. Built in 1871 by merchant William Larnach showcases a unique collection of New Zealand antiques, with a tragic and scandalous history. Spectacular tower views and beautiful gardens complete this enjoyable award winning experience. Boutique Lodge accommodation is available in the Castle gardens.
 Nature’s Wonders – Naturally: A great experience of spectacular views aboard an 8X8 wheel drive vehicle that takes you to see: Yellow-eyed Penguins, Fur Seals, Cormorants, and sea lions. Lots of fun and very interesting.
 Speight’s Brewery Heritage Tour: Really excellent tour of New Zealand’s first and most celebrated beer. Take a step back in time as you become part of Speight’s history dating back to 1876. Enjoy entertaining audiovisual displays and hands-on interactive displays. Fun beer tasting, like musical chairs.  A must, when visiting Dunedin.
 Mecure Dunedin Hotel: Great downtown older hotel. 50 Nice rooms, business center, restaurant and bar. Nice.
 MT. COOK REGION
 The Hermitage: This is a very secluded upscale hotel in the middle of some of the world’s most beautiful mountains. The Hermitage alpine resort is made up of the main Hermitage Hotel plus the Hermitage Motels and Chalets, offering altogether 214 guest rooms. Large restaurant, dial up Internet, good shopping. The hotel is building a new Sir Edmund Hillary Center which will include a theater, planetarium and museum (Jan. 08). Great place to hike, fish, ski and enjoy the mountains.
 Lake Tekapu Luxury Lodge: Charming bed & Breakfast lodge minutes from beautiful Lake Tekapu. 4 nicely appointed bedrooms.Charming bed & Breakfast lodge minutes from beautiful Lake Tekapu. 4 nicely appointed bedrooms. Charming bed & Breakfast lodge minutes from beautiful Lake Tekapu. 4 nicely appointed bedrooms.Charming bed & Breakfast lodge minutes from beautiful Lake Tekapu. 4 nicely appointed bedrooms. Charming bed & Breakfast lodge minutes from beautiful Lake Tekapu. 4 nicely appointed bedrooms. Charming bed & Breakfast lodge minutes from beautiful Lake Tekapu. 4 nicely appointed bedrooms. Charming bed & Breakfast lodge minutes from beautiful Lake Tekapu. 4 nicely appointed bedrooms.Charming bed & Breakfast lodge minutes from beautiful Lake Tekapu. 4 nicely appointed bedrooms. Charming bed & Breakfast lodge minutes from beautiful Lake Tekapu. 4 nicely appointed bedrooms. Charming bed & Breakfast lodge minutes from beautiful Lake Tekapu. 4 nicely appointed bedrooms. Charming bed & Breakfast lodge minutes from beautiful Lake Tekapu. 4 nicely appointed bedrooms.Charming bed & Breakfast lodge minutes from beautiful Lake Tekapu. 4 nicely appointed bedrooms.Charming bed & Breakfast lodge minutes from beautiful Lake Tekapu. 4 nicely appointed bedrooms. Charming bed & Breakfast lodge minutes from beautiful Lake Tekapu. 4 nicely appointed bedrooms. Charming bed & Breakfast lodge minutes from beautiful Lake Tekapu. 4 nicely appointed bedrooms. Charming bed & Breakfast lodge minutes from beautiful Lake Tekapu. 4 nicely appointed bedrooms.Charming bed & Breakfast lodge minutes from beautiful Lake Tekapu. 4 nicely appointed bedrooms.Charming bed & Breakfast lodge minutes from beautiful Lake Tekapu. 4 nicely appointed bedrooms.Charming bed & Breakfast lodge minutes from beautiful Lake Tekapu. 4 nicely appointed bedrooms. Charming bed & Breakfast lodge minutes from beautiful Lake Tekapu. 4 nicely appointed bedrooms. Charming bed & Breakfast lodge minutes from beautiful Lake Tekapu. 4 nicely appointed bedrooms. Charming bed & Breakfast lodge minutes from beautiful Lake Tekapu. 4 nicely appointed bedrooms.Charming bed & Breakfast lodge minutes from beautiful Lake Tekapu. 4 nicely appointed bedrooms.Charming bed & Breakfast lodge minutes from beautiful Lake Tekapu. 4 nicely appointed bedrooms.Charming bed & Breakfast lodge minutes from beautiful Lake Tekapu. 4 nicely appointed bedrooms.
Charming bed & Breakfast lodge minutes from beautiful Lake Tekapu. 4 nicely appointed bedrooms. Charming bed & Breakfast lodge minutes from beautiful Lake Tekapu. 4 nicely appointed bedrooms. Charming bed & Breakfast lodge minutes from beautiful Lake Tekapu. 4 nicely appointed bedrooms. Charming bed & Breakfast lodge minutes from beautiful Lake Tekapu. 4 nicely appointed bedrooms.Charming bed & Breakfast lodge minutes from beautiful Lake Tekapu. 4 nicely appointed bedrooms.Charming bed & Breakfast lodge minutes from beautiful Lake Tekapu. 4 nicely appointed bedrooms.Charming bed & Breakfast lodge minutes from beautiful Lake Tekapu. 4 nicely appointed bedrooms.Charming bed & Breakfast lodge minutes from beautiful Lake Tekapu. 4 nicely appointed bedrooms.
Charming bed & Breakfast lodge minutes from beautiful Lake Tekapu. 4 nicely appointed bedrooms.