TRAVEL GUIDE: NEW ZEALAND

New Zealand was one of the world's last places to be settled by humans. Even today, it has managed to preserve much of its natural environment, with 30 percent of New Zealand's land composed of National Parks, reserves and special heritage. New Zealand is a travel destination full of contrasts, from its stunning landscapes — you find alpine glaciers, gorgeous beaches, rolling green hills and wine country escapes — to its incredible culture, a mélange of European, Maori, Pacific and Asian influences.

HOTELS

TOP HOTELS

Search for Hotels in New Zealand

Top Boutique Hotel: Huka Lodge

Top Extreme Hotel: The Hobbit Motel

Top Golf Resort: The Farm at Cape Kidnappers

Top Ski Hotel: Grand Mercure Oakridge Resort

Top Wine Country Inn: Old St. Mary's Convent

A swimming pool at Grand Mercure Oakridge Resort, on our Top 10 Ski Resorts Worldwide list

TOP 10 ROMANTIC HOTELS
Wharekauhau
Set in secluded beauty on the southern tip of New Zealand’s North Island, this working sheep station overlooks the spectacular Palliser Bay. Wharekauhau invites romantic renewal in its self-contained cottages — complete with a four-poster bed and full bar — that are scattered throughout the estate.

TRAVEL

TOP 10 RANCHES WORLDWIDE
Beaumont High Country Experience
With just one three-bedroom cottage, complete with a kitchen, two lounges and an outdoor garden area, Beaumont High Country Experience allows you to be master (temporarily) of your own domain.

Beaumont High Country Experience in New Zealand, one of our Top 10 Ranches Worldwide

BUSINESS TRAVEL GUIDE
Auckland
From luxurious hotels to hot bistros and cool off-the-clock diversions, here's where to stay, where to dine and where to relax after hours in New Zealand's "City of Sails."

TOP 10 ROMANTIC DESTINATIONS Milford Sound
This remote region, with its sheer rock faces and waters teeming with wildlife, has been described as the Eighth Wonder of the World. Adventurous lovers can attempt “the most beautiful walk in the world,” a three-and-a-half-day trek from Te Anu that envelops you in the area’s natural grandeur.

WELLNESS, HEALTH & SPA ESCAPES

RELAX
Top Spas in New Zealand
New Zealand offers beautiful spas featuring thermal reserves and mineral pools in gorgeous naturals settings such as Polynesian Spa overlooking Sulphur Bay on Lake Rotorua.
See our guide to the Top Spas in the World
Top Spa Hotel: Millbrook

CELEBRATE HEALTH
Ora Ora Eco Spa Resort
Go green at Ora Ora Eco Spa Resort in the Kerikeri Bay of Islands. Here you get to feel great about yourself and reduce your carbon footprint knowing you’re eating organic gourmet food, drinking filtered rainwater and recycling.
See also Pujjis Wellness Retreat

SAY OM!
Anahata Yoga Retreat
The only integral residential yoga retreat in New Zealand, Anahata Yoga Retreat is located on top of a mountain 640 meters above sea level in Golden Bay and offers glorious views of the ocean, Farewell Spit and green valleys.
See our guide to the Top 10 Yoga Retreats Worldwide

AIRLINES

AIR NEW ZEALAND

Air New Zealand's Boeing 777-300ER
Creature comforts are huge on the airline's 777-300ER aircraft, boasting mood lighting, a "Cuddle Class" and pizza...

Air New Zealand Tests Biofuel
Air New Zealand takes off with sustainable Jatropha biofuel...

Air 'Nude' Zealand
Air New Zealand features a flight crew and staff clad in body paint as part of an ad campaign...
Top 10 Business Class Airlines
More Travel News

Christchurch Earthquake Update

On February 22, a magnitude 6.3 earthquake occurred very close to Christchurch, causing extensive damage and casualties.

Tourism New Zealand at www.tourismnewzealand.com lists phone numbers and other resources for international travelers in New Zealand, prospective international travelers to the country and family and friends of travelers.

For other updates on the aftermath of the earthquake, visit www.civildefence.co.nz and canterburyearthquake.org.nz.

For more information, visit the Official Tourism New Zealand Site at www.newzealand.com.

Guides for other parts of the world

(Updated: 04/25/13 JDM)

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