Tag: new zealand

Summer holiday idea: Hidden Gems of New Zealand’s Wine Country

Driving through the Adelaide Barossa wine vineyards

Welcome, wine connoisseurs and enthusiasts, to an unforgettable journey through the verdant landscapes and rolling hills of New Zealand — a country globally acclaimed for its exceptional wines. With its diverse microclimates, unique soil profiles, and unyielding commitment to quality, New Zealand has positioned itself as a powerhouse in the world of viticulture. Our guide to the best wineries in the country will unveil the rich tapestry of experiences that await, from the internationally renowned vineyards of Marlborough to the burgeoning wine scene of Waipara Valley. So uncork your enthusiasm, as we embark on this vinous adventure together. 1.     Auckland Casually known as the ‘gateway to New Zealand’, West Auckland is where kiwi wine began! As the largest city in New Zealand, Auckland boasts a vibrant wine region just a stone’s throw away from the bustling CBD. Explore the historic Kumeu wine trail, where winemaking traditions have been passed down through generations, and savour world-class Chardonnay and Pinot Gris. 2.     Hawke’s Bay Sitting pretty on the eastern side of the North Island is Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand’s second-largest wine region. Known for its diverse range of wine varietals, this region boasts a Mediterranean climate, which is perfect for ripening red Bordeaux varieties like Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah. It’s also a great place to explore Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and other white wine styles. In addition to the wine, Hawke’s Bay offers a beautiful landscape with stunning vineyard vistas, charming cellar doors, and a thriving food scene. Did you know? Hawke’s Bay was awarded the tile of the 12th Great… Read More

Your next holiday: Hobbiton in New Zealand is available to book on on Airbnb

A sweeping view of Hobbiton in New Zealand

If you’ve ever wanted to hibernate in the side of a hill behind a super charming round door, then this is the news you’ve been waiting for. Hobbiton is now rentable. To celebrate the 10th anniversary of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey from the mind of J. R. R. Tolkien, Hobbiton is available to book only on Airbnb! Those keen can book one of three exclusive two-night stays available for fans around the world, and explore the behind-the-scenes making of the film trilogies that have become an unexpected holiday classic. Nestled in the picturesque pastures of New Zealand’s Waikato region on a 2,500 acre working farm, the property’s rolling, green hills – bear a striking similarity to The Shire™ as described by J. R. R. Tolkien in The Lord of the Rings, and captivated Sir Peter Jackson’s movie scouts more than two decades ago. The team quickly realised the Hobbits had found their home – and this holiday season, it could be yours.  Alexander will host three individual two-night stays for up to four guests at NZD $10 per night* as an homage to the 10th anniversary of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, courtesy of Airbnb.  With access to 44 Hobbit Holes, The Millhouse, The Green Dragon Inn, and other beloved locations from the work of J.R.R. Tolkien, guests will take an unexpected journey into Middle-earth for an experience unlike any other.  For more, head to the Airbnb website

New Zealand’s month-long food festival is coming to Wellington

Wellington plate food

New Zealand’s capital, Wellington, is about to say hello again to its favourite food festival, Wellington on a Plate. For the first time, they’re taking it out to a new and improved format and extending it to the whole month of August. Think 31 days, 5 weekends and loads of foodie goodness. Bars, bistros, food trucks and fine dining will pump out hundreds of dishes through heaps of foodie events alongside creative menus, burgers, cocktails and food pop-ups for die-hard bingers. It even comes complete with over 20 top international and local chefs from all over the world to the shores of Wellington to cook right here in the culinary capital. These names are synonymous with exciting and innovative cuisine, often only available in far-off places, and will be sure to excite both foodies and newbies alike. See more at the Wellington on a Plate website.

New Zealand’s first smart hotel opens in Queenstown, mi-pad Hotel

Queenstown New Zealand

If you’ve ever heard anyone talking about New Zealand, then they would’ve mentioned Queenstown. But up until recently, they couldn’t have muttered the name, mi-pad Queenstown, because it’s only just opened and is a stunning, six-storey hotel right in the heart of Queenstown on New Zealand’s South Island. mi-pad is New Zealand’s first fully ‘smart’ hotel; a next generation, energy-conscious hotel experience for the smart traveller and the ultimate marriage of technology, sustainability, comfort and convenience. Complete with 57 stylish and well-appointed rooms with the latest in-room tech, multiple ‘social spaces’ and an impressive rooftop terrace, the hotel is keyless, spacious, conscious and savvy, making the stay a unique experience for any guest from the moment they arrive. Complete with an app that enables you to set temperatures and mood lighting in your room, request room service or alert hotel staff that they don’t want to be disturbed, it’s thought about what you want before you even know you needed it. Designed by John Blair and ringing-in at NZD$15 million, the hotel is less than a two-minute walk from the vibrant centre of Queenstown with its hundreds of bars, restaurants and activity operators set on the shores of stunning Lake Wakatipu. The mi-pad hotel concept is the brainchild of Queenstown property developer Lewis Gdanitz and is the fruition of three years of hard work. “mi-pad is the result of 15 years of research, travelling the world and finding the places that did accommodation really well,” he sayid. “I’m delighted that we’ve been able to deliver a property that’s… Read More