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#1 ·
For all things pertaining to travel and tourism in New Zealand.
 
#123 ·
Auckland showcased in episode of the 'Biggest Loser'
NZ HERALD
7:05 AM Thursday Apr 14, 2011



DEVONPORT 10 JUL 10 11°C
by Urban+Explorer, on Flickr​

Auckland has been showcased to millions of Americans overnight, during an episode of the 'Biggest Loser'. An episode of the popular reality series was filmed in the city earlier this year, and it's now gone to air. It saw 'Biggest Loser' couples having to sprint up the SkyTower, sail an America's Cup yacht and complete a triathlon at Bethells Beach. Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development spokesman Brent Warren says the US is Auckland's third largest visitor market. "Money can't buy this sort of exposure. The Biggest Loser gives a fabulous profile for Auckland. We're certainly confident it'll generate more leads into Auckland's visitor market," he says. Mr Warren says tourism is big business in Auckland, generating more than$3 million in GDP each year.
 
#124 ·
Auckland Airport March passenger volumes rise 4.4%
SCOOP
Wednesday, 13 April 2011, 4:13 pm



BAY OF ISLANDS 25 FEB 11
by Urban+Explorer, on Flickr​

Auckland International Airport Ltd., the country’s major gateway, said international passenger volumes rose 4.4% in February, helped by a pick-up in visitors from Australia. International passenger movements, excluding transits, rose to 575,139 in February from 551,085 in the same month of 2010, the airport said in its monthly traffic update. Arrivals from Australia climbed 8.2% to 56,112. The biggest Asian sources of visitors all recorded gains in the latest month. Those from China rose 6.6% to 17,306, while those from South Korea jumped 19% to 4,533. The airport's figures bear out visitor data released by Statistics New Zealand today, which showed Asian visitors helped make up for a drop-off in those from the U.K. The airport recorded a 5.5% drop in passengers from the U.K.

New routes have opened up, with China Airlines linking Auckland with Taipei and China Southern operating direct flights to Guangzhou. Visitors from the U.S. rose 5.9% to 20,282. Total domestic passengers through the airport rose 0.5% to 503,704, with numbers affected by the Christchurch earthquake. Queenstown Airport, which is a quarter-owned by Auckland Airport, had a 98% surge in international passenger movements to 13,078 in February, while domestic passengers rose 8.4% to 68,377. Auckland Airport’s shares rose 1.6% to $2.19 today and have dropped 3% this year.
 
#125 ·
Christchurch still in top five destination list
NZ HERALD
10:45 AM Monday Apr 18, 2011



WELLINGTON 21 JAN 11
by Urban+Explorer, on Flickr​

Christchurch remains one of New Zealanders' favourite places to visit in the country despite the devastating February 22 earthquake, according to a survey released today. The latest Fly Buys/Colmar Brunton Mood of the New Zealand Traveller Survey released by the Tourism Industry Association New Zealand has Wellington on top, followed by Auckland, Queenstown, Christchurch, then Nelson. Even though the Garden City has dropped in the ratings from third, TIA chief executive Tim Cossar said the results are pleasing for Christchurch's tourism industry.

"While it's understandable tourism numbers will suffer due to the earthquake, it's great to see the majority of Kiwis haven't been deterred. Christchurch still has so much to offer, and the ski season is also approaching, which means a likely increase in tourist numbers. Christchurch remains an important gateway to some of the South Island's top ski-fields," he said. The survey found of those New Zealanders living outside Christchurch, 28 per cent plan to visit the city in the next year. Sixty per cent said the earthquake has not affected their desire to visit Christchurch and 8 per cent are now more inclined to take a trip there. However 29 per cent say they are less inclined to visit.

Of those who said they were more inclined to visit the city following the quake, 47 per cent say it's to support the local economy, 50 per cent to visit/support family and friends, 38 per cent to see the changes to the city, and 34 per cent to help the community. Those less inclined to visit were scared of another earthquake (65 per cent), concerned about the lack of infrastructure (60 per cent), and put off by the loss of the city's heritage buildings (15 per cent). The poll also shows while we have a strong desire to travel within New Zealand, time and money are the main barriers. Finances was the biggest barrier for 77 per cent of Kiwis, followed by being too busy at work at 51 per cent and having family commitments 26 per cent.
 
#126 ·
Millbrook named the World's best golf course
SCOOP
Monday, 18 April 2011, 4:18 pm



Picture 351
by Mr Travis & Mrs Jessica, on Flickr​

Queenstown’s five-star Millbrook Resort has been named the world’s best golf resort by a prestigious Australian travel magazine. Millbrook has taken out top place in Luxury Travel Magazine’s 2011 Gold List Award for overseas golf resorts, ahead of strong New Zealand and international contenders. Last year Millbrook came fourth in the awards, which are decided upon by a survey that goes to tens of thousands of discerning, travel-loving readers and clients of Virtuoso, the world’s most exclusive travel agents, to vote on their favourite destinations each year. This year Millbrook heads a golf resort list that includes The Farm at Cape Kidnappers, New Zealand (2nd) Kauri Cliffs in Matauri Bay, New Zealand (3rd), Mission Hills Resort in Shenzhen, China (4th) and Sun City Resort in South Africa (5th).

Millbrook was also lauded as one of the best New Zealand properties within three hours of the city, taking out fifth place overall behind exclusive lodges such as Huka Lodge and Blanket Bay. The awards are regarded as one of the most comprehensive luxury travel surveys undertaken by an Australian magazine and widely accepted as Australia’s premier travel awards. Millbrook General Manager David Onions said the team at Millbrook was “absolutely thrilled” to gain international recognition as the world’s top golf resort. “To be recognized as the world’s best place to play golf, against some strong competition from other internationally renowned golf resorts, is a wonderful accolade for us,” he said.

“This award comes at an ideal time because many Australians are booking their ski holidays now, and we have a unique ‘green valley’ situation where you can ski in the morning and have a round of golf in the afternoon. “Millbrook’s the perfect choice for a winter holiday because it’s close to the action of Queenstown and ski fields, just a 20-minute drive to Coronet Peak, yet has a tranquility and ambience about it which enables people to unwind in five-star style with world-class golf, spa and restaurant facilities on their doorstep.” Mr Onions paid tribute to the hard work and vision of the Millbrook team and its owners in driving a multi-million dollar investment in golf.

In the past three years, the resort has made a significant $30million investment in an innovative covered driving range converted from a former woolshed, a new nine-hole golf course known as the Coronet Nine, extensive upgrades to the existing 18-hole championship golf course, and housing development in the western extension of Millbrook. The newly structured, award-winning 27-hole configuration at Millbrook has proved hugely popular with local, New Zealand and international golfers. Millbrook’s three interchangeable ‘nines’ create a varied diet of golf and a combination that only a small handful of courses in the country offer.

More about Millbrook

Set in a natural, alpine amphitheatre against a backdrop of snow-capped mountain ranges on the outskirts of world-renowned tourism destination Queenstown, Millbrook was formerly a wheat farm with a 150-year history. It’s retained many heritage features including the original Millhouse, rustic buildings and a majestic avenue of trees. Millbrook features five-star accommodation, world class dining, the Spa at Millbrook (ranked among the Top Ten in the World), a health and fitness centre, a championship 27-hole golf course, covered driving range, swimming pool, outdoor spa pools, tennis courts and several kilometres of biking and walking trails. Millbrook’s numerous neighbourhoods range from Butel Villas to 2, 3 and 4 bedroom cottages and luxurious Fairway Homes. Nearby you can enjoy the gold rush era village of Arrowtown with its many restaurants, museums and shops. Queenstown’s attractions include a wide range of activities, wineries, easy access to five ski areas, great nightlife and award-winning restaurants and bars.
 
#129 ·
Here is a list of ASK MEN magazine, which this year has chosen 29 cities around the world in which to make a holiday. They writes:

“You deserve a vacation. But from the steamy clubs of Sao Paulo to the seething crowds at London's Wembley Stadium, men today are spoiled for choice. So where to go?
AskMen has the answer. Whether you're looking for an epic party, a mind-blowing sports experience, a perfect martini, or just the simple pleasures of the world's most beautiful women, our Top 29 Cities To Visit in 2011 has you covered.”


The list (created by me) shows the votes obtained by the city, according to various categories (weather, coast, sport, food, accomodation, night life, woman, buzz, history, explorability) . Also listed in green are the highest values for each category, while the red lower values.

For more information: ASK MEN

Do you agree with the votes that were given?

 
#130 ·
Can Wellington retain its arts capital title?

For years Wellington has called itself the cultural capital. Now others do, including influential international travel guidebook Lonely Planet.

The city can boast being home to the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, the Royal NZ Ballet, the NZ International Arts Festival, NZ Fringe Festival, World of WearableArt Awards, the national drama and dance schools, Te Papa, three professional theatres, numerous public and dealer galleries and Sir Peter Jackson's film studios.

A 2008 Creative New Zealand survey found that 85 per cent of Wellingtonians believed the city's cultural status was important and 67 per cent said it was an important reason for them to continue living in the city.

It's also important for the economy. In 2009 it injected up to $292 million into the city and up to $583m if flow-on effects are accounted for. The same year it also employed up to 5300 - a similar size to the transport and storage industry.

Being the "cultural capital" is also the main reason for a least one-third of international tourists coming to Wellington.

But the city's status as the cultural capital is under attack. Unless changes are made, it may not last.

A Wellington City Council- commissioned report this year found that Auckland is now seen as the place to be for young and emerging artists. They feel there's a "buzz" to the country's largest city. It also found that many fear the new super- sized Auckland Council will be more aggressive in promoting arts and culture, exacerbating a northward drift of artists and arts organisations.

Another council report this month says: "There is an urgent need for a detailed and focused strategy to address current issues and propel Wellington's 'cultural capital' status to the next stage of its development . . . Other centres around New Zealand have also heavily invested in cultural activities, diminishing Wellington's clear leadership in this area."

A third report, by Arts Wellington which represents 40 of the city's arts organisations, says 75 per cent believed their sources of income from local and central government, as well as corporate sponsorship, were at risk. "In this environment it's more important than ever that we pull together to ensure Wellington retains its standing as the arts and culture capital," Arts Wellington chairwoman Lyndsey O'Reilly said when it was released in February.

Positively Wellington Tourism chief executive David Perks said Wellington had to be on on its guard. "The type and style of events Wellington is known for aren't easily transferred, but they're easily lost. That's a position that others are waiting in the wings desperate to take from us."

The signs are there.

This month Auckland Council voted to back an events strategy to make the city "a global events destination". It will boost funding to attract more events from $6m to $18m in the 2012-2013 financial year. This year's Auckland Writers and Readers Festival, which ended on Sunday, boasted a record attendance of 32,000.

Continued to : Here
 
#131 ·
Queenstown in the TripAdvisor Top 25 Destinations in the world 2011

Queenstown in the TOP 25 DESTINATIONS IN THE WORD 2011 of TripAdvisor. Below is a description:
<<Staggering beauty and heart-pumping thrills await in the resort town of Queenstown, Which Is Also known for much of the ITS-Hobbits Lord of the Rings Trilogy Was filmed in the area. Outdoor enthusiasts flock to Queenstown for the kayaking, bungee jumping, jetboating, white-water rafting, hiking and skiing. More mild-mannered adventurers can take a quiet cruise through nearby Milford Sound, part of the Fjordland National Park World Heritage area, or sample South Island pinot noir from one of the region's 75 wineries.>>

The list in full:
1) Cape Town, South Africa
2) Sydney, Australia
3) Machu Picchu, Peru
4) Paris, France
5) Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
6) New York City, USA
7) Rome, Italy
8) London, UK
9) Barcelona, Spain
10) Hong Kong, China
11) Kyoto, Japan
12) Queenstown, New Zealand :banana:
13) Jerusalem, Israel
14) Sieam Reap, Cambodia
15) Prague, Czech Repubblic
16) Venice, Italy
17) Buenos Aires, Argentina
18) Ko Phi Phi Don, Thailand
19) Honolulu, USA
20) St. Petersburg, Russia
21) Florence, Italy
22) Grand Cayman, UK
23) San Francisco, USA
24) Petra / Wadi Musa, Jordan
25) Las Vegas, USA


While here you will find further info (also on the descriptions).
 
#132 ·
Top 25 Destinations in South Pacific 2011 by TripAdvisor

Continued from ^^^

Here are the TOP 25 places in New Zealand.

2) Queenstown

7) Auckland
European, Polynesian, Asian and strong Maori heritages give Auckland its distinctive culture. Discover the history of the world's largest Polynesian city through Maori treasures at Auckland Museum and experience the lives of 19th-century settlers at Howick Historical Village. Find Polynesian handicrafts at Otara Market, or people-watch in bustling Ponsonby and Parnell. Adventure junkies can get their fix from kayaking, sailing and high-octane bungee jumping.

8) Milford Sound
Hailed by Rudyard Kipling as "the eighth wonder of the world," the breathtaking Milford Sound is the star of glacier-carved Fjordland National Park, providing an emerald-green and waterfall-rich backdrop for hiking, biking and kayaking. Frequent downpours only enhance this South Island beauty, sending numerous waterfalls cascading down the cliffs. Passionate nature lovers book in advance to hike the 33-mile Milford Track, a legendary route through alpine passes and temperate rainforest.

10) Christchurch
Though still recovering from the earthquake of February 22, 2011, Christchurch abounds with arts, adventure, and optimism. It's the gateway to the beautiful Canterbury region, featuring dramatic vistas and adventure sports set against a backdrop of lofty peaks. In the central city, more and more attractions and businesses reopen to the public each day.

15) Wellington
Wellington boasts a compact downtown area that’s easy to explore on foot and a wealth of architectural styles, from 19th-century wooden cottages to Art Deco masterpieces. Discover the city’s Maori roots at the Museum of Wellington City & Sea and the Museum of New Zealand. Sip coffee and people-watch in lively Courtney Place, or survey the city from scenic Mount Victoria. When the sun goes down on Windy Wellington, take a nocturnal tour of Karori Wildlife Sanctuary to meet some colorful inhabitants.

20) Rotorua
Bubbling mineral springs and pools promise maximum relaxation in Rotorua, on New Zealand's North Island. Therapeutic hot mud pools, dramatic geysers and a buried village are within easy reach of the city. What happens in the bubbling mud geysers of "Rotovegas"—the area at the top of Fenton Street—stays in Rotovegas. Once you've made the most of the mud, soar nearly 2,000 feet on the Skyline Gondola for views of Lake Rotorua, then zip back down to explore the lake by paddle steamer, fishing charter or WWII amphibious vehicle.

Here you will find further info
 
#133 ·
BEST HOTELS OF SOUTH PACIFIC. TRAVELLER’S CHOICE 2011 BY TRIPADVISOR.

BEST RATES
4) City Centre Motel, Christchurch
8) Palazzo Motor Lodge, Nelson
9) Century Park Motor Lodge, Nelson

ROMANTIC
6) Adrift in Golden Bay, Tukurua

PENSIONS AND B & B
1) Radfield House, Blenhaim
2) Crown View B&B, Queenstown
3) Hillsfield House B&B, Renwick
4) Ornahu Lodge, Auckland Central
5) Eden Park B&B, Auckland Central
6) 23 Hepburn, Auckland Central
8) Sunderland House, Auckland Central

LUXURY
6) Treetops Lodge, Rotorua
7) Hilton Lake Taupo, Taupo

RELAX & SPA
9) Clarion Collection Hotel Wai Ora Lakeside Spa Resort, Rotorua

BEST SERVICE
4) City Centre Motel, Christchurch
5) Queenstown Park Hotel, Queenstown
6) CentrePoint on Colombo Motel, Christchurch
8) Regent of Rotorua, Rotorua
9) Breakfast on the Beach Lodge, Island of Waiheke

(Each category contains 10 hotels).
 
#135 ·
A SUMMARY of the Cities | Towns | Regions that we have visited (more to follow).

SOUTH ISLAND

CHRISTCHURCH - Part 1
CHRISTCHURCH - Part 2


AKAROA - Part 1
AKAROA - Part 2
AKAROA - Part 3
AKAROA - Part 4
AKAROA - Part 5


QUEENSTOWN - Part 1
QUEENSTOWN - Part 2

ARROWTOWN - Part 1
ARROWTOWN - Part 2


NORTH ISLAND


AUCKLAND - Part 1
AUCKLAND - Part 2

WAIHEKE ISLAND - Part 1
WAIHEKE ISLAND - Part 2


WELLINGTON - Part 1
WELLINGTON - Part 2


RUSSELL - Part 1
RUSSELL - Part 2


HAWKES BAY REGION - Part 1
HAWKES BAY REGION - Part 2

NAPIER - Part 1
NAPIER - Part 2

HASTINGS - Part 1


TAURANGA | MOUNT MAUNGANUI - Part1


COROMANDEL REGION - Part 1
COROMANDEL REGION - Part 2

WHANGAMATA - Part 1
WHANGAMATA - Part 2
 
#137 ·
Queenstown and Southern Lakes has been named one of "Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel: top 10 regions for 2012"

Queenstown was known internationally as an adventure playground where people could go skiing in the morning and waterskiing in the afternoon, but the area's beauty could also not be discounted.

Tony Everitt, CEO of Destination Queenstown, said featuring in Best in Travel 2012 would bring significant benefits for the region's profile.

"To receive this kind of endorsement by Lonely Planet is priceless for Queenstown and the Southern Lakes as well as New Zealand. Lonely Planet is a giant of the travel industry so making it onto their top 10 must-visit regions for 2012 will give our region global recognition and provide inspiration for their readers to visit" he said.

LONELY PLANET'S TOP TRAVEL PICKS FOR 2012
Best regions
1. Coastal Wales - 2. La Ruta Maya, Central America - 3. Northern Kenya - 4. Arunachal Pradesh, India - 5. Hvar, Croatia - 6. Sicily, Italy - 7. Canada's Maritime Provinces (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island) - 8. Queenstown and Southern Lakes, New Zealand - 9. Borneo, Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia - 10. Poitou-Charentes, France
Best cities
1. London, England - 2. Muscat, Oman - 3. Bengaluru (Bangalore), India - 4. Cádiz, Spain - 5. Stockholm, Sweden - 6. Guimarães, Portugal - 7. Santiago, Chile - 8. Hong Kong, China - 9. Orlando, Florida, USA - 10. Darwin, Australia
Best countries
1. Uganda - 2. Myanmar - 3. Ukraine - 4. Jordan - 5. Denmark - 6. Bhutan - 7. Cuba - 8. New Caledonia - 9. Taiwan - 10. Switzerland

by NZHeralds
 
#141 ·
Lonely Planet: Christchurch again 'a valid destination'




CHRISTCHURCH 22 JAN 11
by Urban+Explorer, on Flickr​

Christchurch "is back on its feet as far as welcoming travellers" and is still worth a two or three day visit, according to international travel guide Lonely Planet. The February 22 earthquake closed much of the CBD where much of the city's accommodation and attractions are located, but Lonely Planet writer Errol Hunt found on a recent trip to the Garden City there was still plenty for tourists to do. "...While still bearing the scars of February's quake, the city is back on its feet as far as welcoming travellers," Hunt wrote. "...Staying in Christchurch for two or three days is now thoroughly worthwhile."

Most sights and activities in and around Christchurch remain open, he wrote, including the Willowbank wildlife and Maori culture centre, the Antarctic Centre and Punting on the Avon. However Hunt acknowledged the devastation of the earthquakes is ever-present. "Any traveller in the city since February has spent at least some time looking at some of the damaged buildings. Travellers are joined at the cordon's edge by locals doing the same thing, the mood usually one of sombre reflection, as well as simple awe at the sight of some devastated buildings. No-one standing there forgets that deaths occurred in many of these now-ruined buildings."

Hunt said visitors to the city have reported a lack of good nightlife, with a viable alternative to the central city yet to be found. The three main alternatives are not "world class" - describing the university student-favoured drinking holes the "bogan bars of Riccarton", the bars of Merivale "a little snooty for our tastes", and a "couple of good bars" on Lincoln Rd in Addington. Hunt said wider Canterbury has remained "open for business", but have seen a decrease in visitor numbers since the quake. "Akaroa, Kaikoura and Hanmer are all unaffected and as fabulous as ever, while skiers are sharpening their poles in anticipation of the ski season opening at Methven, Mt Hutt, and other nearby ski fields."

Tourists in the South Island during the Rugby World Cup are recommended to visit the city to "immerse yourself in the country's national obsession". "There's no more rugby-focused part of NZ than Christchurch, and the city took an un-needed extra blow when this year's Rugby World Cup games had to be relocated due to quake damage to the city's stadium." Hunt said with visitor numbers down, "you'll seldom find a better chance for experiencing the South Island".

"Christchurch is certainly still reeling after February's belly punch, and the locals are understandably sick of all the bloody aftershocks. But there's an air of recovery too. For travellers, Christchurch is again a valid destination in its own right. And for travellers wanting to help, the best way to do so would be to aid the economy by visiting."
 
#142 ·
Five-star hotel planned for top waterfront spot




19 FEB 11 26°C
by Urban+Explorer, on Flickr​


A five-star, 300-room hotel will fill former America's Cup sites on one of the most valuable pieces of waterside property in the country. The seven-storey hotel will be constructed on Team New Zealand's home base in the Wyndham Quarter on Auckland's waterfront, and will take at least five years to build. The Auckland Waterfront Development Agency said it was still in talks with potential hotel operators, and was not ready to announce who will fill the new building. The agency said yesterday that a consortium of two Auckland architecture firms, Fearon Hay and Peddle Thorp, had won the hotly contested design competition for the development ahead of a talent pool of 23 practices.

Peddle Thorp director Richard Goldie said the hotel would be of a world-class standard and in an enviable harbourside spot. "We describe the site as a privileged one because the only other building on the Auckland waterfront that occupies that kind of space is the ferry building." The scale of the development - the size of a rugby field - posed several challenges. Mr Goldie said he did not want to block access to the water's edge. The hotel's structure will be separated into three by two streets, which will allow the public to walk from Halsey St through to the waterfront. Mr Goldie said the design favoured a more solid facade as opposed to a "glass box" style.

The higher floors will give a view across most of downtown Auckland. "From the upper floors you look across the Viaduct Basin to the city, also across the western viaduct out to Rangitoto. "Then, in a northerly direction, you look up the harbour bridge, and even on the back side there's probably views up to Ponsonby Rd ridge." The entire Wynyard Quarter redevelopment is underscored by progressive design, and the hotel is considering several sustainability measures - the most striking of which is an absence of air conditioning.

"The rooms could be run with just a little bit of space heating for the winter. Down there, where it's relatively quiet and the air is clean, there's no harm in having a window cracked open in the night and enjoying the sniff of the sea air," said Mr Goldie. "These things are romantic ideas at this stage but we'd like to see them delivered."
 
#143 ·
Travel + Leisure awards recognise NZ lodges and hotels
NZ HERALD 10:41 AM Wednesday Aug 3, 2011

After surviving the ravages of two major earthquakes and countless aftershocks, a boutique Christchurch hotel has trumped some of the Pacific's biggest accommodation providers. The George hotel, which lies in the heart of the quake-ravaged city, has been named one of the top 10 best city hotels across Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific by Travel + Leisure magazine. It was also given the nod for best service in the region in this year's World's Best awards, coming a close second behind The Langham in Melbourne. The awards, now in their 16th year, are voted on by readers of the magazine across categories including hotels, cities, islands, cruise lines and airlines.

The George, which was ranked 9th on the list, beat out the likes of Melbourne's 262-room, five-star The Westin and was one of only two New Zealand accommodation providers to make the grade. The other was the Sofitel Queenstown Hotel and Spa, which was ranked fifth and also took out the top spot on a list ranking the best hotel spas in the world. "After what has been, to say the least, a challenging year, we are over the moon to have received these accolades," The George's general manager, Bruce Garrett told AAP. "To maintain a world class facility and meet ever-increasing guest expectations is a big ask in normal circumstances but to have done this through a series of major earthquakes and countless aftershocks is something quite special."

The five-star hotel sits on the edge of Christchurch's "red zone" - the area worst affected by the devastating earthquake on February 22, which killed more than 180 people. Many of The George's staff were personally affected by the quakes, with some losing homes and others not having basic services such as electricity or sewerage, Garrett said. "While they could be forgiven for taking their eyes off the ball ... our team have day after day turned up and turned it on for our guests. "Sometimes this involved walking through cordons where no vehicles could travel and other times staying on to ensure the comfort of all guests after an earthquake before returning home to check on family."

Garrett says although the hotel was unable to trade for a month, business has been better than normal for this time of year. "What Christchurch people need now after so much suffering is some good news, and all Cantabrians should be proud that they have world-class facilities here in their own city," Garrett said. There were also significant accolades for New Zealand accommodation providers in other categories, with The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs in Northland being named best lodge or resort in the region and 11th-best hotel in the world. The Matauri Bay property's managing director, Jay Robertson, said the recognition was "a wonderful testament to the continued excellence of our team, without whom these awards would not be possible".

Taupo's Huka Lodge was named third-best lodge or resort in the region and 67th-best hotel in the world. Queenstown, Christchurch and Auckland were named the third, fourth and fifth-best cities respectively in the Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific region, while Air New Zealand was named fourth-best international airline, up three spots from its seventh-place ranking in last year's awards.

TRAVEL + LEISURE'S 'WORLD'S BEST' AWARDS 2011

Top lodges and resorts in Australia, NZ and the South Pacific

1. The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs, Northland, New Zealand
2. InterContinental Resort and Thalasso Spa, Bora Bora, French Polynesia
3. Huka Lodge, Taupo, New Zealand
4. Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa, New South Wales, Australia
5. Reef House Resort & Spa, Cairns, Australia

Top city hotels in Australia, NZ and the South Pacific

1. The Langham, Melbourne, Australia
2. Park Hyatt, Melbourne, Australia
3. InterContinental, Sydney, Australia
4. Park Hyatt, Sydney, Australia
5. Sofitel Queenstown Hotel and Spa, Queenstown, New Zealand
6. Four Seasons Hotel, Sydney, Australia
7. Sydney Harbour Marriott at Circular Quay, Sydney, Australia
8. The Westin, Sydney, Australia
9. The George, Christchurch, New Zealand
10. The Westin, Melbourne, Australia

Top cities in Australia, NZ and the South Pacific

1. Sydney, Australia
2. Melbourne, Australia
3. Queenstown, New Zealand
4. Christchurch, New Zealand
5. Auckland, New Zealand

NZ MENTIONS IN THE 'WORLD'S BEST' OVERALL RANKINGS

Top 10 hotel spas

1. Sofitel Queenstown Hotel and Spa, Queenstown, New Zealand.

Top 10 international airlines

4. Air New Zealand

Top 100 hotels

11. The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs, Northland, New Zealand
67. Huka Lodge, Taupo, New Zealand
 
#144 ·
Auckland proves to be good value




04 AUG 11 14°C
by Urban+Explorer, on Flickr​


Auckland is the seventh-cheapest tourist-friendly city in the world, a travel website has found. The website Tripadvisor has launched TripIndex, which compares the cost of 50 tourist cities around the world. The cities were ranked on the prices of an 8km taxi ride, a night in a four-star hotel, some pizza and a dry martini from a five-star restaurant. Auckland came seventh, with a total of $173. Number one, Bangkok, cost $131.80 and Beijing $141.30. The most expensive city was Paris, which cost $507.20. The only Australian city to make the list was Sydney, which fell close to the middle on $280.30.

Auckland Mayor Len Brown said the news was "fantastic" in the lead-up to the Rugby World Cup. He said he was surprised Auckland was cheaper than cities such as Marrakesh in Morocco. Former head of Tourism Auckland Graeme Osborne said the result was a mixed blessing. "It's marvellous and helpful to be communicating our affordablility, but it's also an indication that we're coming through a really hard time." Auckland could afford to increase its prices further because of its growing popularity as a destination, he said. Mr Osborne said tourist demand had been down recently, so prices had fallen to reflect that.

"We're hoping that with this news going to the world, that it will remind people about how great a value-for-money destination we are. "So it's an extremely positive message to be communicating to our key markets, but it's a reminder that our marketplace is a little bit suppressed."

TOP 10

1. Bangkok
2. Beijing
3. Sharm el Sheikh
4. Kuala Lumpur
5. Sofia
6. Budapest
7. Auckland
8. Marrakesh
9. Warsaw
10. Dubai
 
#145 ·
Waikato airport project targets Asian tourism



Raglan, Waikato, North Island, New Zealand
by Sandy Austin, on Flickr​

Enticing thousands of Asian tourists to the Waikato is a step closer now Hamilton International Airport has the green light to extend its runway. Approval for the almost 800-metre northern extension at the airport, signed off by Waipa District Council, opens the door for larger long-haul aircraft to land. Although no time frame has been given for construction – expected to cost between $22 and $25 million – airport chief executive Chris Doak said the extension was part of the airport's long-term plan to become a low-cost gateway to New Zealand.

The vision for the airport includes targeting Asia's rapidly increasing middle class who are wanting lower-cost flights to New Zealand and adding new routes from across the ditch. Doak said Asia's huge population offered more visitor potential than Australia and trade was growing. The project includes building the runway, taxiways, an extended apron by the terminal, associated air-noise boundaries and runway lighting.
 
#146 ·
England rugby great: NZ is 'awesome'

VIDEO



Kaiteriteri Beach, New Zealand.
by chris.bryant, on Flickr​

Phil Vickery has normally spent his days Down Under battling the All Blacks on the rugby pitch. But his travel experiences since retiring from England rugby last year have been altogether more restful. Not that he's been taking the easy road. A recent trip to New Zealand still saw him taking in city skylines from gasp-inducing heights, sampling the local wine and seal-spotting on the Otago Peninsula. There was even time to call in at the odd rugby ground, all in the name of research of course. Vickery has recently been announced as a co-commentator for the Rugby World Cup this autumn, so who better to send to the Land of the Long White Cloud to explore what else there is to do between those all-important matches?

Vickery is the first to confess this trip was certainly different to his previous experiences in New Zealand. 'I didn’t get the chance to be a tourist,' says the former England captain and British and Irish Lions prop. 'We were always training, playing, recovering…training, playing, recovering and always focused. I was there to do a job.' But on this visit the 35-year-old indulged in a slightly more relaxed itinerary of eating, drinking and having fun ahead of the World Cup which kicks off in Auckland on September 9. Just one word springs to mind when describing his first foray into life as a tourist in New Zealand. 'Awesome' he says. 'Everything about it. I didn’t even have jet lag too badly.' Back to nature: Phil explored the Otago Peninsula, known as the wildlife capital of New Zealand.

'Auckland I loved,' he explains in his distinctive burr. 'I mean, just the fact you can be in the city centre and then hop on a ferry and 25 minutes later you’re on an island in the middle of nowhere. I love that kind of lifestyle. 'I had a great time on Waiheke Island, and especially a fantastic meal at Mudbrick restaurant, looking out with the Auckland skyline away over the water. The produce and wine they have in New Zealand blew me away, and people’s enthusiasm for it especially. They really enjoy life over there.'

Vickery got chance for another unique city perspective 192m above street level when he did the SkyWalk around the top of the tower at Sky City.
'You’re harnessed, but the rope feels slack so it doesn’t seem like you’re held on. My brain was just saying there was nothing between me and the pavement 600 feet below except the wire walkway, no barrier, nothing. The views were awesome – I got a good look at Eden Park.' On South Island Vickery headed to Dunedin and was in awe of the brand new, permanently covered, Forsyth Barr stadium. 'I think the atmosphere there on a match day is going to be phenomenal. And from a player’s point of view, the surface was amazing – it’s a mix of artificial and natural grass, which will play hard and fast.

The England lads will love it. It all got me thinking that this is a great model for the northern hemisphere. It could really change the way leagues and timings happen – you won’t have to worry about the elements at all. 'The town itself was great. Really buzzing with all the students. 'I wanted to go surfing but didn’t have time. Instead we spent a day on the Otago Peninsula just next to the city, and that totally blew me away. I went out there with a guy called Perry Reid from Nature’s Wonders Naturally – what a fantastic bloke, so enthusiastic. 'I could have spent days there, surrounded by the ocean and the wind. It was paradise. We saw penguins and seals, and they had no fear, it was just a real privilege.

'Wellington was a blast too and brought back good memories – England beat the All Blacks there in 2003 before we went on to win the World Cup in Sydney! 'I got chance to talk to Conrad Smith (the current All Black centre), which was fun. The pressure on those home team boys is immense. Everyone you talk to, whether it’s an All Black or a cab driver, is determined this is going to be a great tournament; you really get a sense of that. 'And I could have stayed in Wellington for weeks. I really enjoyed Zealandia, which is a sanctuary for all sorts of local wildlife and not far from the centre, which is like walking through Jurassic Park, just totally mind blowing. And we had a great evening out at Matterhorn on Cuba Street. Apparently it was voted best bar in New Zealand for a few years running and you can see why. Although Vickery’s heart will always be in Cornwall it seems New Zealand may have won him over both on and off the pitch.

'It was a privilege facing the Haka when I used to play, I loved it,' he recalls. 'It’s great at Twickenham but when it’s on their home turf it’s something else. You just have to look into their eyes and you can immediately see the pride and the passion. 'And I had a fantastic time on this trip. The Rugby World Cup down there is going to be awesome, they’re putting so much into it, like the Real New Zealand festival that’s running alongside it. They’ve had a tough time with the earthquake in Christchurch but don’t think for a second that’s a reason not to visit. Go and watch the rugby but have a holiday too, it’s such a beautiful place.
 
#147 ·
Growth continues at Auckland Airport



Auckland Airport - International Terminal
by Kaell116, on Flickr​

Auckland Airport today welcomed the news that from 1 November 2011 China Southern Airlines is increasing its flights between Guangzhou to Auckland to a daily service from three times a week currently. Auckland Airport general manager aeronautical commercial, Glenn Wedlock, said, "This is great news for the travel industry and should provide an estimated $100 million boost to the New Zealand economy. The new China Southern Airlines services arrive just in time for our high season and after the Rugby World Cup will help us continue to drive the 20% plus growth we have been seeing in this market."

China Southern Airlines' New Zealand general manager, Henry Dai, said, "We are very pleased with the success of our service so far, and we are excited about the potential for growing the travel and trade partnership between China and New Zealand even further. This new daily service will add another 90,000 seats per year, and reflects the high market demand we have already experienced and the confidence we have in the future." The daily flights will be serviced by brand new, four-cabin layout aircraft that will come into use from 1 September 2011. The new aircraft will provide an enhanced passenger experience, including luxurious first class and business class seats.

Mr Wedlock said, "The Free Trade Agreement and other Government initiatives around visa processing, air-services policy, tourism partnerships and trade development have been instrumental in building a market structure for growth as demonstrated by the $410 million in expenditure from Chinese visitors for the year ended June 2011. "The increase in services from China Southern Airlines, along with the expanded Air New Zealand services from December, will open up more of China to New Zealand tourism and trade than ever before, and should help push China ahead of the United States as our third largest tourism market in the very near future." Auckland Airport has been very focused in recent years on growing connections between New Zealand and China in order to capture more of the growth expected out of this booming market.

Mr Wedlock said, "China and its people are increasingly important to New Zealand. In 2011 the number of Chinese visitors into Auckland Airport grew 26.5% on 2010 figures, and we expect that growth trend to continue. Chinese visitors are also high-value, spending on average around $300 per night, more than European, North American and other Asian tourists." Tourism trends and industry research now indicate an increasing number of Chinese travellers who are high net-worth, have high-spending patterns and are prepared to pay premium prices for a high-quality, unique tourism experience or product. This fits perfectly with New Zealand's quality tourism proposition, such as that found in premium visitor destinations like Auckland and Queenstown.

Mr Wedlock said, "China is a key market where we are looking to build high value travel to New Zealand with our joint marketing campaigns. The June 2011 Hurun Report indicated there are now over 950,000 millionaires in mainland China so there is a fantastic opportunity to build tourism and trade values to New Zealand by targeting this market."
 
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