Choices, Choices: A Luxury Holiday in New Zealand

New Zealand’s green rolling hills and clear blue lakes make it ideal for a luxury holiday.  It’s occasionally been overshadowed by Australia, its closest neighbour, but thanks to a starring role in several films, many have now begun to appreciate New Zealand for its beauty and potential for luxury holiday resorts.  There is plenty to do beyond looking at the scenery, though.

What to Do

You might start out your adventure in New Zealand with a guided walk through the wilderness, where you will be able to encounter prehistoric plants and animals that evolution missed.  If you go on a guided walk with a reputable luxury holiday company, each night you’ll be housed in comfortable accommodation and served three square meals, all included in the price.  Some walks include sailing and more strenuous hikes, perfect for the people who want adventure on their holiday along with luxury.

It’s also well worth exploring Maori culture.  The Maori are the native people of New Zealand, having lived on the island in isolation since the fourteenth century.  When the Europeans arrived in the nineteenth century, they initially strove to convert and subjugate the Maori, but less than a hundred years later the Maori experienced resurgence in both numbers and in culture.  Since 1960, they have undergone something of a revolution and as a result Maori culture is widespread and fascinating.  Many Maori give tours and share information about their culture; why not spend a day exploring ancient fortified villages and learning all about Maori customs from an experienced guide?

If you love the ocean and want to spend lots of time in the water, New Zealand is truly the place for you.  No part of it is more than two hours drive away from the water, so even if you choose to spend a day away you needn’t worry about getting back.  You can swim with dolphins, go snorkelling, or just lounge by the beach.  It’s all up to you.

You may have encountered wine from New Zealand at your local supermarket – here’s your chance to taste it for yourself.  You can explore local vineyards and try out wines that you’ll never find out at home.  For the wine connoisseur New Zealand is the perfect luxury destination.

Where to Stay

New Zealand offers fantastic accommodation whether you want to stay near the ocean or head into the cities.  In the city, all of your choices are luxurious, but only you can choose the style of your hotel.  History lovers, for example, may find The Dairy to be a perfect choice, as it’s been transformed from a 1920’s corner store into a boutique hotel in the centre of Queenstown.  Guests who are after big-time luxury, and have the money to get it, might consider Eichardt’s private hotel, a former local tavern.  It’s now a surprisingly intimate lakefront establishment with five suites, appointed with historical furnishing but the best of modern luxury.  Honeymooners might consider their super king beds and indulgent bathrooms when choosing a place to stay!

There are also an incredible number of wilderness retreats so you can have nature on your doorstep while enjoying all the creature comforts a house can offer.  If the sea is more your style, you can rent a beach house or a luxurious suite in one of the bigger hotels.

It’s really all up to you – but New Zealand truly offers everything you might want on a luxury holiday.  Consider it next time!