Despite the fact that it's still no cheaper to fly to New Zealand from the Northern Hemisphere, and despite the dire predictions on the impact of all those air miles, international visitors continue to flock in -- Australian visitors in fact are up by 5%, the Chinese by 15%.
New Zealand has long been seen as "clean, green, 100% pure" and New Zealand tourism continues to work at protecting that image. Sustainability is not only the new catchphrase in tourism, it is the expectation. For Tourism New Zealand (www.tourismnewzealand.com) it is part of a seven-year strategy that aims to take a mature approach to fostering environmental awareness. Increasing numbers of tourism businesses have jumped on the carbon credits/sustainability bandwagon. Thrifty Car Rentals (33 Lichfield St, Christchurch; tel. 0800/737-070 in NZ, or 03/359-2720; www.thrifty.co.nz) was the first rental car company in New Zealand to introduce a carbon offset program for its customers in 2007. It also added a line of low-emission Peugeot 307 diesel vehicles to reduce emissions and increase fuel efficiency by up to 20%.
In the general scheme of things, existing businesses continue to make product refinements and additions and new accommodations strive to be the best.
Auckland
You'll find very good accommodations at Ascot Parnell Bed and Breakfast (St. Stephens Ave., Parnell, Auckland; tel. 09/309-9012; www.ascotparnell.com), where Bart and Therese Blommaert offer three delightful suites close to Parnell village and the Auckland Museum and Domain.
Prime Minister Helen Clark has officially opened SKYCITY's latest adrenalin pumping attraction, Sky Walk (SKYCITY, Victoria and Federal sts., Auckland; tel. 0800759-586 in NZ or 09/363-6000; www.skywalk.co.nz). Adventure seekers can now undertake the heart-stopping challenge of walking around the pergola ring of the SKYTOWER, 630 feet above the streets below, with only a harness and a safety rope for security.
On Great Barrier Island, near Auckland, Christine and John Erkkila of Gamesail New Zealand (www.gamesail.co.nz) have taken over the ownership of Bay Lodge Cottage at Claris (tel. 07/843-2000). They operate a luxury charter boat for up to six guests around Great Barrier Island and the Hauraki Gulf, and now guests can also stay at Bay Lodge Cottage if they wish to explore this charming remote island more thoroughly.
Rotorua
In Rotorua, Novotel Lakeside Rotorua (Lake end, Tutanekai St., Rotorua; tel. 0800/776-677 in NZ, or 07/346-3888; www.novotelrotorua.co.nz), has completed the major re-development of the Atlas Café and Restaurant, which now features a strong Rotorua theme including timber acoustic panels featuring Maori tukutuku (weaving) patterns. One of Rotorua's best B&B's meanwhile, The Springs (16 Devon St., Rotorua; tel. 07/348-9922; www.thesprings.co.nz) is now under the new ownership of Michael Kelly and Rae McGill, who have an established reputation as hospitality hosts. They plan to extend the property in the near future.
Rotorua's Whakarewarewa Thermal Village Tours has been re-branded as Whakarewarewa, The Living Thermal Village (9a Tukiterangi St., Whakarewarewa Village, Rotorua; tel. 0800/924-426 in NZ, or 07/349-3463; www.whakarewarewa.com), in a move designed to reflect the fact that people live in the village and have done so for more than 300 years. The re-branding is part of a three-year redevelopment plan for the village.
Wellington
Just north of Christchurch, the Waipara Wine region is expected to take off with the development of the Waipara Wine Village & Day Spa (www.waiparawineandspa.co.nz), which will include a 132 Accor Grand Mercure hotel and a 9-hole golf course, both due to open in 2009.
Christchurch
The construction of Christchurch International Airport's (www.christchurch-airport.co.nz) new integrated terminal, due to begin in August 2008 is not expected to impact greatly on travelers. The five-stage project aims to streamline passenger processing and is due for completion in 2010.
Hotel SO (165 Cashel St.; tel. 0508/165-165 in NZ; or 03/968-5050; www.hotelso.co.nz) is a contemporary revamp of the old tax department buildings into a very well priced, colorful central city hotel with all the mod-cons.
Lovers of luxury meanwhile, might consider driving New Zealand in a rental Porsche from Porstige (tel. 03/365-1959; www.porstige.co.nz), the first company in New Zealand to focus solely on the rental of this world renowned brand.
A short trip from Christchurch, the new multi-million spa complex at the ever popular Hanmer Springs Thermal Pool and Spa (1 Jacks Pass Rd, Hanmer; tel. 0800/442-663 in NZ; or 03/315-7511; www.hanmersprings.co.nz) opened in August 2007 and includes a wide range of luxury spa treatments, steam and massage rooms and six private thermal pools.
West Coast & The Glaciers
In Greymouth, On Yer Bike Adventures (511 State Highway 6, Coal Creek, Greymouth; tel. 03/762-7438), announced a new website: www.onyerbike.co.nz.
Queenstown & Environs
Approval has been given for the development of a multi-million dollar resort development in Queenstown. It includes a 221-room Intercontinental Hotel, a 197-room all-suite apartment hotel, a boutique luxury lodge and a luxury apartment building. Excavation for the first of the four hotels (the Westin) is already underway at the Kawarau Falls Station site. Across town, Queenstown's newest luxury property, Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel (21 Robins Rd.; tel. 03/441-8441; www.queenstownparkhotel.co.nz), has opened and is offering 19 sophisticated rooms in an architecturally-designed property located just a two minute walk from town across a quiet park.
Further south in Te Anau it is pleasing to see the opening of a stylish new accommodation at Dock Bay Lodge (192 William Stephen Road, Te Anau; tel. 03/249-7709; www.dockbaylodge.co.nz), where Dawn and Mark Dowling have created a welcoming home environment that offers five big rooms with generous ensuite bathrooms. It sits on 12 acres, with magnificent views and the home garden merges seamlessly with the 11th fairway of the Te Anau Golf Course. You even get free golf clubs.
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