Ready for a change, would-be snow bunnies? If you’re a newbie to the ski slopes of New Zealand, the South Island’s Mount Hutt and the North Island’s Mount Ruapehu are the ultimate alpine people pleasers. Here’s a beginner’s guide to skiing in New Zealand. Book your stay with Choice Hotels. Mount Hutt With the longest...
Christchurch is renowned as New Zealand’s ‘garden city’, with no fewer than 700 civic parks and recreational spaces to enjoy. Whittling that number down to the must-see parks and gardens is no mean feat, but here are a handful of highlights that should be on every visitor’s itinerary. Book your stay in Christchurch with Choice...
Napier has an incredible collection of Art Deco buildings, and attracts architecture and design enthusiasts from all over the world. Much of the city was rebuilt in the popular Art Deco style following the devastating earthquake of 1931. Each year the city celebrates its architectural heritage with an Art Deco festival. Fabulous food and fine...
There’s an undeniably infectious energy, creative spark and innovative edge that keep refreshing Wellington’s platter of urban temptations. It’s not called the ‘coolest little capital’ for nothing. The city’s bragging rights as an artisanal and foodie mecca are constantly being refortified, and while it’s compact in size, there’s something here to please every palate on...
Palmerston North is one of the North Island’s most understated, but thoroughly charming regional cities. Situated just on two hours’ drive north of Wellington, and nestled between the Tararua and Ruahine mountain ranges, Palmerston North (known to locals simply as ‘Palmy’) parcels up the delights of a country town with all the amenities of a small...
When tripping the North Island, a jaunt up to Northland feels like a South Pacific mini-break. The weather and foliage is seductively sub-tropical and the sun-kissed beaches are absurdly gorgeous. Northland’s thriving capital Whangarei is a city of adventure, culture and natural beauty, and has much to offer visitors. Here are just some of the reasons...
As Aotearoa New Zealand’s most southerly city, Waihōpai Invercargill is frequented by visitors keen to explore the captivating wilderness areas of the very south. They include Stewart Island, Fiordland National Park and the Southern Scenic Route. However, the city and its surrounding areas have much to offer in their own right and spending a few days in Invercargill is a great way to...
A road trip between Auckland and Wellington can be done in so many ways, and with no end of wonderful sights to see. This particular itinerary includes a large portion of the Thermal Explorer Highway – a popular route that begins north of Hamilton and reaches the coast at Napier. There will also be suggestions...
Julie Scanlon from Kidspot shares things to see and do on her five-day family road trip from Wellington to Taupo. Road trip! The last time my kids heard those words, we embarked on an epic two-week journey around the South Island. This time, it was a five-day trip during the school holidays to explore the...
Julie Scanlon from Kidspot continues her five-day family road trip from Wellington to Taupo. Before hitting the road for the second day of our trip, we decided to see some more of Palmerston North. The Square The Square is the city’s central recreational hub, and someone happened to mention to us that it was currently...
