Keep Dreaming of Winter Highlights

As snow begins to fall softly on the mountain peaks, and night becomes colder with glistening stars to guide our journey, we venture into our fourth volume of travel discovery. Welcome to our favourite Winter Highlights, where we’ll explore some different destinations that bring New Zealand to life. Journey with us from the Coromandel Peninsula, to beautiful and frigid Lake Taupo, and onwards to the glistening jewel of the south: Dunedin. Find our top road trips, ski holidays, hiking adventures and so much more! Peruse what Aotearoa has to offer, then reach out to your local Travel Advisor and let’s see what we can do for your next, best, getaway!

 

 

4.5 star

Your stage for discovery in the middle of the north island, Taupo is a veritable hub of exploration, adventure and opportunity for the eager traveller! Spend a relaxing day by the outdoor pool area which is naturally heated all year round, borrow one of the cruiser bikes and set off on your own guided excursion, or put a movie on in your room for the kids while you kick back with a book or a trip to the gym! Or prehaps visit the iconic Huka Falls. As the cold of night rolls in across the lake, retreat to the warmth of your room for idyllic seclusion, or venture out for an evening adventure with your concierge!

 

4.5 star

Welcome to Dunedin’s premier luxury hotel, owned and operated by locals in the area and since 1937! Boasting an elegant, contemporary design, this exceptional hotel offers spacious and modern facilities to those wanting a relaxing weekend away. Enjoy modern gems like superior soundproofed rooms, cloud-like beds, 55” televisions and the on-site gym. As your home base, you can set out for days of eager discovery around the region, or even set off for road-trips and opportunities for discovery! Be sure to add Tunnel Beach to your list.

 

5 star

Step into secluded luxury at the hidden and beautiful 970 Lonely Bay in stunning Cooks Beach. Enjoy premium comforts in an Atrium Suite with breakfast daily, and use this luxurious hub as the ultimate way to explore the northern end of the Coromandel. Day trip to Cathedral Cove in Hahei and take a hike down to the beachfront. Drop in at Hot Water Beach and experience the spa-like temperatures of your own private, natural beach pool. Enjoy boutique lodge stylings that are perfectly complemented by the natural scenery and gorgeous on-site facilities.

 

 

A good pair of shoes is recommended for this 30-45 minute walk from the uphill parking lot down to the stunning Cathedral Cove. On the way down, you’ll experience beautiful natural views and the occasional glistening glimpse of the ocean beneath as it twinkles in the light of the sun. Once you’re down there, the beach is phenomenal - an almost forgotten corner of the nation where white sands give way to clear waters and where the iconic hole in the rock makes for ideal photo opportunities. The walk back to the carpark can be a bit of a hike, so it’s recommended to relax on the sands for a bit and bring a bottle of water.

 

Set out on the iconic Lake Taupo for a calming catamaran cruise around the many sites on offer. Get vantage point views of the town and the nearby ranges, as well as a genuine view of the Maori Rock Carvings established in 1976. On this 1.5 hour cruise, you’ll be able to recline with a complimentary drink  and muffin and listen to the guided commentary from local experts, to brush up on your knowledge of the region. 

 

 

Dunedin is the perfect hub to enable you to explore much of the South Island. Being in close proximity to the likes of Oamaru, Southland and Wanaka, and even Queenstown or Christchurch if you’re eager for an overnight stay, you can easily base yourself in New Zealand’s oldest city. Whether renting a car, or a campervan to have a lazier drive, you’ll quickly find that the regions around Dunedin are rife with culture, nature and discovery. Spot native birds on your drive to Wanaka, journey to Oamaru for lunch or journey north to Christchurch to experience a guided tour of discovery.

 

Enjoy an evening of quality, innovative cooking in Whitianga. At Go Vino, they have evolved a KaiZen style of cooking (Kai - the Maori word for food and Zen - the philosophy of enjoying the moment) and hold this positive continuous development at the heart of their cuisine. Enjoy fresh, seasonal menus that cycle every three months, allowing you to indulge in the freshest, most relevant cuisine of the time. With plates designed to be shared (and encouragement to put away phones at the table) you’ll be able to enjoy an intimate and memorable dining experience that’ll keep you coming back for more each time. 

Step out for a delicious meal when you stay in the Coromandel. Ask your Local Travel Advisor about adding this onto your booking.

 

In the fine-dining, elegant establishment, you’ll find food and drinks that are as fabulous as the views over Lake Taupo. Savour their award-winning local and international cuisine, crafted with the freshest of ingredients on a daily basis. With a long-standing reputation as one of the very best restaurants in the region, you’ll find comfort and ambience that is second to none and an ideal setting to spoil, impress and simply indulge in mouth-watering treats that’ll linger in your tastebuds. With so many incredible options available in Taupo, this truly stands out as a highlight of cuisine excellence.

Step out for a delicious meal when you stay in Taupo. Ask your Local Travel Advisor about adding this onto your booking.