Travelling the world in luxury for less a week at a time
Rotorua in New Zealand’s North Island is a hot mess. Literally! Everywhere you look the earth is bubbling, hissing and exploding as mother nature flexes her muscles in a dramatic display sure to impress. Te Puia Rotorua is the perfect place for visitors to experience Rotorua’s unique geothermal landscape and gain a greater understanding of the area’s rich Māori culture. Oh and did I mention the fabulous hāngi feast? Read on for all the details …
As part of our recent road trip around New Zealand’s North Island we spent two days in Rotorua. The first thing I tend to consider when I have decided on a destination is where I am going to stay. Even when your days are full with activities where you lay your head for the night can make or break your trip. Rotorua has no shortage of accommodation and we checked them all before deciding on The Regent of Rotorua, a multi-award winning boutique hotel right in the centre of town. Read on for all the details …
Rotorua really turned on the rain for our last night in town. It would have been easy to retreat to our very comfy room at The Regent of Rotorua on such a dismal night but with only two days in town we didn’t have the luxury of time on our side. We braved the rain and headed to Skyline Rotorua. I know what you are thinking, why would you go to a place famous for the views when the city was shrouded in mist? Well two of my favourite things are at the top of Mt Ngongotaha; wine and food, both of which could be enjoyed even with a compromised view. Stratosfare Restaurant Rotorua and Volcanic Hills Winery proved to be the the absolute perfect place to be on a dark stormy night in Rotorua. Read on for all the details …
Rotorua is New Zealand’s coolest hot spot. Part of the Taupo volcanic zone, Rotorua is a geothermal wonderland. Visitors have been fascinated with the area since the early 1800’s and there is no better place to see mother nature at her turbulent best than at Hells Gate Rotorua. Visitors to Rotorua’s most active geothermal park can experience a dramatic landscape littered with boiling hot pools, steaming fumaroles, a mud volcano and even a hot waterfall. Oh and did I mention the mud baths and sulphur pools in the natural spa? Read on for all the details …
Auckland is New Zealand’s most populous city. A young city by global standards, Auckland is like a teenager experiencing a growth spurt. The City of Sails is currently home to 1.4 million people but the population is expected to swell to 2 million by 2031 so significant changes are underway in preparation. City streets are being torn up to accommodate the city rail link and cranes dominate the horizon as a host of new towers take shape. Visitors to Auckland during this metamorphosis will appreciate a haven from which to escape the mayhem on the streets and CityLife Auckland offers exactly that. This completely refurbished all apartment hotel provides all the comforts of home with a raft of facilities that make it so much better. Read on for all the details …
So I’m guessing you are planning a trip to New Zealand. Or at least seriously thinking about it. The land of the long white cloud is a small but diverse nation that is incredibly popular with Aussies. In fact, 470,000 of us visit every year. This is my second trip across the ditch and the first time The Hubs has visited the North Island. Spectacular scenery, friendly locals, fantastic food and countless activities are waiting for you in En Zed (never Zee!), but there are a few things you need to know before hopping on that plane. Starting your research with my New Zealand travel essentials will see you arrive well prepared to enjoy a hassle free stay. Read on for all the details …
*** Updated February 2020 ***
I love a bargain. Who doesn’t right? While I’ll quite happily drop a grand on a pair of shoes (red soles are my weakness what can I say), when it comes to car hire I am a lot less generous. I’m not a car person. Of course I can appreciate the luxury of a sparkly new beamer as much as the next guy, but I just don’t see the point in paying for unnecessary luxury when the banger will still get you from A to B just fine. So it goes without saying that when it comes to hiring a car I am looking to pay the lowest amount possible and Airport Rentals have helped me to do just that on more than one occasion. Are you down with paying minimal car hire fees? Read on for all the details …