-North Island-
Virgin forests, volanic mountains and geysers, and New Zealand's largest lake. The further north you are in New Zealand, the more tropical it gets.

Brooklands Country Estate
RD 1, Ngaruawahia
Waikato, New Zealand
T: +64 7 825 4756. 10 rooms. US$ 425-, includes dinner.
www.brooklands.net.nz
The charming house has wide verandas, scenic decks and country furnishings. Forested parklands and rollings hills surround this old Kauri homestead located 90 minutes from the Aukland Airport. This is a good place to relax before and after international flights; they will arrange to pick you up at the airport and have a rental car delivered to the Brooklands when you are ready to start driving.

Bangor Country Estate
Bangor Road, Darfield,
Canterbury, New Zealand
T: +64 3 318 7588. 6 suites. US$ 520-, includes dinner.
www.bangor.co.nz  
An elegant Colonial manor house set on 33 acres of grounds and gardens. This romantic getaway has large bay windows, alcoves and verandas, providing panoramic views mf the Southern Alps. Located just 25 minutes from Christchurch International Airport.

Wharehaihau
Palliser Bay, New Zealand
T: +64 630 77581. 10 guest cottage suites. US$ 250-
www.wharekauhau.co.nz
Modeled on an Edwardian country mansion, it has breathtaking views of Palliser Bay. Set on a 5,000 acre working sheep ranch.

Wine Country, North Island
With a climate warmer and sunnier than the South Island, the North Island's Hawkes Bay wine region is able to produce some of the best Bordeaux varietal red wines.

Mangapapa Lodge
Havelock North, Hawkes Bay, NZ
T: +64 6 878 3234. 12 rooms. US$ 510, includes dinner.
www.mangapapa.co.nz
Surrounded by orchards, Mangapapa is a small elegant country house hotel located between the art deco town of Napier and the transplanted English village of Havelock.


Tongariro National Park, North Island
A sacred mountain to the Maoris, the local chief gave Tongariro to Queen Victoria to ensure its snowcapped peaks would never be sold or settled. Now a world heritage listed park, it includes the recently volcanic Mt. Ruapehu and New Zealand's large ski resort, Whakapapa.

The Grand Chateau
State Highway 48
Mount Ruapehu, New Zealand
T: +64 7 892 3809. 76 rooms. US$ 115-
www.chateau.co.nz
The only hotel located within the park, this is a relaxed yet elegant Georgian-style chateau. Located minutes away from the Whakapapa ski resort.

-South Island-
White sand beaches, semi-tropical rainforests, snowcapped mountains and mile-deep fjords.

Lake Rotoroa Lodge
Nelson Lakes National Park
Gowan Valley Road
Murchison, New Zealand
T: +64 3 523 9121. 9 rooms. US$ 350-
www.lakerotoroalodge.com
Lakeside location with views of the South Islands alps. Edwardian elegance. The lodge's location is famous for its fly fishing streams.


Southern Lakes Region, South Island
Crystal clear lakes, glaciers and majestic Southern Alps landscapes. Located in the southern part of South Island, the region includes Queenstown, Fiordland, Central Otago and Wanaka.

Queenstown House
69 Hallenstein St.
Queenstown, NZ
T: +64 3 442-9043. 8 room b&b. US$ 155-
www.queenstownhouse.co.nz
Elegantly appointed bedrooms with garden views as well as a breakfast room with a view of the lake, this boutique b&b is just a ten minute (steep) walk to central Queenstown. Owned by a well-known New Zealand restauranteur.

Matakauri Lodge
Queenstown, NZ
T: +64 3 441 1008. 7 rooms. US$ 500-, incl. breakfast & dinner.
www.matakauri.co.nz
Panoramic views of Lake Wakatipu and its mountain peaks are viewed through expansive glass windows. This luxury lodge sits on ten acres of pine forest, just minutes from Queenstown.


Wine Country, South Island
Good food and wine thrive in the temperate climate of New Zealand's South Island wine provinces; some of New Zealand's most famous Sauvignon Blancs are produced in Marlborough Province.

Hotel d'Urville
52 Queen Street
Blenheim
Marlborough, New Zealand
T: +64 3 577-9945. 11 rooms. US$ 160-
www.durville.com
Stylish themed rooms in a converted neoclassic bank building in downtown Blenheim. A winemaker and wine-lover's hang-out, the friendly Hotel d'Urville is known for its food & wine.


-Stewart Island-
New Zealand's little known third island is located 15 miles beyond the South Island. With a population of less than 500 people, this unspoiled island is inhabited primarily by brown kiwi, deer and rare birds found in its acres of lush national park.