Luxury lodges: Would you like a valet with that?

As the saying goes, if you need to ask how much it costs you probably can't afford it. Lisa Bradley surveys some of New Zealand's leading luxury lodges - and asks the big question, so you don't have to. My friends don't judge accommodation by the quality of its teabags, but when asked to guess how much it cost to spend a night in New Zealand's most expensive lodge, it took five "try agains" before they came even close.

Destination New Zealand

Coloradan's rank third from the USA for tourism to New Zealand. Maybe it's because we appreciate fresh air, nature and lots of sky, love fine wines and foods, or because we have a sense of adventure...the statistics don't state why. The place is like a condensed version of the USA, Europe and Canada. One minute you could be in British Columbia, the next you're sipping something warm in some café, reminiscing how similar it feels to a great spot in England or Germany. A short drive and you could be in Scotland or Nevada or Washington State. It's a bit crazy really.

Tourism Conference Speakers Look To The Future

Tourism is New Zealand's largest export earner - accounting for 19.2% of this country's export earnings. The Tourism Industry Association organises the New Zealand Tourism Industry Conference, TRENZ, PURE LUXURY New Zealand and the New Zealand Tourism Industry Awards. Go to www.tianz.org.nz International and local experts on some of the major issues facing New Zealand's tourism industry will speak at the Tourism Industry Conference 2007 in Auckland, 29-30 August.

Air China, Air New Zealand offer multi-country code-share

Air China and Air New Zealand now offer code-share service connecting China, Australia, and New Zealand, with effect from July 1. With this new code-share to “Down Under,” the highly regarded Air New Zealand has become the twentieth airline to partner with Air China in cooperative code-share service.“Partnering with a strong, Star Alliance carrier like Air New Zealand is a great benefit for travelers to and from China,” said Mrs. Zhang Lan, Senior Vice President for Air China. “We are proud to join with Air New Zealand in expanding passengers’ choices to fly to more destinations, and we believe that Air New Zealand customers will be pleased with the levels of service they will receive onboard our modern Air China fleet.”

Discounted flights take off

Major airlines are expected to announce a second wave of discount deals in the coming months - with travellers likely to see more one-dollar flights and website-only deals.
The past fortnight has seen some of the lowest airfares in New Zealand aviation history and there are predictions of more holiday bargains for domestic and international travellers wanting a cheap winter escape.

Air New Zealand promotion offering

To celebrate the first anniversary of Air New Zealand's grabaseat website, one-way tickets for one dollar were offered online, for popular routes like Christchurch to Nelson and Auckland to Dunedin. Grabaseat offers low price domestic and international fares on a daily basis.

Sheep and Chardonnay in New Zealand

A tour of New Zealand's finest vineyards and their spectacular surroundings now offers the perfect escape for discerning gastro-tourists, writes Susy Atkins. It's nearly 15 years since I first trailed round New Zealand's vineyards and wineries, and I have somewhat mixed memories of that trip. I remember unappetising food, grim motels straight from the 1950s, and an awful lot of sheep roaming around the "star" wine region, Marlborough.

Air New Zealand became one of the first airlines to order the new Boeing 787

The airline, which has ordered eight Dreamliners, changed its order from the 787-8 to the bigger and longer range 787-9, available in late 2010. This will increase the potential destinations for Air New Zealand in all directions across the Pacific and Indian Oceans, such as Bombay, Beijing, Johannesburg, Buenos Aires and Chicago. It will also make the routes much more viable than with the larger and less fuel efficient 747s.

A taste of New Zealand

New Zealand has always been a popular tourist destination with its stunning locations, wide range of activities and festivals on every week. Now, its quality of food and wine is drawing the crowds down under with the latest testimonial from the ‘Taste of New Zealand’ showcase. “New Zealand is already under the world spotlight with the rugby World Cup coming up in France and the America’s Cup yachting in Valencia, and we have capitalised on that exposure,” said Alan Trotter, CEO of CINZ.

Australia and New Zealand Voted Top Travel Destinations

"We are seeing a more discerning group of mature travellers emerging, who expect more from their gap year experience," commented Austyn Tusler, head of Hiscox's Art and Private Client division. "They want to take more expensive belongings with them, pursue whatever sports and activities they like and travel for as long as they wish, wherever in the world they choose, without having to worry. In insurance terms, they expect better quality cover, fewer exclusions and the support of travel and security experts they can trust."

Huka Lodge named best hotel for second year running

Last year New Zealand’s iconic Huka Lodge was named best hotel in Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific by Travel + Leisure magazine. This year, in the same survey – World’s Best Awards, Huka Lodge has once again taken the top ranking, for the second year running. Huka Lodge was also ranked 58 within the Top 100 Hotels worldwide, and was the only hotel within Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific to make the international list.

North New zealand rainstorms left more than 7,000 homes without power

New Zealand's government deployed troops to the country's Far North district today after rainstorms left more than 7,000 homes without power and forced about 50 people to flee to emergency shelters. The area on North Island got a month's worth of rain in less than 12 hours yesterday, the New Zealand Defence Force said in a statement today.

New Zealanders ignore Fiji travel warnings

Political unrest has grown steadily since Commodore Bainimarama overthrew the government in December 2006. There have been calls for a return to democracy, and, with the expulsion of New Zealand's High Commissioner to Fiji, the Pacific Island nation has invited the wrath of the New Zealand government. Last week the government confirmed an extension of travel sanctions against Fiji which now means that high ranking public servants cannot transit through New Zealand. The sanctions are in addition to those imposed last year in which members of Fiji's interim government, its supporters and members of the military were prevented from entering the country.

Get skiing this summer in New Zealand

Like their northern hemisphere namesake, there is great food and wine, snow and skiing, and a lively nightlife in the Southern Alps in New Zealand. One of the top resorts is Queenstown, where holidaymakers can access the Remarkables mountain range, where the north facing slopes catch plenty of winter sun. The resort is one of the most southern on the country's South Island, and is renowned as a year-round active holiday hotspot, attracting travellers on walking and cycling holidays once the snow melts.