Ten Foot Square Australasia

The senior years are blessed with more time for oneself due to lessened responsibilities of having grown-up children and having retired from formal employment. It could be a time to see another part of the world to experience something new. It could even be a time to meet other people of the same age group or interest. Preparing for a trip to New Zealand is not hard as it used to be due to the numerous guided tours that cater primarily to senior citizens.

An ideal tour for seniors is one which is not too long or too short to be very physically demanding. It is a fact that people of the older age group tend to have some limitations as to mobility. There are a few lucky seniors that continue to enjoy excellent health after retirement.

An example of a scenic tour is that which is offered for a package of 17 days covering more or less the following areas: Day 1 – arrival at Auckland to visit some local attractions; Day 2 – travel to Paihia in the Bay of Islands with overnight stay; Day 3 – cruise and visit historic town of Russell; Day 4 – back to Auckland with stopover at the Waipoua Kauri forest and the Kauri museum; Day 5 – visit the thermal hot pools in Rotorua; Day 6 – visit the Maori church and enjoy a concert and evening meal ; Day 7 – go to Waitomi and Aranui caves; Day 8 – visit Pukekura Park in New Plymouth and on to Wanganui via a museum in Hawera; Day 9 – visit National Museum; Day 10 – interisland ferry to Picton; Day 11 – drive through Buller gorge and the Punakaiki rocks; Day 12 – overnight in Fox village; Day 13 – overnight in Queenstown; Day 14 – trip to Earnslaw on Lake Wakatipu with free time for shopping; Day 15 – overnight at Mt. cook; Day 16 – conclusion of tour in Christchurch; Day 17 – determine other preferred sites not included in the package. This type of package is usually for group tours. Other packages may be longer or shorter depending on the areas to be included in the itinerary.

Another option available to seniors is traveling in a campervan or a motor home. It allows travelers to see and experience New Zealand at their own pace and leisure. Vehicle hires include unlimited kilometers, breakdown service and all the necessary requirements in a vehicle that would ensure a safe and great vacation.

Travel tours to New Zealand are intended to show the country’s history, geography and culture in a prearranged set-up. Groups are usually small so as to maximize the range of activities and interaction with the other members of the group. It is very seldom that people get to see a place not only through their own eyes but also through others’.

It is good to choose a trip that would be suitable in any weather since the weather in New Zealand is quite unpredictable. A clear weather allows for the viewing of river valleys, glacial slopes and mountain slopes. The tremendous number of streams gushing from the mountains looks magnificent even in wet weather.

New Zealand’s volatile landscape marks it as geographically young. The relationship between the Maori and Europeans continue to unfold. The ongoing changes in New Zealand are a contrast to the relative predictability of senior years and it is worth the time and effort to travel to this land.

New Zealanders love their sporting activities, so make sure to get a taste of sports culture on your next visit.

In a recent survey of New Zealander sports interests, a lot of interesting facts were discovered. Soccer came out as the top sport played by young boys aged 5 – 17 years old while girls of the same age consider swimming their favorite sport. It was also found out that more adult men prefer golf while netball occupied the top spot for adult women. In terms of cultural groups, Maori opted for touch football while European New Zealanders preferred golf. Other sports activities that made it to the list include rugby union, cricket, hockey, tennis, horse riding, cycling, walking, running/jogging, motor sports, squash, basketball, bowling, badminton, softball, volleyball, yachting or shilling, skiing and surfing. The long list definitely shows that sports, whether as a competitive or leisure activity occupies a big part of a New Zealander’s life.

The range of sports played in New Zealand betrays the extent of British Colonial heritage to its inhabitants. The national sport is rugby union. Rugby union together with cricket and netball are all primarily played in British Commonwealth countries.

Rugby union is associated by many New Zealanders with their national identity. It is quite popular across all sections of the country’s society and has the largest spectator following New Zealand’s national rugby team. It also has the best winning record of any national team in the world.

Cricket is the highest profile summer sports in New Zealand. Although the national competition does not have a wide following as rugby, international matches hold the interest of the large proportion of the population. The same situation has been observed in all major cricketing countries.

Netball which is a sport similar to basketball is primarily played by women. It has high levels of participation and is widely popular as a spectator sport. Soccer, also known as football in other countries enjoys a considerable level of participation, but not as high compared to rugby.

Competitive motor sports in New Zealand are quite alive and active. There are various levels in this series including water sports, automobile racing, and motorcycle racing. New Zealand has produced one Formula One world champion and several others that have made it to the Grand Prix Level.

Yachting is also another sport that has given positive results, competition wise. The same goes with horse riding and gliding. Orienteering is a popular sport among the youth that has many variations including bicycle, ski and rogaines. It combines cross-country running with land navigation skills in the woods.

Physical activities that may not necessarily be considered as sports activities but have otherwise successfully caught the attention of many tourists and locals alike includes bungee jumping, canyon swinging, climbing, abseiling, kart racing, rafting and zorbing. New Zealanders love the great outdoors largely due to the big amount of space that can be freely dedicated to the pursuit of any activity. Visiting New Zealand is a chance to revel in the wonder of the outdoors, something which may no longer be available to highly developed but congested countries.

A top selection of festivals and events await visitors to New Zealand. It caters to a wide variety of interest and is conveniently happening on different times within the year to allow for personal limitations as to vacation schedules. These festivals and events provide a glimpse of the real New Zealand with each promising to give an unforgettable experience.

New Zealand’s national public holiday are as follows: New Year’s Day (including the next day) – January 1 and 2, Waitangi Day – February 6, Good Friday/Easter Monday, Anzac Day – April 25, Queen’s Birthday – first Monday of June, Labor Day – fourth Monday in October, Christmas Day – December 25 and Boxing Day – December 26. There are also various regional and local holidays in various places of New Zealand. Many festivals and shows that showcase the Kiwi talent, regional diversity and national achievements are happening almost simultaneously in the different places of New Zealand.

The Waitangi Day is the New Zealand National Day. It commemorates the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi which marks the coming together in friendship of the Maori people and the white European settlers. Under the terms of the Waitangi Treaty, the Maori people agreed to accept British sovereignty and were in turn granted citizenship and land rights.

The ANZAC Day is a day of remembrance of the deaths and suffering in war, the valor of fighting men and women and the ever-present hope of attaining lasting peace among the peoples of the world. It commemorates the landing at Gallipoli in 1915 of the Army Corps of Australia and New Zealand in a war that was impossible to win. It ultimately ended in defeat and the two countries had a massive loss of lives in relation to their population during the time.

New Zealander’s sense of community runs deep, thus social events and gatherings are plentiful. Some of the more famous annual events are Wellington’s Montana World of Wearableart Awards (Mid September), Napier’s Art Deco Weekend (mid February), Auckland’s Pacifica (mid March) and Marlborough’s Wine Festival (mid February). There are bound to be events happening in all regions of New Zealand every week. It can either be an agricultural or pastoral show which is considered specialty events in rural areas, an art exhibition, triathlon, orchestra recital, play or cultural performances.

The Montana World of Wearableart Awards is essentially combining art and the human form. The Napier’s Art Deco Weekend lets visitors savor the style of the world’s unique city (Napier) which was leveled by earthquake and fire in 1931 and rebuilt in the depths of the Great Depression. Pacifica Festival lets people sample the diverse sights, sounds and tastes of the Pacific Islands. The Marlborough Wine Festival is New Zealand’s premier Wine and Food Event where the highly acclaimed wines of the region and culinary delights of local chefs are experienced.

Local information centers can advise visitors of the current events happening in their respective regions. The timely information from them can make the arrangement of schedules much easier whether travelers intend to be participants or mere spectators. New Zealand is at its best during these festivals and worthwhile events.

New Zealand’s cuisine draws inspiration from various regions and countries such as Europe, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Polynesia, Japan and Vietnam. As such, there is also a wide variety of international food available in the country. The main centers support a few elegant, silver-service restaurants but the trend is shifting towards a more relaxed café-bar dining. Dishes that have distinctly New Zealand style include lamb, pork and venison, salmon, crayfish, bluff oysters, paua or abalone, mussels and scallops, kumara or sweet potato, kiwi fruit and tamarillo. Pavlova is considered the national dessert which is made of meringue and lashings of fresh whipped cream topped with kiwi fruit. Choices of cuisines and restaurants are quite extensive.

The Barossa Restaurant in Titirangi, Auckland is a fine example of restaurants in its particular category. It featured cuisines are local New Zealand as well as Asian. The view over Titirangi’s bush from the restaurant’s glass covered outdoor area can be very hard to resist.

The Shahi Cafe in Milford, Auckland is definitely a winner in terms of Indian cuisine. It was established in 1989 and has been serving sumptuous curries ever since. The tastes are varied since India has 26 different states and 24 different styles of food with each style being distinct from the other. The food served is predominantly Northern Indian food with a twist. Dishes from Northern India are considered milder (chili) compared to its Southern counterparts.

Di Mare Restaurant offers food and steaks and has been judged one of the best surf and turf restaurants in Parnell, Auckland. Its modern take on paella is said to be well-worth the effort in finding it. It caters to intimate dining, serving candle lit dinners amidst its backdrop of fishnets draped across part of the roofline and Mediterranean seaside murals.

The Pompino Restaurant has basically two elements: POM represents the English influence while PINO makes up the Filipino element. It serves steak, seafood, pasta and Filipino dishes. It is located on the new Britomart site, opposite the ferry building and a stones throw away from the AMEX viaduct harbour. The two owners of the restaurants both have graphics arts background which explains the totally different over all décor of the restaurant.

The Bodrum Café and Restaurant offers Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine. It has an established reputation for good service and authentic Turkish dining experience including having belly dancers during Friday and Saturday nights. The culinary skills were imported into New Zealand to create extraordinary culinary delights for the locals and visitors alike.

The Mutiara Restaurant brings Malaysian food to New Zealand. Malaysian cuisine has been greatly influenced by three nationalities residing together in harmony namely the Malay, the Indians and the Chinese. It has been referred to as one of many enjoyable ethnic restaurants that have made New Zealand a far more exciting place to eat in recent years.

The list goes on with some discovering their own favorites in their travels to New Zealand. The presence of so many different restaurants assures travelers that they will not have a difficult time in finding preferred food choices. It also offers the chance to be more adventurous, at least on the culinary aspect of the travel.

New Zealand has its own share of museums and galleries that feature its history and culture. The world-class collections found in them provide an opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in the material cultures of the country. Their exhibitions and activities bring stories of arts, history, culture and science.

The Otago Museum opens a window on the natural and cultural heritage of the Southern region from the Pacific Coast to the Southern Alps. It contains internationally significant ethnographic materials from New Zealand, Oceania and further afield. The best collections of Southern Maori material and Pacific Island statues that are rarely seen elsewhere can be found here. The museum also features the largest collection of New Zealand spiders and butterflies plus wonderful examples of native birds, insects, marine animals and fossils including the now extinct giant moa.

The Waikato Museum is situated in Hamilton, New Zealand which overlooks the beautiful Waikato River. It features eight galleries that show touring exhibitions as well as exhibitions featuring items from its own collection. One of the most impressive featured pieces is a majestic, 200-year old carved waka taua – Te Winika. There are also featured artworks by prominent New Zealand and regional artists plus an interactive science experience. A regular program of activities is available to ensure that guests are able to maximize their visits.

Te Manawa is the only regional museum in New Zealand that weaves together the three disciplines of history, art and science. Its program includes a range of collection based and interactive exhibitions developed in-house as well as through national and international touring shows. A strong education program supports it and is made up of various talks, events, performances and workshops. It has important collections, both regionally and nationally of Laonga Maori, New Zealand and contemporary art, social history and natural history. Part of the Te Manawa’s mission is to present, preserve and make accessible collections of arts, science and heritage of New Zealand.

Pataka is a museum and art gallery that is considered the heart of Porirua City. It is dedicated to celebrating the region’s heritage and showcasing the very best in contemporary Maori, Pacific Island and New Zealand art. Pataka features works from leading local, national and international artists with a commendable range of heritage and social history exhibitions. It is housed under one roof together with the Porirua City Library, Melody Farm Music Museum, a traditional Japanese garden and Café Kaizen which is seen as a cultural oasis in the city.

New Zealand has many other notable history museums that will let a traveler experience a piece of the country’s rich history. Some of which are the Army Museum Waiouru in North Island, Auckland Museum in Auckland, Buried Village in Rotorua, Petone Settlers Museum in Wellington, Riccarton House and Bush in Christchurch, Whangarei Museum, Kiwi House and Heritage Park in Whangarei, South Canterbury Museum in Limaru and many others. Museums in New Zealand are open daily and usually offer guided tours. Visitors should make it a point to go to Te Papa, the country’s national museum in case time constraints allow for only one museum.

No family vacation would be complete without any preparations made for the enjoyment of the kids. In fact, keeping the children entertained while on a trip can be very challenging. However, New Zealand has a considerable list of places that would surely capture the hearts of these picky customers.

The Waitakere Ranges Regional Park is a stunning wilderness area which is about 30 minutes from downtown Auckland. The place is a real treat for those interested in rare flora and fauna. Activities would include surfing, walking and environmental education. Special features include the Waitakere Tramline and the Rainforest Express. Waitakere is a popular holiday region for the family whether it is summer or winter.

Located next to the Agrodome just off State Highway 5 outside Rotorua is an interesting place called the Zorb Rotorua. It is basically a large inflatable ball that guests climb into with up to three people “traveling” in the same zorb. The experience is actually fabulous tumbling against a soft bouncy surface as the 15-foot diameter ball is rolled down a hill.

Rainbow Springs is comprised of three attractions including the Farm and the World of Bees. Springs and streams teeming with wild trout as well as the Kiwi bird can be openly observed in the Rainbow Spring itself. The Rainbow Farm is both an entertaining and amusing experience that offers action-packed shows that are richly informative. The amazing live Bee Wall can be seen at the Rainbow World of Bees. Honey making demonstrations, tastings and a full range of natural bee products are readily seen and observed.

The Tamaki Maori Village offers a cultural experience that is not like any other. A visit to this place is a cultural journey back onto the Marae. It is an experience to know as to how the Maori lived in ancient times.

New Zealand’s Splash Planet is the country’s first themed water park. It has a range of rides and activities suitable for all ages including both water-based and non water-based attractions. Some attractions however, are seasonal.

The Te Papa Tongarewa Museum of New Zealand is one of the most fascinating national museums in the world. All things related to New Zealand are housed under one roof. It is part natural history, part cultural history and part art museum.

Skiing and snowboarding in Canterbury, New Zealand is made more exciting and pleasurable at the Mt. Hutt Ski Area. It offers big family weekends during July and September. Kids ski programs are offered during school holidays.

The Puzzling World found at the Main Highway of Wanaka caters to both adults and children. It is a distinct attraction that specializes in everything puzzling and puzzling eccentricity. All its illusion rooms are inside and are therefore not weather-dependent.

Taupo is a tourist resort built on the shores of a great volcanic crater lake. One of its most outstanding attractions is the tandem skydiving which allows children as young as 2 and adults as old as 80. Surely with the host of activities that can be done, kids would have no reason to complain while in New Zealand.

New Zealand’s nightlife is experiencing renewed vibrancy with the presence of lively DJs and band scenes particularly in the larger cities. There is a wide variety of night clubs, cabarets, pubs, concerts and live performances to choose from. The country also has four casinos located in Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin and Queenstown.

One unique experience that can be had in Auckland is possible courtesy of Minus 5 which is a bar made of ice. Guests get one free vodka drink upon entry and are all provided with warm jackets, boots and gloves. Although the time allowed for staying is short, it is a must to experience it even for one time only.

The Loaded Hog at the Viaduct Harbour, Hobson and Quay Streets is recommended for those who want to check out the yachting scene. Auckland’s top after-hours bar for the sophisticated older crowd is Spy Bar which is located in the same area. Other hot night spots in the area include Plum and Chic.

Coco Club in Fort Lane City is an upscale market alley bar for the sophisticates. It offers vintage champagne by the glass. The Match Lounge Bar in Hopetoun Street is a slick little joint designed to accommodate an intimate crowd with plenty of quieter spots that make conversations possible. The Khuja Lounge is a Latino/Hip-Hop/Funk DJ scene popular with the 20’s and the 30’s crowd while Fu is home to purists of Hip-Hop, drum and bass and breaks.

Suede is a favorite with a mixed crowd of locals. The place to find out all about New Zealand’s growing Hip-Hop scene is Club 4:20. Chandelier offers just the right place for a quiet drink in an opulent environment. Lime holds the distinction of being the smallest bar of all where there is always a queue to get in.

The younger dance crowd prefers Sponge while those who want to be served the best cocktails in New Zealand should head for Orchid. Great bar scenes on Friday and Saturday nights are provided by SPQR and Whiskey. Malt presents itself with a feel of the local corner pub with a bit more warmth and style. Other notable night spots are the Crow Bar, Honey, Galatos, Iguacu, The George, Denim, the Paddington and the Penny Black.

The Sky City Casino in Auckland is New Zealand’s largest casino. It is not only for those interested in gambling since the multi-faceted complex hold several excellent restaurants, a theatre complex and art collections. Casinos are open 24 hours a day, everyday.

New Zealand’s cafes and restaurants have a wide range of culinary offerings due to the unique blend of influences that has created mouth-watering flavors and foods. The so-called “Pacific Rim” cuisine style takes its inspiration from various regions and countries such as Europe, Thailand, Indonesia, Polynesia, Japan and Vietnam. The New Zealand wine is something that has to be discovered by guests.

Most night spots, restaurants and cafes serve liquor seven days a week. The white wines, specifically Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc have achieved an international reputation for excellence. Visitors should know that smoking in all hospitality venues such as bars, restaurants and cafes is strictly prohibited.

One good thing about visiting New Zealand is that it is suitable to do so all year round. However, the best months to travel to this country of many diversities are the months of November, February and April which are all part of the warmer summer months. The busiest period is sometime during Christmas starting at about the second half of December up to the whole month of January since the schools are on holiday.

There are three international airports in New Zealand which can be found at Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. Only a passport valid for three months beyond the intended date of leaving the country is necessary for citizens of most countries. Every person arriving in New Zealand must complete the arrival card handed out on the aircraft.

It is important to bring warm clothes and a waterproof jacket during the colder months between May and September. The climate is also colder the further south is traveled. Weather in the Alpine Regions tend to change rapidly thus knowing something about the expected weather conditions of the place of destination would be quite useful.

There are strong restrictions placed on animal products, fruits, plant material and food stuffs being brought into New Zealand. This is because of the primary importance of agriculture in the country’s economy. Generally, there are no vaccination certificates required in entering New Zealand. Those that need to bring in a considerable quantity of medication are advised to have a doctor’s certificate to avoid possible problems with customs. There are no major health risks in New Zealand but it is highly recommended to avoid drinking water from lakes, ponds or rivers especially if there is no way to boil, chemically treat or filter it.

New Zealand’s population is composed of about 88% European and 12% Maori and Polynesian. The official languages are English and Maori while religion is predominantly Christian. New Zealand is 12 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) and the whole country is in the same time zone.

Tipping in New Zealand is optional and is generally done in appreciation of extra good service. However, it should be noted that New Zealanders do not tip each other. Probably the closest thing to a tip is the occasional rounding up a bill. New Zealanders used to refuse to accept a tip and many still do. Some will take the money although the general feeling is that the practice threatens their no tipping lifestyle.

The shortest sensible stay is about a week, although one week and two weekends is a far better alternative. This will allow plenty of time to see a couple of different places in detail or a greater number of places for an overview of the country. There is really no maximum time for visiting New Zealand except that personal convenience and the New Zealand immigration policies should be considered.

It is rare to find people staying in New Zealand longer than a month for a visit. In fact, New Zealand as a destination is usually part of a multi-country itinerary which includes Australia and some notable islands. New Zealand’s most popular but not necessarily the best tourist destinations are Auckland, Rotorua and Queenstown.

There are various types of accommodations available in New Zealand. Its holiday parks, camp grounds and backpacker hostels cater to the free spirit of visitors. Standard cabins and tourist flats are both affordable options. However, it is the top luxury hotels that afford guests a leisurely lifestyle whenever preferred.

The Hilton Auckland is located at Auckland, New Zealand at the end of Prince’s Wharf. It is a contemporary, luxury boutique-style hotel that features 138 king-bedded and 20 twin-bedded stylish guestrooms and suites. It offers the guests beautiful and stunningly beautiful views across Auckland’s Inner Harbor.

The Millbrook Resort Hotel is characterized by classic luxury as it was designed to embody the relaxed New Zealand country lifestyle amidst its spectacular scenery. It is a year-round, recreational paradise with each season featuring its own character, colors and leisure pursuits. It is conveniently located at Queenstown.

The George Christchurch is a five-star luxury hotel that has something to offer to everyone including the most discerning guest. Its level of personalized service is incomparable among hotels within its category. The hotel is a mere 500 meters from the Casino and is located opposite Hagley Park and the picturesque Avon River of Christchurch, New Zealand.

A two-time winner of New Zealand’s Best Boutique Hotel and Lodge Award is the Wharekauhau Country Estate located at Palliser Bay. It is situated on a working sheep station of over 5000 acres and overlooks 16 miles of stunning coastal scenery, black volcano, sand beaches, green pastures, deer forests and cloud-capped peaks. The place is often referred to as one of the most spectacular farms on Earth and is sure to captivate its guests with its relaxing atmosphere, charm and graciousness.

Lying near the tiny settlement of Glenorchy on the Northern Shores of Lake Wakatipu is Blanket Bay. This luxury accommodation is associated with a magical haven of peace and solitude. It is built in the grand style of the finest alpine lodges and is a helicopter ride away from Jurassic Rainforests and the Majestic Peak of New Zealand.

The opulent suites of Eichardts Private Hotel in Queenstown, New Zealand invite guests to savor the premium lakefront position afforded by this historic building. It reflects contemporary provincial elegance that blends perfectly with modern features. All rooms are generously proportional with ample spaces for privacy and quietness.

The 5-star Solitaire Lodge is one of New Zealand’s finest accommodations and resorts. It offers ten luxurious suites for a maximum of twenty guests. Nestled at the top of a peninsula overlooking magnificent Lake Tarawera in Rotorua, Solitaire Lodge is considered a gem set within the country’s wonderland of bush and lakes. It is known to provide consistent service and cuisine which are largely responsible for its reputation for excellence.

Traveling can be a lot more convenient when finances permit for the use of luxury accommodation. The desire to experience the service and comfort of one is not to be faulted especially if it can be afforded. It makes exploring New Zealand which is one of the world’s remarkable places even more memorable.

Value hotels can be found in many parts of New Zealand. Not only do they offer reasonable prices but excellent value and quality as well. The wide range of hotels are sure to suit all tastes and budgets to make one’s visit to New Zealand much more enjoyable and affordable.

Nomads Fat Camel Hostel can be found on the middle of Auckland’s downtown district where bars, clubs, restaurants, supermarkets and the harbor are all within walking distance. It provides newly refurbished budget accommodations that would suit the needs of backpackers and travelers who prefer a relaxed and reasonably priced stay in this part of New Zealand. All rooms are set out in apartment style configuration with each having its own kitchen and bathroom facilities. It is also only a few miles away from the airport.

Hotel Ibis Ellerslie is situated about five miles from Central Auckland and 10 miles from Auckland Airport. Facilities in the hotel include a restaurant and an exercise room. It also offers valet laundry service, parking, currency exchange and a 24-hours front desk service. Like most hotels in New Zealand, online reservations of up to one year in advance are possible.

The Best Western Bush Inn Court Motel is located on one of the main arterial routes into Christchurch. It would only take a short walk from the hotel to reach the Bush Inn Shopping Centre that houses one of the largest warehouse stores on New Zealand in the midst of numerous specialty stores and supermarkets. The City Center, casino, airport and railway station are a few minutes away. Notable universities and numerous recreational minutes are located in the vicinity.

The Flag Hotel Camelot Cathedral Square is about half a mile from Christchurch Casino which is a mere walking distance of the Aquarium of Discovery. Hotel facilities include Knights Bar and Brasserie. All rooms feature dataports, irons and ironing boards, and cable TV while CD/DVD players, refrigerators and microwaves can be rented. The hotel offers laundry facilities, safety deposit boxes, babysitting, room service and valet parking.

For absolute comfort and a stunning panoramic alpine view, Matakauri Lodge nestled on the edge of Lake Wakatipu is the answer. The place which is just 5 minutes from Queenstown boasts of an award-winning chef famous for exquisitely prepared cuisines. It is considered the ideal retreat wherein guests can unwind in elegance and privacy.

The Outrigger at the Beacon is likewise located at Lake Wakatipu and is approximately six miles from the Queenstown International Airport. Some of the local highlights include the Kiwi Birdlife Park and bungee jumping. Hotel facilities includes a fax machine, free parking, elevators, fitness centers, sauna, whirlpool, laundry services, massages, breakfasts, medical assistance, courtyard and a tour desk. All rooms have their own telephones, dataports, irons and ironing boards, alarm clocks, coffeemakers, hairdryers, sky TV, films on demand and high speed web access which can be had for a fee.

The Comfort Hotel Wellington is less than a mile from Oriental Bay and the Te Papa National Museum and about 9 miles from Wellington International Airport. Hotel facilities include self-service laundry facilities, free access to a nearby gym and 24-hour front desk service. It is a completely non-smoking hotel.

Choosing a good budget hotel makes the New Zealand experience more interesting. The savings derived from lesser accommodation costs allow one to take on more adventures. However, safety and reasonable comfort should not be sacrificed to make the visit to New Zealand worthwhile.