New Zealand Holiday Accommodation

NORTH ISLAND

• Northland (36)
• Auckland Central (34)
• Waiheke Island (55)
• Coromandel (35)
• Bay of Plenty (5)

• Rotorua (17)
• Waikato (10)
• Lake Taupo (18)
• Mt Ruapehu (1)
• Gisborne & East Cape (2)

• Hawkes Bay (31)
• Manawatu & Wanganui (2)
• Wairarapa (9)
• Wellington (15)
• Bay of Islands (24)

• Taranaki (0)
• Hamilton (1)
• Auckland Region (12)
• Kapiti Coast (11)

SOUTH ISLAND

• Nelson & Golden Bay (29)
• Marlborough & Sounds (18)
• West Coast (3)
• Canterbury (15)
• Queenstown & Lakes (67)

• Dunedin & Otago (5)
• Southland (4)
• Wanaka (34)
• Methven & Mt Hutt (5)
• Hanmer Springs (6)

• Kaikoura (4)
• Christchurch (10)
• Arrowtown (9)

New Zealand Holiday Accommodation and Information

New Zealand is simply amazing and one of the best countries in the World to visit and live in. I love it here - the dramatic contrasts in the landscape, the intense lush greenery, the pristine clean waterways, the lack of people, the cultural diversity, the best seafood and fishing in the World, the friendly people, the sailing boats, the vineyards, the skiing, the mountains, the deserted beaches, being able to snow ski on a Volcano and then surf ocean waves on the very same day, and most of all the feeling on being safe and respected in all communities.

The sun shines on New Zealand before anywhere else in the World – perhaps that’s why it’s so special and unique.

“I’ve travelled the World extensively and New Zealand is heaven on Earth! I assure you your life isn’t complete until you come and experience it for yourself.

Luxury holiday accommodation - What to book online!

Holiday homes - Whether you rent one or many of our Quality to luxury holiday houses or Villas you will be guaranteed the ultimate self-catering accommodation option – it’s like your home away from home, but usually in a amazing location and destination. Renting a self-catering home gives you exclusive use of the house and privacy to enjoy your vacation with your private group. Typically pricing online includes all linens, towels, and the exit clean - similar to that of a hotel where you can just walk in and walk out for your convenience.

Lodges - Luxury Lodges are one of the most opulent accommodation options. They offer rich surroundings and exceptionally high standards of service. They are set in spectacular locations near lakes, rivers, mountains or beaches and cater for a limited number of guests with meal(s) typically included or available at an extra cost.

Boutique Hotels - More than your average hotel and smaller with personal service, quality furnishings and features and lots of local knowledge. Breakfast is usually included, but check each listing to see what’s exactly included in the price

Apartments - Apartments are an easy, comfortable way to enjoy a city. Generally they are centrally located for accessing local activities and attractions. They are particularly popular in central Queenstown, Auckland, Christchurch, and Wellington, for those wanting modern, affordable, easy accommodation.

Bed and Breakfast - Bed & Breakfast’s give visitors insight into New Zealand home life. B&B’s offer rooms with separate bathrooms or en-suites and delicious breakfasts are provided. Rooms range from beach houses to historic country homes to modern city pads.

Helpful travel information for New Zealand

Fly here - The main carriers that fly into New Zealand are: Air New Zealand, Qantas, Virgin Airlines, Pacific Blue, Singapore Airlines, Emirates and United Airlines.

Location - New Zealand is situated in the South Pacific 1,800 km southeast of Australia. Three hours by air from Australia, 12.5 hours from the United States and about 10 hours from Hong Kong or Singapore.

Visas - Travellers from over 50 countries do not require a visitor's visa for stays less than three months. You do require a valid passport, onward or return ticket and enough money to support yourself during your stay.

Weather and climate - A varied climate that can have ‘four seasons in one day’ and includes mild temperatures, moderately high rainfall, and many hours of sunshine. In summer, the average maximum temperature ranges between 20-30ºC and in winter between 10-15ºC.

Clothing requirements - Dress is casual for most occasions, particularly when travelling. Smart casual clothes are acceptable at most restaurants and nightspots. Comfortable walking shoes and a light raincoat are a must any time of year as many activities and attractions are outdoors. If visiting between May and September warmer clothing is recommended.

Shopping - New Zealand offers a great variety of shopping from arts and craft markets to galleries and exclusive designer stores. Tourist souvenir shops are plentiful but it’s worth exploring to find wonderfully unique arts, crafts, home ware and designer fashion, which can be found off the beaten track.

Money - New Zealand dollar (NZ$). All major credit cards can be used and Travellers Cheques are accepted at hotels, banks and some stores. Foreign currency can easily be exchanged at banks and some hotels.

Tipping - Tipping in New Zealand is not obligatory. Tipping for good service is at the discretion of the visitor. Hotels and restaurants in New Zealand do not add service charges to their bills.

Food - There are plenty of well stocked supermarkets nationwide for those in holiday homes as well as the bustling farmers markets throughout the country which are a great place to pick up fresh, low-priced local produce and gourmet goodies. BBQ’s are a big part of the Kiwi culture with meat and fish being high quality and well priced.

Restaurants- New Zealand's cuisine has a blend of influences from Europe, Asia and Polynesia, which has created a mouth-watering range of flavours in cafes and restaurants nationwide. Many Vineyards offer exceptional meals. An inspiring procession of fresh menus and wine lists awaits you. Enjoy bold new taste experiences and eat our seafood – it’s the best in the World!

Total Population4.3 million people, 40 million sheep

Time Zone - UTC/GMT +12 hours; Daylight saving time: +1 hour. Daylight saving is from the last Sunday in September to the first Sunday in April.

Communication - English is the primary language spoken.

Religious views - The population is predominantly Christian, but New Zealanders are accepting of many different religious beliefs.

Medical - The medical facilities operate to a very high standard but services are not free so insurance is recommended.

SafetyNew Zealand is one of the world’s safest destinations. The crime rate is low and there are no snakes or dangerous wild animals. We have the some of the cleanest water in the world.

Police - The police in New Zealand are very pro-active and take the speed limit and driving infringements very seriously.

Land transport - An extensive network of air, train and road services means most places can be reached by public transport and many destinations in New Zealand are just hours from each other. You can hire a car or motor home for independent travel or relax on a coach or train and enjoy the views. Cars travel on the left side of the road.

Electricity - 230 volts AC, 50 hertz. A 3-pin appliance plug is required.

Geography - New Zealand is situated in the South Pacific 1,800 km South-east of Australia. The land area covers about 270,000 kmsq.New Zealand consists of three major Islands; North Island, South Island and Stewart Island. Total population is about 4 million with two thirds of the population living in the North Island and the rest in the South Island. The largest city is Auckland. The capital is Wellington at the bottom of the North Island, while the largest South Island city is Christchurch. Other major cities include Hamilton, Rotorua, Dunedin and Invercargill.

Ecology - Because the country was isolated for millions of years, unique native flora and fauna, such as flightless birds, have evolved. The variety, beauty and accessibility of these natural features have continued to make New Zealand a popular holiday destination. Complementing our unique flora and fauna is a landscape that contains an unrivalled variety of landforms. In a couple of days drive it is possible to see everything from mountain ranges to sandy beaches, lush rainforests, glaciers and fiords and active volcanoes.

Economy - New Zealand has a modern and prosperous, mixed economy dominated by an export-focused agricultural sector, manufacturing and service sectors. The country has a reputation for top quality produce, from meat and dairy, to seafood, fruit, vegetables and wines is greatly dependent on global trade. New Zealand has a relatively high standard of living.

Demographics - diverse and multicultural society with those of European extraction accounting for approximately 70% of the population. Approximately 15% of the population is Maori, 3% Polynesian and the balance is Dutch, South Africans, Chinese and Indians.

History - New Zealand is the youngest country on earth - the last major landmass to be discovered. In less than a thousand years these islands have produced two new peoples: the Polynesian Maori and European New Zealanders.

The Maori were New Zealand's first settlers. They made an epic journey from the legendary Hawaiki, probably in Polynesia to the north of New Zealand, about 1000 years ago.

Dutch explorer Abel Tasman came across New Zealand in 1642 then Captain James Cook claimed it for Britain in 1769 and produced a map of the country.

The Treaty of Waitangi established the country as a nation. It was signed in 1840 between leading Maori chiefs and representatives of the British Crown at Waitangi, in the Bay of Islands.

Conflict between Maori and The Settlers as they sort to inhabit the same land with such diverse cultures has created a rich and fascinating history, reflecting both our Maori and European heritage.

Amazing Maori historic sites and taonga (treasures), some dating back almost a thousand years, are a contrast to many beautiful colonial buildings.

A walk around any New Zealand city today shows what a culturally diverse and fascinating country we have become.

Lonely Planet said - “You’re in for an awesome trip. Back home on the couch, your memories will drift from rampaging outdoor activities to world-class food, wine and beer (oh, especially the wine and beer), and chilled-out locals. But your most sparkling recollections will come courtesy of NZ’s natural splendour – there are few countries on this lonely planet as diverse, unspoiled and utterly, utterly photogenic.”