New Zealand, A Cure for Body and Soul

My recent, two-plus weeks of exploring New Zealand was the perfect cure for the stresses and strains which are all around us. This holiday was to slow down the pace of life and to reconnect with Mother Earth. It did all that and more.

Through careful planning and design, we worked out a coordinated adventure which took into account our interests, level of adventure, and the presence of their winter. It worked very well and we were blessed with almost-perfect weather and much sunshine.

Accessibility and affordability are important and New Zealand delivers mightily. It is just about the same travel time from Los Angeles as a flight to Rome. Further, the affordability factor is impressive. Look at the US Dollar to Euro exchange rate which is now 1 USD to the Euro for about 90 Cents, a shrinkage of about 10%. Contrast that with the US Dollar, which is now 1 USD to the NZD for about 1.62 Dollars. This is an increase of over 60% buying power while traveling there.

We explored both the North and South Islands with striking contrasts. Keep in mind you can cover so much, as the longest flight in the country is about 2 hours. We did a combination of self-drive and local flights to maximize our experiences. Local flights are short and not expensive.

We started at the main gateway of Auckland which has expanded since I was last there 6 years ago. The Brickomart section is a private 9-square block area along the water, which were warehouses. It has been transformed into a thriving arts and food destination with also the new Brickomart Hotel. We stayed there and also at the dramatic new Inter Continental Auckland which just opened in January. A couple of days in Auckland are easy and with shopping, museums and a lovely harbour.

Then it was on to famous Waiheke Island, a little over an hour by frequent ferry. Wineries are the draw here, scores of them. We did a recommended wine tour which is the way to go. Just showing up is not as effective and the Ananda Tours staff made it easy and selected our stops with the best of care. We stayed overnight at the luxury inn The Boat Shed which was lovely.

Then it was back to Auckland and a car rental pick up for about 3 1/2 hours to Solitaire Lodge, just outside Rotorua. Rotorua is known for its hot springs but Solitaire Lodge is know as a Luxury Lodge of New Zealand on a gorgeous lake. Just enjoying the lodge and doing hikes surrounded by snow capped mountains renewed the spirit. The air was so fresh it was crisp.

We found here and in all our travels in NZ that the food and wine offerings are at newer and higher levels. Gourmet dinners were the norm and the food was always very fresh and delicious. Again the favorable exchange rate allowed us to splurge including the generous choices of local New Zealand wines.

We left Solitaire a bit early so we could explore a bit of Rotorua before dropping our vehicle at the local airport. We then flew for about a hour to Wellington, the country capital. Here we enjoyed a 4-hour food tour taking us to amazing dining delights like tasty cheese scones and chocolate treats. Wellington is hilly away from the water but there is the famous cable car to assist. It was certainly worth a couple of nights to explore it.

Then we flew again across the strait to Christchurch on the South Island. We immediately rented a a car and drove to spectacular Hapuku Lodge and Treehouses. We staying in Olive House with stunning design and again views of Snow capped mountains. Walking and hiking and exploring the neighboring village were part of our plan. Food here was outstanding, prepared fresh and in a very creative way.

We then drove back to Christchurch to stay there for a few nights. Six years ago they were in the midst of earthquake rebuilding. To some extent they still are, but they have come a long way. I have always loved Christchurch and there is more to love in this charming city with museums, galleries and and the famous trolley cars that give the city charm. United Airlines will begin non-stop service from San Francisco the end of this year. This will give an additional US gateway for American explorers to New Zealand.

Saying goodbye to Christchurch, we headed our self-drive south to always busy and fun Queenstown. Enroute and to break up the drive, we stayed a night at Lake Tekapo. In the shadows of Mt. Cook, the lake shimmers and the night sky of the Southern stars were glowing. It was worth that night to experience this. We stayed at Peppers Resort which is big and rambling. Make sure you don’t get lost after dark.

Arriving at Queenstown, I noticed again the growth. This is my 6th time there and each return is still exciting. This adventure capital on the lake offers by day bungee jumping, jet boating, the gateway to Milford Sound, hiking and all modes of Heli and fixed wing areal adventures. We did a Heli sightseeing with a touch down on a snow capped mountain.

Back in town the evening comes alive with quality dining and some fast food options reflected the mix of ages in this must see New Zealand location. Somehow most still eventually get to the Patagonia Ice Cream Shop right by the lake. I have stayed at different places in Queenstown. Even though the cost is generally higher, I would recommend a resort in or within walking distance of town. For us The St. Moritz Resort worked well for us despite its quirky design.

Then it was about a 2-hour flight to Auckland and then a connection home. Connectivity will be better than ever this coming season with more flights to New Zealand from the US.

Regardless of how you get there, New Zealand offers a land of unspoiled beauty, friendly people from all over the world, unmatched scenery, many adventure options and a very favorable exchange rate. It truly offers an opening to slow down and reconnect with ourselves and our beautiful planet.

Let us show you the way at TravelStore. As a Gold Tourism New Zealand Specialist I can help you do that. Do not miss this opportunity to expand your world.