Exclusive Itinerary

The city lies across 11km wide volcanic isthmus separating two harbours. The Waitemata to the east opens into the Hauraki Gulf, and the Pacific Ocean. The Manukau Harbour to the west offers many estuaries and surf beaches and opens to the Tasman Sea.

Bellini Cocktail Bar at ground level serves an impressive range of cocktails, fine wines and beverages. The hotel's restaurant, White, whilst informal and located on the first level of the hotel, offers exceptional views across the harbour of the "City of Sails", and presents the best of local seafood, regional specialities and premium wines. Leisure facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, fitness centre and a nearby health and beauty spa. The hotel is in a unique position, providing arrival and departure lounges for international cruise ship passengers that moor along side the hotel.

Although Cook, (Capt James Cook) came within 8 leagues of the island he failed to notice that it was a volcano. In December 1826 the Rev. Henry Williams visited the island in the schooner Herald. He noted: "As the whole Island was composed of sulphur, being blackened with the smoke gave it a ghastly appearance". A year later the French explorer, Dumond D'Urville in the corvette Astrolabe was following Cook's track. He sighted the island late in the day but it was obscured from time to time by smoke which he assumed to be from the cooking fires of the natives. If that was the case it must have been an enormous hangi! Gilbert Mair, captain of the Herald, later wrote that he did not think people could stay on the island more than a few hours as the smell of sulphur was too strong. These early explorers and visitors were naturally fascinated by the volcano, but as their visits seldom lasted more than a few hours their observations were often made in haste and often inaccurate.

By the 1870s more accurate information had accumulated and this enabled Judge Wilson to consider the possibility of mining the sulphur which was believed to be present there in great quantities.

History content supplied by Whakatane Museum and Historical Society

The Suites - Situated in seven hectares of park-like grounds Huka Lodge has only 20 guest suites all just 20 metres from the river amongst mature trees. The suites are very secluded, offering every comfort - from mini-bar to walk-in dressing room.

The Lodge Room - A beautifully appointed room with panoramic views of the Waikato River and toward Huka Falls, the Lodge Room is a major focus. Guests are drawn to the magnificent fire, comfortable seating and its rich warm ambience.

The suites are spacious, light and very peaceful with slatted wooden, outdoor terraces. The bathrooms all have under-floor heating. A sunken bath is complemented by a separate shower and double handbasins.

few thousand years ago Lake Taupo itself was created by the largest volcanic eruption of the past 5,000 years, it was so big records say the sun went hazy in China. Today, what remains is a lake the size of Singapore and the largest fresh water lake in Australasia. Visitors can sky dive over the lake, four wheel drive on volcanic farm land, peruse constantly active geothermal landscape, taste geothermally breed prawns, learn about local authentic Maori culture and myths, play golf on internationally acclaimed golf courses, enjoy a flight over a world heritage area, ski on an active volcano or even bungy jump over New Zealands largest River the Waikato. Or if its relaxation and rejuvenation you require, why not soak in a thermal hot spring, try some of the best trout fishing on the globe, take a cruise to the famous Maori Rock carvings at Mine Bay, find a secluded beach, indulge in boutique shopping, enjoy delectable cuisine at one of the many restaurants, cafes or indulge in a cocktail at one of the groovy lounge bars.

After a hearty breakfast at the Lodge, set off early for a superb day on the Lake. Lake Taupo lies in the very heart of the North Island. Fed by numerous rivers and streams, originating from mountain streams, Lake Taupo has the most beautiful crystal clear waters.

The Lake is enclosed to the south by a trio of mountains - Mt Ruapehu, Mt Ngauruhoe and Mt Tongariro. The northern boundary is bordered by rolling hills and vast pine forests.

The number of potential recreational activities is vast - the famous fishing, of course, draws many to Lake Taupo's shores. A boat can take you to the many isolated bays and coves fringing the great Lake.

You may choose to try a spot of harling in the hope of catching a trophy trout, picnic in your own bay, waterski, swim, cruise by the unique Maori rock carvings or take a walk onshore.

Sunset on Lake Taupo is magnificent and best admired from an area known as the Western Bays. A barbecue on the beach can bring a day on the lake to a fitting conclusion - the stars are clearer than you can ever remember, the deep quiet only punctuated by the gentle lapping of the water.

This region is centred on the geothermal resort city of Rotorua.

Rotorua is one of the original tourist destinations in New Zealand - it has been welcoming visitors for more than 200 years. From the moment people arrive in Rotorua they know they're somewhere quite different. There is a scent of sulphur in the air. At nearby geothermal hotspots, there are spouting geysers, boiling mud pools and warm geothermal springs. Silica terraces are naturally decorated with a kaleidoscope of colours.

Rotorua is the heartland of New Zealand Maori culture, and visitors have the opportunity to experience the warm spirit of Te Maori. Although most of the Maori population live in the urban areas, there are about 35 marae (meeting grounds) in the Rotorua district. You may be lucky to enough to stay as a guest on a marae - an unforgettable experience. Or you could catch a Maori cultural performance, where stories are relayed through beautiful song and dance. You can also indulge in a traditional hangi feast - the food is cooked below the ground in earthen ovens.

Qantas is widely regarded as the world's leading long distance airline. They have built a reputation for excellence in safety, operational reliability, and customer service.

Queenstown is the Southern Hemisphere's premiere four season alpine and lake resort. Nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and overlooked by the majestic Remarkables Range, Queenstown is the perfect destination all year round.

Summer burns hot under blue skies before cool autumn morning's change the leaves to vivid reds and gentle golds. With crisp, clear days and acres of snow covered mountains, winter is a time for snow enthusiasts, before nature bursts into colourful life during spring.

The town follows the shores of Lake Wakatipu - a deep blue pool of pure mountain water. Framing the picture is The Remarkables range with its purple-brown peaks topped with snow. Swathes of green decorate the area between town and mountain top.

Room tariff includes, pre-dinner drinks with hors d'oeuvres, seasonal gourmet dinner, full breakfast, complimentary mini-bar including domestic beers (excludes liquor and wine) and use of all lodge facilities excluding spa treatments.

Queenstown was named because ...it was fit for Queen Victoria. Certainly it's lived up to that expectation. Today it's an exhilarating alpine resort, perfect for both adventurers and leisure seekers.

There are year-round action-packed thrills, such as jet boating, white water rafting and parapenting. Queenstown is also the world capital and home of bungy jumping. In winter, Queenstown turns into an alpine playground - skiers and snowboarders come from all over the world to join in the fun at the annual Winter Festival. On Lake Wakatipu, the vintage TSS Earnslaw steamer has been beautifully restored to its original condition and takes visitors on daily trips.

Keen golfers shouldn't miss out on an opportunity to play some of the most scenic courses in the world, at award-winning Millbrook Resort, Kelvin Heights, Arrowtown and Frankton. The area has great rainbow trout, brown trout and quinnat salmon fishing.

Wine tasting is fast becoming one of the more popular ways to see the greater Queenstown region. Join one of the wine tours to Gibbston Valley, Chard Farm or Peregrine Winery among a number of top class boutique wineries.

Don't miss historical Arrowtown with its quaint, tree-lined streets, miners' cottages and shops preserved as they were during the 19th century gold rush era, just a 20 minute drive away.

Flying by helicopter is one of life's most thrilling sensations and when you experience it in scenery as spectacular as that in the South Island of New Zealand, it becomes very special indeed.

Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters operates a network of scenic flights in and around some of the most magnificent mountain peaks, crystal clear lakes and unusual glaciers you'll find anywhere in the world. The speed and superior visibility only offered by heli-touring delivers a close up and very personal alpine experience; so close it seems as if you could reach out and touch the clouds and the frozen heights.

Queenstown was named because ...it was fit for Queen Victoria. Certainly it has lived up to that expectation. Today it's an exhilarating alpine resort, perfect for both adventurers and leisure seekers.

There are year-round action-packed thrills, such as jet boating, white water rafting and parapenting. Queenstown is also the world capital and home of bungy jumping. In winter, Queenstown turns into an alpine playground - skiers and snowboarders come from all over the world to join in the fun at the annual Winter Festival. On Lake Wakatipu, the vintage TSS Earnslaw steamer has been beautifully restored to its original condition and takes visitors on daily trips.

Keen golfers shouldn't miss out on an opportunity to play some of the most scenic courses in the world, at award-winning Millbrook Resort, Kelvin Heights, Arrowtown and Frankton. The area has great rainbow trout, brown trout and quinnat salmon fishing.

Wine tasting is fast becoming one of the more popular ways to see the greater Queenstown region. Join one of the wine tours to Gibbston Valley, Chard Farm or Peregrine Winery among a number of top class boutique wineries.

Don't miss historical Arrowtown with its quaint, tree-lined streets, miners' cottages and shops preserved as they were during the 19th century gold rush era, just a 20 minute drive away.

** Kawarau Gorge - Perhaps the most outstanding feature of the Kawarau is the magnificent gorge, often described as rugged and awesome. The steep slopes of the gorge, over 1200m high, are contrasted by the flat valley area of Gibbston, the small plain near Victoria Bridge, and the expansive Cromwell Flats.

** Mt Cook National Park - New Zealand's great alpine park. Here are the highest mountains and the largest glaciers. Aoraki Mt Cook Village and all visitors to the park are dwarfed by the immensity of the landscape that surrounds them. Aoraki / Mt Cook was formally gazetted as a national park, in October 1953, born out of reserves that were established as early as 1887 to protect the area's significant vegetation and landscape.The park is a harsh land of ice and rock. Glaciers cover 40% of it. There are 19 peaks over 3,000 metres including of course New Zealand's highest mountain, Mt Cook or Aoraki as it is also known. The park is also part of Te Wahipounamu South Westland World Heritage Area in recognition of it's outstanding natural values.

At the same time this traditional New Zealand high country station (ranch), set amid towering 7000 Ft peaks, provides a wide range of outdoor activities for those seeking a more adventurous interlude.

Grasmere Lodge also offers a richness of traditional New Zealand hospitality. Owners Oliver and Vicki Newbegin, and their staff epitomise New Zealand's friendliness and generosity of spirit. Together they take great delight in sharing the magic of Grasmere with their guests.

Every guest room at Grasmere Lodge has a king bed or two single beds, two armchairs and a coffee table, CD player, minibar, a work desk with a modem plug and chair. Each private patio or deck has two outdoor chairs for enjoying the views and fresh mountain air.

A selection of teas, freshly ground coffee, home-baked cookies and sherry is also provided in each room.

The tiled ensuite bathrooms feature a jacuzzi bath, separate glass shower, double vanities, thick bathrobes, hairdryer, and nightlight. They have underfloor heating and demisting mirrors.

Each room has original artworks inspired by the landscape outside, and is decorated in the rich colours of the tussock-covered hills.

Activities at Grasmere Lodge:

- Horse Riding

- Walking and Hiking

- Fly Fishing

- Farm Tours and Activities

- Mountain Spa

- Scenic Flights

- Clay Pigeon Shooting

- Mountain Biking

- Golf

- Canoeing

- Jet Boating and Rafting

- Hunting

Christchurch city is located midway down the East Coast of the South Island, just north of Banks Peninsula.

Christchurch is the South Island's largest city. It's a vibrant, cosmopolitan place with exciting festivals, theatre, modern art galleries, great shopping and award-winning attractions.

In the centre of the city you can't help but notice Christchurch Cathedral, an outstanding example of Gothic Revival architecture. You can climb up to the spire for a bird's-eye view of the city and, while there, examine the cathedral bells at close hand. Other grey-stone nineteenth century buildings, tree-lined avenues and extensive leafy parks give the city an elegant, rather English atmosphere.

Other central city attractions include the beautiful Neo-Gothic Arts Centre, the historic tram which loops the city centre, the Christchurch Gondola and the International Antarctic Centre. Christchurch is also a great place to go shopping - look for Ballantynes, New Zealand's oldest department store.

Boasting two world class restaurants that rate amongst the best in New Zealand, visitors come from far and wide to savour the delicious cuisine in both Pescatore and 50 on Park.

Accommodation at the hotel consists of 55 spacious luxury guest rooms including seven premier suites and a gracious residential villa retreat designed with the most discerning traveller or honeymoon couple in mind.

On the east coast of South Island, New Zealand, between Christchurch and Picton, lies the thriving seaside settlement of Kaikoura framed by a spectacular mountain range and the clear Pacific Ocean. The fresh, tangy scent of salt spray pervades the clean, clear atmosphere and makes you feel alive. It also promotes keen appetites which can be amply satisfied by the rich abundance of delicious, locally-caught seafood, one of the many tempting attractions Kaikoura has to offer. The town is one of the leading eco-tourism destinations in the country with a wealth of uniquely memorable experiences to offer.

One of the reasons for Kaikoura's abundance of aquatic and bird life is the geology of the landform itself. The Peninsula provides the meeting place for two strong ocean currents which converge in the deep water canyons and plunge to incredible depths just a few kilometres from the shore. The result is a unique ecosystem which sustains the many marine creatures to be found here. In addition to fish such as Hapuka, Blue Cod and Terakihi, one of the tastiest traditions is the crayfish which is prized by commercial and recreational fishermen and scuba divers alike. But it is the creatures which are left free to roam the sea that have become the region's most popular attraction. Mammals such as the giant Sperm Whale, migratory Humpback Whales, Orca, Dusky Dolphins, New Zealand's rare Hector Dolphin and Fur Seals can all be viewed from the shore, the air and from both on and in the water.

We will travel around Hagley Park and through the wealthy suburb of Fendalton on our way the Christchurch Airport.