Exploring New Zealand

EXPLORING SEASONAL NEW ZEALAND

Kia Ora. Good day from a lover of New Zealand. Blessed with astonishing mountain vistas, glimmering lakes and fertile landscapes, New Zealand is truly a land for all seasons. I tell people it is Norway, Scotland, and Switzerland all rolled into one breathtaking landscape. The temperate climate and abundant sunshine that keep the country green foster ample produce, distinctive cheeses and vivid red and white wines that win global accolades. It is my favorite country to visit, and I have been there many times. It is also a great destination if you want to take a cruise. A wonderful destination to play golf, fish, hike, explore gardens, or ski.

Year round, there is nowhere better to savor the country’s many pleasures than at four luxury lodges that regularly appear on the World’s Best List. Discover the special delights each season at these properties. As a Kiwi Specialist, last year I had a car and driver and inspected 27 properties in a week. I only added three to my highly recommended list.

The seasons are the opposite to what we have in California. Three million people and sixty six million sheep live in the Land of the Long White Cloud as the Maori people call it.

Summer on the Pacific Coast – December to February.

The Lodge at Kauri Cliff I have used many times for sophisticated clients. Championship golf course, good for tennis, excellent spa, and you can experience Maori culture which runs deep in the Northland region. Let the resort’s own six seat helicopter whisk you over the magical Bay of Islands.

Autumn in the Wine Country - March to May

The Farm at Cape Kidnappers is on the eastern edge of the North Island is an locavore’s dream and by autumn its 6,000 acres brim with ripe pears, pumpkins and 37 varieties of tomatoes. (Remember to say “to mar toes”) Hawke’s Bay is laden with grapes for their luscious chardonnays, merlot and cabernet sauvignon . Stay among 22 farm luxe suites and eat in stone and timber dining rooms.

Winter in the Adventure Capital of the World – June to August

Every June, Queenstown and its South Island surrounds turn into a winter wonderland. Snow sparkles in the Remarkable Mountains and sunshine dances on the waters of Lake Watatipu. Matakauri Lodge is a romantic 12 room retreat on the lake, only seven minutes from Queenstown which is a lively little place. There are five ski areas close by. You can bungee jump, heli-ski, heli-boarding, and hike in Lord of the Rings locations.

Spring into Luxury – September to November

Otahuna Lodge is a lovely Victorian estate south of Christchurch on the South Island. More than a million daffodils and 1500 tulips are on the 30 acre estate with cherry blossoms and bluebells , I love borrowing a bike and exploring. The heart of this lodge is the orchards and spectacular gardens.

Out of the 130 countries I have visited, this is my No.l. and where I could live. I have never had a bottle of wine I didn’t like and I only buy New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc from my local supermarket which has a wonderful selection.

I won the title of New Zealand Travel Agent of the Year for doing an outstanding itinerary and have a lovely Maori carving in my office to remind me daily of my favorite country in the world.

Go on my website www.allhorizonstvl.com and look at what we can offer you.

Is New Zealand on your bucket list? It should be.

Maureen Jones

Kiwi Specialist

All Horizons Travel/Frosch

825 Santa Cruz Avenue

Menlo Park, CA 94025

650-961-2340 direct