Luxury Travel APAC

Top 10 Beautiful Beaches in New Zealand 1. Piha Beach Piha is a scenic black-sand surf beach on the rugged coast west of Auckland. There are several walks through native forest in the surrounding hills. A laid-back seaside village 45 minutes west of Auckland city, Piha is popular with local kiwis, especially in the summertime. The dramatic beach, which is marked at each end by rugged cliffs, is a popular surfing location. The water has strong and often dangerous currents. However, in summer, surf lifesavers patrol an area clearly flagged for swimmers.  You can take surfing lessons or try abseiling down the Piha canyon. Bring a picnic or visit the beachside surf club for a bite to eat. In terms of accommodation, there are cottages and caravans for rent, a campground, and a B&B homestay. It’s also possible to rent private beach houses. Remember to book ahead, especially during summertime which is high season.  Source —  Newzealand.com 2...

Top 5 Hot Springs in New Zealand New Zealand has a great mix of free thermal hot pools as well as some great paid resorts. From digging your own hot pool on the beach to kicking back in the luxury of world-leading spa resorts, here is a run-down of 5 of New Zealand’s best hot springs and pools. 1. Hot Water Beach Hot Water Beach is an NZ Must Do and one of its most dramatic places. From the sound of its surging waves to the fierce bite of hot sand underneath your bare feet at low tide, Hot Water Beach presents a landscape and an atmosphere like nowhere else.  Popular for a patch of thermal water bubbling just beneath the surface of the sand at low tide, Hot Water Beach has achieved cult-like status as a worldwide wonder right here on The Coromandel.  Visitors flock to the usually deserted Hot Water Beach two hours either side of low tide. The lure of hot water brings people in buses, campervans, tour groups, and rental vehicles.  They pull into the rec...

Top 5 Best Hikes in New Zealand With trails ranging from mellow walks to intense multi-day missions that require expertise, there is something for everyone here. From rainforests to glaciated peaks to alpine deserts and volcanoes to coastal walkways, New Zealand literally has it all. 1. Te Whara Track The Te Whara track follows an ancient Māori trail from Ocean Beach to Urquharts Bay. The track passes through some of the best coastal forests in the North Island. At the Bream Head summit, towards the Ocean Beach end and not far from the ruins of a WWII radar station, enjoy a magnificent coastal panorama.  Take in views of Cape Brett (Motukokako) in the north to Cape Rodney (Tawharanui) in the south, as well as the Poor Knights islands Tawhiti Rahi and Aorangi, Taranga and Marotere Islands in the Hen and Chickens Islands group, with Te Hauturu-o-Toi/Little Barrier and Great Barrier/Aotea Island in the far east. Once you've climbed up onto the ridge, t...

7 Most Beautiful Places in New Zealand New Zealand’s North Island is home to incredible geothermal wonders, epic hikes, beautiful islands (with excellent wine!) and so much more. Scroll down to see some of the amazing places you can see when you explore New Zealand! 1. Waiheke Island In landscape, lifestyle, and experience, Waiheke is a world away. The white sandy beaches at Oneroa, Palm Beach and Onetangi slope gently down into the Hauraki Gulf and are perfect for swimming, kayaking, or having a picnic. If you’re a walker, explore the island’s trails which meander along cliff tops, down to the beaches and into cool enclaves of native forest. At the eastern end of the island, the Stony Batter walkway leads you to a system of World War II gun emplacements and underground tunnels.  To stay overnight, rent a beach house and wake up to the sound of the waves, if you’re on a budget, go to a friendly backpacker hostel.  Getting around is easy too. Cat...

Things To Do in Auckland Airport The area in and around Auckland airport (including South Auckland) is jam-packed with great activities, excursions, and sights to see. On this page, you're going to discover some of the best things to do in Auckland airport, which will keep the whole family entertained. 1. Relax in a lounge For a single stop that offers food, drink, WiFi, and a quiet environment, look no further than an airport lounge! A few lounges here offer access to any traveller, no matter your airline or flight class – which means you can fly Economy Class and pay to enter. Several lounges also have shower facilities for freshening up. Simply pre-book your visit online or use your lounge membership program. Source —  Sleepinginairports.net 2. Novotel Auckland Airport The Novotel Auckland Airport Hotel is a 4-star hotel located adjacent to Auckland Airport, connected via a covered walkway, so you’re only a 3-minute walk from the main termi...

Best Things To Do In Napier Napier is home to many fine wineries, fabulous restaurants, bars, and cafes. The boutique shops are a must-visit, as is the Sea Walls collection of magnificent murals painted on more than 50 walls around the city. Grab a map and walk or ride around the city to see them up close. 1. Simply Napier With over 40 years of experience servicing the tourist industry, offering quality gifts, artworks, clothing, and mementos for tourists, travellers, and locals alike. Our gift and souvenirs range is diverse and promotes New Zealand and our way of life. Our stores cater for travellers from overseas looking for mementos to take home that are a reminder of their stay in Aotearoa, or gifts for friends and family with a particular New Zealand flavour.  Be it artworks, skincare, toys, jewellery, exclusive clothing, New Zealand natural skincare ranges; Manuka Honey, Lanolin, Bee Venom products, and Rotorua Mud. Source —  Newzealand....