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Akaroa Summer Festival |
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The spectacular inaugural Akaroa Summer Festival is designed to stimulate, educate and enthuse advanced young musicians from all over New Zealand and abroad. |
Vector Arena
A monumental stadium in the heart of Auckland has a 1200 seated capacity and has hosted some of the biggest stars in the field of music, entertainment and sports.
Vector Arena has hosted world famous acts such as Def Leppard, Coldplay, The Black Eyed Peas, Pussycat Dolls and Eric Clapton, Santana, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Back Street Boys, Lady Gaga.
Hotels Near Vector arena include :
Stadium Waldorf Apartments
The Quadrant
Arena Hotel
Quality hotel Barrycourt
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Want to find an Auckland Hotel?
About to arrive in Auckland and don't know where to stay or planning your holiday a little at the last minute? If you don't know the area or you want to get the most value for money, finding a good Auckland hotel can feel a little awkward. Booking online has become incredibly popular in recent years, as it can save having to make numerous phone calls to different providers in order to find out what is on offer and you'll know right away that there is a room ready for your arrival. For those of you looking to save money, getting a short rate on a room by booking at short notice is a good way to do so.
These rooms are sold cheaply as most hotels and other types of accommodation will have a few rooms that have not been booked and full occupancy is obviously better than empty rooms. These can normally be booked for cheaper rates from anywhere from two to twenty eight days in advance.
If you are booking online and want a good deal, it's a good idea to find a website that let's you check out hotels against others all at once, rather than going from one hotel website to another. Most accommodation websites expect you to pay the full balance owing on booking, but if you prefer to pay at the hotel, or feel a little uncomfortable of conducting large internet transactions, look for a company that offers the chance to pay only a deposit to hold the booking.
If you are planning to stay in Auckland keep in mind it is a sprawling city. If you have not got transport, focus on a place that is in the central city where it is an easy walk into town. There is an excellent free link bus that travels through the inner city suburbs, and taxis of course are in ample supply. Staying near the waterfront means you are in easy walking distance if a wee bit of partying at the Viaduct is planned, and the ferry terminal can take you across to the pretty village of Devonport or across to the vineyards and community of Waiheke.
There is so much to consider when selecting an Auckland hotel so using a service where you can compare one with another simply, looking at what each one can offer you and your specific needs and preferences can save you plenty of time and money - Leaving you with more to use in the great cafes, pubs and shops across the city. |
Auckland Hotels, Wellington Hotels, Christchurch Hotels
Making consumers more comfortable with booking accommodation online
Industry statistics mentioned in the media indicate that online credit card use New Zealand as a percentage is said to be a little more half that of Australia.
Whether that is accurate or not is another cause for debate, however the fact is New Zealanders do use credit cards far less than our Australian counterparts. The question is what can be done to put consumers minds at ease and be more comfortable with using the internet?
Here are some thoughts and recommendations for promoting online booking.
- Online booking is not a new concept and is popular with the initiated due to instant confirmations, live updates on availability such as on last minute accommodation websites.
- When consumers provide credit card details online, they need to be as vigilant as if they were handing some cash on the street, thus make sure that the payment pages are secured with HTTPS, as opposed to the regular HTTP address.
- Customers should make sure the website has acceptable terms and conditions ( refund policies etc..), you don't want to be left empty handed because of the small print.
- Make sure the website offering the discount is providing confirmation of your payment and reservation. Some services offer to "register your interest" and only when you have paid, will they check availability with the hotel or Motel.
- A good idea would to remind customers to take receipt of your online booking for check-in.
-If a third party website was used customers may want to call prior to confirm your booking and maybe also advise of check-in times, special needs or requests etc.
-Rates displayed on websites are generally for 2 people and further investigation may be needed to ascertain if additional people can be accommodated and if so what the charge will be, check for any inclusions or extras on offer too.
- Inclusions can prove to be of excellent value and include such offerings as free breakfast, a bottle of champagne or drink voucher or perhaps a free shuttle service – all these should be included on the booking confirmation.
What To Look For When Booking Hotel Accommodation In Auckland New Zealand
When choosing
Auckland hotels in New Zealand, a great starting point is to understand their star ratings. The Qualmark system in New Zealand and Australia has a star grading for accommodation and is New Zealand Tourism's official mark of quality :
- Basic acceptance is that a 1 star will meet the customers' minimum requirements - Basic, clean, and comfortable.
- 3 stars and the accommodation provider provides a range of facilities and services and achieves a good to very good quality standard.
- The highest standard is 5 stars and is considered to be amongst the best in that country.
The AAA (US) rating system applies a similar method and rates accommodation on a one to five Diamonds scale. Many Hotel providers also use a "self rating" system and this shouldn't be taken as a negative in most cases. Larger Hotel chains have developed their own rating systems that accurately reflect what options are available for each of their resorts.
Star ratings can be a good guide for pricing, but should not be the sole decider, when choosing your Auckland hotel.
It is expected that a 1 star Hotel room will be cheaper than a 5 star. But for those 2, 3 and 4 star hotels, specials, last minute offers and specific locations can lead to a 2 star hotel being more expensive than a 4 star. For example, a 3 star hotel located in Auckland city centre, could charge more than a 5 star hotel an hour out of town. This needs to be kept in mind when choosing a place to stay, but don't let price be your indicator of quality and comfort.
With cost in mind, think also about what your stay is intended for.
If you are visiting friends or family in Auckland, then try to consider your choices based on location. Meaning that you can get to (and leave as quickly) your guests location without any major requirements or inconveniences to them.
If your travel is for business, do you really need to be located in the city?
Unless you can walk to your meetings, maybe a hotel at Auckland airport will suit your purposes better. Just like any other day, you will be heading into work for 8-12 hours and should have no real need to return to your hotel room throughout the day.
With it's international airport,
Auckland hotels near the airport tend to cost less than those in the central business district and cater predominantly to business people. You will also avoid having to get up hours earlier than needed. By staying close to the transport hubs you avoid the need to allow additional time for delays and traffic jams prior to departure. Plus most Airport hotels provide a free shuttle service. One thing we have also noted is that the staff in Airport hotels take wake-up calls seriously - They know the importance of these calls and the consequences. So unlike many other stays, I have never missed a flight (due to a missed wake up call) when staying at an Airport Hotel.
It is a good idea to also list in writing, what you want in a hotel stay. Quality ratings are a good indicator of comfort, but do you want to pay for options you know you probably won't use? Most websites will list all the amenities such as 24 hour reception, mini-bar, room service, valet, laundry etc. Compare these offerings and if you find you're paying 20-30% more for the use of a gym or sauna (that you probably won't use), then theses savings are worthwhile.
Finally, decide on what your budget is and stick with it. Search online and try last minute accommodation websites which offer great discounts for those travelers wanting to book at the last minute. But don't always just take the hotel rate into account when deciding as there may be some inclusions on offer. These could include free breakfast, a drink voucher and discount tickets to local attractions or free parking. If you are traveling with kids serviced apartments have become popular choices because of the kitchen facilities and the ability to cook your own food and thus save money. Also consider taking smaller more frequent breaks as apposed to a long getaway.
Vector Arena
Kanye West
The Quadrant Hotel in Auckland and the Copthorne Hotel
Deep Hard N Funky: Summer Starter Party
The Quadrant Hotel in Auckland and the Copthorne Hotel
Def Leppard
The Quadrant Hotel in Auckland and the Copthorne Hotel
Bride & Groom Show, Auckland,
Wedding Expo - The Show that brings the pages of Bride & Groom magazine alive for one day.
Experience the fun, the excitement, and the glamour at the Bride & Groom Show. There are hundreds of prizes to win, wedding experts to give ideas and inspiration, and 3 awesome fashion parades.
We recommend you browse our range of Auckland city hotels. Popular stays in Auckland include The SKYCITY Grand Hotel , Heritage Auckland, Duxton Hotel Auckland, Westin Hotel Auckland, The Quadrant, CityLife Auckland and the Rendezvous Hotel Auckland (formerly Carlton).
Auckland Wine and Food Festival.
Don't confuse this with such greats as the Devonport or Waiheke namesakes. If you want to stroll down your local supermarket with a glass of wine in your hand and a sampler on a toothpick. This is the place. A guest commented that the 2am hotdog stand at the viaduct would have won the supreme food award at this show. Lets just keep this event to a wine tasting, as the food on offer was a sorry offering. I recommend we leave the words "food" and "festival" to such greats as the Martinborough, Devonport and Waiheke days and avoid this commercialisation of such a great idea.
Booking Your Hotel Accommodation At The Last Minute Can Save You Money
Many accommodation providers such as hotels, motels and serviced apartments often have a percentage of their rooms remain unsold in the normal course of business. They sometimes refer to these rooms as "distressed inventory" available at a discounted price. This allows them to realise revenue that would not normally be received. Rooms made available on websites could be discounted by as much as 60%. The term generally used to describe the discounted room rates is
Last minute accommodation or short rates.
You may ask what's in it for the hotel
Discounting is not a new concept in this industry, though it has normally been promoted via corporate rates or bulk purchases. This new online delivery of room rates allows the accommodation providers to offer specials to the larger public. Like yesterday's paper, the supplier would still rather have some revenue for the room than none at all.
A great tip for finding special rate deals is by typing "last minute accommodation rates" and the name of the city into your web search. Although there are many websites promoting these offers, a quick scan of the result pages will reveal those websites that display multiple offers on a single page. This makes for easy comparison between various suppliers. The full or rack rate together with the discount rate could be displayed and the magnitude of the saving becomes apparent.
Tips on booking your stay:Last minute booking services are almost exclusively advertised online. This is because of the instant confirmations, live updates on availability and the huge audience that now exists online.
But when anyone provides credit card details online, they need to be as vigilant as if they were handing some cash on the street :
- Make sure that the payment pages are secured with HTTPS, as opposed to the regular HTTP address.
- Make sure the website has acceptable terms and conditions, you don't want to be left empty handed because of the small print.
- The uncertainty of online transactions has led many suppliers to ask for a deposit, instead of full payment up front. This is a reasonable approach, as you would not normally pay for your stay until departure.
- Lastly, make sure the website offering the discount is providing confirmation of your payment and reservation.
Some services offer to "register your interest" and only when you have paid, will they check availability with the hotel or Motel. You may as well just call the provider yourself, if this is the case.
Though it should not need to be said, remember to take receipt of your online booking for check-in. Or if necessary you can call prior to confirm your booking and maybe also advise of check-in times, special needs or requests etc.
When booking your stay for transit over early morning departures, most providers have dedicated sections for accommodation listings close to the airport and also offer a free service or parking for up to a week. Alternatively you want to make sure a shuttle service is available from the motel or that they can organise such a service.
Typically last minute accommodation rates generally apply to the next 4 weeks or 28 days only. So for those spur of the moment spontaneous decisions it is ideal. Remember last minute rates are generally for two people only and you need to enquire if additional people can be accommodated and if so what the charge will be, check for any inclusions or extras on offer too. Inclusions can prove to be of excellent value and include such offerings as free breakfast, a bottle of champagne or drink voucher or perhaps a free shuttle service to and from the airport.
My Experience with Reading Travel Reviews to Book My Auckland hotelsIn anticipation of an upcoming trip to Auckland, New Zealand (NZ) I was on the search for accommodation. With so many options to choose from - bed & breakfast, motels, lodges, serviced apartments and hotels (to name a few) - I eventually decided to choose
Auckland hotel Accommodation. Now my issue went from: What kind of accommodation do I want to stay in? to: Which provider do I choose?
It's fair to say that had I booked my trip through a travel agent they may well have been able to suggest the right provider for me, but in this day and age of online travel bookings, I had no need to talk to a travel agent. So keeping in line with my online flight bookings, I decided to book my accommodation online too. First though I decided to find out what other people were saying about Auckland hotels, to see if anyone had some good suggestions for me.
I've heard all this talk about user reviews becoming more and more popular in today's online environment, and I can now see why. It's much like talking to your family or friends and asking if they can recommend somewhere to stay, but in this event you have access to a wider range of opinions. The other advantage is that the feedback which is posted on the site is no longer filtered by the providers so that you only read good reviews, instead they are a much more transparent and honest assessment of the hotel.
There are many online travel review sites available, but I must say that it's important to find one which isn't just a general site allowing people to sign up and post comments unanimously, as these are open to unverified reports and even overly positive and sometimes fraudulent comments from accommodation providers themselves. So my first step was finding a trusted Auckland hotel review site/s.
This came in the form of an online booking site. The comments on these types of sites can only be posted by people who have actually booked and stayed at that particular Auckland hotel. This results in me being able to read honest reviews from actual guests. Not only that but it was easier to read the reviews on the same website I could end up booking on, than having to read one site and then find another for the actual Auckland hotel I chose.
Most of the reviews I came across, had a 1 to 5 star rating system where :
1 = poor
2 = below average
3 = value for money
4 = great value for money
5 = excellent experience
This method of rating means I could easily gain a general idea of the value without having to read every review over the past twelve months. From there, further investigation of the hotel was required, which involved reading each of the reviews that caught my attention. At this point it was very important for me to remember that one or two bad reviews did not necessarily reflect poor service on the part of the hotel. People do have bad days, and unfortunately hotels do to. But if dripping taps, poor showers, noisy rooms or bad service is mentioned in a number of the reviews, I considered it safe to assume that the majority of guests are right.
In the end, the one trend that showed up in the majority of bad reviews, is that at times people were expecting more from the hotel than it provided. Such complaints as “the restaurant was closed at 11pm”, “no room service” or “I had to carry my own luggage”, all show on investigation that these services were not offered by the Auckland hotel in the first place. There is still the perception that a hotel has 24 hour front desks and bar, pools, gymnasiums and spa. Where as today’s demands have removed the non essential offerings and services in order to provide a better price to the consumer.
So after reading numerous reviews and now feeling more informed than when I started, I managed to locate an Auckland hotel which meet my needs, not only in terms of service, but in terms of location, price and facilities. Ultimately the reviews were one component of my decision and needed to be viewed alongside my own personal criteria, in order to make my final decision.
Book Last Minute Auckland Hotel Accommodation & Save Money For Your Trip
If you are planning on taking a hotel holiday in Auckland, New Zealand, have you thought about booking your accommodation at the 'last minute'? Sounds scary but doing this can save you money for the rest of your trip. Usually these rates apply for a period of up to 28 days, so you can have peace of mind that this doesn't mean you have to book the day before you leave.
So How Do They Work?
Many Auckland hotel accommodations have a number of rooms which don't get booked, these are made available on last minute accommodation websites at a cheaper price, which can be discounted by up to 60% of the standard rate.
There are a range of websites promoting these offers so it pays to check each for exactly what is on offer and what you are paying for. Some will provide 'extras' like free breakfasts, champagne on arrival or a free shuttle service, while others are simply providing just the hotel suite accommodation so it's a good idea to check what you are required to pay for before you book.
We all know that feeling when you are about to book an accommodation and you start to wonder what you are really going to get for the price you pay. Some 'last minute' websites allow you to see all of the available rates on one page which allows you to compare more than one accommodation (& their services) at a time - thus making your decision a little easier!
So What Can You Do With the Money You Save On Auckland Hotel Accommodation?
With Auckland being the largest city in New Zealand, there is plenty to see and do - and not just in the city either! Whether you are travelling with friends, your partner or the whole family you will be sure to find something to keep you entertained. Here's some ideas to get you started :
•- Take a trip to Waiheke Island and enjoy some wine tasting tours!
•- Enjoy shopping in the city and then have a meal in Auckland's inner city waterfront development - the Viaduct
•- Take a boat trip in the Hauraki Gulf and see pods of dolphins & whales
•- Visit Kelly Tarlton's Underwater World & Antarctic Encounter
•- Sail the Waitamata Harbour
•- Bungy Jump off the Sky Tower - 192 metres straight down!!
•- Take a trip to Waiwera Thermal Resort mineral pools
Of course if you plan to have a quiet trip away there is nothing wrong with staying indoors and enjoying the accommodation you have booked!
By now you should be inspired enough to go browse on the Internet for last minute hotel accommodation rates currently available in Auckland. Who knows you might even save enough money you can leave tomorrow
The Bay of Islands Country Rock Festival
The Bay of Islands Country Rock Festival features good music and friendship in the stunning setting of the Bay of Islands of New Zealand - one of the top tourist spots of the country. Each year the festival features more than 60 acts from New Zealand, and overseas performing at multiple venues. Street music and line dancing are also popular features.
Benefits of Booking a Ski Trip in Christchurch & Staying at a Local Hotel
If you plan on going skiing for a weekend in the South Island of New Zealand you might like to consider going to Mt Hutt located at the foot of the Southern Alps around 2086m above sea level and approximately 90 minutes drive from Christchurch (Chch).
Mt Hutt is one of the many popular ski destinations in the South Island, along with Coronet Peak, Cadrona and The Remarkables near Queenstown. Flying to Chch is cheaper with flight prices as much as half the price when compared to Queenstown. Also with, Christchurch being the largest city in the South Island, it tends to have more flights scheduled, compared with the likes of flights to Queenstown ex Auckland, for example.
Flying to Chch is also a better option in terms of flight times, if you plan on going skiing for a weekend, as you could fly earlier in the morning and leave later in the day back to Auckland, thus giving you more time on the slopes.
You will need to take into consideration where you are going to stay. With so many options available including hotels, motels and self contained apartments, your choices are endless, here are some reasons why booking a hotel for your ski trip is a great idea :
- They are a more luxurious accommodation option and tend to offer services and facilities such as a Bar & Restaurant - which means you don't have to worry about cooking and cleaning up
- Beauty Spa's - where you can get a massage, perfect for your weary muscles after a day up the mountain!
- And in many cases a heated pool and spa
Of course each differs so it depends on what facilities or services you would like.
If you are taking the self drive option from Christchurch to Mt Hutt, you will pass through the town of Methven which is just 25 km's from Mt Hutt. Methven has a range of hotels which often have deals on offer where you can (for instance) get a ski & accommodation package at a discounted rate. This can save you money and time waiting up the mountain to buy your tickets. Also with Methven being close to Mt Hutt you don't have to worry about driving back to Chch, when you might be weary from your day.
If you are catching the daily Shuttle back to Christchurch it's a good idea to find an accommodation provider close to where you will get picked up and dropped off each day. This limits the amount of time you spend travelling to and from your destination. There are plenty of hotel accommodation options in Chch, some offering short stay rates in affiliation with some of the air lines.
If you are taking off on an unexpected weekend of skiing, a good option is to check out some of the last minute accommodation websites for deals on Christchurch hotel rates as many (in the normal course of business) do not sell all of their rooms and often have these on offer on last minute accommodation websites at a discounted rate of up to 60%. This is a great option if bad weather has been predicted too, as it provides you with the option of booking your accommodation at the very last minute.
This is a win-win situation as the providers gets to sell another room and you get a discount.
So, wherever you choose to stay on your Christchurch Ski holiday, you can be sure to find a hotel that lets you sit back, relax and enjoy the atmosphere.
Auckland Hotels, Wellington Hotels, Christchurch Hotels
Book a Christchurch hotel for a stay in the garden city
If you're planning to visit the South Island of New Zealand, a stay in its largest city is a must. A Christchurch hotel is a great place to park yourself as you take some time to explore the region. This city isn't called the Garden City for nothing - it's a place that begs you to slow down a little and unwind before you travel on. Even if you're travelling there for business you're sure to find a few little diversions to make your trip more pleasant.
If you need to go for a walk, besides using it as a perfect excuse to check out many of the fashionable boutiques and cafes on High St and beyond, you can also wander around enjoying some of the architecture, particularly in the Arts Centre and some of the places close by. Of course if you are at the Arts Centre you may as well cross the road and enjoy the botanical gardens where you'll be able to stroll around the beautifully cared for gardens.
Of course if you want to see the city, but don't want to walk, catch a tram instead. A pass will give you two days unlimited travel and it takes a scenic route through the city, allowing you to stop at several points along the way.
If you want to go exploring there is plenty to see, as long as you are happy to leave the confines of your Christchurch hotel. This includes taking a day's trip out to Akaroa, where you can catch a cruise and enjoy sighting the Hector Dolphins and the Blue Penguins as well as soaking in the natural beauty of the area. Coming back you can stop and look out over the bay.
The gondola, situated just out of the city is a perfect place to stop and take a break, looking out across the city and over the plains to the alps, then turning around and getting a clear view of Lyttleton Harbour and beyond. The sheer flat landscape of the city means you get an unhindered view of this lovely city.
If you've got enough energy at night, pop out to one of the many ethnic restaurants (the city's eateries do great Thai and Japanese in particular) or to the Strip where several well regarded cafes are open. Catching some theatre at the Court Theatre may be the perfect end to the night, allowing you to go get some sleep at your Christchurch hotel before starting all over again the next day.
Looking for a Christchurch Hotel?
If you are planning a visit to the South Island's biggest city then a stay in a Christchurch Hotel should be on the cards. When selecting a good place to stay think about what you are planning to do there and where you'll need to travel as you explore the city and beyond.
The city is mainly on the flat, so it's fairly easy to make your way around the centre on foot. If you are thinking of staying in the central business district (CBD), there are plenty of shops to enjoy during your stay, as well as a wide range of cafes who'll make your first coffee of the day to perfection. If you want to eat out at night, you might want to try what is known as “The Strip” which is a row of high quality cafes and restaurants along the banks of the Avon river. Of course, you also have the option of ordering in room service at your Christchurch hotel if that's a preferred option to you. Hotel's in the CBD of Christchurch range from upper class through to those with unique features and facilities.
Some of the “must sees” of the area include a collection of places all quite close together. The Avon River, which winds itself around the city can be explored by sitting in a boat, that is punted along by a man wearing a cheery hat, as he chats about some of the historical points of interest along the way.
The river moves through the botanical gardens which are truly beautiful, no matter what time of the year, and a perfect place to stretch your legs, or have an informal picnic with food bought from a local cafe. Next to the gardens is the Canterbury Museum, and then across from there is the Arts Centre. Both of these places are pretty enough just to look at, but both have lovely displays inside their walls. On weekends the Arts Centre also becomes a market with a range of pretty crafts and art on sale, perfect for gifts or mementos of your trip.
A tram trips past, and you can purchase a ticket that allows you to pop on and off as you explore the rest of the inner city.
If you want to book a Christchurch Hotel so you can explore a little further afield you can either use a car, or book one of the popular day tours that take you out to the french settlement Akaroa, up to the thermal wonderland of Hanmer Springs for a soak in the waters, or west out to Oxford to enjoy a coffee or even a day at a cook school with one of New Zealand's favourite cooks Jo Seagar. In fact finding the right place to stay is easy. It's working out how to fit everything you want to do into your stay that's the problem!
Making the Decision to Book Last Minute Rate Christchurch hotels
If you are wondering why anyone would wait until the last minute to book
Christchurch hotels, you aren't alone. To many the idea of booking just weeks away from your travel date seems utterly ridiculous.
Christchurch - the 'garden city' is one of the main cities in New Zealand and is a popular tourist destination. It is because of this that most people would advise you to book your hotel as early as possible, to avoid disappointment and added cost, however many websites nowadays are offering last minute rates. These rates potentially mean huge savings on your accommodation, which makes it worth the time searching for them.
Booking last minute doesn't mean that you have to settle for a 'lower class' hotel either. Whether you are arriving via the international airport, or via other means of transport, Christchurch has hotels dotted all around the city all offering different settings. Whether it's a hotel in a heritage building that takes your fancy or perhaps a hotel overlooking a picturesque river or spectacular harbour, Christchurch has got it.
Online bookings are becoming more and more popular because of how easy they are and because you remove the 'middle man' (travel agents etc). Booking online allows you to see exactly what you are getting and for the price that is right for you. Last minute rates can be discounted by as much as 60% off of the standard full rate online, something which you wouldn't get through a travel agent. If you are concerned that you won't have anything to prove for your purchase, don't worry - you will receive instant confirmation of your booking which you can then print out at your convenience. The payments on good last minute rate websites will be through a secure area - most commonly recognised by the 'https' in the web address bar, rather than the 'http'.
So let's say that you find a great rate on a Christchurch Hotel and you book spur of the moment, then you start to wonder what on earth you are going to do with your time there. Christchurch appeals to all ages and guarantees to make your visit extra special with it's range of offerings. Here are some ideas :
- Christchurch is one of few places in the world where you can ski in world class alpine resorts in the morning and whale watch on the Pacific Ocean in the afternoon.
- The Botanic Gardens offer 21 hectares of beautiful horticultural displays, conservatories, memorials, garden art and walking tracks - admission is free!
- The Art Gallery is a stunning architectural structure just a short distance from the Art Centre, which offers craft studios, galleries, shops, cafes, retaurants and bars along with theatres and neo-Gothic stone cloisters of the original university buildings.
- Canterbury Museum in the central City offers world class displays of geology, zoology and cultural collections.
- The RNZAF Base at Wigram (one of the earliest airbases in New Zealand) provides a history of flight in the Air Force Museum.
- Ferrymead Heritage Parks features a Heritage Township complete with Picture Theatre, School House, Church, Tearooms, Jail and Railway Station and more.
- The International Antarctic Centre located near Christchurch International Airport brings an exciting, powerful interactive experience of Antartica.
- The Christchurch Gondola Ride takes you 945 metres to the summit complex on the top of the Port Hills, from here you can experience a unique 360 degree panoramic view of Chch
- Lyttelton Harbour provides wildlife cruises to view the worlds smallest and rarest dolphin - the Hector's Dolphin
- The Southern Encounter Aquarium in the central city provides a close encounter with hundreds of aquatic species.
- Ten minutes drive from the City is Orana Wildlife Park - New Zealand's only open range zoo, offering daily animal encounters.
There are of course, plenty of options both in the City and further, so when you book your last minute rate hotel in Christchurch, why not make it an extended stay so you can enjoy as much as possible!
For a list of hotels to stay at in Christchurch
Staying at a Christchurch Hotel can be affordable
Many people talk about staying in 'cheaper' accommodation such as backpackers and holiday parks, when they travel to Christchurch, New Zealand, which is fine for anyone who requires a self catering type of holiday and wants to save their travel fund money for the likes of activities and shopping rather than splashing it all on accommodation, but many like to enjoy a little bit of luxury whilst away from home and therefore the more 'budget' types of accommodations just don't meet their needs. This is why they choose to stay in Christchurch hotels.
The question of whether a Christchurch hotel is the right choice for your stay often comes down to cost. Christchurch hotels aren't always out of your price range. Nowadays there is the option of booking what is called 'last minute accommodation' where you book your accommodation anywhere up to 28 days prior to your arrival and you can get a gorgeous hotel room at rates that are upto 60% cheaper than the normal!
Christchurch has many different hotels to choose from, situated in many locations throughout, such as near the Airport, in the Central Business District (CBD) and in some of the more popular suburbs. Many are listed on last minute accommodation websites, so it's just a matter of taking a look at them to find out if they are offering the facilities that you desire and are in the locations that suit you.
With that in mind if you aren't planning on booking a rental vehicle whilst you are on holiday, a hotel stay in Christchurch's CBD would be advisable. With the recent upgrades to the central city, it is buzzing with quaint cafes, retail stores and plenty of outdoor seating where you can sit and often watch a busker or two. Christchurch also has a tram which is a great way of travelling to the likes of The Arts Centre, Art Gallery and Botanic Gardens.
If you want to get away from the city, Riccarton and Papanui are two popular suburbs with a range of hotels located throughout and both aren't far away from the malls, the Casino and restaurants & cafe's. If you did decide to head into the central city a short taxi or bus ride is easy enough to arrange.
So no matter where you choose to stay a Christchurch hotel nowadays is a great option for anyone who wants to experience a little bit of luxury and not spend a fortune! Take a look around at some last minute accommodation websites and you will be surprised at what you can find!
Christchurch Hotel Accommodation - Much To Do and See In Canterbury
If you are planning a stay in the South Island's largest city, and want to book your time in a Christchurch Hotel, then it's a good idea to plan what you want to do and what you want to see when you get there. There are plenty of fun activities and events happening around the "Garden City", that it may be difficult to fit in everything you want to do.
The whole area of Canterbury is known for its English style and prettiness. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the botanical gardens, where old oaks and other English trees share the grounds with New Zealand natives, and many exotic flowers and plants. It's a beautiful garden to walk through, and at one end there is a nice cafe to sit and have a cup of tea, and at the other is Canterbury Museum where you can learn more about the founding members of the city and some history about New Zealand in general.
Once you've reached the museum, you are also close to the Arts Centre, which used to be the original grounds for the university. This impressive collection of stone buildings is now home to a few well regarded crafts people, as well the vibrant and busy market days that take place on Saturday and Sunday. There are many crafts, touristy treats and great food to be had there, before heading back to your Christchurch Hotel for a wee nap.
A little further up the road from here are two local favourites the Dux de Lux where you can have beer brewed on site, including the famous Ginger Tom ginger beer, and the art gallery which is housed in a new and airy modern building. It's a pleasant place to spend the afternoon.
Of course if you've not visited before a trip out to the Antarctic Centre is a great way to spend an afternoon, though it's a good idea to rug up if you are planning to try out the snow room! There is also a lovely aquarium to enjoy in the central city if you enjoy looking at sea life.
Once you've explored the city, feel free to keep on staying in your Christchurch hotel as you investigate the rest of Canterbury by day trips. Take yourself out to Akaroa, or towards Oxford, south to Geraldine for the day, or north for a soak in the hot springs at Hanmer. Make the most of your time in Canterbury.
The Marlborough Wine Festival
The Wine Marlborough Festival is New Zealand’s premier Wine and Food event.
Come to Marlborough and experience the highly acclaimed wines of the region, indulge in the culinary delights of renowned New Zealand chefs and be entertained with a stunning line-up of New Zealand’s leading performers.
The Bay of Islands Country Rock Festival - 09 May 08 - 11 May 08
The Bay of Islands Country Rock Festival features good music and friendship in the stunning setting of the Bay of Islands of New Zealand - one of the top tourist spots of the country. Each year the festival features more than 60 acts from New Zealand, and overseas performing at multiple venues. Street music and line dancing are also popular features.
Summer in the Park - Concerts run from 4pm to 7pm - free admission
Sun, fresh air and great music, discover it all here in the Summer in the Park series in the Victoria Esplanade gardens. A diverse selection of local bands kicks off the season. Concert two soothes with cool jazz, while headline band Opshop ramps it up for the season finale. Bring a blanket and a picnic and enjoy the sounds of summer!
So you’re off on a ski trip to New Zealand’s famous resort town – Queenstown? Well your accommodation options are endless – but in most cases your budget won’t be! One of the best ways to save on accommodation for your trip is to find last minute rates, this can save you up to 60% off the standard room rate.
So Where Do You Find These Rates?
Generally you will only find these rates on websites created specifically for this. The Queenstown hotel providers who don’t sell their rooms in the normal course of business will place their available quantity of rooms and the discounted rate on the website, usually with the rates for the next 4 weeks, including the present date.
Are the ‘last minute’ hotels one’s which no one has heard of?
No, in most cases they are popular well advertised accommodation providers, situated in and around Queenstown, so you can be sure you will receive quality. If there was a provider on there which you had not heard of, you have the option to visit their actual website to see what they have on offer.
What If a Hotel Doesn’t Suit Our Ski Group?
If the hotel style accommodation is not your ‘cup of tea’ then why not try a serviced apartment? This is a great option for a family or group ski trip to Queenstown as they offer full kitchen & laundry facilities, more room and in most cases a secure place to store your ski’s or snowboard. And you can find serviced apartments in Queenstown on some last minute accommodation websites too.
What About Location?
With last minute accommodation rates changing all the time, the locations will differ as the offers expire. In most cases though, you will be presented with a number of different location options. And if you can save up to 60% on the accommodation by booking through a last minute provider then you might be able to spend the money on catching a shuttle or similar to the ski field.
Book Last Minute Accommodation for Your Week Away in Rotorua
Rotorua is a beautiful city located on the Southern Shores of Lake Rotorua in the North Island of New Zealand about 3 hours drive from Auckland (234km) and only 457km from Wellington.
The name Rotorua comes from the native New Zealand language, Maori. The full name is Rotorua-nui-a-Kahu. Roto meaning lake and Rua meaning two, literally translated it means second lake. It was named by the Maori Chief Ihenga, as it was the second major lake that he discovered. Rotorua is known for its amazing geothermal activity.
From the time you enter the city, you know you are somewhere unique. Steam rises from cracks, gardens, pathways and even residential streets. Combine this with the distinctive scent of sulphur and you know you are in the centre of an active thermal area. South and north east from city centre there are geysers, boiling pools of mud, silica terraces, geothermal fields south and north-east of the city and crater lakes which are constantly naturally refilled with hot water.
With so much to see and do, a day trip to Rotorua is not going to allow you to truly enjoy all of what is on offer. Many of us think that we have to book our trips well in advance in order to save money on things like accommodation; but this is simply not true anymore. With last minute accommodation websites online, you can easily find accommodation at great rates. So if you are thinking of getting away for a week or perhaps even just a weekend in the next month or so, search the web for those last minute accommodation rates to help you save money to spend on such things in Rotorua as :
- Fishing for rainbow and brown trout in Rotorua’s chain of sparkling lakes, formed by the famous but now dormant volcanoes
- Relax in pools of natural hot mineral water
- Enjoy a natural mud wrap or soothing body massage under warm thermal water
- Visit the botanical gardens
- Take a hot air balloon ride and get an aerial view of this spectacular area
- Get the ultimate adrenalin rush at the Agrodome, experiencing jet boating, bungy jumping and more!
Last minute accommodation also allows you to enjoy accommodation that perhaps you wouldn’t normally budget for. This concept is particularly exciting, especially if you are planning to getaway in the near future, as normally you would be limited to choices which might not meet all of your requirements.
So if you are thinking about planning a trip to Rotorua for more than a months time, to allow yourself time to save money for accommodation and tourist attractions, remember that there are so many cheaper options available that still offer a quality holiday, it’s just a matter of finding those last minute accommodation deals on the internet.
Timaru is the largest urban area in South Canterbury and is based around its port and the dairy industry. The city’s most popular holiday spot is Caroline Bay, one of New Zealand’s safest swimming beaches . In town, there are plenty of recreational facilities catering for tennis, golf, bowls, yachting and swimming. Enjoy one of the many scenic walks including the Botanic Gardens, or take a stroll around the Trevor Griffiths Rose Garden on Caroline Bay. Take a marine cruise in search of dolphins and other marine wildlife. You can go back in time in the southern hemisphere’s last remaining Landing Service Building. For those wishing to tempt their palate, the city boasts a number of fine restaurants catering for all budgets and tastes.
Waiheke Island Wine Festival - Waiheke Island is just half an hour's boat trip from Auckland. It is over 25 years since wine came to Waiheke; in 1978 the Goldwater family planted the first vinifera vineyard, and now the island can boast some 30 vineyards, of which around half have wines on offer at their annual festival. Amongst the 50 plus wines available to sample are the internationally renowned Stonyridge Larose and Goldwater Esslin Merlot, while the festival unveils the latest new wine releases, including wines from the prestigious Saratoga Estate and Cable Bay Vineyards.
The island's proximity to Auckland makes it a popular place for rich Aucklanders, many of whom have built gorgeous homes overlooking the water. This touch of glamour combined with the idyllic vineyard surroundings and summer weather make the festival a unique experience.
Festival tickets include entry and entertainment at the various venues, a festival tasting glass and holder and a bus shuttle service between the vineyards.
NZ Masters games - Held bi-annually in February
Since its inception in 1989, the NZ Masters Games has grown from 1500 entrants competing across 29 sports to over 8,000 entrants and 67 sports, making it the biggest Masters Games event in New Zealand by far. The games is a 9 day event with 67 different sports and over 580 individual events. One of the notable aspects of the games in Wanganui is the intimacy of the city. The Games Village at Springvale Park is within 10 minutes of the main street. Most venues are within 10 minutes drive of the village. You will find the sports venues to be top quality and the weather is guaranteed to be perfect.
Need a Wellington Hotel to stay in?
If you are on the hunt for a good Wellington hotel to stay in you'll quickly realise how many great hotels there are in just the CBD alone. The place you choose really depends on your personal preference. Do you want a kitchenette or just tea and coffee making supplies? Are you on a budget? Are you lured by expensive bed linens and a pillow menu or do you prefer just to have a room to drop into for a few hours of shut eye?
What ever you are looking for you can often save a lot of money if you book a short rate on your room. A short rate is a discount room rate offered to people who book any of the last available rooms in an establishment. It's more beneficial to have a full house for a hotel as their general overheads remain the same regardless so it's a win win situation for both you and the hotel.
These super special deals can be booked from anywhere from two days to twenty-eight days in advance. The best way to find them is to go to a website offering a range of listings of suitable Wellington hotels. That way you can compare the different prices and facilities directly. Some hotels offer packages including breakfasts or special deals with local gyms, restaurants or theatres.
If you are worried about conducting a large monetary transaction online, or prefer to pay the bulk of the room rate on check out as you have done with conventional bookings before, then seek out a website that offers this service. Many of the online short rate booking websites expect you to pay in full on booking which is not convenient to everyone. It is standard for an accommodation website to take a small percentage of the booking cost as their processing fee. They will keep your details private and not on sell your information.
Accommodation around Wellington's open air malls or the waterfront are great if you plan to spend your time walking around the city as these are the flatter areas. If you have a car or plan to taxi, any hotel in Wellington can provide a good level of service. If you are a regular visitor it can be fun to book a different Wellington hotel everytime and discover a new part of the city a little more each time.
Booked a Hotel in Wellington and Want To Go Sightseeing?
You’ve spent some time picking out the best hotel in Wellington to stay at and then you notice you forgot about all your entertainment and sightseeing. The best thing about Wellington, which is the capital city of New Zealand, is there is so much to see that won’t break the bank, and you’ll have that little bit extra for room service if you want to.
Prepare yourself to be cultured and humbled by the exhibits inside the city’s official Museum. Dating back thousands of years, you have the opportunity to take an interactive look into the past, present and future with spectacular holographic special effects inside a dazzling 12-minute show. As well as having an ever-changing array of feature exhibitions and performances you would be happy to note that no two visits will ever be the same. As with its perfect location you know that no matter what the weather is like, you would still be in walking distance from your hotel in Wellington.
If you’re the kind of film buff that jumped off the plane with a mindset for adventure then you will not be able to pass up the opportunity to visit Weta Cave. This is the ultimate tourist spot if you are looking for a behind the scenes look at everything Peter Jackson as well as a glimpse into the world of pop culture. Open Monday to Sunday 9am to 5.30pm, Weta Cave has many limited edition sculptures made by the artists of Weta. You will also find a collection of Doctor Grodborts amazing rayguns and all the books, DVDs, magazines, posters and all the art from the world of movies you could ever dream about.
Of course Te Papa, the national museum is a must see. You can easily spend several days in this place, and it’s a perfect place to stop if the wind picks up. So much effort has gone into making the displays interactive and informative - and its well worth a visit. Once you’ve spent the day exploring, check out one of the many eateries in the city.
There is everything from cheap ethnic meals to fine dining. Several streets in the inner city are full of some amazing venues perfect to try out your favourites. You can also try a locally brewed beer to finish off the evening before heading back for a sleep at your hotel in Wellington.
Popular stays in Wellington City include Just Hotel , James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor, Quest Apartments (including the Quest on Willis, Quest on Johnston), Holiday Inn Wellington Museum Hotel and the Sharella Motor Inn
Book your hotel in Wellington and Relax
It's the nation's capital and political centre, but that doesn't stop this city from also offering much to its visitors in the areas of entertainment, great food and shopping. If you're planning to book a hotel in Wellington, you would be remiss to ignore some of the offerings even if your trip is meant to be a business one. There is plenty to do and see, and with the city all rather compact it's easy to find your way around on foot. There are always taxis on hand if you need them too, plus a good public bus system.
Many residents consider their hometown as the cultural capital of the country and it's easy to see why when you take a look at the offerings on view at any one time. Of course a natural landmark is Te Papa, which houses plenty of year round interactive displays reflecting the kiwi culture and history, but also provides visitors with an opportunity to enjoy special exhibitions at different parts of the year.
Beyond Te Papa there is still plenty of see and do. Many international and national acts enjoy playing to a crowd in the capital, and the concierge at your hotel in Wellington should be able to point you in the right direction to find last minute concert and play tickets.
Of course sitting and watching all that creativity can make you feel a little peckish and the food in the city is well worth sampling. You can choose one of the many ethnic eateries that offer authentic and reasonably priced food in little pockets all over the city, or enjoy the restaurant quarter that offers a good range of places and fit the needs of all types of budgets.
The centre of the city also offers a good range of bars and pubs to catch a drink including the Malthouse, which has a wide range of local and imported beers to try, and several little cocktail bars that are perfect for sitting and relaxing in, enjoying the excellent service and delicious cocktails.
At the end of each day you can relax at your hotel in Wellington, but it may be a good idea to take a little time to shop, enjoying some of the designer boutiques and concept stores by some of New Zealand's leading designers and international labels. It's almost advisable to pack an extra bag, just to take all your new purchases back home.
How to Save on Wellington hotels & Enjoy the Free Things to do in Wellington
Wellington is New Zealand's capital city and has so much to offer. Surrounded by rolling hills and a stunning harbour from where you can catch a ferry to Nelson in the South Island.
From central Wellington, Lower Hutt is 15 minute drive North East of Wellington with fantastic recreational opportunities like running, mountain biking and horse trekking. Upper Hutt is a further 15 minutes from Wellington and where you will find the pristine Hutt River with stunning native forests a favourite with walkers, joggers and cyclists.
North of Wellington, Porirua a 15 minutes drive has breathtaking rural scenery. A rugged coastline where water sport enthusiasts can enjoy windsurfing, sailing and diving. Alternatively if you love the sea, Kapiti coast (a 20 minutes drive North) is renowned for its local cheeses. If you're there for a while, take a day trip from there to Kapiti Island where you would find rare and endangered birds. A real favourite for a lot of New Zealanders is a weekend discovering the boutique wine-village of Martinborough, or the charming antique and crafts stores of Greytown.
In Wellington city there is :
- The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa (Tongarewa) - With Maori treasures and historical artefacts.
- On Queens Wharf is the Museum of Wellington City and Sea - With stunning special effects and interactive exhibits to take you on a journey through Wellington's history.
- In Civic Square is the free City Art Gallery - Which has a changing programme of exhibitions.
- You can also take a guided tour of Parliament Buildings where New Zealand's government meets to makes all sorts of decisions.
- Take a walk though the Wellington Botanic Gardens to see some of the oldest exotic trees ever planted in New Zealand. - The Wellington Cable Car Museum is free however the cable car rides to the top will cost you.
When Booking your accommodation in Wellington why not consider booking your hotel room online and taking advantage of last minute accommodation specials. Booking hotel rooms online has become popular because of the instant confirmations and live updates.
Make sure that the payment pages are secured with HTTPS, as opposed to the regular HTTP address. Make sure the website has acceptable terms and conditions, you don't want to be left empty handed because of the small print.
Many hotels in Wellington like in other cities would not sell all their hotel rooms in the normal course of business so would offer the room on a last minute accommodation website at a discount of up to 60%. This is a win- win situation as the hotel in Wellington gets to sell another room and you the client, gets a discount. If the whole family is going you may want to consider the offerings from serviced apartments for a comparison. These also have kitchens with cooking facilities which can provide further cost saving.
Typically last minute hotel rates generally apply to the next 4 weeks or 28 days only. So for those spur of the moment spontaneous decisions it is ideal.
Remember last minute rates are generally for two people only and you need to enquire if additional people can be accommodated and if so what the charge will be and check for any inclusions or extras on offer. Inclusions can prove to be of excellent value and include such offerings as free breakfast, a bottle of champagne or drink voucher, free Shuttle service to and from the airport etc.
- Wellington Sevens in Wellington,
Staged at Wellington’s Westpac Stadium over two days and nights, the tounament involves 16 international teams competing for points that go towards the International Rugby Board (IRB) Sevens series. Eight tournaments make up the IRB series. The NZI Rugby Sevens tournament will be held at Wellington's Westpac Stadium . The tournament involves 16 international teams competing for points that go towards the International Rugby Board (IRB) Sevens Series.
Annual Wild Food Festival
The Wild Food Festival is a celebratation of the unique West Coasts lifestyle, food and hospitality. The Wild Food Festival is held in March when the population of Hokitika quadruples, with up to 18,000 people attending the festival. The Wild Food Festival has been held annually in Hokitika since 1989.
The Wild Food Festival is famous for the special West Coast food that is on offer. At the festival you will find possum pies, huhu grubs, ows’ udders, Chatham Island seagulls, paua titties (roe), bull, lamb and goat testicles, gorse flower wine and gourmet garden snails, and magpie pies. There is also plenty of West Coast whitebait for those not so keen to try the interesting wild foods. To wash down the 'Wild Foods' there is plenty of the West Coast's most famous beer Monteiths on tap. There are three stages at the festival where there is living music and entertainment all day long.