Monday, January 20, 2025
Summer is here in Aotearoa New Zealand, bringing warm weather, golden beaches, and the vibrant red blooms of pōhutukawa trees—the iconic Kiwi Christmas tree. Learn more about the latest accommodation upgrades, uncover hidden gems, and inspire your clients with unforgettable adventures across the motu (country).
Discover two of New Zealand’s exceptional luxury escapes. Paroa Bay’s new off-grid cabins offer stunning views over the Bay of Islands in a serene vineyard setting and On The Point Rotorua’s recent renovations promise a sophisticated guest experience, right on Lake Rotorua.
Set high above Paroa Bay Winery Estate, The Lindis Group has added two brand new, luxurious Off-Grid Cabins offering stunning views, privacy, outdoor bathtubs, and spacious designs. The two cabins each sleep up to two guests, with perks like a mini bar, welcome wine, and access to estate amenities. Guests can also explore Paroa Bay Winery Estate and dine at the award-winning Sage Restaurant; their menu is inspired by the Bay of Islands’ fresh local produce and is just a stroll or golf cart ride away. Perfect for clients seeking tranquility and indulgence.
Expert tip: Suggest combining with a Barefoot Adventures(opens in new window) guided sailing tour offering clients a chance to discover all the beauty of the Bay of Islands.
Paroa Bay Off-Grid Cabins, Northland
Nestled on a private peninsula overlooking Lake Rotorua, On The Point combines 1930s heritage elegance with modern luxury. The lodge reopened in December 2024 after undergoing renovations of the seven Lakeview Lodge Suites, with new amenities and refreshed interiors, a full upgrade of the accessible room and a rebuild of the Lake Villa. On The Point offers clients luxury and tranquility, with panoramic lake views, fine dining, and exclusive experiences.
Expert tip: Clients will love meeting the friendly farm animals on-site including miniature horses, donkeys, sheep, and chickens.
On The Point, Rotorua
In this summer update we have three truly unique experiences, that depart central Auckland and Queenstown, including spotting glow-worms in Auckland, creating a bespoke perfume at a luxurious studio in the heart of Queenstown and a chance to go behind the scenes of sustainable farming on a high-country station.
Did you know you can see glow-worms in the heart of Auckland? The Auckland Glow-worm Tour by Social Nature Movement offers an unforgettable experience right in Pukekawa, a 100,000-year-old volcanic park. Situated centrally in the city, this tour lets clients explore New Zealand’s fascinating glow-worms without leaving the city and showcases the beauty of Auckland’s rich volcanic landscape while offering an accessible way to connect with the natural world.
Expert Tip: A fantastic tour for clients short on time. Social Nature Movement is offering Travel Sellers and their partners a *30% discount off their Waiheke Island Sea Kayak Tour & Glamping eco-tours as part of our Explore NZ Discount Programme(opens in new window). *Sign up for full offer details and over 300 deals.
Auckland Domain glow-worms tour, Social Nature Movement
Miller Road Fragrances is a New Zealand-made, female-owned luxury brand offering hands on, two-and-a-half-hour workshops where guests design their own 30ml (1oz) fragrance. Perfect for groups, couples, families, and individuals, these workshops take place at their beautiful studios in Queenstown and Auckland. Your clients can create a truly unique memento of their stay in New Zealand.
Expert tip: Miller Road Fragrances is excited to be working with trade as part of our Explore NZ Discount Programme(opens in new window) offering travel sellers the chance to experience a fragrance workshop in their Queenstown studio free of charge and 50% off for a travel partner. *Sign up to our Explore NZ Discount Programme for full offer details and over 300 deals.
Miller Road Fragrances, Perfume Workshop, Auckland & Queenstown
Alpine Luxury Tours are introducing a new authentic New Zealand adventure with the Royalburn Farm Tour. Guests can enjoy privileged access to Royalburn Station, a leader in sustainable farming, and meet the stewards behind its innovative practices. The five-hour tour includes a guided farm visit, a private wine tasting with Mora Wines, and a delicious BBQ lunch or chef-curated dining at Prohibition House. Private Mercedes transfers are included. This immersive experience offers a unique opportunity to explore high-country farming, premium wine, and local cuisine in a stunning setting.
Expert tip: Tours are fully customisable with helicopter transfers, a sunset private chef dinner, or a Market Garden tour. Combine it with other Alpine Luxury Tours for a bespoke experience.
Royalburn Farm Tour, Alpine Luxury Tours, Queenstown
New this summer is one of New Zealand's most impressive visitor centres, with striking architectural design that blends harmoniously with the natural surroundings of the stunning West Coast. It’s a must-visit!
The new Punangairi building at Punakaiki(opens in new window) offers a modern visitor experience, replacing the outdated visitor centre with a retail area, café, meeting space and the Paparoa Experience multimedia exhibit. This innovative experience blends Māori culture, history, and geology, providing a captivating insight into the Paparoa National Park. Visitors can enjoy high-quality information on the park and the northern West Coast’s conservation sites. Located near the iconic Pancake Rocks and Blowholes Walk, the centre is a must-visit for those exploring this stunning national park. Open daily, 8:30 am – 5 pm.
Expert tip: The Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes Walk is an easy, family-friendly walk with stunning coastal views and iconic limestone formations. The best time to visit is at high tide when the blowholes are most exciting.
The Punangairi Visitor Experience Centre, West Coast. Credit: Department of Conservation