Hamilton is the center of New Zealand’s fourth largest urban area and it is a place bursting with colour and activity. Hamilton is home to many festivals and the city offers many tourist attractions. These include the Hamilton Zoon, the Waikato Museum and perhaps one of the most popular tourist destinations of all, the SkyCity Hamilton.

The SkyCity Hamilton is an entertainment palace, equipped with means of amusement for the whole family. SkyCity Hamilton was opened in 2002 and is home to over 330 gaming machines and 23 tables in its casino area. However, it is not just a casino. It offers eateries, bars and features of entertainment for guests of all ages.

The Casino is open all seven days a week and offers free live entertainment and popular casino games. The gaming machines include games like Double Dynasty, Cash Carriage and Deep Freeze and they are sure to keep you occupied for a good several hours. The Casino also offers table games like Roulette, Black Jack, Baccarat, Money Wheel and Poker. The Poker Tournaments at SkyCity Hamilton are legendary with many active participants and individuals bet against each other, not the house.

In addition, SkyCity Hamilton boasts a range of bars and restaurants, all catering exclusively to the express needs of their guests. The Rebo Restaurant and Bar provides you with the most exclusive dining experience at the SkyCity Hamilton. The menu is extensive and well thought out to suit even the pickiest of palates and dinner at the Rebo is a generally a grand affair. The brunch menu includes classics like pancakes with a personalized filling, bacon and eggs, Eggs Benedict and French toast and lunch is comprised of clean and simple flavours from dishes like chicken salad, soups, terrines, a variety of pastas and steak. The grandeur of dinner is brought on by the amazingly delectable dessert choices, from gooey chocolate mousse to summery cheese cake. The flavours are sharp and delicious, enough to satiate the largest appetite. The gold on chrome colour scheme of the Rebo just adds to its charm, making it a wonderful contemporary restaurant.

Other great features of the SkyCity Hamilton are: the Vue Bar, Silk Restaurant and Blend Café. The Vue Bar offers live entertainment every Friday, Saturday and Sunday coupled with a great view from its expansive balcony, overlooking the beautiful scenery of Hamilton. The Vue Bar is known mainly for its excellent value meal deals and for excellent beverage choices. Along with the Vue Bar, the SkyCity Hamilton also has the Silk Restaurant, an eatery dedicated to Asian cuisine. Here you will be the able to sample authentic delights from Japan, India, Malaysia and China, all meticulously prepared by the chefs to give you a true taste of genuine Asian cuisine. The Blend Café is more of a casual eating spot compared to other eateries at SkyCity Hamilton. Popular for its delicious finger food like potato wedges, toasties, burgers and nachos, the Blend Café also does offer a standard menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

If you are a sports addict, then SkyCity Hamilton’s Zone Sports Bar is the best place for you. Zone is one of Hamilton’s premier sports bars. Zone has plasma TVs and five large screens, all equipped with a vast range of sports to cater to the needs of fans that adhere to a plethora of sports, be it cricket, rugby, foot ball, swimming or even skiing. All live tournaments of any world sport can be followed via the Zone screens while you are nibbling on some delicious finger food like fries and onion rings or you can even opt for a full course meal be it lunch, dinner or breakfast.

Accommodation is an essential factor if you are planning to pay a visit to the SkyCity Hamilton. Te Rapa hotel Hamilton offers a wide range of luxurious lodging options, ideal for your stay. If you are looking for a Hamilton hotel with top range hospitality, the Kingsgate Hotel Hamilton is ideal for you; situated just minutes away from the city and within easy reach of SkyCity Hamilton, traveling is easy.

Known as the “Garden City”, Christchurch is a bustling coastal city set amidst stunning natural landscapes and scenic beaches, making it an ideal destination for outdoor adventures. One such popular activity is dolphin and whale watching that gives nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts a chance to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

Those interested in doing some dolphin and whale watching can head to the charming coastal town of Kaikoura which is around a two and a half-hour drive from Christchurch. Known for its idyllic scenery and snow covered mountains, this enchanting island is also a popular starting point for those wanting to explore the surrounding sea which is home to diverse marine life including various species of whales which pass through these waters.

Believed to be the largest and loudest animal on the earth, the Blue Whale is one such species travellers may come across while on a whale tour. During winter, one may also get the opportunity to see Humpback Whales which are often seen engaging in such activities as “breaching” where it jumps slightly out of the water and “spyhopping” when it partly raises and holds its head above the surface. Other species of whale that frequent these waters, depending on the time of year include, the Southern Right, Beaked and Minke whales.

One can also view large numbers of dolphins around Kaikoura which on occasion can number to around one thousand. Among the dolphin species one may get a chance to see in these waters include the Orca which though known as the “Killer Whale”, is in actual fact the largest species of the dolphin family. Hectors Dolphins which are the smallest dolphin species and the rarest can also be found in the seas around Kaikoura along with such species as Bottlenose, Dusky and Southern Right Whale dolphins.

Those looking for New Zealand hotel packages will find a wide range of offers and deals by Millennium hotels and resorts New Zealand catering to different types of travellers including families and couples. One will also find Millennium New Zealand hotels in Christchurch that one can use as a base from which to set out on dolphin and whale watching tours.

Most tourist destinations are crowded places, loud and hectic, making it difficult to attain the state of complete relaxation and utter peace. But not New Zealand – New Zealand, is the tourist spot that serves as an escape from other tourist spots. The mere mention of the country conjures up a variety of images, of rolling, green hills covered in mist; of rivers meandering through verdant forests; of waters bubbling in hot springs. However diverse they may be, the theme always remains the same- beauty, serenity, solitude. If you want a break from the hurried pace of life and the monotony of concrete and glass that you find in the city, then pack your bags and book a flight to the land of the Kiwis.

Oamaru, tucked away in the South Islands east coast, is the ideal place to start living like a New Zealander. Much of the town architecture harkens to the Victorian era, and when you walk its streets, it feels a little like passing over to a different time period. The locals are friendly, and are sure to make you feel welcome. While the pace of life is unhurried, the town has a large community of artists, leading to a vibrant and energetic atmosphere, with events occurring regularly.

The Mid Winter Masquerade is one such event. Held in July each year, the Masquerade is one of the most eagerly anticipated events of the year, and promises a night of grand, sometimes outlandish, masks and unbridled fun. The event is the brainchild of local artist, Donna Demente, and you can find or contact her on her website for more details. Nature lovers will be delighted to learn, that the town is home to the Blue Penguin Colony, where the smallest species of penguins gather. You can also enjoy uninterrupted vistas of the Pacific Ocean.

For visitors seeking for an Oamaru hotel, the Kingsgate Hotel Brydone Oamaru is a good option. Located in the central business district, this Oamaru accommodation is only minutes away from the town centre, the Oamaru Public Gardens, the Little Blue Penguin Colony and the harbour side. With comfortable rooms and excellent facilities, it’s a great place to stay, and will definitely be one of the most memorable parts of a journey.

New Zealand is one of the few remaining places, where the full splendour and beauty of nature can be witnessed, a fact to which over a million annual visitors can attest to. The mere mention of the country evokes images of lush, misty forests spread as far as the eye can see, majestic snow capped mountains that border the horizon, and cool, crystal clear waters running slowly over smooth round pebbles. Indeed the land of the Kiwi’s is one of the last, untouched refuges of this planet and the local tourism industry focuses heavily on ecotourism. For the nature lover, New Zealand offers the best in leisure travel.

Known as Aotearoa in Mauri, the island has a rich heritage, thanks to the large indigenous population. The Mauri culture adds an element of spice. One of the most enjoyable aspects of holidaying in New Zealand, is the opportunity it provides to be a part of local traditions and celebrations. The weather is, for the most part, cool except for summer. Being in the Southern Hemisphere, the coldest season is in July, and the warmest in January.

Autumn, which falls between March and May, is one of the best times to visit. The climate around this time is not rainy, but is still cold enough to warrant a sweater. A number of events occur around this time. The CheeseFest in March will appeal to all cheese lovers, while those who are a bit more adventurous with their diets, will find Hokitika Wildfoods Festival to be fascinating. With foods ranging from garlic ice cream to garden snails, the Wildfoods Festival will definitely be one of the most memorable events. There is also the NZ Music Month, Womad and the Auckland Arts Festival to look forward to.

Avoid the hordes of tourists by staying at a Palmerston North hotel. Sufficiently off the beaten track, yet only two hours away from Wellington, Palmerston North offers a terrific balance between urban and unspoiled New Zealand. Take advantage of Palmerston North hotel deals provided by hotels like the Kingsgate Hotel Palmerston North, to make the most of your vacation.

Travelling around New Zealand’s scenic South Island is now both convenient and exciting because of the TranzAlpine rail service. South Island is the larger of the two islands that make up the land mass of New Zealand, despite being smaller in terms of population. This has meant that South Island has large expanses of unexplored, uninhabited land that is a haven for adventure tourists. Though North Island is better known for its cultural and urban attractions, South Island in stark contrast is known for adventure tourism, hiking and camping.

The TranzAlpine train service presents a captivating tour by not only offering unending wonderful vistas to travellers on their journey but also providing safe, comfortable transport. The journey starts in the historic city of Christchurch, which is also the second largest city in New Zealand. Following a four hour journey that covers 223 kilometres, one could arrive at the final stop on the journey: Greymouth which is known for its mining, forestry and above all eco-tourism.

Between the two cities, there are nine intermediate stops and travellers can choose to get down at any of these stations and continue on their journey later. Though the stops on the way are great places to explore on, the train journey itself is an amazing experience and is rated as one of the most picturesque in the world. Tourists are offered breathtaking views of the mountainous pristine countryside from the comfort of their carriage. The best place to experience these views is from the open-deck viewing van. Though the service was interrupted briefly following the Christchurch earthquake, it soon resumed services exemplifying the gutsy attitude of the Kiwis.

The TranzAlpine service runs between Christchurch and Greymouth daily and special tourist passes can be purchased online. Upon reaching the destination: Greymouth visitors can either choose to engage in the many adventure sports that the town is famous for or just laze around at a Greymouth hotel. The town is also within easy access of some of the finest hiking trails on South Island. The alpine environment just begs to be explored and Greymouth accommodation such as the Kingsgate Hotel Greymouth serves as the ideal base for this.

The Govett-Brewster Art Gallery has been hailed as New Zealand’s foremost museum for contemporary art and is also renowned for housing the collection of the modernist kinetic sculptor and filmmaker Len Lye. The gallery has been recognized for its commitment to develop a premier standard contemporary artistic showcase, and the success and recognition it has received internationally has cemented its status as a hub for the arts of the Pacific region.

The gallery has developed and maintained a comprehensive collection of modern artworks and also undertakes a varied programme of events and special exhibitions. By initiating programmes which encompass the wider environment, the establishment also attempts to nurture the interpretation and development of contemporary artwork by attracting new audiences to the genre. It also intends to develop new opportunities for artists in present-day society.

Having opened its doors to the public in 1970, the groundbreaking establishment has always provided visitors with memorable and vibrant experiences with modern art. The Govett-Brewster has achieved recognition as a pioneering institution, always intent on presenting innovative groundbreaking exhibitions, creating new projects involving artists, presenting publications and generating ideas through constructive discussion and so on. The gallery always aims to stimulate the imagination and to challenge existing preconceptions.

The pathfinding institution intends to create fresh directions in the sphere of modern art and its relationship with art lovers and the general public, offering tours, workshops, performances, music, films and other events in this endeavour.

The Govett-Brewster features a significant permanent collection, with an emphasis on modern art from the Pacific region as well as New Zealand. The collection is particularly strong in areas such as conceptual art, abstract art and sculpture from the 1980s and 1970s.

In acquiring its compilation of visual modern artworks, the intention of the gallery has always been to obtain creations which reflect current thinking or display innovative improvisation in the genre. However the establishment’s collection is intended primarily to serve as a resource for its education and exhibition initiatives rather than to simply remain a static collection of artefacts.

The visitor who seeks New Plymouth accommodation will be delighted with the Copthorne Hotel Grand Central New Plymouth, a convenient New Plymouth hotel which offers appealing comforts in a convenient location.

Traditional greetings of “Tena koutou” welcome you as you enter the Tamaki Maori Village in Rotorua. Being the indigenous people of New Zealand, the Maori first arrived in New Zealand over 1000 years ago and now make up almost 14% of the total population. Today, many are involved in preserving their cultural heritage and language alive.

One of the important aspects of Maori culture is the connections between people, and these relationships are preserved and respected throughout the generations. At the Tamaki Maori Village, guides recite stories from their ancestors with pride and share their culture. You will also discover traditional art and carving, witness time-honoured rituals and traditions, listen and watch exhilarating songs and dance and enjoy a Maori feast with your hosts.

But before one can enter the marae (meeting place), the Maori have a very unique etiquette that must be followed. There is a challenge that is offered between the hosts and the guests, and a peace offering must be offered to the guests. If it is accepted by the visitors, then the outsiders are allowed to enter. This protocol is also followed in the Tamaki Maori village, giving you an authentic view into Maori life and culture.

Your arrival will be announced across the forest, as the Karanga or welcome call will be sung by the tribal women to greet you into the village. A welcome dance will follow and you will be received into the Maori fold.

At the Tamaki Maori village, you will be transported back in time, as you walk around. You will see traditional handicrafts being created and weapons being made all in the traditional ways of old. You will also hear songs being sung, telling the proud stories of the people, continuing the oral history of this indigenous race.

The nearest city to the Maori village is the city of Rotorua, a picturesque city known for the lake of the same name. It is a popular destination for locals and international tourists, and is one of the heartlands of Maori culture.

If you are looking for a Rotorua hotel, the Millennium Hotels and Resorts New Zealand offers special rates and packages for group travel. One of the premier chains of hotels New Zealand, the Group is offering special rates for accommodations during the New Zealand Rugby World Cup in September. There are regular flights into Rotorua from Sydney, Australia as well as domestic flights from Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown.

The Omaka Aerodrome is a historically important site which houses the renowned Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, which intends to present a genuinely premier standard display of vintage aircraft, particularly those of historical value. Fascinating, inspiring and educating visitors of all inclinations and ages, the centre presents an intriguing glimpse into the history of aviation via a sensational display of working and static aircraft.

A key display at the Omaka AHC is the exhibition known as the ‘Knights of the Sky’; this spectacular presentation transports the viewer back in time to the era of aviation chivalry, when the brave ‘aces’ fought each other in the sky in contraptions of wire and cloth. The participant will gain an understanding of the legendary aviators and admire the vintage aircraft in which they jousted in the sky. Some of the most rare World War I airplanes and related memorabilia will captivate the viewer.

This mesmerising collection is administered by the 14-18 Aviation Heritage Trust under the guidance of director Peter Jackson; the well known film director. The ambience and atmosphere of the heady early days of aviation is animated and presented through a sequence of attractive dioramas, which have been created with the guidance and expertise of New Zealand’s most accomplished storytellers.

The appealing dioramas transport the spectator back into a time long forgotten by the world at large when the courage and chivalry of the combatants in the sky contrasted with the harshness and suffering of the warfare in the trenches. An enthralling presentation appealing to heart and mind, the depictions will enthral viewers of all age groups.

Another key attraction is the fascinating collection of memorabilia and artefacts associated with the most famous pilots on both sides of the war. A particularly well known item is a diorama of the Fokker tri-plane in which the famous Red Baron, Manfred von Richthofen took to the skies.

The Aviation Heritage Centre plays an important part in fostering an appreciation of aviation, an understanding of its role in historical contexts and recognition of its importance in our common future.

Visitors who desire a Blenheim hotel Marlborough will be pleased by the Copthorne Hotel Marlborough. This fine Marlborough hotel provides comfortable accommodations and attentive hospitality making for a delightful stay.

Located on the coastal area of the South-Eastern sector of the South Island this enchanting city boasts a natural harbour and picture postcard-like landscape of hills and valleys. Centuries old Maori settlers and the Scottish migrants in the latter years have added vibrancy and vividness to the city by which an amazing culture and beautiful landscape dotted by neo-gothic style structures greets the visitor.

Being one of the oldest cities in New Zealand, the combination of vivid cultures and riches Mother Nature has bestowed upon it make it an ideal holiday destination. With various attractions and events all involving the vibrancy of the culture and beauty of the natural setting adds a sense of serene fulfillment to any type of holiday here.

With art galleries boasting the country’s oldest collection of art, a museums housing treasures from all over the world and with a vibrant music and theatre scene, visitors to Dunedin are spoilt for choice when it comes to events and attractions.

Winter in Dunedin is an especially celebrated season mainly because of the Dunedin Cadbury Chocolate Carnival. Generally held in the month of July this festival involves all things chocolate. From fun games to competitive cooking and therapy to sculpting, locals as well as visitors are all kept busy in this rather yummy event.

One of the most interesting Cadbury event of the Winter season is the Cadbury Jaffa Race. Since the year 2002 this race down the steepest street of the world, the Baldwin Street, is the main fund raiser for local charities. And since its inauguration, thousands of the yummy confectionary balls of orange candy coated chocolate have sped down this street. Each ball is numbered and the fist five balls to reach the bottom will be the bearers of the wining numbers.

Visitors keen on exploring this picturesque city which hosts some of the rarest events in the whole world are welcome to try the various Dunedin accommodation options available. From budget hotels to luxury hotels the lodging options here cater to any budget. All lodging options assure modern amenities and for those preferring easy access to the some of the best attractions in the area any city centre hotel Dunedin features would serve the purpose well, especially the Kingsgate Hotel Dunedin.

Te Kohanga o Te Tai Tokerau, the Maori name for Hokianga, means ‘the nest of the Northern tribes’. And most Maori tribesman can trace their ancestry to this region. The remoteness of its location and the lack of major attempts at urbanisation have allowed the region to preserve its natural beauty. Much of the surrounding area boasts untouched kauri forests, the waters are clear and inviting and the air is clean and refreshing. Hokianga offers a true getaway, not only from the hubbub of the city, but also from other getaways that are usually packed with tourists.

Hokianga refers to the parts that neighbour the Hokianga harbour. The harbour is a natural formation, flanked by two headlands. According to legend, the headlands are the taniwha (mythical creatures) guardians of Kupe, the famous Polyneisan navigator who founded Hokianga. The South Head is called Arai-te-Uru and the North Head is known as Niniwa. It is the North Head that is famous for its sand dunes. The sand dunes are frequented by tourists as well as locals and bears spiritual significance to the indigenous Maori population.

The action of wind and sand, over thousands of years, has led to the formation of a landscape that is both haunting and memorable. You will get the opportunity to see some truly remarkable, natural sand sculptures. And enjoy the unlimited view of the Tasman sea and coastline from the peaks of the sand dunes. The deep sand canyons, found towards the back of the island, are a breathtaking marvel, but be sure not to stand too close to the edge. You can drive to North Head, while enjoying the terrific views of the beach along the way. Or alternatively you can take a boat across Hokianga harbour. The Hokianga Express leaves the pier at Opononi and offers a magical ride across the harbour to the mystic dunes.

Public transport may leave something to be desired and it would be better to rent a vehicle. But on the other hand Hokianga hotel offers the sort of services you would expect from one located at a top tourist destination. The Copthorne Hotel and Resort Hokianga, located at Omapere is a terrific place to stay. The Omapere accommodation affords guests divine views of the sand dunes across the bay. The facilities provided, like the restaurant and bar, help minimise travel within Hokianga, thus leaving you with plenty of time to enjoy your trip.