Vector Arena – The Magnificent Sports and Entertainment Center of the Pacific

Auckland City in New Zealand proudly flaunts the splendour of its beautiful entertainment venue – Vector Arena to the world, attracting fastidious organizers, event hosts and function directors alike. With a 12,000 seat capacity and easy adaptability to narrow down to much smaller scale events, this entertainment and sports venue lives up to its title as the ‘Entertainment Hub in the Pacific’. Located at Quay Park in Auckland close to the old Railway Station, the construction of Vector Arena was completed in spite of setbacks in 2007 in which year its first show ‘Rock Star Supernova’ went on board.

As the natural accompaniments of any entertainment event, the food and beverage service in Vector Arena delivers up to expectations. There are seven food outlets in both levels that can provide anything from Champagne to Sushi as the occasion demands, and has a world-class Chef mastering his art to prepare absolutely mouth watering delicacies for every event.

Vector Arena is also an ideal place to hold a corporate gathering with admirable, plush dinning settings with highly commendable banquet facilities. While its Bistro Arena Balcony Suite offers an elegant interior for a cocktail party, a formal sit down dinner for over 1000 guests can also be easily arranged within this venue.

Bistro Arena is also that segment of Vector Arena that is enviously placed with an alluring view over the city skyline and has a mellow, relaxing ambience to drift into a pleasant reverie over a drink or chat with a friend over coffee. Close to the Vector Arena, popular Auckland accommodation options can be found such as Kingsgate Hotel Parnell Auckland that is just 1 km away from the venue.

Not forgetting its readiness to accommodate sports events, the vector arena is versatile and flexible, be it a netball event requiring a special floor to be laid complete with dressing rooms or a motor cross rally utilizing its 18 meter high ceiling. When it comes to entertainment, the biggest names in the world have conducted their shows with smashing success over the few years and the calendar of future events threaten to be overwhelming. Since this budget hotel Auckland is also known to provide a fulfilling and memorable stay, international visitors tend opt for this venue for their mega events.

Squash Gym: Keeping New Zealand’s Squash fires burning

Far off to the south of the globe lies the island nation of New Zealand. One of the foremost developed countries in the world it is also one of the most isolated and the only nation to claim territory in Antarctica. Its indigenous peoples are known as the Maori.

The first settlers to this exotic volcanic island were from Polynesia, who eventually became the indigenous Maori. Then later in the 1700s the arrival of western traders and whalers transformed the island. Many Dutch and British traders bartered for local timber and supplied the Maori with modern tools and weaponry which transformed the landscape.

Palmerston North or Palmy as it is known by the locals is a city of the Manawatu Wanaganui region of the North Island of New Zealand. A relatively new city, its population demographics lean toward the younger side who mainly come to attend the academies and schools in the city.

The city gets its unique name from the former British Prime Minister Viscount Palmerston with the “North” being added later by the post office to distinguish it from Palmerston city in the South Island.

European settlers first arrived in the area in the mid 1800s through means of a whaling ship whose trader Jack Duff became the first European to explore the area. Proper development of the settlement did not get underway until the 1860s when the British government was able to fully survey the land and its benefits.

New Zealand has always been a country with a deep love for sports with its cricket and rugby teams being regarded as a formidable force on the international scene. Palmerston North is no exception, being home to the Squash Gym. The largest indoor squash arena in the country it has hosted many prominent national and international tournaments making significant contributions to the sport.

Featuring no less than eight world class courts including a state of the art modern lounge the Squash Gym has won the coveted New Zealand Squash Club of the Year award three times over the past several years. The club allows for casual play by unaffiliated individuals as well as the opportunity to become a member for those who play on a more frequent basis.

Top national coaches are on hand to ensure players are on the top of their game be it a beginner or a pro, and the newly refurbished gym offers state of the art workout equipment to ensure members are in peak physical condition.

Visitors looking for a hotel in Palmerston North should check out the Kingsgate Hotel Palmerston North. Located within striking distance of the city centre, this flexible Palmerston North hotel strives to ensure guests’ needs are met and exceeded.

Kea Heritage Tours: The perfect way to explore the natural marvels of New Zealand’s South Island

New Zealand comprises a small collection of islands that are deceptively hidden behind its far larger counterpart Australia. Formed through volcanic activity, its lands are rich with a diverse array of physical landscapes highlighting several different habitats and environments. From swooping verdant valleys to glacial marvels, New Zealand has it all.

Greymouth is the largest town on the west coast of South Island in New Zealand. The region where the city stands was originally the preserve of Maori tribes who used to call the area Mawhera. Pioneers first landed in the area in the mid 1800s. Coal was discovered soon after and the city of Greymouth was formed. The city was named after its close proximity to the glacial Grey River. A boom town, it rapidly developed with the construction of a comprehensive rail network which was used to supply coal to other parts of New Zealand.

The surrounding countryside is considered to be some of the finest natural attractions in the world and many are UNESCO awarded national parks. Kea Heritage Tours are a popular way to see the countryside and learn about the South Island’s west coast history.

Many tour operators offer a variety of packages that range from short day tours to longer excursions lasting about a week which test the physical prowess of visitors. Popular tours include those that follow the ancient Greenstone Path. Used by the Maori for centuries it allows visitors to tour the exact paths and trails used by the Maori as they traversed this great land. Along the way guides will enlighten visitors to the history of the area and regale them with old Maori tales about events that took place at points along the way. Sites to see along this trail include national parks, rock formations and glaciers.

Several day tours focus on the natural beauty of the region taking visitors to explore the nearby fox glacier or the aptly named pancake mountains. Greymouth was noted as being a gold rush town, many tour operators offer trips to many old gold rush sites that explore the rivers and old mines that were used in the early days. Visitors are encouraged to try their hand at panning for gold in the river waters; you never know when you might get lucky!

Travellers looking for a hotel in Greymouth to reside in whilst exploring the natural wonders in the surrounding area should consider the centrally located Kingsgate Hotel Greymouth. An elegant Greymouth hotel in the heart of the city centre providing easy access to the amazing array of tours and attractions allowing visitors to fully explore and appreciate the allure of the west coast.

Dunedin- A Golfers Dream Vacation Spot

Considered to be the oldest town in New Zealand, Dunedin is located in the Otago region of the South Island. The original settlers in the area were the Maori whose tribes stayed for several decades before moving on.

Europeans discovered the region in the late 1700s thanks to the exploits of the intrepid Lieutenant James Cook. European colonisation of the Otago region did not occur until the early 1800s when the Weller Brothers setup their whaling station on its shores.

The city of Dunedin was officially commissioned by the free church of Scotland at the head of Otago harbour in 1848. The town boomed thanks to the New Zealand gold rushes and became an important port of trade in New Zealand. Its modern day incarnation is a prime example of early Victorian and Edwardian architecture with national landmarks such as the Dunedin railway station built in 1906.

A vast majority of the populace comprises of university students who attend Otago University, the first tertiary education centre in New Zealand. Its amazing scenery and wide open spaces surrounding the city have been popular with the creation of several pristine golf courses in the region.

A popular haven for golfers from around the world it offers a range of challenging courses amidst a quiet coastal backdrop.

The Otago Gold Club is the oldest golf course in the southern hemisphere and is said to have introduced golf to New Zealand. Built in the late 1800s by the father of golf in New Zealand, Charles Ritchie Howden, this award winning course has hosted some of the game’s most prestigious players.

With stunning views over the Pacific Ocean, the Chisholm Golf Course is a links style 18 hole golf course. Its perfectly manicured fairways have a deceptively challenging character with hidden traps and undulations. The course is home to several prominent national tournaments representing the cream of New Zealand golfers.

Nestled in the cliffs above Dunedin is the sublime St. Clair Golf Club. This beautiful course overlooks the town of Dunedin and the panoramic coastline of St. Clair’s beach. It is home to the first ever national golfing event held in New Zealand. Since then it has gone on to host several national and international tournaments including the New Zealand Open.

Avid golfing travellers looking for a Dunedin hotel to reside in during their stay should consider the Kingsgate Hotel Dunedin. This city centre hotel Dunedin offers easy access to popular attractions in the area including the region’s premier golf courses.

Experience an Unforgettable Wildlife Encounter along Queenstown’s Hollyford Track


Tucked away within Fiordland National Park in southern Queensland, the scenic and inherently diverse Hollyford Track just maybe the most sought after natural encounter in all of New Zealand. Popular among nature lovers as the finest natural environments in the nation, this picturesque, dramatic and engaging encounter with nature takes visitors through eco systems that have been untouched for literally hundreds of decades. Lined with crystalline rivers, lakes and native rainforests as old as time itself the diverse landscapes of the trail also include the snow crusted hills of the towering Southern Alps and the sand dunes, surf and reefs of the rustic West Coast.

The 3 day/ 2 night nature walk through what has been called the most beautiful valley in New Zealand begins with walks tracing the Hollyford River with Fiordland National Parks’ tallest mountains Mt. Madeline and Mt. Tūtoko towering in the distance as visitors enter native beech forests lined with waterfalls. Guests and guides will spend the first night in Pyke Lodge in the shadow of Mt.Madeline. After breakfast visitors can traverse across Fiordland’s lengthiest swing bridge before boarding a jet boat for a picturesque journey along Hollyford River onwards to Lake McKerrow. Bottlenose Dolphins have been frequently spotted along this scenic route whipping past foamy waterways which takes visitors to the next attraction on the trail: the infamous site of Jamestown. This historic point of interest is followed by a walk through scenic forests that are lined with native Kahikatea Rimu and Totara trees. The forest then gives way to a coastal paradise of sorts which belongs to the West Coast landscapes. Highlights here include the native Fur Seal colonies inhabiting Long Reef while guests can also relax on the coast to the sound of crashing waves as the second day ends with the stop-over at Martins Bay Lodge. The morning hours hark in the time to explore the famed Martin’s Bay Spit and Maori historic sites that are unique to this area. Local plant and wildlife are also a highlight here in addition to the sand dunes and desolate beaches that dot the environs.

After lunch, guests board the return flight which affords them stunning views of the rugged coastlines and the monumental Milford Sound which is a vertical granite marvel rising from the ocean bed.

Travellers in search of a luxury Queenstown resort on the banks of the Wakatipu Lake should look no further than the Copthorne Hotel & Resort Queenstown Lakefront. Just a stone’s throw away from prime entertainment and retail venues, this charming rest is undoubtedly one of the most conveniently located Queenstown ski resorts in the city.

Queen Elizabeth II Park: a multi purpose sporting venue



Regarded as one of the most picturesque cities in New Zealand, Christchurch is a classy and clean city that is not Linkburdened by issues such as overcrowding and environmental pollution. In reality almost every city in New Zealand has an aura of uniqueness about them which attracts many foreign travellers. Christchurch is one of the few cities in the world where the balance between the memories of the past and the dreams of the future blend well together amidst the happenings of the present. The Avon River runs through this enchanting city adding even more life and character to it. The architectural beauty of this area is also worth mentioning as it is a blend of both ancient and contemporary design.

Queen Elizabeth II Park is located in the city of Christchurch and is a multi purpose sporting facility and a fully equipped athletic stadium all in one. This fascinating venue was constructed to host the 10th Commonwealth Games which was held in 1974. This stadium has naturalistic feel to it as it is constructed in an area where there is plenty of greenery surrounding. This sporting complex houses a running track, a cricket ground and even a diving and swimming pool. The cricket ground which is situated here is fondly called the Village Green by the locals and is a popular venue which hosts many domestic cricket fixtures.

The aquatic facility located within the Queen Elizabeth II Park premises is regarded as one of the largest in the region. A themed leisure pool, a 40m wave pool, spa and sauna facilities and an international level 10 lane pool which is 50m long is also on offer to its visitors.

Copthorne Hotel Commodore Christchurch Airport is an ideal rest for both business and leisure guests who plan on traveling to this area. This captivating rest is regarded as one of a leading business hotel Christchurch which can accommodate all your corporate requirements. This Christchurch airport hotel is also conveniently located which ensures that you will spend less time traveling and more time enjoying your holiday.

Auckland – A Multi-faceted Paradise of Culture, Adventure and Excitement

Auckland is a sprawling city bursting with colour and activity. Famously known as the City of Sails – A name which has deep roots in history – Auckland is a rambling metropolitan area with many sights to see and many activities to engage in. From art galleries full of amazing exhibits to serene beaches and parks lush with greenery, Auckland also offers excellent food and wine adventures.

Adventure and leisure go neck and neck in Auckland City. Kelly Tarlton’s Underwater World and Rainbow’s End Theme Park are two places in Auckland that you won’t regret devoting a whole day to. Kelly Tarlton’s in a marine marvel devoted to the protection and appreciation of New Zealand’s coastal marine life and it offers a wide range of activities for all visitors. Rainbow’s End is fully loaded with many roller coasters and ride, ideal for the whole family to spend the day at. However, if you are looking to get your adrenaline pumping and heart beat racing, the Auckland Bridge Climb and the Auckland Bungee Jump is the most ideal setting for you. The bridge offers stunning views of Auckland city while the plunging bungee jump will have you screaming in delight as your body reaches high velocities.

Sightseeing is not just an option when you are in Auckland – its must-do! Although every site in Auckland is worth paying a visit to, the All Saint’s Church and the Chelsea Sugar Refinery are exceptional. New Zealand’s second oldest church, this quaint little building is tucked in to a picturesque landscape brimming with flowers. For a taste of something sweeter, the Chelsea Sugar Refinery should be paid a visit to as it is the main source of New Zealand’s sugar products.

Parks seem to call to you at every corner and turn in Auckland City. The raving metropolis is abundant with parks of all types, be it picnic parks, nature parks, gardens or even animal parks. The Auckland Botanic Gardens, Ayrlies and Cornwall Park are verdant with greenery and are ideal for a day of serenity. You can while away several hours strolling through the paths of vibrant flowers and sheltering trees, taking time to absorb the affluent plant life on New Zealand. The Mangemangeroa Reserve in Howick however, is a little more adventurous. Sprawling over miles and miles of forests and fields, the Mangemangeroa Reserve is an ideal place to spend the day hiking and admiring wildlife.

If you are a beach aficionado and you are adherent to the feel of the sand, waves and sunlight; Auckland offers many sea side towns with beautiful beach getaways. Cheltenham Beach, Muriwai Beach, Half Moon Bay are all idyllic settings with amazing soft sand shores and tranquil waters. The expanse of blue that blurs to towards the horizon and not to mention the clear sunsets and gentle waves are sure to be a memorable and soothing experience during your stay in Auckland. All the beaches are brimming with marine life and vantage points from the hills surrounding the beaches offer fantastic views of the coastal towns.

Food, wine and art – the three are so intertwined with each other in Auckland. From the Clevedon Chocolate Shop to the Indian restaurant Athidi on Parnell and the Classic Comedy and Bar are some of the many places in Auckland that offers the unique blend of fun and great food. The food culture in Auckland has been influenced by so many different colonies and nationalities that reside within the nation and therefore it is correct to say that Auckland offers you a truly international and wonderfully diverse selection of dining choices. From simple rustic cooking to fine dining, Auckland has everything to please the taste buds of even the pickiest eater. Alongside the rich food culture, Auckland is famous for its many vineyards. As a result, there are many wine tours available where you get to visit the vineyards and sample the rich wines. Cable Bay Vineyards is reputed as being one of the finest wine makers in all of New Zealand and they are well known for their excellent chardonnay. For any wine connoisseur, the Auckland vineyards would be a paradise. In addition, the plentiful art galleries are also excellent if you are looking to spend a day admiring the works of many famous painters, sculptors and other artists in New Zealand. The Fresh Gallery Otara and Gabriella Lewenz are ideal places to visit for a taste of contemporary art.

Auckland offers a wide range of quality of accommodation and there is many a hotel in Auckland that would surge to meet your needs, with excellent hospitality and affordable prices. Auckland New Zealand hotel choices are unlimited and the Copthorne Hotel Auckland Harbour City is ideal to facilitate your stay in Auckland.

National Maritime Museum – The Story Teller in the City Of Sails

Having earned the nickname “City of Sails” owing to its waterside location, Auckland is located in North Island of New Zealand. Sprawling over a thin isthmus between the glistening waters of the Manukau and Waitemata harbours, it is a city of volcanoes, with its main thoroughfares being formed by the ridges of lava flows.

The surrounding hills of the region are covered by a cloak of rainforest, numerous volcanic cones dot the landscape and several stunning holiday islands are studded throughout the extensive Hauraki Gulf. The region is also known for being the most multicultural city in New Zealand, with an Asian community living in harmony with a large Polynesian population.

Standing on the harbour front in Auckland adjacent to the Tourist Information Centre, the New Zealand National Maritime Museum is a major tourist attraction housing many significant historical ships which reveal over 1000 years of maritime history of the country. Taking a creative approach towards showcasing the fascinating history, the museum also features various maritime equipment, original documents, drawings, photos, paintings, special models and more. Numerous restored vessels are also among the exhibits at the museum in addition to artefacts recovered from some replica ships and wrecks. The museum also offers cruises on the scow for interested guests. The cruise which sets sail once the cannon is fired at noon, gives an enlightening tour of the harbour

The visitors to the museum can learn the delightful stories of Polynesian voyaging, navigations, immigration and whaling. An array of interactive exhibits adds more excitement to your visit and you can also take part in the model-makers workshop. Exhibits are displayed both inside and outside the museum. Marking the region’s reputation as the city of sails, is a sailing ship kept on the front of the museum.

The tourists to the charming city visiting the National Maritime Museum can opt to stay at an exemplary Auckland hotel such as the idyllically located Copthorne Hotel Auckland Harbour City. Providing optimum convenience in accessing many attractions, the hotel features 187 guestrooms all ensuring picturesque vistas for its guests. An ideal base for business or leisure travellers alike, it is one exceptional hotel in Auckland NZ in which to reside in during your stay.

Christchurch Art Gallery- prepare to be amazed!


We’ve come to know Christchurch as a slow paced city blessed with beautiful beaches and breathtaking mountains. Although the natural beauty of Christchurch remains the same, the idea of it being a sleepy tourist destination is slowly but surely being washed away. Although it’s not a large city by any stretch of imagination, Christchurch has a number of popular tourist attractions which are worth your travel hours. This coastal city is also home to some interesting churches, a museum, an art gallery and a number of great restaurants where you can sample various dishes which are prepared to suit the taste of the locals.

The Christchurch Art Gallery is located on the southern island of New Zealand and is one of the most significant tourist attractions in the city. This venue is also known by the name of Te Puna o Waiwhetu in native terms. The word, ‘Te Puna’ comes from the artesian spring which is located within the gallery premises. ‘Waiwhetu’ represents the other channels of water surrounding it. The Christchurch Art Gallery was officially opened to the public on the 10th of May 2003 and cost an estimated AUD$47.5 million to complete.

Replacing the McDougall Art Gallery which was brought up in 1932, this two storied facility showcases various collections of drawings, sculptures, metalwork, ceramics, textiles and the Jamieson and Canterbury Society of Arts Collections of British and European paintings. This fascinating gallery is also elegantly designed and the display areas are spacious and can accommodate large crowds with ease.

Looking for a hotel in Christchurch? Look no further than Copthorne Hotel Christchurch Central where comfortable accommodation comes with great customer service. When in Christchurch New Zealand hotel options are not hard to find but by choosing one that suits your needs, you can turn a regular vacation into a memorable one.

Marlborough Sounds – A picturesque helping of nature

The Marlborough Sounds is one of the most serene, peaceful and stunning sights to take in when travelling to New Zealand. Consisting of a series of sea drowned valleys that collectively form a water maze of sorts, the entire area is blessed with a rich helping of natural beauty that include lush greenery and pristine beaches.

The Marlborough Sounds is surrounded by forested hills that literally spring right from the edge of the crystal clear waters. Those who choose to traverse through the sounds have several methods in which to do so including by ferry, kayak, sail and motorboat. The entire area conveys a feeling of freshness and purity that is truly invigorating to the senses. Being sparsely populated, visitors will also experience a good deal of isolation allowing for a secluded and private experience.

The Marlborough Sounds is also littered with a helping of restaurants that serve cuisine of different culinary preparations. This allows travellers to stop at a venue of their choosing which provides for a good deal of spontaneity to help keep your trip more vibrant.

Other activities that are popular at Marlborough Sounds include fishing, tramping, cycling and even walking which is an extremely pleasant experience beside the lush scenery that the entire area provides.

The waters of the Marlborough Sounds also serve as the home to a host of marine life including dolphins, tiny blue penguins, seals and many others that can be glimpsed during your travel. A variety of birdlife also resides here further presenting an even more impressive level of biodiversity.

When planning to explore the natural bounty that this flourishing locale provides, travellers will need to choose a suitable hotel in Marlborough to reside in. Copthorne Hotel Marlborough is a Blenheim hotel Marlborough that presents a range of amenities which ensure a comfortable stay in the area.