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Sky Tower Auckland

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With breathtaking panoramic views as far as 80 km, a revolving restaurant, and various other attractions, the Sky Tower is one of the biggest attractions in Auckland. This is also the perfect venue for those seeking a little bit of adventure.

A SkyJump off the tallest building and a SkyWalk around the tallest building with a view of the city far below would definitely be an unforgettable experience. The SkyJump is a 192 metre jump off the building. It is perfect for daredevils. The 1.2 metre wide platform at 192 metres offers the same daredevil walk around the edge of the building. Both attractions are ensured by, safety lines and harnesses.

For most of the visitors a serene view of the city from one of the three viewing platform is the ideal option. Visitors may take the glass-fronted lifts to these viewing platforms. The other relaxing options available are the dining options. For light refreshments and coffee try the Sky Lounge. For something more filling try the seafood cuisine at the Observatory Restaurant. And if you are keen on a dynamic view throughout an enjoyable meal, try the Orbit, the city’s only 360 degree revolving eating place.

Another interesting option offered by the SkyCity is the SkyCity Theatre. With seating capacity for 700 persons, this theatre boasts state of the art technology that supports both stage and cinema productions. The venue also serves as a perfect conference room.

The SkyCity Casino also offers great entertainment if you are into gambling. It provides non-stop fun 24/7 with their range of popular casino games, live entertainment, and of course refreshments. There are two different casino levels and altogether it features over 100 table games and over 1,600 gaming machines. For the novices the casino also offers learn-to-play brochures.

For those travelling to Auckland, the city offers a range of modern lodging options. All accommodation options feature modern amenities and facilities. Budget hotels, apartments, luxury 5 star hotels, and international luxury hotel chains in Auckland can be searched for and booked online. For those seeking to enjoy a vacation the luxury hotel collection known as The Langham Brand is the perfect choice for accommdoation.

Govett-Brewster Art Gallery New Plymouth – Contemporary Art in New Zealand

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Situated in the south western quadrant of the Pacific Ocean, New Zealand is a tranquil haven of lush forests and misty mountains. The country consists of two major landmasses, the South Island and the North Island, as well as several smaller islands. It is the ideal vacation spot for those who need a break from the monotony of the cityscape. There are plenty of activities for those who love the outdoors. Tourists can trek through gorgeous forest paths, cycle along winding mountain roads and try out a number of adventure sports. As for those who prefer the indoors, New Zealand has a number of art galleries and museums to explore. 
The Govett-Brewster Art Gallery, situated in New Plymouth, Taranaki is an internationally recognised museum for contemporary art. The Govett-Brewster Art Gallery is named after Monica Brewster (nee Govett) whose bequest to the town made the gallery possible. Opened in 1970, the gallery is primarily supported by the New Plymouth District Council. The gallery contains eight unique exhibition spaces where an ever changing body of contemporary artworks are displayed. In addition to art displays, the art gallery also hosts programs such as lectures, forums and film screenings. The gallery aims to discover new artists and encourage new pieces of work, and was awarded the Governor’s Award by the Arts Foundation of New Zealand in 2009.
One can find a vast and eclectic collection of artwork here including works by prominent artists as well as newly discovered ones. The centre is the caretaker of the Len Lye Collection and Archive, Len Lye being a prominent local painter and sculptor. The gallery is open from 10 am to 5 pm every day except Christmas Day. Although admission is free visitors can donate money for the maintenance of the gallery. 
Tourists looking for New Plymouth hotels can try the Millennium & Copthorne Hotels NZ which has several New Zealand hotels. Boasting a myriad of useful services and an army of friendly staff, the hotel is bound to make guests feel at home. The hotel also has a central location close to many of the city’s popular attractions and will definitely cut down on travel time.

For an Enchanting Experience with Nature – Taitua Arboretum Hamilton

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Hamilton, a city located on the North Island of New Zealand, is the second fastest growing city in New Zealand. Known for its role in the agricultural sector of New Zealand, the city of Hamilton has expanded rapidly over the years in the several fields and has thus become a hot location for tourists. The city is also famous for its many colorful events and other attractions.
Located roughly 5km away from the city of Hamilton is the Taitua Arboretum, one of the most serene and beautiful pastures of greenery in the city. Spreading over a vast area of 20 hectares, this arboretum has been a popular attraction amongst tourists and locals alike, due to its relaxing and enchanting atmosphere.
Home to over 1500 species of trees and plants, both native and exotic, the Taitua Arboretum is one of the most tranquil areas in the city of Hamilton. This vast garden is covered in lush greenery, open pastures, sparkling lakes, and footpaths, making it an ideal location for a pleasant stroll amidst nature’s beauty. Open daily to the public from 8.00am till dusk, entrance to the Taitua Arboretum is free so feel free to walk in and stay on for as long as you please. The paths along the arboretum wind through thick and luscious greenwoods, which are perfect for relaxing walks which are sure to be filled with nature’s enchantment. 
The walkways and paths are dotted with several benches so that you can sit down and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere if your legs need a bit of a break. The open pastures of this magnificent garden are ideal for leisurely picnics for the whole family. With plenty of space to sit back and relax, the kids can run about and have an enjoyable time as well. Therefore for an experience with nature that will enchant you and your family, visit the Taitua Arboretum in Hamilton.
For a tranquil stay in one of the finest Hamilton hotels, make a reservation with Millennium and Copthorne Hotels NZ. Offering excellent services and warm hospitality, the Millennium and Copthorne chain of hotels have hotels in 18 of New Zealand’s hottest destinations. These New Zealand hotels are all conveniently located, and offer a variety of luxury services and facilities which are sure to provide you with an unforgettable experience.
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Omahuta Forest Hokianga – Home of the Kauri’s

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The Omahuta Forest in Hokianga is one of the many amazing attractions in the city of Hokianga. The Omahuta Forest is also known as the Omahuta Kauri Sanctuary and is the finest place to learn all you need to know about the giant Kauris. Massive in size, these trees have captivated the forest visitors giving you a feel of an authentic New Zealand treasure that has contributed much to the up rise of the nation’s economy.
The Omahuta Sanctuary is a 45 minute walk of pure eco friendly pleasure. It is an opportunity for you to touch feel and take pictures with your giant friends in New Zealand; The Kauri trees. The Kauri trees are some of the world’s largest trees. These trees native to New Zealand, produce fantastic timber and gum both of which are very useful in industry. First logged in the year 1860, these trees reached its epitome somewhere in the dawn of the last century. The Kauri trees are fast disappearing due to its industrial uses and the Omahuta Forest sanctuary was put up in 1952 to create awareness of these large treasures of New Zealand. The track designed for the Omahuta Forest tour specially pays regard to the protection of these species. The boardwalks in particular ensure that these deep yet adventurous roots are not damaged. Do not be put off by the swampy conditions of the forest as the walk ensures that visitors are able to maintain dry feet in these wet conditions. The Kauri trees are indeed fascinating; a walk through this forest will make you feel lost amidst the gastronomic size and the sheer magnificence of these trees. There is one particular fallen tree in the sanctuary. It is completely hollow inside and is so enormous that an entire bus can be parked inside it.
The Forest is only one of the natural wonders of New Zealand. For a wholesome tour of this amazing country you can start by searching through the many New Zealand Hotels to ensure you have a comfortable place to come home to. The Millennium & Copthorne Hotels NZ is a popular choice as its spectacular locations and unmatched luxury make it stand out as the finest of Hokianga Hotels.

Waikato Museum Hamilton – A Display of the Proud Heritage of New Zealand

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Also known as the Paradise of the Pacific, New Zealand is a country blessed with natural beauty in abundance. This South Pacific nation consists of two main islands and is the home to a myriad of flora and fauna. You can come across enchanting lakes, jagged mountains, breathtaking beaches and even active volcanoes when in this country. The culture of this beautiful nation mainly rotates around the Maori culture. It became a part of the British Empire in the early 19th century.  New Zealand is a country which is home mainly to people who have travelled from another part of the world including Europe, Asia and Polynesia. The natural wonders of New Zealand will take days or even weeks to fully explore and absorb.

Waikato Museum Hamilton is a remarkable museum with interesting architecture. This was built in 1987 by the talented architect Ivan Mercep .The museum is the home to an impressive collection of artefacts which depict the history of New Zealand. It showcases the life style of the Maori people and goes on to depict the European settlement in the country. Waikato Museum also holds regular exhibitions and workshops for school children in order to promote learning history among the younger generation. These include sessions on pottery, art and music. Waikato Museum Hamilton is an ideal place where you can get an insight to the long history and story of New Zealand.
When in New Zealand you can find some excellent fresh seafood. Most of the cafes and restaurants serve fish and chips which can be slightly different to the ones found in the United Kingdom. You will also come across a vast number of cosy small cafes in the country where you can easily grab a healthy meal. New Zealanders are also fond of their pies. There are a range of pies including beef, lamb, tomato, vegetables and cheese.

When in New Zealand hotels can be found easily that suits your requirements and budget. Hamilton hotels offer worldclass service to make your stay a most comfortable one. Millennium & Copthorne Hotels NZ are one such option where you can relax and get pampered by the excellent staff during your stay in the country. 

Wellington Adventures – A Splendid Treat

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Wellington is a destination in the world where adventure is always never that far away from you. If you wish for an adrenaline rush through your veins then it is certainly Wellington that a traveller should head to. There are so many varieties that one can choose. The most popular adventure activities among the New Zealand travellers are quad biking, kayaking, 4 wheel driving, mountain biking and the list goes on. Wellington is surely the best and the coolest spot in the world for mountain biking with the most thrilling biking trails backing you up with striking scenery. Regardless of your likings, you can certainly enjoy riding up the hill with the most appealing atmosphere in Wellington, it is something a New Zealand traveller would never miss. 

Adrenaline Forest is one thing all the adventurers love the most. This is where one gets to swing and jump off Tarzan swings, flying foxes fixed to tree canopies which literally gives one a feeling like they are flying. These thrilling sporting activities are safety assured and suitable for any age category or fitness level. Canoeing and Kayaking is another venture that people enjoy taking part and carries a long history in New Zealand’s water based activities. Battle Hill Farm Forest is a range of breathtaking land rich with heritage and a site of battle between Maori and pre- colonial forces. It is a haven for mountain biking, walking, camping and picnicking, horse riding and many more. 
Wellington is also an ideal place for golf. New Zealand is home to top-notch golf courses in Hutt Valley or the Kapiti Coast are perfect spots if golf is your thing. All New Zealand travellers can head to Wellington to have a splendid treat and to keep your spirits high. You can always try New Zealand Hotels which give out the best holiday packages you will ever dream of. One great option would be Millennium & Copthorne Hotels NZ if you are visiting Wellington during your vacation with your family also it is one of the best Wellington Hotels available in the area.

Hamilton Gardens – Taking you across history and geography

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Situated in the south of Hamilton, New Zealand, the Hamilton Gardens is breathtaking in its simplicity and silent majesty. A series of five different garden varieties, the Hamilton Gardens does not seek to simply be a normal garden in which to stroll. Instead, it unfolds a story about the mystique of gardening.

The Paradise, Cultivar, Productive, Landscape and Fantasy themes are broad spectrums, each covering a larger selection of varied gardening types.

Walking through the Hamilton Gardens, which is open to the public free of charge, one will encounter the Chinese Scholar, Japanese, American Modernist, English Flower, Indian Char Bagh and Italian Renaissance Gardens which fall under the theme of Paradise Gardens.

The Cultivar Garden collection boasts of the Rhododendron Lawn, Rogers Rose, Victorian Flower, New Zealand Cultivar and Hammond Camellia Gardens. The Rogers Rose Garden was the first development effort within the Hamilton Gardens in a bid to stop the nearby highway development. The Echo Bank Bush, Valley Walk, Hamilton East Cemetery and Bussaco Woodland are examples of traditionally landscaped picture perfect gardens.

The Productive Garden Collection includes a sustainable backyard garden, herb, kitchen and Maori garden. Allowing for man’s imagination to soar beyond bounds, the Fantasy Garden Collection is currently under development and a Tudor, Tropical and Surrealist Garden are in the works. These gardens will give way to the gardener’s ultimate garden fantasy and will allow them to push the boundaries of climate, imagination and dreams.

Attracting over 700,000 visitors each year, the Hamilton Gardens have made a name for themselves. Run by the Hamilton Town Council and managed by a group of volunteers, the gardens are a sustainable area with dedicated environmental and educational activities. 

The Gardens is open to functions and is a popular wedding venue site. With the choice of so many different types of gardens, the garden suiting the theme of the event can be chosen for an authentic location.
A visit to New Zealand is incomplete without taking in this horticulturists’ wonder and if travellers are looking for New Zealand hotels from which to base themselves during their stay and more specifically for Hamilton hotels then an ideally convenient and luxurious option would be the Millennium & Copthorne Hotels NZ with their unbeatable style and undisputed comfort.

Uncover a Wonder World of Hot Springs in Rotorua Geothermal Experiences

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Frequented by visitors all throughout the year Rotorua’s geothermal sites juts may be the country’s most visited tourist attractions to date. Having occupied the environs for centuries these steaming natural formations consist of piping hot mud pools, geysers, scoffing craters and a wide variety of hot springs. Derived from a Greek term the word “geothermal” combines the Greek word for earth (geo) and therme (heat source) to denote the cauldron hot natural formations. A natural wonder in every sense of the term geothermal sites display the mesmerizing power of nature to mould multi colored lichens, salt formations and moss that seamlessly occupy a location also infested with lush foliage, stunning lakes and productive soil of varying colors. As geographical anomalies the geothermal sites in Rotorua also boast mineral structures and silicate formations that were formed due to centuries of volcanic activity. Despite the destruction what remains is largely a work of art that comprises of naturally formed valleys, terraces and lakes that are simply awe-inspiring in shape.
Hell’s Gate or Tikitere is of course Rotorua’s most violent geothermal area renowned for simmering whirl pools of well-documented ferocity. Another highlight at Tikitere is the most expansive hot waterfall in the entirety of the southern hemisphere which is a captivating to say the least. The largest geyser in New Zealand however is found in Whakarewarewa which boasts an impressive 500 hot springs within its confines. As one of the few occupied geothermal areas in the country visitors will be surprised to meet Maori villagers who live alongside Rotorua’s biggest geyser. 
Other points of geothermal interest include the Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland, home to the Champagne Pool and other vibrant volcanic formations and Waimangu where multi-hued lakes formed after the historic eruption of Tarawera Mountain nearly a century ago. The Orakei Korako Hidden Valley is another must-see thermal attraction as the site which was featured in Walking with Dinosaurs is also a Lonely Planet hot pick thermal site that has been described as nothing less than world class.
Travellers on the lookout for luxury Rotorua hotels will find no finer alternative to Millennium & Copthorne Hotels NZ for all their accommodation needs. Offering guests a plethora of stunning New Zealand hotels in touristic hotspots across the country this hospitality conglomerate pulls out all the stops when it comes to five-star experiences.

Colonial Cottage Museum Wellington

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The Colonial Cottage Museum transports you back in time to the age of the early settlers in Wellington around the mid 1800s. The cottage built in the late Georgian style by William Wallis in 1858 was made a museum and opened in 1980 with the combined efforts of Winifred Turner; a granddaughter of the original Wallis’, Colonial Cottage Museum Society, and the Historic places Trust and the Wellington City Council.
William and Catherine Wallis were among the early settlers that migrated to New Zealand. William, a skilled carpenter was able to settle his family in a respected neighborhood and built the house himself. After the 1840 earthquake, it was the norm to build houses with wood and the abundance of native wood made this a possibility. He specifically chose this ‘Town Acre’ for the stream running at the bottom of the land as he understood the importance of a fresh water supply after the typhoid outburst in 1855 after another earthquake. His decedents were still in residence in 1970 when the cottage was earmarked to be demolished and was preserved to become the first ‘House’ museum of Wellington. 
Most of the artifacts displayed in the museum date between 1850 and 1880, some are remains of the original family while others are either loaned or bought. The cottage is a time capsule that takes u back to an era when the nails had to be imported and the candles were made of tallow (animal fat). The original wallpaper and furniture have been well preserved and still gives an aura of warmth and comfort. The rimu and kauri dresser is a fine example of William Wallis craftsmanship and his original tool chest still remains. The block church in the boy’s bedroom and the iron-framed bed in the girls are few of the articles available. Designed with only 3 wheels to avoid the tax on all four-wheel vehicles is the 1875 pram found in the nursery. The kitchen was Catherine’s domain and makes one wonder the work that went in to feed 10 children at a time when nothing was automatic!

For one staying at one of the Wellington hotels, a visit to this charming little cottage that has been registered with the New Zealand Historic Places Trust as having ‘outstanding significance’ is a must. New Zealand Hotels offer a new and vibrant experience and enjoy the new horizons that this beautiful land must offer. Millennium & Copthorne Hotels NZ ensures a most comfortable and memorable experience.

Weta Cave Wellington – Explore Movie making Magic in Wellington

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Explore the breathtaking expanses of the Lord of the Rings set in the city of Wellington, a treasure-trove of some of the most stunning landscapes you will find anywhere in the world. For a one stop destination to experience everything you need to know about this trilogy visit the Weta Cave; an intriguing attraction in itself. The Weta Cave is located in the heart of Wellington and makes the cities movie making highlight. Apart from the Lord of the Rings, the Weta Cave gives you fabulous insights into many more movies and productions in a fun and an interesting way.
The Lord of the Ring attractions begins on the way to Weta Cave. Stop by Mt Victoria where you can bask in the rolling green hills, distant mountains and unmatched skylines all appearing in the movie. Explore the enchanting beauty of the shire and the eerie shrill of the Buckland Forest. Wherever you wander you will feel as though you are part of this amazing movie. When you arrive at the Weta cave plenty of attractions await that range from details of the movie making to behind the scenes sneak peeks. There is an interesting DVD to this effect which features the first behind the scenes moments in Weta along with interviews with the major faces behind Weta. This will also give you an insight into the fine creativity and the deep world of imagination that plays a part at molding the art of Weta. To conclude your tour of Weta walk into the Weta Cave shopping outlet. This is one place where you can purchase your favorite collectables along with an array of movie merchandise. If you are lucky you may also be able to take home with you one of the limited edition sculptures handmade by the skilled Weta artists. The Weta Cave shopping is also quite famous for its graphic novels and pop culture collectable featuring famous brands like the Avatar, District 9, Muppets, Doctor Who etc. 
Wellingtons beautiful outdoors never fail to mesmerize you no matter how many times you visit this place. Stay at one of the Wellington Hotels to thoroughly explore this amazing city. The Millennium & Copthorne Hotels NZ is a popular choice among New Zealand Hotels as it is one place which provides you with ample information on all you need to know about Wellington.