TranzAlpine train is New Zealand’s most scenic and probably the world’s most beautiful train ride. This amazing train runs daily from Christchurch to Greymouth and the journey takes around 4 ½ hours to end. This ride from the east coast to the west coast of New Zealand is simply breathtaking. The train rumbles across Canterbury Plains, through picturesque ravines and valleys near the Waimakariri River, the Southern Alps, then through Arthur Pass, to the thick Beech rainforest and finally arriving at Greymouth. This 224 kilometer journey takes you across 19 tunnels over four bridges where the highest overpass is over 70 meters. This ride is certainly amazing and without doubt it definitely is the moat panoramic train ride you will ever have in your life. Particularly in winter, the sight from the train is simply enchanting and makes one feel as if living a fairy land. 

The TranzAlpine train gives you a great opportunity of capturing all your heavenly experiences into photographs through its open air observation coach. The trip from Christchurch to Greymouth is indeed a relaxing ride where you can sit back on the comfortable chairs sipping some wine or local beer and having the best views of New Zealand. The road to Greymouth is never the same for a long time. The ever changing landscapes will take you in a tunnel in one minute and the next minute over a fierce river or a valley which is really exciting. The train stops in Arthurs Pass for a small break and it’s the best chance for you to step out and absorb the spirit of your journey. Also Arthur Pass is the village which marks the tallest mountain pass in the journey. On your way you could take a glance at Punakaki and Franz Josef and Fox Glacier the famous glaciers. 

The train service provides you with excellent facilities. The carriages are heated during winter and air conditioned in summer and is equipped with ‘Airline’ design reclining chairs and ‘Table’ seating. If you are taking the TranzAlpine train to Greymouth, Millennium & Copthorne Hotels NZ is an ideal place to stay at if one is looking for Greymouth Hotels out of the wide choice of New Zealand Hotels.

A Holiday in Queenstown will not come to an end without tasting the rare, unique and delicious wines found all throughout the city. Wine in Queenstown is like liquid Gold in a bottle and comes from the picturesque location of Central Otago whose vineyards have a secret that makes the nation’s most distinctive wines.

When visiting Central Otago names that you must not miss out are Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot gris, sauvignon blanc and Reislings. Ice for the heat and heat for the Cold, these varieties of wine work well whatever climate of the year you are in. Pinot Noir in particular is a must not miss in New Zealand. A variety that has topped the wine tasting competitions year after year and that has always been that saved up bottle for the most special occasion. So visit Otago and waste no time in going and exploring all the amazing wineries within this region.

The Central Otago Wine Map is a good place to start as you can carefully select where you want to visit, depending on your tastes and preferences. The Bannockburn makes a popular area in itself as here alone you can find plenty of different wineries, but for the most precise exploration of wineries it is ideal to indulge in a wine tour.

Queenstown has a number of tours which has an array of different focuses. The Queenstown Wine trail is popular tour among tourists as this 5 hour tour comes with a very useful commentary and includes tastings at four different wineries. This package also includes lunch and a trip to a cheesary. Another interesting tour is the Appellation Central Wine Tour; this covers Cromwell Vineyard and Bannockburn and takes you through some of the finest upcoming vineyards. Then there is the Zealand Wine Experience which has 700 varieties of New Zealand’s finest wines, of which 80 are available to be tasted. It also makes an ideal place to purchase wine to take home.

When it comes to choosing a place to stay, there is one particular Queenstown hotel accommodation that has caught the attention of visitors time after time. The Kingsgate Hotel Terraces Queenstown is a beautiful combination of luxury and warmth making it one of the best New Zealand Queenstown hotels in the region.

Renowned the world over as the breathtaking backdrop of Peter Jackson’s Hollywood blockbuster Lord of the Rings Trilogy, Queenstown is a mesmerizing corner of the Otango in the Kiwi heartland. Nestled on the banks of Lake Wakatipu in the shade of the Southern Alps this popular holiday destination is perhaps equally well-known for its diverse topographical landscapes which ranges from lush forested areas and sprawling wineries to towering snow capped mountains. A veritable treasure trove for nature lovers from across the world Queenstown’s awe-inspiring landscapes warrant greater exploration as the sheer variety of topographical venues on offer is staggering. Walking, tramping and hiking enthusiasts will have plenty to explore on a trip to Queenstown as the locale is literally infested with walking tracks and nature trails.

The Hollyford Track is of course its most famous walking route that takes visitors on a three day excursion crossing lakes, rivers, larger-than-life mountainscapes, verdant rainforests  and even coastal regions. Other popular hiking trails include the Mount Aspiring trek and the Routeburn Track which is lies across the Fiordland National Park. Mountain bikers on the other hand can navigate the complicated routes lain across Redwood Forest while more adventurous visitors can discover Queenstown’s natural beauty on river safaris and boat cruises in Milford Sound. White water rafting along Shotover River, Landsborough River and Kawarau River are not for the faint of heart while the Bob’s Peak Luge Ride is also for true daredevils.

Bungee fans will also have more than one experience to write home about as the Kawarau Bridge Bungy and a host of Nzone Skydiving activities are on offer in this adrenaline junkies’ paradise in addition to wake boarding, paragliding and waterskiing opportunities. Helicopter rides and flyovers above Mount Cook and Fiordland are also a favorite past time for seasoned visitors as the flights cover the areas of Queenstown featured in the Lord of the Rings films.

Those with a flair for the finer things in life however can take a wine tasting tour that takes visitors to some of the town’s most celebrated wine manufacturers. The vintage trail includes iconic wineries the likes of Amisfield Winery & Bistro and the Chard Farm Winery. Whale watching is another Queenstown activity that is fast gaining popularity with the commercialization of the Kaikoura and Bay of Islands regions.

Travellers on the lookout for New Zealand Queenstown hotels will be delighted to find Kingsgate Hotel Terraces Queenstown. Ideally situated in a scenic setting the living spaces of this luxurious rest are ranked among the finest Queenstown hotel accommodation options for discerning visitors.

Wellingtons Waterfront is the perfect symbol of tranquility in the heart of a bustling city. If you are just passing by Wellington and are short on time, the waterfront makes an ideal place to visit as it is a combination of heaps of fun amidst a relaxing and soothing environment. Famed among the locals as a perfect place to chill on a busy sunny day, the Waterfront attracts a plethora of visitors giving the surrounding a chirpy and lively atmosphere.

The waterfront has the primary advantage of being within the city limits which affords it a no travelling luxury. There is plenty of fun, entertaining and relaxing activities stacked up for you at the waterfront which can easily be studied using a waterfront map that can be obtained at the information center.

Irrespective of your age and the usual weather around the area, there is always something for you at the waterfront. This location makes a perfect day trip for the family; Grab some snacks from Rawhide and ice cream from Mr. Freeze and let the kids enjoy the playground while you relish the view of the harbor after enjoying the display of the whirl water. When you are done get into your skates, get the kids together and take the breathtakingly scenic route right around the waterfront. For those with more passive interests, indulge in fishing in the many popular spots by the water’s edge.

Just before heading home don’t miss coffee at the Waitango Park Café and a light paddle on the beach side of the Marina. Night outs at the waterfront is experiencing this location in a whole new light and angle. Take Dinner at the Circas café and simply relish the twinkling view of the buildings and stars right around the area. If you are in a mood for some adventurous fun at the waterfront, rise early, grab breakfast at the Loaded Hog and enjoy rock climbing at the fergs Kayaks or a scenic helicopter ride over the waterfront and other nearby area. You can also enjoy bungee jumping, cycling and many more adrenaline pumping activities here at the water front.

Wind down at the Copthorne Hotel Wellington Oriental Bay, fantastic Wellington New Zealand Hotels that boasts all the luxurious amenities making it a perfect Wellington city hotel has.

The renowned City Gallery Wellington situated in the hub of Civic Square provides world-renowned exhibitions of modern and contemporary art, including both New Zealand and global art. The gallery presents its visitors with a wide selection of enthralling artworks from some of the most talented artists in the world. There is no doubt that the establishment is one of the artistic and cultural highlights in Wellington; however the establishment does not feature a permanent collection, instead displaying a changing roster of exhibitions. If a major exhibition of international contemporary artworks is touring the region, it is likely to be staged at the City Gallery.

The gallery was opened in 1980 and the institution has the distinction of being the first non-collection based public gallery in the nation of New Zealand. Over its years of existence it has consolidated a reputation for stylish presentations using innovative approaches. 

The institution features separate galleries devoted to Pacific and Maori art, as well as for Wellington artists. A special aspect of the gallery is its public programmes and educational initiatives, conducted with the intention of making it possible for different audiences to appreciate art in novel and innovative ways.

The establishment has acquired a strong reputation for presenting viewers with challenging and unusual visual art, encompassing sculpture, painting, video, film, architecture, industrial features, graphic design, and more.
There is no doubt that the gallery is a noteworthy dynamic presence in the cultural arena of the capital of New Zealand. Irrespective of whether it is hosting an international visiting collection, an exhibition of outstanding New Zealand avant-garde artworks by renowned artists, or other features the gallery is always a pleasure to visit.

Visitors can replenish their energies at Nikau, the gallery’s acclaimed café which offers a selection of delectable organic-based snacks and refreshments. A bar and restaurant are also found in the compound.

Wellington is always a fascinating city to explore, with a myriad of attractions for the visitor. A selection of museums and cultural monuments will draw the interest of the culture enthusiast.

Selective visitors looking for a hotel in Wellington will be pleased by Copthorne Hotel Wellington Oriental Bay. One of the excellent Wellington New Zealand hotels this rest offers well-appointed accommodations and impeccable service.

Queenstown is a city that boasts a rich history. It is the city that first attracted the Maori explorers who came in search of the jade stone. After decades, in the early 1800s gold was discovered in the land and that is what brought in a great many European settlers who form the primary roots of the majority of inhabitants today.

It was the year 1865 when gold was first discovered. It was John MacGregor and Thomas Low who first discovered this jackpot in the Arrow River. Today the region of Arrowtown located in close vicinity to Queenstown is home to many historical sites. It has a proud history showcased by its many historical landmarks.

Arrowtown is a beautiful little part of New Zealand and much of its landscape is renowned as being some of the most beautiful in the world and has been utilized as filming locations in award winning movies such as ‘The Lord of the Rings’. The Lakes District Museum is one historical place to visit in the region and so is illustrious Buckingham Street. Offering a well preserved insight into the past of the area, this street is lined with many important buildings. There is plenty of information in the historical buildings directory which will give you an informative perspective into the must see historical sites in the area. If you are short on time indulge in a historical walking tour of the region and explore Queenstown’s rich and vibrant past like never before.

Arrowtown is home to plenty of other attractions that are sure to catch the fancy of anyone visiting the area. These include galleries, art studios, restaurants, cafes and pubs that add so much more to its historical significance. History enthusiasts should not miss out on visiting Lake Wakatipu, a natural historic monument that goes back over 15000 years. Right in front of the lake is Copthorne Hotel & Resort Queenstown Lakefront. A Queenstown resort that boasts remarkable views in addition to its luxurious accommodation, it offers an ideal base from which to explore the region. It is also one of the finest Queenstown hotel accommodation options and is within easy reach of the region’s many exciting outdoor activities.