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Discovering the Tranquillity of Moke Lake

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Offering a tranquil escape from the busy streets of Queenstown, Moke Lake is an ideal place to take the whole family. Located around 25 minutes by car from Queenstown, this picturesque natural area offers plenty of outdoor fun and recreation including swimming, mountain biking and hiking. Home to a scenic camping area, Moke Lake is also well suited for a family picnic and its calm waters are perfect for such activities as fishing, canoeing and boating. There is also a walk around the lake that takes around two to three hours to complete, making for a memorable day out in nature. Those looking to explore the many attractions in the region and wanting centrally located Queenstown hotel accommodation can stay at Copthorne Hotel & Resort Queenstown Lakefront. This Queenstown resort is ideally situated along Lake Wakatipu and is well suited for business or leisure.

Shopping in Auckland – Retail Therapy in ‘The City Of Sails’!

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The largest metropolitan area in New Zealand, Auckland is a fascinating destination home to a multitude of tourist attractions and is blessed with breathtaking natural beauty. With its charming landscape of islands, beaches, bays, twin harbours and volcanic hills, the city is also a melting pot of various cultures. Popularly known as ‘the city of sails’, Auckland offers a wide range of leisure activities for visitors to indulge in including cruises and adventure sports. The region’s moderate climatic conditions will be in favour of those seeking to enjoy a holiday in this magnificent region.
However, the city is also reputed for offering excellent shopping opportunities. Being one of the country’s most vibrant destinations for shopping, Auckland is where one is bound to find a wide variety of souvenirs including leather goods, knitwear, turning and woodcarving, greenstone, bone carvings, paua shell items and sheepskin products.
Sprawling malls with numerous retail outlets sell everything from designer goods and ceramics to books and wine. Combining the best of entertainment with shopping, these upscale shopping venues also offer exclusive items made by local artisans. Chic eateries and food courts are also located within these malls, some of which arrange music concerts for special occasions.
To find the finest contemporary and local New Zealand sculpture, weavings and artwork, visit the relatively new gallery known as Artigiano. While in the Central Business District in Auckland, stop by Chancery which houses shops selling high fashion items and more. Offering a broad range of mohair rug, merino and possum fashion wear and local art and crafts, Clevedon Gallery is also a must visit venue. Botany Town Centre, Aotea Square Markets and Chocolate Boutique Café will also impress you with various treats on offer.

To make the experience even more exciting, tourists can alternate between shopping and sightseeing as the city features plenty of sights to marvel at including its living parks, museums, the Auckland Zoo, The Edge and town hall.
Choose an Auckland hotel such as Copthorne Hotel Auckland Harbour City to easily embark on shopping and sightseeing excursions. This hotel Auckland CBD offers nothing but the best in modern comforts coupled with hospitable service to ensure a pleasurable stay.

Goat Island Marine Reserve

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Established in 1975, Goat Island Marine Reserve is also referred to as The Cape Rodney to Okakari Point marine reserve. Having long been used for scientific research, it has served as a training venue for diving. It attracts visitors of all ages including school students who come to learn about mysteries and diverse species of the local marine environment. One section excellently documents New Zealand’s first marine reserve as well as history. You will also find great dive and snorkel spots here.

If you are in search of an Auckland hotel, an ideal option is Copthorne Hotel Auckland Harbour City. This elegant hotel Auckland CBD ensures spectacular vistas for all its guests.

Discover Auckland’s Wilder Side on Tramping and Guided Walking Tours of the Popular Kiwi Holiday Mecca

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Whether one is a seasoned hiker or an avid nature lover looking to discover the natural beauty of Auckland the city’s diverse collection of walking tracks is set to leave one with more than one lasting impression of one of New Zealand’s most stunning regions. From idyllic bush walks to breathtaking walks along beaches and bays the sheer diversity of walking and tramping trails on offer makes Auckland one of the country’s most frequented holiday destinations by hikers and explorers.  Encompassing short hour-long walks to all day tours that takes visitors through some of Auckland’s most captivating corners the duration, nature and intensity level of the walking tours are entirely on the hands of the walkers as the city truly does offer a walking tour tailor made for everyone.

The Long Bay Tramp is an absolute must for all walking enthusiasts heading to Auckland as this 2.5 hour walk along North Island Auckland is a 6km tour that is ideal for both novice and expert hikers.  Littered with patches of pristine beaches and panoramic views this tramp is the best way to get one’s feet wet on a classic Auckland tramping ground. The Tawharanui Beach Walk which takes place at low tide is another favourite Auckland walk which is both relaxing and suited for all types of hikers. The 2.5 hour journey takes walkers through 7.3km along a stunning beachfront while the Tawharanui Ridge Walk takes 4 hours to complete.
A two hour track awaits walkers at the Mahurangi West Tramp which is a 6km hike best suited for experienced walkers while the Rangitoto Island Walk is an 11km journey more suited to novices who are in search of scenic walks with little exertion involved.  The Auckland Waterfront Walk to Mission Bay is another beginner friendly track that is easy to navigate and complete in less than 2 hours. 
The Mount Zion Track in contrast is a real challenge that is ideal for experienced hikers as this 7.8km walk without breaks takes one through some of the most challenging terrains in Auckland’s west coast in a nearly four hour trek that is as breathtaking as it is difficult.
Travellers in search of a luxury Auckland hotel should look to none other than Copthorne Hotel Auckland Harbour City for all their accommodation needs. Offering stylish Auckland hotel accommodation this charming establishment provides views of the harbour and is a breathtaking hideaway for all discerning tourists.

Viaduct Basin Auckland

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A development home to various upscale restaurants and office space, Viaduct Basin plays host to various exciting events and of the past such events include New Zealand Fashion Week, Auckland International Boatshow, Louis Vuitton Regattas and America’s Cup defences. Visit this first class entertainment and commercial precinct, view the yachts berthed in the harbor and stop by at Voyager Maritime Museum to explore the country’s rich maritime history. In close proximity to the area are Victoria Park, Victoria Park and Princes Wharf development.

An central Auckland hotel of choice for travellers is Copthorne Hotel Auckland City. Located amidst various attractions, it is an exceptional Auckland city hotel.

Leisure Travel Auckland

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World renewed as a destination for leisure travellers and holidaymakers, Auckland offers a wide range of leisure activities for visitors to indulge in. With picturesque valleys and dormant volcanic mountains, the destination makes for an exciting sightseeing journey. Families can visit some of the magnificent nature reserves and parks whilst much adventurous travellers can opt for a hiking trip to explore the region’s natural splendor. To experience the thrill of a life time, try bungee jumping and for a much leisurely experience go hiking, kayaking, rafting or mountain biking. Traveller in search of an Auckland city hotel will be pleased to find Copthorne Hotel Auckland City, a truly exceptional central Auckland hotel.

Waitakere Ranges – Paradise on Earth

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The beautiful expanse of the Waitakere Ranges has never failed to mesmerize tourists time after time. Occupying over 16000 hectares of native forest the Waitakere Range consists of beautiful beaches, spectacular vistas, cascading waterfalls, streams, rocky outcrops, and lush green farms giving you the best of scenery wherever you turn.
The Waitakere has been famed as one of the most breathtaking destinations in the world. Chosen as the primary filming location for TV shows like ‘Xina’ , ‘Hercules’ and ‘the Pianist’, the Waitakere Range has earned an international repertoire. Within the parks boundaries are countless little attractions which makes this range a truly entertaining spot in Auckland. There are plenty of relaxation opportunities in one of the many beaches lining the coasts of the range which includes Karehera, Whatipu and Piha.

 The Range is also a popular place to indulge in activities like swimming, trekking, boating, fishing, camping or if you are in a mood for something soothing for the soul, indulge in sightseeing around this breathtaking mountain range. There are also specific beaches such as Muriwai popular in activities like surfing, and places like Cornwallis is everybody’s favourite spot for picnicking. For absolutely spectacular scenery take a drive through the aptly named ‘Scenic Drive’ and experience unmatched beauty that will give you a feel of floating through paradise. It is not just the beauty, or the fun, or the gorgeous climate that makes this range popular, the 3900 acres of land is protected under the Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area Act 2008 as it houses a number of interesting species that includes long tailed bats, glow worms, peripatus and Kauri snails.


Auckland is surrounded by some of the most beautiful locations in the world. Apart from the Waitakere range there are other parks and places glowing with unmatched natural beauty making it the ultimate attractions for a truly relaxing holiday. For the complete experience of Auckland stay at the Millennium & Copthorne Hotels NZ. This luxurious Auckland city hotel is not just famous for its exquisite ambiance, comforts, services and cuisines but is also well known around New Zealand and the world as one place to get the best of Auckland Hotel Specials.

Holiday Travel to Rotorua – Fun and Excitement for the Entire Family!

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Boasting a rich cultural heritage and history, Rotorua offers a one of a kind New Zealand adventure for the entire family. There is much to see and do in this idyllic part of the country for young and old alike. The Rotorua Museum offers an insight into the local culture and stunning volcanic scenery, while those looking to experience the region’s famous therapeutic waters can head to the Polynesian Spa. Travellers wanting more action packed activities can try jet boating and white-water rafting. The Buried Village, Te Puia Maori Arts & Crafts institute and the awe-inspiring Rainbow Springs Kiwi Wildlife Park with its diverse array of wildlife are among the other attractions one will find here.

Ideal for those looking for a hotel in Rotorua that offers easy access to many of the city’s attractions, Millennium Hotel Rotorua is the perfect base for business and leisure travellers alike. This Rotorua hotel is located close to such sites of interest as the Rotorua Museum of Art and History, the Polynesian Spa and the Te Puia Maori Arts & Crafts institute.

Auckland Festival of Photography 2012 – Pictures Worth More Than A Thousand Words!

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A celebration of the works of a number of mid-career and budding contemporary photographers in New Zealand, Auckland Festival of Photography is a renowned exhibition featuring the James Wallace Arts Trust Collection and recent acquisitions. The exhibition is also known for displaying “Still Life”, a work by the popular photographer Peter Panyoczki.
The ninth edition of this annual event of photography is set to take place across the region of Auckland from 1st to 24th of June. It will bring a hundred exhibitions of photography and other related events. Showcasing the promising talent of James K Lowe, the Aotea Gallery will play host to the second Annual Fine Arts Commission exhibition, which is among the highlights of the 9th edition of this festival. At this same venue, visitors will also get to catch a glimpse of Magnum images taken by Symposium photographers Susan Meiselas and Alex Webb. These displays will be screened as part of “Crossing Borders”, which is the Talking Culture Symposium.
Whilst the works of Daniel Crooks, John Turner and Peter Peryer will also be part of the signature highlights of the event, the exhibition “Nactrecorder” of the German artist Jon Adrie Hoekstra provides an extraordinary experience of vision and sound. Another major highlight of the Auckland Festival of Photography 2012 will be the globally admired exhibition held at the Auckland Museum. Also worth noting is the modern representation of Maori tradition by Lisa Reihana’s “Nga Hau e Wha” displayed at the Papakura Art Gallery.

The Nikon Auckland Photo Day will also return this year. It is a public competition open to all and lasting one whole day during when photographers have to capture an image which they believe reflects the beauty of Auckland. Participants stand the chance to win an attractive prize!

On the 5th of June, this month long feast of photography will have its Festival Tuesday Circuit, during when visitors will be provided with free transportation to the nine exhibitions at the Central Business District.
When selecting an Auckland city hotel, one cannot go wrong by choosing Copthorne Hotel Auckland City. Boasting elegantly appointed rooms complete with contemporary amenities, it is an ideal central Auckland hotel.

Te Puia Maori Arts & Crafts – Discovering the Unique Cultural Heritage of Maori People

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Offering a unique insight into the rich cultural heritage of the Maori people, the Te Puia Maori Arts & Crafts institute is definitely worth visiting when in Rotorua. An ideal place to visit for the entire family, this popular attraction features several sites of interest; Te Heketanga-a-Rangi is an area where you will find huge carvings representing celestial guardians, while the Geothermal Valley area is home to more than 500 pools. Experience a traditional welcoming ceremony at Rotowhio Marae as well as view performances of traditional Maori dance and song at the Te Puia Maori Arts & Crafts centre. Those in search of a hotel in Rotorua that is within easy reach of this attraction can stay at Millennium Hotel Rotorua. This Rotorua hotel also offers easy access to many of the city’s famous attractions and exciting outdoor activities.