Traveling to New Zealand - where to stay?

I have traveled extensively and am looking for some recommendations on travel to New Zealand. Specifically hotel recommendations. Thanks...

My husband and I went to the North island last year. Beyond being a truly amazing place, we stayed at one of the nicesthotels we have ever visited. It's called the Huka Lodge. From great fishing to golf, we had so much to do. Our only regret was that we could not stay longer.

I suggest going up North to the Bay of Islands. You can rent a home or apartment. It is that crowded and it is beautiful.

Have you seen the LuxuryLink auction for the Azure hotel near Queenstown, on the South Island? The rack rate for this property is $800-1000USD per night and the LL deal is only about $400 per night, so quite a savings.



This hotel gets rave reviews on tripadvisor.

Take a look at Tauhara Sunrise as an option in Lake Taupo. It is a B&B run by a wonderful couple. The property is very nice and they are excellent at arranging activities. The website is www.tauharasunrise.com. My wife and I stayed there last year and had a wonderful time.

The Huka Lodge is probably the most picturesque spot near Lake Taupo. The falls are adjacent to the lodge and it;s a beautiful setting.

Depending what you like... Napier is a terrific small city with great beaches, art, no traffic and an amazing art deco district. The best place to stay if you have acar is out of the city Ormlie Lodge. Great Hosts, food & drink with amazing (reasonably priced) rooms. Mark Bartlett operates a great place. Bay of Islands, I recommend The Admiral Inn. They have great access by foot to major attractions & Ferry to Russell. The South Island is more easily done through car & bed & breakfasts on the upper end. I found you can rely on the Star system****.

Wellington has many wonderful hotels &at the Aukland Airportthere are reasonably good guides for the nicest places. If you go to Lake Taupo, make your arrangements ahead of schedule and select the nicest accomodations which are notated by their star system ****. In Taupo, prices can be misleading if it is during aBank Holiday when all prices are up.Keri Keri at the north end of the bay of islands is close to an exclusive golf resort Kauri Cliffs. If you want a listing of exclusive lodges go to Lodges of New Zealand for a listing. Happy Travels!

It's all depend upon your budget because there are some good hotels which are very expensive. I think stay in Rydges Hotel or perhaps New President's hotel are quite luxury and cheaper than others.

If you really want to experience New Zealand fully, do a trip from one place to the other. The scenery is amazing!!! Naturally, you'll have to start in a city and then go further into the country.