Page 12 of New Zealand and The South Pacific by Audley Travel

treehouse at hapuku lodge kaikoura autumn colours of new zealand richard and rosie hosts at claremont estate accommodation where you stay is very much part of the experience in new zealand with friendly kiwi hospitality likely to feature prominently in the memories you bring home when we select a lodge guesthouse or hotel the welcome of the hosts and levels of service they provide are key factors that we assess all the accommodation in this brochure has earned its place and by the same yardstick several others have been omitted it must be remembered that this brochure cannot fully describe the accommodation options available and is very much the tip of the iceberg as there are choices to suit every taste and budget essentially in descending cost order the options start with exclusive lodges internationally regarded as some of the best in the world boutique bed breakfast properties conventional hotels members of established chains small motels on the outskirts of towns to farm stay and homesteads where guests are treated as part of the family we have also sought out a number of traditional kiwi bach properties these private holiday homes give you the opportunity to relax and savour some of the hideaways discovered and enjoyed by the locals our new zealand specialists have visited a huge range of properties to find those that best match your preferences and budget climate new zealand has four seasons broadly opposite to ours but generally mild and temperate there are variations the north is usually warmer than the south and the central mountain ranges tend to cause a `rain shadow with eastern areas being drier than the western coast an effect particularly pronounced on the south island summer from december to march is ideal for water activities with temperatures averaging from the mid to high 20s°c spring from september to november is good for exploring with the countryside blooming into life and temperatures from 15-20°c autumn with its turning leaves and gentle sun is in april and may and tends to be a little warmer than the spring winter from june to august is perfect for skiing in the mountains though at sea level temperatures rarely fall below 5°c northland in particular is mild year-round while there s always snow dusting new zealand s highest mountain peaks new zealand attracts a huge number of visitors during the peak months of january and february filling the best accommodation you ll need to book the more popular places in advance by waiting just a little longer you can take advantage of the lack of other visitors enjoy the pick of the accommodation and experience new zealand as it should be ­ peaceful and untouched getting around there are many options for the traveller to explore new zealand and very often it is best to use a variety of transport arrangements to link the many sights the following sections may help you make your decisions however the best thing to do is call one of our new zealand specialists who have all travelled extensively around the country using different modes of transport they will be able to discuss the options and tailor-make an itinerary that best suits your requirements self-drive new zealand has wonderful roads scenic safe and especially on the south island largely empty they even drive on the left and some of the most scenic routes are waymarked you may not wish to start driving immediately after an international flight so we can arrange to have you met at the airport and taken to your hotel where your car will be delivered alternatively there are car hire stations at all of new zealand s airports and we can ensure a car is waiting so you can be on the road within minutes of landing we will book all of your accommodation in advance provide you with clear and detailed driving instructions and a road map leaving you free to relax and enjoy the many scenic delights that you will pass on the way 12

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