New Zealand Hotels - by ATS Tours

From mountain peaks to deep fiords to rolling plains, New Zealand’s landscapes offer incomparable beauty with a relatively small - yet very hospitable population. It’s an unspoiled nation of remarkable vistas, with more than half the country protected as national park or reserve land.

About the same size as California, the country is made up of three islands: the North Island, South Island, and Stewart Island. Each area is home to its own special treasures.

The North Island Hotels

Hotel / Resort name	Ratings
CityLife Auckland - Auckland   A stylish and sophisticated hotel centrally located near the commercial, shopping and entertainment areas, and the waterfront. There are 212 rooms and suites available. Suites feature separate living/dining, laundry, fully equipped kitchen and air-conditioning. CityLife Auckland provides guest facilities including Zest Restaurant & Bar, indoor heated lap pool, gymnasium, and broadband Internet.
Copthorne Hotel Anzac Avenue - Auckland   Located in central Auckland, just a ten-minute walk from Queen Street. The hotel has 110 rooms, all of which feature ensuite facilities, air-conditioning, cable TV, minibar, iron and ironing board, and tea and coffee making facilities. Hotel facilities include complimentary car parking, guest laundry and dry-cleaning, and Zoe’s Brasserie and Bar which is open all day.		more photos
Heritage Auckland - Auckland   An international-class hotel, comprised of two wings, set in an iconic historic building near the Viaduct Harbor. The hotel wing features original Deco details, while the adjoining Tower wing offers contemporary styling. The hotel has 320 luxurious rooms, including self-contained suites. Facilities include broadband internet, two restaurants, two health clubs, a tennis court, lap pool and stunning rooftop pool.		more photos
Hotel Ibis Rotorua - Rotorua   Hotel Ibis Rotorua is part of the Accor hotels chain, on the shores of Lake Rotorua and adjacent the cosmopolitan café district, only minutes' walk to the Rotorua city center and in close proximity to many of Rotorua's most popular tourist attractions. Hotel Ibis offers 145 standard accommodation rooms.		more photos
Huka Lodge - Near Taupo   A luxury retreat, within 17 acres of park-like grounds, 328 yards upstream from the Huka Falls. There are just 20 Lodge Rooms, tucked along the riverbank and nestled amongst the trees. The Owner's Cottage luxuriously accommodates eight guests within four suites. Includes breakfast, pre-dinner drinks, canapés and five-course dinner.		more photos
Hyatt Regency Auckland - Auckland   Hyatt Regency is located in the historical belt of Auckland. It offers a choice of 269 beautifullyappointed guest rooms in the Regency Tower or 100 luxurious apartment style suites in the Residence Tower. The Residence rooms and suites are contemporary and tasteful, each with full kitchen facilities and a spacious balcony. Includes full spa and fitness facilities.		more photos
Mercure Hotel Auckland - Auckland   In the heart of Auckland’s waterfront area, overlooking the spectacular harbor and bustling CBD. Within walking distance to endless attractions, shopping and restaurants. The comfortable guest rooms feature cable TV, air-conditioning and mini-bar. On the top floor is Vertigo Restaurant and Bar offering sensational views in a relaxed, stylish setting. Facilities include gymnasium, valet parking and 24-hour reception.
Millennium Hotel Rotorua - Rotorua   Perfectly situated in the heart of the city overlooking Lake Rotorua and adjacent to the Polynesian Spa. Five levels of accommodation, including club level rooms, offer guests a wide variety of scenic views from the lake, forest or Government Gardens, to the serene beauty of the native forest courtyard. A total of 227 air-conditioned rooms, with understated décor featuring quality timber fittings.		more photos
Mollies - Auckland   From the bright entrance hall hosting an 18th-century Swedish campaign bed, to the 20-foot ceilings in the suites, the detail at Mollies is what makes this boutique hotel so beautiful. Mollies is in the heart of Auckland, close to some of the best dining. Indulge in a treatment at Mollie’s Sanctuary Day Spa.		more photos
Novotel Lakeside Rotorua - Rotorua   The Novotel Lakeside Rotorua is part of the Accor hotels chain, on the shores of Lake Rotorua and adjacent the cosmopolitan café district, only minutes' walk to the Rotorua city center and close to many of Rotorua's most popular tourist attractions. Novotel Lakeside Rotorua offers 199 rooms, including 10 suites and the amazing Royal Suite. The Novotel Spa and fitness center offers massage and body treatments.		more photos
Princes Gate Hotel - Rotorua   The Princes Gate Hotel is centrally located and combines luxury, location and style with genuine personality and service. Being over 100 years old, it is the only character or heritage property of its kind in Rotorua. Facilities include 34 hotel rooms including four luxury suites, 16 one and two bedroom apartments, all with kitchens. Relax in the spa complex including swimming pool, rock pools, private pool, sauna and massage facility.
SKYCITY Auckland - Auckland   SKYCITY Auckland Hotel is located in the heart of Auckland, with 344 rooms, health and fitness center, sauna, rooftop heated pool, 24-hour room service, 14 restaurants and bars, casino, live entertainment 7 nights a week, and iconic SKY Tower, the tallest tower in the Southern Hemisphere.		more photos
The Langham Auckland - Auckland   The Langham Auckland is centrally located close to the city’s shopping and entertainment. The hotel offers four restaurants and lounges (including Partingtons; 2006 & 2007 New Zealand Culinary Fare Restaurant of the Year), a limousine service, a complimentary inner-city shuttle, health club and outdoor heated pool.		more photos
The Westin Auckland Lighter Quay - Auckland   The Westin Auckland Lighter Quay is located in the heart of Auckland. Overlooking the Viaduct Harbor, the hotel celebrates its waterfront location with sweeping marina views. The hotel combines the intimacy of small, personalized service with all rooms offering space to relax and revitalize. The Westin is a sanctuary for guests to unwind, renew and recharge.
Treetops Lodge & Wilderness Estate - Near Rotorua   Set in more than 2,500 acres of private wilderness, Treetops is a carefully managed game and wildlife habitat for fly fishermen, sporting enthusiasts and their pampered guests. The luxurious suites and villas overlook the lake and mountains. Includes breakfast, pre-dinner drinks, canapés and dinner. Ranked by Condé Nast as the top hotel in New Zealand for 2007.		more photos
Wharekauhau Country Estate - Wellington/Palliser Bay   Situated on a 5000 acre working sheep station. Framed by mountains to the west the dramatic coastline to the east, the lodge is surrounded by ancient, native forest, spectacular beaches, rivers and tranquil lakes providing endless opportunities for recreation. Sumptuously furnished, charming cottages with ocean views are scattered throughout the grounds. Includes breakfast, pre-dinner drinks, canapés and dinner.		more photos

The South Island Hotels

Hotel / Resort name	Ratings
Copthorne Hotel & Resort Lakefront - Queenstown   Conveniently located within an easy 3-minute walk of central Queenstown, the hotel blends superior facilities and comfort with friendly personal service. Featuring 241 rooms and suites, the property offers stunning mountain and lake views, situated within a tranquil garden setting.		more photos
Copthorne Hotel Durham Street - Christchurch   A leading business-class hotel, which offers a superb central location, a wide range of boutique shopping and cafés, just across from the Casino and Convention Center. Accommodation options cover a range of guest rooms and suites, including 2-bedroom and family suites.		more photos
Grand Mercure Hotel St. Moritz - Queenstown   Grand Mercure St. Moritz captures the essence of its alpine setting with its unique European chalet design, warm lodge-like ambience, and fine cuisine. Located in central Queenstown, this stylish hotel offers a choice of traditional hotel rooms or apartment-sized suites, with panoramic lake and mountain views available.		more photos
Grasmere Lodge High Country Retreat - near Christchurch   Nestled in the mountains, Grasmere is a country retreat of unrivaled charm and distinction. Open fireplaces dominate the large lounge and den. The fine cuisine uses the best local ingredients -- trout caught by guests is often on the menu. Grasmere Lodge offers 7 guest bedrooms and 5 stand-alone chalets. Includes breakfast, pre-dinner drinks, canapés and dinner.		more photos
Heritage Christchurch - Christchurch   Heritage Christchurch, located in the heart of the city on Cathedral Square, offers suite accommodation in the Heritage-listed Old Government Building, while the adjoining tower offers contemporary hotel rooms. Facilities include Madissons restaurant & bar, health club, beauty day spa and state of the art conference rooms. The hotel has 174 rooms.		more photos
Heritage Queenstown    Reminiscent of an exclusive alpine lodge, the hotel has 177 rooms including self-contained suites, a heated swimming pool, sauna, health club and beauty shop. The sensational self-contained three-bedroom terrace villas offer superb views of Lake Wakatipu.		more photos
Matakauri Lodge - Near Queenstown   This luxury alpine lakeside hideaway is just 10 minutes from Queenstown. Completely private, surrounded by native trees, Matakauri boasts uninterrupted lake and mountain views from all rooms. All suites and villas feature separate living areas with a fireplace. Spoil yourself at the new Matakauri Organic Spa, using only natural, organic products.
Millbrook Resort - Queenstown   Situated in some of the most spectacular scenery in the world... a relaxed New Zealand lifestyle at its finest. The Resort's facilities include The Spa at Millbrook, a par-72 championship golf course, three restaurants, bar and a gymnasium including swimming pool and jacuzzis. Four varying styles of luxury accommodation are available.		more photos
Peppers Beacon - Queenstown   Peppers Beacon Queenstown offers stunning lakeside hotel accommodation, just 5-minutes walk from the center of Queenstown and with beautiful lake, mountain or garden views. The stunning location also provides a picturesque backdrop for rest and relaxation. You can use the gym, sauna, spa and massage facilities, or take a walk on the shores of Lake Wakatipu.
Remarkables Lodge - Near Queenstown   This beautiful lodge, in a spectacular mountain setting only 10 minutes from town, has the facilities of a small boutique hotel. Luxurious bedrooms, stylish bathrooms and spacious seating areas create a comfortable relaxing environment. Breakfast and dinner are included. Enjoy fine dining from an award winning chef.
Sofitel Queenstown - Queenstown   Luxury in downtown Queenstown, the Sofitel offers 82 opulent rooms and suites featuring DVD/CD, air conditioning, broadband and wireless LAN, espresso machine, double spa tubs with separate shower and L'Occitane amenities. Le Spa Day Spa, exceptional cuisine and an attentive and dedicated team complete the Sofitel experience.		more photos
The George - Christchurch   The George is a luxury boutique hotel of 53 rooms with a superb central location overlooking Hagley Park. It has two award-winning restaurants: 50 On Park and Pescatore. Renowned for its chic luxurious style, passionate attention to detail and warm personalized service, The George offers a unique small hotel experience.		more photos

Time Zones
Pacific Standard Time + 19 hours (+18 hours during Pacific Daylight Time).

Entry Formalities
You must have a passport valid for at least 6 months following your departure from New Zealand. A visa is not required for US citizens for stays under 90 days.

Currency
New Zealand dollar. Decimal currency system. Notes: $5, $20, $50, $100. Coins: 5¢, 10¢, 20¢ and 50¢, $1 and $2.

Bank Hours
Banks are open Monday to Friday, 9:30am-4pm.

Departure Tax
NZ$25 per person.

Electricity
230 volts, 50Hz. Most hotels provide 110V outlets for electric razors. Most power outlets accept three-pin flat plugs or similar adapters.

Language
English is the common language of New Zealanders. The Maori people have their own tongue, which is the country's only indigenous language.

Shopping
Monday through Thursday, 9am-5:30pm. Fridays, 9am-9pm. Exceptions: In some areas, late night shopping is Thursday, and in most cities shops are open Saturday mornings. Some shopping malls are open Sunday. New Zealand is perhaps best-known for its sheepskin products, but you will also find paua shell (abalone) and greenstone (jade) jewelry, woodcarvings, and many other handicrafts.

Tipping
Tipping is not the custom, nor are service charges added. In restaurants, for special service, 10% is an appropriate amount. For taxi drivers or porters, NZ$1 will suffice for normal service.

Climate
Temperate climate - subtropical in the north,and colder in the alpine regions of the south.

Food
The traditional Maori feast is the hangi - food cooked in baskets, in the ground, over hot stones, similar to a luau. There's no shortage of good meat and fresh vegetables. Fish and shellfish are always available, although if you are a trout lover, you must catch your own. The Bluff oyster is seasonal (April to July), but cultivated rock oysters are available fresh almost year 'round. A traditional dessert is the pavlova - meringue covered in loads of whipped cream, topped off with fresh fruit. The major cities have a wide range of excellent restaurants serving cuisine of many different nationalities.