THE LUXURY TRAVEL
MAGAZINE FOR INDEPENDENT
TRAVELLERS
| HERITAGE INNS | Weston House | Maison de la Mer | Gates Lodge | Rippinvale Retreat | Jack's Cottage |
TRAVEL ITINERARIES:
NEW ZEALAND
Heritage Inns itinerary
So much beauty, so little time: a ten-day itinerary of the South Island of New Zealand.
Text Denise Hummel and Kit Heathcock
Photography Photography Courtesy of the Inns, Denise Hummel & iStockphoto.com
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Explore the Christchurch and North Canterbury region of New Zealand's picturesque South Island by car and experience the best of the famous Kiwi hospitality in these hand-picked Heritage Inns.
We've chosen to focus on the Alpine Pacific Triangle which is renowned for having the most spectacular natural scenery and widest range of diverse outdoor activities in a relatively compact area, so you can go from whale watching in eco-destination Kaikoura, to soaking in an alpine thermal spa at Hanmer Springs, in a couple of hours, and don't have to spend too much of your precious holiday time stuck in the car. Throw in the stunning Waipara Valley wine region to meander through tasting wines and you have the makings of the perfect relaxing holiday.
Heritage Inns are a lovely alternative to the luxury lodge circuit should your budget be somewhat less than $1,200 NZ per night. They offer luxurious Bed and Breakfast accommodation in homes chosen for their character, style and generous hospitality.
While these Heritage Inns are smaller, and without some of the services and features of the top luxury lodges, they are still a Qualmark 4 or 5 star and thus every bit as elegant as their big sister lodges. More importantly, a stay in a Heritage Inn guarantees you a memorable experience and an opportunity to get to know some wonderful people too.
ITINERARY: DAY BY DAY
Days 1-2 Weston House, Christchurch
Explore the South Island's elegant and cosmopolitan capital city from the peaceful haven of stylish Weston House ... read more
Days 3-4 Maison de la Mer, Akaroa
A one hour scenic coastal drive south-east of Christchurch takes you to the small town of Akaroa with its French influence, where you can stay in this delightful home overlooking the harbour and take a nature cruise to see dolphins and seals ... read more
Days 5-6 Gates Country Lodge, Waiau
Wind back up through Christchurch and out again into the stunning Waipara wine region http://www.waiparawine.co.nz/. Take in a few wine estates on your way to the heart of the beautiful Alpine Pacific Triangle, where the Gates Country Lodge nestles amid rolling hills. Besides offering a warm welcome and gourmet food, it is a perfect base to explore the area. You can go whale watching at Kaikoura, or take a river trip on a jet boat and a host of other outdoor activities ... read more
Days 7-8 Rippinvale Retreat, Hamner Springs
A short drive up into the mountains brings you to these luxury, self contained cottages built from ecologically sustainable mud blocks. Enjoy the wonderful Kiwi hospitality, alpine views and a glorious in-house massage. Venture forth to experience the famous thermal springs or try out a myriad of adventure activities ... read more
Days 9-10 Jack's Cottage at Taunton Gardens
If you aren't yet ready to return to the buzz of the city, drive straight back through Christchurch to Governor's Bay, to rest and pamper your senses in the lush surroundings of this prize-winning nursery. The lovingly restored self contained cottage is the perfect place to recoup your energies before heading back to Christchurch International Airport ... read more
We've chosen to focus on the Alpine Pacific Triangle which is renowned for having the most spectacular natural scenery and widest range of diverse outdoor activities in a relatively compact area, so you can go from whale watching in eco-destination Kaikoura, to soaking in an alpine thermal spa at Hanmer Springs, in a couple of hours, and don't have to spend too much of your precious holiday time stuck in the car. Throw in the stunning Waipara Valley wine region to meander through tasting wines and you have the makings of the perfect relaxing holiday.
Heritage Inns are a lovely alternative to the luxury lodge circuit should your budget be somewhat less than $1,200 NZ per night. They offer luxurious Bed and Breakfast accommodation in homes chosen for their character, style and generous hospitality.
While these Heritage Inns are smaller, and without some of the services and features of the top luxury lodges, they are still a Qualmark 4 or 5 star and thus every bit as elegant as their big sister lodges. More importantly, a stay in a Heritage Inn guarantees you a memorable experience and an opportunity to get to know some wonderful people too.
ITINERARY: DAY BY DAY
Days 1-2 Weston House, Christchurch
Explore the South Island's elegant and cosmopolitan capital city from the peaceful haven of stylish Weston House ... read more
Days 3-4 Maison de la Mer, Akaroa
A one hour scenic coastal drive south-east of Christchurch takes you to the small town of Akaroa with its French influence, where you can stay in this delightful home overlooking the harbour and take a nature cruise to see dolphins and seals ... read more
Days 5-6 Gates Country Lodge, Waiau
Wind back up through Christchurch and out again into the stunning Waipara wine region http://www.waiparawine.co.nz/. Take in a few wine estates on your way to the heart of the beautiful Alpine Pacific Triangle, where the Gates Country Lodge nestles amid rolling hills. Besides offering a warm welcome and gourmet food, it is a perfect base to explore the area. You can go whale watching at Kaikoura, or take a river trip on a jet boat and a host of other outdoor activities ... read more
Days 7-8 Rippinvale Retreat, Hamner Springs
A short drive up into the mountains brings you to these luxury, self contained cottages built from ecologically sustainable mud blocks. Enjoy the wonderful Kiwi hospitality, alpine views and a glorious in-house massage. Venture forth to experience the famous thermal springs or try out a myriad of adventure activities ... read more
Days 9-10 Jack's Cottage at Taunton Gardens
If you aren't yet ready to return to the buzz of the city, drive straight back through Christchurch to Governor's Bay, to rest and pamper your senses in the lush surroundings of this prize-winning nursery. The lovingly restored self contained cottage is the perfect place to recoup your energies before heading back to Christchurch International Airport ... read more
NEW ZEALAND
GOOD TO KNOW
When to go
New Zealand's temperate climate makes it an enjoyable place to visit all year round because the extensive range of activities available.
Pick the warmer months (November to April) to enjoy water activities, whale watching and relaxing outdoors
or
the winter months (June to August) for invigorating snowy landscapes and a spot of skiing.
ACTIVITIES BY MONTH
Dec-Feb Summer is the peak season for marine Mammal encounters in Kaikoura.
Mar-May sees spectacular fall/autumn colours in Hamner Springs Forest and Waipara valley vineyards.
Jun-Aug Winter cloaks the mountain peaks in snow and provides ski opportunities above Hamner Springs, where you can soak in hot water afterwards to ease muscles. Driving conditions can be hazardous with snow and ice on roads though.
Sep-Nov Spring colours and blossom, wild bird life.
Busy Season The busiest season is from Christmas time to the end of January, when schools are on holiday.
MONEY MATTERS
Credit Cards / Travellers Cheques
All major credit cards are commonly accepted in New Zealand and Most ATMs allow foreign credit cards and travellers cheques can be exchanged in most major tourist areas.
Exchange Rate
The currency is the New Zealand Dollar at around
1USD=1.27NZS
1GBP=2.5NZD
1EUR=1.85NZD
For an accurate, up-to-the-minute rate of exchange
visit www.xe.com
| HERITAGE INNS | Weston House | Maison de la Mer | Gates Lodge | Rippinvale Retreat | Jack's Cottage |
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