WHAT’S NEW IN NEW ZEALAND

NEW LUXURY LODGES

NEW ZEALAND GOLF GETS ANOTHER LUXURY STRING TO ITS BOW - NEW KINLOCH CLUB VILLAS - OPENING 15 JANUARY 2016
Set in over 600 acres on the shores of Lake Taupo, The Kinloch Club is expanding with The Kinloch Club Villas complementing a spectacular, on-site 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course. The Kinloch Club Villas feature 26 one-bedroom apartments and luxurious two or three-bedroom villas in an exclusive, landscaped setting on the shores of iconic Lake Taupo. The villas were designed by Andrew Patterson, perhaps New Zealand's best internationally known and published architect. Interiors are by acclaimed New Zealand lodge designer Virginia Fisher and feature her signature expansive spaces, huge log fireplaces, vista windows, designer details, furnished terraces and sensational marble bathrooms. Villas include beautiful kitchens whilst the Club Lodge features world-class restaurant and entertainment facilities. Complementing the golf course is a spa with infinity pool, a gym and tennis courts. The Kinloch Club Villas are the perfect base from which to discover the scenic diversity of New Zealand; from water sports on the lake to winter skiing in Tongariro Park or walking the world-famed Tongariro Crossing. For more information visit www.kinloch-golf.com

THE LANDING RESDIENCES TO LAUNCH NEW CHARTER BOAT AND VINEYARD VILLA – EARLY 2016
The Landing Residences, luxury accommodation on the Purerua peninsula situated 40 minutes from Kerikeri, will launch a new charter boat. Sleeping six in three double rooms, the new boat, called Ata Rangi, will be available for charter in the Bay of Islands and Auckland when it launches in January 2016. Alternatively, Ata Rangi will be available for day trips for up to 18 guests. The Landing Residence will also see the launch of the new Vineyard Villa in March 2016. Set amongst the vines, the villa will consist of three bedrooms and will be the fourth residence on the property. Guests will enjoy expansive views over the wetland valley and out into Wairoa Bay, as well as year-round outdoor dining and wine tasting on the villa’s doorstep. For more information visit www.thelandingresidences.com

DIVE LODGE - NEW LUXURY RETREAT IN TUTUKAKA - LAUNCHING EARLY 2016
Due to open early 2016, Dive Tutukaka will launch a new resort-styled retreat, Dive Lodge. The lodge will include six large boutique rooms as well as a house bar, lounge, sauna and pool area. A new live-aboard styled vessel will also be available to guests and the lodge can arrange three and five night trips to the Poor Knights Island and Northland’s shipwrecks.  For more information visit www.diving.co.nz

TWO NEW ALL-GLASS PURE PODS OPENING IN KAIKOURA - MARCH 2016
Following the success of the first Pure Pod in Little River, Canterbury, the South Island will now see the launch of two new Pure Pods in Kaikoura. Opening March 2016, the Pure Pods will be made completely of glass from the roof to the floor. Guests can sleep with the dazzling stars of the Southern Cross and awake to pure New Zealand native bush. With sliding glass sides for hot weather and bio-fuel fires for winter months, the Pure Pod offers unique year-round nature experiences, reached only by a walk through the bush land into a completely private haven, with 360-degree views of the valley and the Pacific Ocean in the distance. The Pure Pod facilities include a kitchen with facilities for self-catering, king size bed, separate bathroom and toilet, shower, slippers and tea and coffee. For more information visit www.purepods.com

HELENA BAY - NEW LUXURY LODGE ON THE TUTUKAKA COAST - LAUNCHING NOVEMBER 2016
New Zealand will add another luxury lodge to its collection with the launch of Helena Bay on the Tutukaka Coast, North Island in November 2016. The new lodge is just 40-km north of Whangarei and just a 45-minute helicopter ride from Auckland. Set on 800 acres, Helena Bay will include two and three bedroom villas, all overlooking three kilometres of pristine coastline. The main lodge will house a Turkish Hammam, plunge pool, gym, sauna, luxury spa, a 25-metre heated pool, a library, three lounge areas, a restaurant, an outdoor fire pit and three private beaches for guests' exclusive use. For more information visit www.helenabay.com

TOUCH OF SPICE ADDS A NEW LUXURY LODGE TO ITS CATALOGUE – TE HIHI ESTATE
Touch of Spice, offering New Zealand’s finest experiences, is now offering guests another luxury lodge, Te Hihi Estate in the North Island.  Located on 92 acres, this exclusive retreat is the ideal accommodation for those looking for ultimate luxury. Just a 30-minute drive from Auckland Airport, the new lodge offers a peaceful and secluded setting. The lodge sleeps 10 guests in five bedrooms, perfect for large families or groups of friends travelling together. Guests can enjoy their own private golf course, tennis course, heated pool, fully equipped gym, and for a taste of adventure, enjoy kayaking, mountain biking and swimming nearby. For more information visit www.touchofspice.co.nz/te-hihi

NEW EXPERIENCES

NEW ZEALAND’S POUAKAI CROSSING ONE-DAY HIKING EXPERIENCE RELAUNCHES
Experience the diverse landscapes of New Zealand away from the crowds with the newly renovated Pouakai Crossing; the self-guided 19km trail. Beginning in a dense forest filled with ancient trees and native plants, the crossing passes by Mt Taranaki, which, despite being inactive since the 1860s, is still classed as an active volcano. The Pouakai Crossing offers the chance to see native wildlife in its natural wetland habitat, including huhu grubs, rare birds, small reptiles and beetles. Another highlight of the crossing is the Kokowai Stream, where the water is a rusty red colour due to manganese oxide and high concentrations of iron oozing from the earth into the stream. Taranaki Maori still use the Kokowai as a dye, as they have done for hundreds of years. Walk up the Razorback Ridge and along the Waiwhakaiho River to witness the beautiful views of the New Plymouth city, opposite the Dieffenbach Cliffs, and Mount Ruapehu in the distance. For the adventurous, there are additional routes - including the Pouakai Trig and the Henry Peak, with incredible 360-degree views of Taranaki. Make a pit stop at the Holly Hut or the Pouakai Hut and soak up the spectacular views of the mountains or the Taranaki landscape and Tasman Sea. And on the descent from the Pouakai Hut, be sure not to miss the ‘Photographic Peak’! For more information visit www.topguides.co.nz

NEW ZEALAND ANNOUNCES NEW GREAT WALK – PIKE29 MEMORIAL TRACK
New Zealand’s Nine Great Walks is set to become 10 with the announcement of the new Pike29 Memorial Track. Due to open in 2018, the 45-kilometre walk is to be constructed through the Paparoa National Park on the west coast of New Zealand’s South Island. The national park will be extended by 3971 hectares to include the Pike River area as a memorial to the 29 men who perished in the 2010 mining disaster. The track will travel from Blackball to Punakaiki and include part of the existing Croesus and Pororai River tracks. Two new 20-bed huts on the Moonlight Range and in the Pororari Valley will also be included in the new track, available for hikers and mountain bikers. This 10^th Great Walk will join New Zealand’s internationally renowned Great Walks list, which includes Milford Track, The Kepler and Routeburn. For more information visit www.greatwalks.co.nz

STARGAZING LAUNCHES AT SKYLINE ROTORUA
Explore constellations, search for a shooting star and discover planets invisible to the naked eye with the new Skyline Rotorua Stargazing experience. The experience begins with a scenic gondola ride up Mt Ngongotaha. A knowledgeable stargazing guide then takes visitors for an orientation before a short walk to the purpose built stargazing platform. Guides point out constellations and help visitors interpret the magical beauty of the night sky. Ngongotaha is one of the top eight locations in New Zealand for stargazing where the dark clear skies blanketing Rotorua make for a breathtaking experience. Tours depart daily (subject to weather), after dark, year-round and run for 75 minutes. For more information visit www.skyline.co.nz/rotorua.

PROTECT THE SEA WITH THE NEW BLUE VOLUNTOURS
Blue Voluntours, a non-profit social enterprise has recently launched in Auckland, committing to improve marine environment and offering marine volunteering and eco tours in New Zealand. Partnering up with charities, organisations, community groups and commercial marine operators, Blue Voluntours gives the opportunity to experience the beautiful coastal scenery of New Zealand whilst improving and protecting Aotearoa’s marine environment. Planting trees along the coast, cleaning shorelines, dolphin-spotting and stand-up paddle boarding are just some of the experiences open to volunteers. For more information visit www.bluevoluntours.com

NEW EVENTS

THE PIONEER – A NEW WORLD CLASS SEVEN-DAY MOUNTAIN BIKE EVENT IN NEW ZEALAND – JANUARY 2016
A new seven-day mountain bike event called The Pioneer will officially launch in Christchurch in January 2016. Suitable for both elites and amateurs, the event takes pairs of riders through the best of New Zealand’s spectacular landscape and along secluded trails that follow in the footsteps of New Zealand’s early explorers. Riders will experience a variety of landscapes and  terrain; with great climbs and descents, farm tracks, conservation trails – even traversing the stunning Southern Alps. Competitors can spend each night in the host towns, including Christchurch, Geraldine, Fairlie, Lake Tekapo, Lake Ohau, Hawea, Snow Farm and Queenstown. For more information visit www.thepioneer.co.nz

NEW MUSIC FESTIVAL TO HIT AUCKLAND – AUCKLAND CITY LIMITS – MARCH 2016
Auckland City Limits is set to hit Auckland 19 March, making it the city’s first music festival. The festival will be set across four stages with over 40 international artists and take place in the historic Western Springs, offering a lakeside and lush natural atmosphere. Some of the biggest up-and-coming artists and household names are set to appear from The Naked and Famous to The National. It’s not all about music at Auckland City Limits. They’ve stepped up the festival fare to a gourmet level, offering the best bites and signature dishes from Kiwi Chef Che Barrington. For more information visit www.aucklandcitylimits.com

RUN AWAY WITH THE ALL NEW AIR NEW ZEALAND HAWKE’S BAY INTERNATIONAL MARATHON – MAY 2016
On 14 May, Hawke’s Bay in the North Island will see the launch of the Air New Zealand Hawke’s Bay International Marathon. Guests can choose from running trails of 42km, 21km, 10km and 3km for kids. Enjoy running through the best of the region from vineyards and olive groves to quiet country roads and local cycle trails. The race will finish at the Sileni Estates Winery where guests can celebrate with a glass of New Zealand wine (or two!). For more information visit www.hawkesbaymarathon.co.nz