City stays with a touch of class

While nature reigns supreme in "Aotearoa", the metropolitan centres of New Zealand are loaded with appeal in their own right. Start your South Pacific adventures on the North Island by staying a while in Auckland, where standout accommodation includes the 5-star Hilton, Pullman, SKYCITY Grand Hotel, Sofitel and Stamford Plaza.

If it's "the Windy City" that's calling, work your way to capital city Wellington and check in to the stylish InterContinental or the Bolton Hotel by the waterfront. Christchurch caught your attention? Luxury apartments abound, from the classic country charm of Clearview Lodge to the boutique George Hotel right in the heart of town.

Cosy chateaus for the ski season

Hitting the slopes is one of the most popular pastimes in New Zealand, heralded around the world for its adventurous runs and stunning winter landscapes. Queenstown is ski central, boasting two of the country's best ski fields with prestige snow-capped lodgings to match. An ambient city with an edge of adrenaline, Queenstown hotels can be found along Frankton Road, Stanley Street and further afield.

While the south island is often the first choice for powder hounds, Mt Ruapehu (located between Auckland and Wellington on the North Island) has two expansive resorts and is only a short drive from even more New Zealand accommodation in Taupo.

Handy hotels by the airport

Make your early morning flight or sneak a snooze after a late night arrival by booking your stay close to one of New Zealand's main airports. In Auckland, your options extend from the 4-star Novotel and Sudima to a selection of motor lodges, especially on and around Kirkbride Road.

Flying into Wellington? Within an easy 10 minutes of the airport you will find the Airport Motor Lodge, Airport Motel and other comfortable dwellings. If your arrival destination is Christchurch, settle into the Copthorne Hotel Commodore, Peppers Clearwater Resort or any number of hotels location on Memorial Avenue and beyond.