Jane Recommends - New Zealand, North Island, hotels, tours and attractions

	New Zealand - South Island
Picton/Marlborough Christchurch	If you decide to travel between islands by ferry, Picton is where you will enter the South Island. Spend a little time sipping your way around this wine growing region. Apart from sensational sauvignon blanc the scenery is breathtaking. Christchurch to the south is approx. 4 1/2hrs from Piction and the gateway to the South Island. En route overnight in Kaikoura and go whale watching. Christchurch, known as the city of churches, is an easy city to explore on foot. A popular tour to take from Christchurch is the Tranz Alpine Express Train Tour.
	Christchurch Accommodation 3.5 Star: Chateau on the Park - set on 5 acres of beautifully manicured gardens and only minutes from the city. The best value hotel in this category. 4 Star: Chateau Blanc Suites - Stay in the spacious luxury of a central city suite, at this unique apartment hotel. Just five minutes pleasant riverside stroll from Cathedral Square, the very centre of Christchurch. 5 Star: The Heritage Christchurch - central location with every facility expected in a 5 star hotel. The best value 5 star accommodation in Christchurch.
	Attractions/Places of interest in Christchurch The International Antarctic Centre - this is a must on a visit to Christchurch. Because of Christchurch's geographical proximity to the continent of Antarctica, it is the lifeline to this frozen continent. The centre has displays on everything from marine life found in the icy waters, historical information, displays of high tec clothing worn by scientists to actual video footage of what life is like at McMurdo Research Station. You could easily spend the best part of a day here. I have visited on two separate occasions and found it to be fascinating both times.
Mount Cook National Park	Mount Cook National Park, midway between Christchurch and Queenstown is world heritage listed and a beautiful stopover for skiers and walkers alike. You will be able to see glacial snow year round on Mount Cook and a popular way to reach the pristine slopes is by helicopter. The park covers almost 7,000 hectares so there are plenty of uncrowded walking trails for those who prefer to keep their feet on the ground.
	Mount Cook Accommodation Superior Category: The Hermitage Hotel - This is the place to stay in Mount Cook with magnificent views of the mountain and right in the centre of town.
The West Coast	One of the most popular self drive routes between Christchurch and Queenstown will take you through the West Coast region, home to many glaciers. The most famous, extraordinary and accessible being Fox and Franz Josef. Situated 3hrs from Greymouth and 4.5hrs from Queenstown I recommend spending the night at Fox Glacier to give yourself time to explore. There are many walking tracks around the glaciers, and scenic flights are a fantastic way to experience their greatness. Guided walks onto the ice are also an exciting way to explore. The 10km long Fox Glacier is set in the rainforested slopes the Southern Alps. Walks begin from here to Lake Matheson, famous for its reflections.
	Fox Glacier Accommodation 3.5 Star: Fox Glacier Hotel - Great location right in the centre of the township.
Queenstown	Queenstown is my favourite place in the South Island. This little resort village is packed with things to see and do in one of the most beautiful settings right on Lake Wakatipu. If you are an outdoor person this is the place you should base yourself for at least 4 days. The village has an Alpine feel being the main base for skiiers at the nearby slopes of the Remarkables. Funnily, Queenstown is just as popular in the warmer months. Plenty of adventure, great restaurants and sensational scenery make Queenstown an excellent place to visit at any time of the year.
	Queenstown Accommodation 3.5 Star: Aspen on Queenstown - An alpine-style resort nestled in the hills overlooking Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu and only 5 minutes from town. Excellent value and standard of accommodation. 4 Star: Rydges Lakeland Resort Queenstown - Fantastic location right opposite Lake Wakatipu and within walking distance of all the shops and restaurants. One of the best rates in this category of hotel. 4.5 Star: The Heritage Queenstown - Nestled among native bush in crisp alpine air, a European-style alpine lodge which makes for an unforgettable holiday experience. 5 Star: Nugget Point - One of the most spectacular locations in Queenstown perched high above the Shotover River. Riverview rooms are a must! 5 Star - Apartment Style: The Waterfront Apartments - Excellent location on the shores of Lake Wakatipu with spectacular views. Fully self contained apartments are serviced daily and have outstanding furnishings. 5 Star - Luxury Lodge: Matakauri Lodge - The claim to the most spectacular views in a country such as New Zealand is not made lightly, and to offer that view from every room in the Lodge is an absolute treat. Matakauri Lodge is unique and arguably the world's finest destination resort, Queenstown. 5 Star - Resort Style: Millbrook Resort - Golf is not the only attraction of Millbrook but the course with its mountain backdrop is beautifully scenic. There is a huge array of activities appealing to all ages so this is an excellent resort to stay put and unwind. The accommodation is luxurious and varied, you can choose from suites, villas and cottages.
Tours/Guided Walks	New Zealand is renowned for its magnificent walking tracks and the famous Milford and Routeburn are accessible from Queenstown. The tracks suit anybdy who is fit, in good health and enjoys a challenge. The scenery is spectacular and the facillities along the way are comfortable. Here is the link to the list of options: Walking Tracks. Milford Sound - This can be done as a full day tour from Queenstown and well worth the long trip. The scenery on the way to the Sound is so spectacular the coaches have been designed with glass roofs so you can see up to the Mountains. The Sound itself is stunning with sheer cliffs rising up from deep blue water. Mitre Peak is one of the highlights with a gushing waterfall shooting spray back up on itself from its force. The playful dolphins that surf on the wash at the back of the boat make for some great photos. Fiordland Travel offer a full day tour including lunch. Walter Peak Farm - This beautiful old homestead is the perfect setting for dinner or afternoon tea. During the day they have demonstrations of sheep shearing and you will learn about rural life.
Attractions/Places of Interest	Kiwi Magic - this would be first on my list of 'to do's'. This short film whilst appearing like an entertaining story is really and informative documentary on the Queenstown region showing all the activities you can do. Kiwi Magic is situated at the top of the Gondola and there is also the skyline restaurant with great views over the lake. Shotover Jet - this is one of the most well known activities in Queenstown. The river is spectacular and the jet boats quite thrilling. This is an activity people of all ages can enjoy and can be done on its own or part of a package called the Triple Challenge. Bungy Jumping - Queenstown is the home of bungy jumping. Whilst I have not yet tried it (my travelling companion didn't like the idea of his brain bumping against his skull), I hope to do so on my next visit. (Can also be done as part of the Triple Challenge). White Water Rafting - Great adventure day with some fantastic scenery through Skippers Canyon. Operates all year round but I wouldn't do it again in winter! This can be done in conjunction with the Triple Challenge or Crazy Kiwi. Arrowtown - this is a quaint old gold mining town with restored shops and cafes. Worth a drive if you want an alternative to adrenaline.