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BradK

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OK,

July this year the wife will be 30, it will be our 10 year wedding anniversary and we will have a 3 month baby nursing - as well as a 5 year old (who I would feel bad about leaving behind if the baby is coming also!)

I want to get from Sydney to New Zealand somewhere... in some cosy winter retreat that is mainly characterised by a nice accomodation, cozy fires, stunning mountain and lake scenery....

Any ideas????? I know nothing of New Zealand...

We are not skiiers, but love long, long walks in the country... mountains...

Brad
 
Hello Brad

This post contains biased information: am a Kiwi always homesick for the beauty of New Zealand.

Agree Queenstown is nice if you're looking for glitzy, touristy, "the in crowd", all that's trendy and fashionable in the ski season. Doesn't appeal to me. I much prefer it in spring or summer when you can do long walks round Lake Wakatipu in comfort.

The two places I think are fantastic are The Hermitage at Mt Cook (NZ's highest mountain). The original building is now quite old but very elegant and gracious. Big fires in huge stone fireplaces and to sit in the bar watching the sun set over the peak of Mt Cook is an unforgettable experience. May not be what you want with children?
Are you thinking more of a self catering motel? These do exist in the area.
Lots of marvellous walks through some of the South Island's most awe-inspiring scenery. Might be a bit difficult though for the kids to trudge through the snow if you're planning to go mid winter.

You can either fly or drive to Mt Cook from Christchurch. The drive takes you through some of the most beautiful and remote sheep country and the road is excellent.

In the North Island, The Chateau Tongariro at Mt Ruapehu is just magic. Similar
to The Hermitage. At least when I was still living there, they are both owned by the Tourist Hotel Corporation.

Lots of other suggestions but if you're looking for snowy environment, cosy interiors with big fires etc, these two are outstanding imo.
 
Thanks SPT and Julia,

Am thinking the South Island - and will look at those hotels...

Think I might give Queenstown a miss - probably head to Mt Cook or Wanaka

Cheers
Brad
 
BradK said:
Thanks SPT and Julia,

Am thinking the South Island - and will look at those hotels...

Think I might give Queenstown a miss - probably head to Mt Cook or Wanaka

Cheers
Brad
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Brad, if you were to take the inland route (as I suggested earlier) to Mt Cook from Christchurch, you'd take in Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki, thus satisfying your wish to see some high country lakes. These two lakes are at times an extraordinary turquoise colour. There's accommodation at Tekapo, not sure about Pukaki.
 
I vote for Queenstown. Has all the lake and mountain scenery you could wish for, and a direct Jetstar flight from Sydney. Also has good walking - I just did the Routeburn track in the New year which was stunning - not sure if the bottom section is usable in the winter or not but if it is would be a great day walk in the country.

Havent got any specific recommendations for your log fire accomodation though
 
I'd go wherever Annabelle Langbein is, that woman knows her food. I think her show is produced somewhere in the South Island.
 
Logique said:
I'd go wherever Annabelle Langbein is, that woman knows her food. I think her show is produced somewhere in the South Island.
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I think she divides her time between two homes - one in Auckland and one in the Wanaka region of Central Otago. Agree she's terrific.
 
Julia said:
Oh dear, fellas, isn't all that accent stuff a bit tired by now!
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Always good for a laugh, Julia, sexty sex is always the classic.LOL

Sorry, out of line, I will take myself out the back and administer a slapping.LOL:D
 
The accent sounds alright on Annabelle:)
Mediterranean stuffed salmon with lime hollandaise, fresh out of the lake, followed by vanilla-lime panna cotta, you'll want to jump through the screen and land in the South Island. And gardening tips thrown in.
 
village idiot said:
I vote for Queenstown. Has all the lake and mountain scenery you could wish for, and a direct Jetstar flight from Sydney. Also has good walking - I just did the Routeburn track in the New year which was stunning - not sure if the bottom section is usable in the winter or not but if it is would be a great day walk in the country.

Havent got any specific recommendations for your log fire accomodation though
Click to expand...

And some stunning flying country. Was in the area a few years ago and had the opportunity to be taken on a flight.

Have a look at this to see what I mean about the region.

 
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looks like Omarama? I had a really great flight on a sailplane from there a few years ago. Awesome

Meanwhile to contribute to the NZ scenery pics, this is what I use as my desktop background ; looking towards the top end of Lake Wakitipu over Glenorchy

NewZealand0809406.jpg
 
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