Free Travel Newsletter : September 2019

Written by Steph Kendall

Brought to you by New Zealand Tourism Guide www.tourism.net.nz.

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Editor's Pick The Mindful Traveller Top of the Shots Travel Chat Stay, See, Do

This is well and truly a bird's eye shot of the treetops in Cromwell - look for too long and you may even feel a bit dizzy! @karimasters More stunning shots from our place on the Facebook space!

Editor's Pick

Fiordland just 2 hours from Queenstown or Invercargill on New Zealand's South Island, is one of the southern hemisphere's greatest wilderness regions achieving World Heritage Status for its spectacular natural features, remarkable beauty and role in demonstrating the earth's evolutionary history. Home to Mitre Peak, the stunning fiords of Doubtful Sound and Milford Sound, the beautiful lake towns of Te Anau and Manapouri and the Kepler, Milford and Routeburn Tracks, Fiordland is known as the sightseeing capital of the world.

The ideal destination for enjoying outdoor activities or just relaxing and taking in the stunning mountain vistas. (read more)

The Mindful Traveller

Whether you are visiting New Zealand from overseas or are already here, taking some 'me time' and withdrawing from a frenetic lifestyle for a week or two - or even just a long weekend - is a great way to rest, rejuvenate, recoup and reset yourself.

If you really need to withdraw, you can go somewhere off grid, and if you are not lucky enough to have access to a bach, consider staying at those retreats, spas, eco lodges and health and wellness centres which are just a bit further off the beaten track (i.e. they generally require more effort or planning to get too) and you'll really disconnect once you get there. You'll not only disconnect from everyday life, but you'll disconnect from your gadgets -laptops, smartphones, tablets - and enjoy the opportunity to immerse yourself in nature and self-care. Truly worth going the extra yards for.

A famous Indian spiritual leader Jiddu Krishnamurti once said, "I think it is essential sometimes to go into retreat, to stop everything that you have been doing, to stop your beliefs and experiences completely and look at them anew, not keep on repeating like machines whether you believe or don't believe. You would let fresh air into your minds."

Have a look at what each centre offers - it's not always just about spas, massages and yoga. Many offer meditations, focussing on the brain and mindfulness, plus plant based or sugar-free meals and behaviour counselling.

Visit our Health and Wellness accommodation directory and set off in the right direction or search on the site using 'retreat', 'spa' and 'eco lodge' accommodation keywords.

Top of the Shots

The magic of Mangawhai captured in this amazing shot by Andrew Buesnel.

Tantalise your senses in Mangawhai - climb coastal cliffs or walk along the estuary, explore nearby Tanekaha Forest, enjoy the harbour's sheltered waters or the surf beach, visit the Saturday morning village market, drop into the specialist cheese shop, the local wineries, the olive orchards and visit the chocolatier too.

Thank you @andrew_buesnel for sharing this snap with us.
Share your New Zealand travel snaps with us on Instagram.

Travel Chat

This Month's Hot Topic: New Zealand School Holidays

Q: I am planning a trip to New Zealand in 2020 and am wondering about timing, thinking February or March. Are schools on vacation then? Average temps then on North Island and South Island? Best airport to fly into?

A:

• February and March are popular periods for summer travel in New Zealand. Schools holidays have ended, and it is a calmer, warmer time of year.
• You can fly into Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch or Queenstown. It just depends on how you wish to plan your travel around the country.
• It is a good idea to note the places you would like to visit, plot them on a map of NZ, then plan your route.

Visit our travel forum for the latest questions and the answers from the travel experts!

Stay, See, Do

This month: WELLINGTON

For an experience that will reveal the creative, political and cultural nature of New Zealand alongside blockbuster scenery, stay, see and do Wellington! It's a compact city sandwiched between water and hills, and the best way to explore is definitely by foot. Give yourself plenty of time to enjoy cafes, theatres, galleries, national museum Te Papa, the Beehive, botanical gardens and cable car.

New Zealand Events

Planning to be at an event or planning an event? - All you need to know about New Zealand events, and more is right here!