As part of Travel Agent’s recent coverage of TRENZ, New Zealand's biggest trade show of the year, we brought back some of the latest selling points for Wellington, one of New Zealand’s hottest destinations.
Hotel News
New Zealand owned and operated, Atahuri is a new luxury boutique retreat located an hour north of Wellington at Peka Peka, opposite Kapiti Island. Its secluded beachside location offers clients a unique place in which to stay along with genuine kiwi hospitality. Visit www.atahuri.co.nz.
Vista Del Sol is a 15-acre property with 360-degree views, birdlife and gardens. The property is elegantly appointed and spacious with three lounges and five luxury suites with range of suite tariffs to meet varying travel budgets. Visit www.vistadelsol.co.nz.
Located along the Kapiti Coast, Greenmantle Estate is the only luxury lodge on the west coast of the lower North Island. Featuring six suites, Greenmantle is a spacious two storied lodge is set amid beautiful gardens. Tuis, wood-pigeons and fantails abound in season. Visit www.greenmantle.co.nz.
Novotel Wellington’s soft refurbishment is now complete. All 139 rooms have been given a revamp with bright splashes of color, bold artwork and new furnishings. Level 10 is now home to brand new Executive Rooms, which include some awesome extras like free WiFi and free espresso coffee. Visit www.novotel.com/Wellington.
New Activities
Multi Academy Award-winning company, Weta, has created a new Window into Workshop tour, which offers clients a behind the scenes glimpse into Weta Workshop and the movie magic created within. Join the hosts for a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the workings of Weta Workshop with a guided tour within our newly opened exhibition space. Clients can see some of the movie props and models they've created over the years. Clients can learn about some the processes they use to make some pretty cool stuff. Guided tours start every 30 minutes from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tours take roughly 30-40 minutes. There is a maximum of 20 people per tour. Visit www.wetanz.com/window-into-workshop.
The Weta Cave screens a first-ever behind-the-scenes look at Weta and interviews with Weta co-founders Peter Jackson, Richard Taylor, Tania Rodger and Jamie Selkirk. The experience offers an exclusive insight into the creativity and imagination that goes into crafting the art of Weta. Visit www.wetanz.com/cave.
It’s been full steam ahead for Kiwi Rail’s new Northern Explorer service between Wellington and Auckland. They have brand new carriages and a new timetable, shortening the journey to just under 11 hours. Alongside the traditional seven- and 14-day passes, a new 21-day pass and Freedom Pass are also available.
Kiwi Rail has announced the Coastal Pacific train between Picton and Christchurch will become a seasonal service between October and April. Visit www.kiwirail.co.nz.
Visit www.wellingtonNZ.com.