Summer is tantalisingly close: the warmer days and longer nights toying with our lockdown emotions and 'will we, won't we' predictions for imminent freedom. Those of us with our cups half full (and in dire need of something to occupy our time) might like to whip out the dairies, fire
From budget to blowout: NZ's best holiday accommodation
By Anna Sarjeant
NZ Herald·
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The Treehouse Waiheke Island. Photo / Supplied
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NZ's top-rated Airbnbs
At the beginning of September, winners of Airbnb's very first Host Awards were announced, recognising the most welcoming, creative and big-hearted hosts around the country.
Winning hosts were selected by judges Shelley Ferguson, host of The Block, and expert Superhost Merrydith Callegari, who sits on Airbnb's global Host Advisory Board. Winners were selected based on extensive Airbnb data, guest scores and reviews.
Click here to discover the best of the rest across both the North Island and South Island.
Award-winning baches
As the Bach of the Year awards enters its second decade, the definition of the once-humble Kiwi holiday home has been stretched to the limits.
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Early September saw Bookabach announce New Zealand's 10 best baches for 2021, the winners of the 11th annual awards. This longlist of winning properties includes a converted barn in Raglan and a palatial holiday home on the Kāpiti Coast with space for 25 - and then some.
Winning baches were judged on bookings and reviews made over the past year, visitor feedback and their overall appeal for family holidays.
Family-friendly luxury lodges
When it comes to lodges we have some world leaders.
... We thought we'd set the bar pretty high when we decided to profile "some of New Zealand's greatest luxury lodges and what makes them so special". Perhaps we didn't realise how many high-end lodgings you can find in and around Aotearoa. So we decided to focus on the best of the best for families.
Already mentally checking in? Click here to read more..
Top-notch historic hotels
As international borders slowly begin to reopen, travellers worldwide are facing the reality that the way we used to travel will never be the same. This isn't new. The standards of travel have always been changing and evolving. After all, when was the last time you saw silverware in Economy Class?
That doesn't mean that it's not possible to revel in what it was like to explore the world 10 or even 100 years ago. New Zealand's best historic hotels can evoke a distinct sense of time and place, all without sacrificing the modern amenities we've come to expect from great accommodation.
Click here to explore 13 of New Zealand's best historic hotels..
Trendiest tiny houses
Whether you want to try out the tiny house lifestyle or just book a uniquely different Airbnb, spending a few nights in a tiny house is an escape from the everyday.
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Embracing simpler, minimalistic living that is close to nature, a tiny house holiday is a chance to get away from it all. These homes highlight simple pleasures, such as enjoying a view, watching a crescendo sunset, sipping a glass of wine by a roaring fire, or opening bedroom doors to the sight of native bush.
Read more about Auckland's most delightfully tiny spaces to rest your head by clicking here..
Remote lodges with luxe appeal
When we say off-the-beaten-track, we don't mean "at the end of a metal road" or "only reached by kayak". These are all superb lodges - although the Range Rover may break a little sweat on the way.
