HELENE RAVLICH: WINTER WANDERLUST

Despite the warmer weather we’ve experienced over the autumn months, there’s no denying that winter is creeping its way in.

Cooler temperatures and longer nights often lend themselves to a little wanderlust, with both ski holidays and fun in the sun now very exciting options thanks to our country’s expert handling of the pandemic and gradually widening international travel bubble. This has got us all dreaming of much-needed escapes, so here’s a little inspiration for your next getaway - be it near or far.

Hawkes Bay A short flight – or leisurely drive - from Auckland, Hawkes Bay is a wonderland all its own whether your passion is great food, fabulous wine or indulging in a little nostalgia. In the heart of wine country, the award-winning Craggy Range’s Giants Winery in Havelock North is most definitely worth a visit for a cellar door tasting or meal in their stellar restaurant. You can also stay a few days and relax in style in one of their glorious accommodation options - the Vineyard and Garden Cottages, or elegant Luxury Lodges.

Boutique accommodation among the vines and under the escarpment of Te Mata Peak is a beautiful place to get away from it all whether you’re a wine lover or not. For me, the ultimate indulgence is spending a few nights in one of their two-bedroom luxury lodges overlooking the Tukituki River. This is a dream escape with great food and wine mere steps’ away if you really want to kick back.

Also in Hawkes Bay is the art deco capital of New Zealand, picturesque Napier. Stop by for the boutique retail offering or inspired cuisine at the likes of Bistronomy or Mister D, and stay the night at the historic and very cool Art Deco Masonic Hotel Napier. Right on the waterfront and sporting panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, it is also opposite Hawke’s Bay’s MTG (museum) and The Art Deco Centre, so perfectly positioned for making the most of a few days immersing yourself in the 1930s vibe of sunny Napier. Surprisingly affordable and proudly boutique, it comes highly recommended.

Rotorua Rotorua has been a popular tourist spot in New Zealand for the longest time, and with very good reason. Whether you’re in town to sink into the hot pools, indulge in a spa treatment or get your adrenaline pumping, it’ll keep everyone happy and then some.

Must do’s include The Redwoods Treewalk and Wingspan National Bird of Prey Centre, both completely unique to Rotorua. Majestic and really rather magical, the Redwoods Treewalk experience sees you suspended high above the forest floor among 75-metre-tall redwoods, walking across eco-suspended bridges and platforms intricately designed to honour and accentuate the stunning natural environment. Wingspan Bird of Prey Centre is a unique conservation programme and a must do for fans of these glorious birds, featuring threatened New Zealand falcons, hawks and owls.

If you’re staying for a few days, treat yourself to a suite at a five-star hotel or a room in a historic hotel like the Prince’s Gate Boutique Hotel, which was built in 1897. Well-known brands such as the Holiday Inn and Accor hotels are also there, most of them conveniently located within the city if you’re travelling with family.

On my wish list is a visit to Treetops Lodge and Estate, which must be one of the true jewels in Rotorua’s crown. Nestled in 2,500 acres of 800-year old native forest, the ecology inspired award-winning lodge is a nature lover’s sanctuary. Located smack bang in the middle of the trout fishing region with rivers, lakes, waterfalls and hiking trails, they also have natural heritage and native wilderness inspired ‘Signature Experiences’ offered daily.

Queenstown As well as being the adrenaline capital of New Zealand, modern Queenstown is most definitely more than just skiing, skydiving and bars. If you need to reset and recharge, you can’t go past a week on retreat at award-winning Aro Ha near Glenorchy for a totally transformative experience. Designed to regenerate your body and mind, Aro Ha’s programs are based on research that suggests we can fundamentally transform our physical and emotional health through our daily habits. Waking to the beautiful chimes of a Tibetan bowl, you begin your day watching the sunrise over the mountains from the yoga studio before tucking into plant-based cuisine and exploring subalpine trails, immersing yourself in the transformative power of nature. From mindfulness to healing bodywork, the magical Aro Ha encourages you to switch off from technology and renew your awareness.

For a vibe all its own, Sherwood, midway between Frankton and Queenstown is a great place to base yourself in the fun loving town. Set on three hectares of rolling hillside with a spectacular view overlooking Lake Wakatipu and the mountains, Sherwood is close enough to Queenstown to walk, bike or catch the bus yet far enough away to be a peaceful oasis.

Their eco-chic guest rooms traverse the humble luxury of a lakeside studio to the comfort of a one or two bedroom apartment, and you’ll find the sheltered central garden perfect for sun drenched breakfasts and late afternoon cocktails. The surrounding bike track and kitchen gardens are so much fun to explore, before you hit the restaurant for some of Queenstown’s most inspiring fare. The kitchen specialises in fresh, seasonal, soul food harvested from their own kitchen gardens, orchards and surrounding farms, while the bar team curates an ever-changing selection of independent craft beers, fine natural wine, and rare spirits. There are also yoga and meditation instructors on site, plus a selection of massage therapy offerings and an ever-changing line up of live music, film, writers and artists in residence.

Aro Ha, Queenstown

Redwood Treewalk, Rotorua photo: unsplash.com

Wellington Wellington accommodation prices are notoriously inflated, but if you keep an eye out for special packages you can nab a few nights at the likes of the QT Wellington and Naumi for a fun short getaway in the capital.

As well as just strolling Cuba Street right in the heart of the city, foodies can’t miss a look around Hannahs Laneway, which is the perfect place to taste local flavours. Somewhat of a gourmet’s heaven, thanks to the likes of residents Leeds St Bakery, Wellington Chocolate Factory, Shepherd, Fix & Fogg and Golding’s Free Dive, there are also regular pop-ups, so do your research before you fly.

In terms of sightseeing, you can take a behind-the-scenes tour at the Academy Award-winning Weta Workshop for a peek into incredible artistry and remarkable Kiwi innovation (as well as a few industry secrets), or grab the bus to Zealandia, which is a nature haven and definite must do. Go seal spotting at Red Rock Reserve, head over to Wairarapa to visit the home of endangered birds at Pukaha Mount Bruce, or stay closer to town with a wander around the city’s peaceful Botanic Gardens.

And no trip to Wellington is complete without a visit to the incredible Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. Discover great treasures and stories of our country, its unique natural environment, Maori culture, art and heritage. And be sure to exit via the gift shop for some beautiful finds.

Sydney Who else is excited about our new bubble fellows across the ditch? So close but so unavailable for the past year, Sydney is the city that never sleeps.

My pick for a treat is a few nights at the gorgeous Langham Sydney, which is centrally located in Millers Point and just minutes from The Rocks Markets and King Street Wharf. Wander to Pitt Street Mall to give your credit card a workout, before taking your pick from the city’s numerous – and always evolving - restaurant and bar offerings. Cantina OK! and Bulletin Place (both named in the official list of the 50 best bars in the world) are some of the coolest cocktail offerings, using seasonal produce wielded with a twist for a mixology experience you’ll never forget.

If you’re looking to base yourself closer to the beach, QT Bondi is a breezy, seafront boutique offering so close to the ocean you can smell the salt in the air. Typically QT, and most definitely quirky, QT Bondi is filled with art and unexpected surprises as well as being just steps from the surf and the super cool cafes and bars that make up the iconic seaside suburb. And as far as dining with a view and delicious flavours goes, the names Sean’s Panorama, North Bondi Fish and Icebergs Dining Room and Bar have endured for many years with good reason. A holiday in Bondi without hitting one – if not all – of the award-winning trifecta just isn’t an option.

Rarotonga Definitely the most exciting new bubble buddy for those looking to escape the colder weather, the laidback paradise of Rarotonga in the Cook Islands never disappoints. With plenty of white sand beaches to stroll along, turquoise lagoons to explore, a temperate climate and accommodation to fit almost any budget, Rarotonga really does have something for everyone to enjoy.

When it comes to choosing your Rarotonga accommodation, there are hotels and resorts dotted around the coast that range from the blissfully basic to seriously decadent. You’ll also find plenty of selfcatering options, ranging from a small cottage or a house for the whole family to luxury beachside villas. Getting around the island is easy with bikes, scooters and cars for hire, and there are also hourly bus services circling the island in both directions.

Rarotonga’s lagoon marine reserves are most definitely not be missed, with fascinating coral formations and numerous species of colourful tropical fish to be seen just steps from the sand. Exploring these reserves with a mask and snorkel is definitely one of the best things to do in Rarotonga for free, with Fruits of Rarotonga in Titikaveka a popular favourite due to its big coral bommies, deeper water and plenty of large tropical fish. Aro’a Beach near the Rarotongan Resort is another top spot with shallower water, scattered coral and a sandy bottom.

Bronte Baths, Sydney photo: unsplash.com

Tasmania Known to locals as “Tassie” and previously not always top of the average traveller’s list of across the ditch must-do’s, Tasmania is the only island state in Australia and offers a wealth of amazing experiences. It’s well-known for its rugged wilderness, clean air, fascinating art scene, great hiking, and equally fabulous food and wine, and with 80 percent of the island covered in world heritage wilderness areas and national parks, it’s definitely a place where you can truly get away from it all.

Tourism hotspots such as Wineglass Bay, the Bay of Fires and Cradle Mountain have been notably featured in Lonely Planet’s annual ‘Best of Travel’ in previous years, and a trip to Tassie wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the island’s completely fascinating art gallery, the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA).

Auckland Sometimes you just need to escape from it all when the grind gets exhausting but the time and expense of a full-blown holiday isn’t an option. This is where the staycation comes in, one within an easy drive of home but a million miles away when it comes to just plain relaxing. I recommend dipping your toes in the wellness-related package at the luxe Cordis Hotel near the corner of Symonds Street and Karanghape Road, which offers a little mini retreat just a hop, skip and a jump from Ponsonby Road.

Staycations are a wonderful way to recharge your batteries when you’re feeling the need but pressed for time, and the Cordis rejuvenating wellness and spa accommodation package known as ‘For the Wellness Fans’ is most definitely all about you. Including a stay in a stylish room or suite, a 60 minute Harmony or Balancing massage at the incredible Chuan Spa, 15% off any additional Chuan Spa treatments during your stay and complimentary valet parking, it really is like indulging in a little wrap-around-self-care.

For a staycation with a view and a touch of modern luxury, Sofitel Auckland at Viaduct Harbour offers a stellar outlook combined with a distinctly French vibe. Dine at La Maree by Marc de Passorio or go on a soothing wellness journeys in Sofitel Spa while you’re there, and then re-enter reality feeling shiny and new. (HELENE RAVLICH)  PN