I had the good fortune to live in New Zealand for several years. For those who have not visited or may not know, New Zealand, located in the Southern Hemisphere, is actually a country comprised of North and South Islands, and the country is hard to top for a vacation venue. From the more densely populated areas like the country's capital of Auckland, to the quaint Avon river and bicycle paths that flow through Christchurch, New Zealand is truly a vacation paradise. Add to this the friendly, helpful, and welcoming nature of the people of New Zealand and this could be your vacation trip of a lifetime. Just remember, "Southern Hemisphere" means the New Zealand summer is at the time of the US winter and vice versa...
For more about this scenic vacation top spot, I've included some country info links near the bottom of this page. Getting to this country is not a walk in the park. Flights are long and it isn't cheap, but I can't say enough about how worth it your efforts will be.
While the trips below are not strictly culinary, they are so unique, they deserve your travel-planning attention.
Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa
Katoomba, Australia
Untouched by man and respendent with nature. Sound like your kind of vacation? Then the Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort and Spa will be perfect for you.
A World Heritage site national park, the resort is located in the tranquil and scenic forests of New South Wales and incredibly, within close proximity to Sydney. The five star Orient-Express hotel is within a historic country house set amidst two acres of manicured gardens.
Escape vacation, spa pampering, ecotourism...this resort has it all. Darley’s, the resort’s fine-dining restaurant, served up two Chef’s Hats at the SMH Good Food Awards and Darley's won Regional Restaurant of the Year 2010. Stay packages can include overnight accommodation in a Deluxe Room, full breakfast, and a 3-course dinner for two in Darley’s.
Buy or Bid Now 
on this spectacular Australian or other travel deals at Luxury Link. 5 and 7-night packages are available. Prices are fairly high for this vacation venue so be sure to book through Luxury Link where you will get the absolute best in travel value.
The Observatory Hotel
Sydney, Australia
The Observatory Hotel by Orient-Express is located in the heart of Sydney, in the city's vibrant Rocks district close to the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
# 3 nights in an Executive Suite with water view
# Full Australian breakfast for two each morning, served at Galileo Restaurant
# 5-course degustation dinner for two on one evening of your choice, served at Galileo Restaurant
Buy or Bid Now on this or other travel deals at Luxury Link. There is a fantastic deal, 4-night package available - good through April 30, 2010.
Getting There and other New Zealand links of interest to travelers
Quick link to my favorite town (and former home), Christchurch New Zealand near the center of the South Island. Known as the "Garden City" and one of the most "English" towns outside England!
Culinary Regions of the World
This list will start small with some great vacation values focusing on the food and wine experience. Every region of the world has it's own culinary ambience but here we will first focus on some of the more widely known epicurean destinations and provide some of the best vacation packages currently available.
How To Choose?
It's tough! Many countries will almost guarantee you a fantastic vacation but we also want our food experience and we want to stay in luxurious accommodations. Add a great all-inclusive package and we're ready to make that choice!
