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.
Lake Okareka Lodge by Lebua
Rotorua, New Zealand
Private, exclusive, and posh. If these words describe your perfect vacation then the Lake Okareka Lodge in Rotorua, North Island New Zealand should be your next destination. With it's natural sanctuary, access to a jetty, boathouse, helipad and private swimming beaches, you will soon find out why the Lake Okareka Lodge is rated so highly by experienced international travelers.
Your stay at this fantastic destination includes private balconies, spa bathtubs, in-room internet access and plasma televisions, wine cellar, fitness studio, library and baby grand piano, private jetty, boathouse, beaches and helipad, outdoor dining areas, whirlpool and panoramic lake views, gourmet breakfast, lunch and 5-course dinner each day, including pre-dinner drinks, and 24-hour butler service throughout your stay.
Buy or Bid Now 
on this spectacular New Zealand 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.
Azur
Queenstown, New Zealand
There is sometimes confusion, but Queenstown, South Island, New Zealand - Queensland, Australia...a world and a country apart.
Lush, modern and luxurious are the words that describe your stay at the Azur resort in Queenstown. This resort, located in the southern part of the South island, boasts individual villas with private fireplaces and decks, rain shower and whirlpool tub in your own picture window setting, and the South Island's first Les Clefs d'Or certified concierge. There is so much to see and do here you will need this service.
NOTE: The South Island of New Zealand boasts some of the world's most pure and clear streams and rivers. Take a jet boat trip down the Shotover - this was a BLAST and you will be astounded and near speechless at what you see!
Your stay at Azur includes roundtrip private transfers between Queenstown Airport (ZQN) and the resort, gourmet breakfast for two each morning, afternoon tea for two each day, cocktails and canapé each evening.
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!
Want a second home in New Zealand?
Vacation Rentals New Zealand
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.
There are literally thousands of situations and locations for gourmet and epicurean travel. From one-on-one classes in private homes to full-blown degree and certificate programs at world reknown culinary institutes.
