Luxury

New Zealand offers royal destination

While the world speculates on the forthcoming royal wedding, the New Zealand tourism industry has plenty to say about why Prince William and Kate Middleton should opt for a Kiwi-style honeymoon.

Luxury lodges have been quick to list appealing reasons for time out in New Zealand that would suit the royal couple, who apparently like a no-fuss approach and are keen to escape the limelight.

The suggestion that the sports-keen royal couple takes a skiing holiday in the adventure capital of Queenstown has also been mooted.

And, if all else fails, then hopes are being pinned on the newly married couple attending the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.

William keen to return
When Prince William visited New Zealand earlier this year, he left saying he was sad to go but was keen to return for the Rugby World Cup in October 2011.

Rugby World Cup organisers say it would be "fantastic" if the prince decided to bring his young bride to the event - especially as it could fall just after the royal nuptials.

Even if Kate isn’t a major rugby fan, there would be plenty to do outside the sport, with the six-week country-wide REAL New Zealand festival that will highlight the best of New Zealand wine and food, art and culture, people and landscapes in a north to south party atmosphere.

Kiwi adventures
Kate is said to be keen on adventure and is aware of the activities William has already experienced in New Zealand, like racing an America’s Cup yacht on Auckland's Hauraki Gulf.

If she likes ethnic food, William will be able to share with her the taste of traditional hangi - having already dined on food from a traditional Māori earth oven at a Pacific-themed party in Auckland.

He will also be equipped to teach Kate some high-level barbeque skills - as taught to him in February by NZ Prime Minister John Key, when the pair took turns at cooking Kiwi ‘bangers on the barbie’ in Wellington.

Royals in NZ
Odds on the happy couple choosing to honeymoon in New Zealand are not only weighted by William’s open affection for the country, but also his family history.

The Royal family has always expressed pleasure at the relaxed, friendly atmosphere in New Zealand - reflected in the fact that the first ‘royal walkabout’ took place during a visit to New Zealand and Australia in 1970.

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh broke from tradition and surprised security officials by casually walking amongst the crowd, chatting and shaking hands.

William goes walkabout
Prince William has also had his share of New Zealand firsts - including a couple of notable royal 'walkabouts'.

When his parents Prince Charles and Princess Diana paid an official visit to New Zealand with baby William, they allowed the world’s media to share a relaxed family moment as they sat on the lawn at Auckland’s Government House.

The UK Royal press corps went into overdrive as the three Royals relaxed on a rug and nine-month-old William rose to the occasion by crawling for the first time - the images of him reaching for an iconic Buzzy Bee wooden toy made headlines around the world.

It was one of several ‘firsts’ for William in New Zealand - his most recent as a 27-year-old man, embarking on his first unaccompanied foreign tour in his official capacity as Queen Elizabeth’s representative.

A more serious occasion when Prince William, wearing a ceremonial Māori feather cloak, opened the new Supreme Court building in Wellington saw him follow again in family footsteps - taking advantage of relaxed Kiwi style to make an unscheduled walkabout that cemented his reputation with locals as their ‘Prince Charming’.

New Zealand honeymoon
New Zealand is a world renowned wedding and honeymoon destination and, if the young royals decide to celebrate their marriage by getting away from it all Kiwi-style, they’ll be assured of a good time - whether they’re after fun, relaxation or more extreme adventure.

New Zealand has won a string of awards this year - many relating to the luxury market which is now one of the country’s fastest growing tourism sectors.

The Queen well knows the virtues of award-winning Huka Lodge, near Lake Taupo, where she’s relaxed in total privacy and even enjoyed a spot of trout fishing from the river-side property.

NZ luxury retreats
Her grandson and his new wife would have plenty of options with an increasing number of luxury resorts throughout the country - many of which have been recognised with global awards.

Earlier this year Queenstown’s lakeside Blanket Bay was rated the second best place to stay in the world according to Condé Nast Traveler’s 2010 Gold List.

As well as exclusive retreats offering extreme privacy in remote and dramatic locations - either water-side or in mountain or bush settings - the couple could enjoy world-class wines and fresh local food, on-site recreational activities and spa treatments, without leaving the property.

And with several resort locations accessible only by helicopter or boat, no-one would even need to know the royal couple was there.

Quick royal holiday tips from New Zealand:

• New Zealand is not as far away as you think. Back in 1901 the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall arrived in NZ ahead of time - sailing in a day early, catching NZ out with the welcome mat still to be rolled out.
• New Zealand is safe. If Kate is afraid of dangerous creepy crawlies, she’ll be able to relax in New Zealand where there are no such nasties.
• New Zealand is good for the body. Every girl loves a little pampering, and New Zealand offers unique experiences, like geo-thermal mud packs and relaxing in the healing waters of natural mineral pools - perfect post-wedding therapy.
• New Zealand is good for the soul. New Zealand’s famed Lord of the Rings scenery offers mystical landscapes to soothe the soul.
• New Zealand is fun. Matamata’s Hobbiton is the home of the original party animal - these happy individuals love nothing better than a good party and lots of food, and their doors are always open.
• New Zealand is eco-friendly. Staying eco-style in New Zealand is easy with a host of properties from five-star to basic proudly displaying their hard-earned NZ Qualmark Green status testifying to their commitment to sustainable tourism.
• New Zealand is a year-round outdoors destination. Even during the winter, there are many great activities - from swimming with dolphins in dry suits to off-shore sailing and island sanctuary visits, soaking in natural hot pools, and the best skiing down-under.
• New Zealand is a happening place. New Zealand’s award-winning beers, wine, spirits and coffee tastes all the better when consumed with great local cuisine al fresco in a buzzy Kiwi café, bar or restaurant - indoors or alfresco.
• New Zealand is a boutique destination. Must-have Kiwi mementos include high fashion New Zealand merino, treasured Māori greenstone gems and unique cultural artefacts.

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