WINTERVENTION

Here's five top ways to jump start your hibernation - and make winter a season to look forward to with Accor!

For a truly unique escape, venture to Tahiti this Winter. With tropical climates year-round, crystal clear waters, dramatic landscapes, vibrant markets, and beautifully fresh French-inspired cuisine you’ll be in utter bliss - making the journey across the Pacific Ocean definitely worth its while.

With fantastic surfing, diving, trekking and more, Tahiti is a playground for adventure-junkies, while unique restaurants, pearl shops, boutiques, museums and world-class resorts offer hours of luxury for those looking to enjoy the finer things in life. 

Experience a little bit of all Tahiti has on offer in a private bungalow on the water at our incredibly picturesque Tahiti Ia Ora Beach Resort - tucked away on the island’s only white sand beach!

A fun fuelled family holiday or the perfect romantic week away, Fiji is a winner on every itinerary. Even though it’s only a skip and a jump from New Zealand and Australia, this tropical paradise feels like a completely different world.

Dive in pristine waters and witness the beauty of soft coral reefs, experience Fijian food and culture through guided tours of the local villages, explore secluded beaches, waterfalls and lush jungle – by boat or on foot - or relax by the pool and bathe in the warm South Pacific sun. Whatever you choose to do in Fiji, you’ll feel you’re in good hands while immersed in their friendly, welcoming culture. 

For an authentic and carefree Fiji escape, book your stay at Pullman Nadi Bay, located on the beautiful west coast of the main island of Viti Levu - and only 15 minutes from Nadi International Airport! 

A gem of the Otago region located on New Zealand’s South Island, Queenstown is a luxurious area between Lake Wakatipu and the aptly named Remarkable Mountains. A land of adventure, the city offers plenty of thrills for athletic types and stunning landscapes for lovers of hiking. 

Peaceful Queenstown lives in harmony with nature, protected from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the world. Few cities have as high a quality of life as you can enjoy here.  

Although it’s beautiful at any time of year, Queenstown saves its most stunning shows for Winter.  Even a few days in the beautiful landscapes will recharge your love for life, and leave you wanting more.  

For our complete list of Queenstown hotels, see Queenstown 

Embrace the New Zealand cold at one of our favourite year-round destinations - Rotorua. With activities for every age, taste, budget and forecast, you’ll be tempted to extend your stay to try fit it all in. 

It wouldn’t be a trip to Rotorua without some mud - Hells Gate is a must-do for every first-timer to New Zealand’s geothermal capital. Walk through native bush and clouds of geothermic steam, discover the myths and legends of the land, and take a dip in one of the healing mud baths.

If you’re seeking adventure, you can’t go past the famous luge. Zip down one of the three tracks in your gravity-fueled part go-cart, part toboggan while taking in the stunning views over Rotorua. Once the adrenaline is pumping, there’s plenty more to do with Skyline Rotorua – mountain biking, stargazing, ziplining and the Skyswing to name a few!

For those looking for a quieter stay, a visit to the Polynesian Spa will have you feeling on cloud nine. Bathe in acidic and alkaline natural mineral springs, enjoy peaceful solitude in your own private pool, or treat yourself to one of their unique spa treatments.  

For history buffs looking for something very different, take an afternoon to explore the Buried Village of Te Wairoa. Established by Christian missionaries in 1848, Te Wairoa was a model village in the area, only to be obliterated by the 1886 eruption of Mt Tarawera along with the Pink and White Terraces, considered the 8th Wonder of the World.

Set up base camp at one of our Rotorua hotels, located beside beautiful lake Rotorua and walking distance to the bustling town’s restaurants and cafes, and experience the best of everything our favourite geothermal destination has on offer.

When planning a winter holiday, we always look first to what the locals do.  And for many Aucklanders, a stay-cation is the perfect winter antidote.  

Booking a hotel near the city centre, leaving the car behind and exploring Auckland on foot, scooter, or public transport gives a fresh take on this beautiful city. Enjoy designer shopping, inspired restaurants, colourful art galleries and trendy clubs and bars, or soak up the colourful waterfront atmosphere of Auckland’s iconic Viaduct Harbour. 

There’s plenty to explore outside of the city centre, too. The beautiful sedate pace of Devonport village is a quick ferry ride from downtown Auckland – close enough to pop over for a coffee and a morning stroll, and still be back to the city before lunch.

A slight longer ferry trip (still only 40 minutes!) will take you to Waiheke Island, one of the jewels of the Hauraki Gulf.  You’ll soon be exploring the bays, or sampling fine wines at a local vineyard. 

Accor has a number of very well located hotels in Auckland. Whether it’s adventure, relaxation or a cultural experience you’re seeking, you’ll find it in Auckland.