SKYCITY Grand Hotel (90 Federal Street, Auckland) - In terms of comfortable, spacious rooms the SKYCITY Grand Hotel is hard to beat. Actually, I'm pretty sure they're the largest double rooms I've ever stayed in - I've stayed in smaller suites in Europe! Location is difficult, if not impossible, to beat being directly opposite Sky Tower , close to the CBD and K-Road. Reception and concierge have been excellent and hospitable on repeated visits. Faultless, really.
Hotel DeBrett (2 High Street, Auckland 1010) - One of the finest hotels in Auckland with a limited 25-rooms - each one designed and furnished individually and uniquely. Centrally, located close to Queens Street as well as the boutiques of the Auckland fashion scene. Boasts a fine Art-Deco style bar and an excellent restaurant. Daily at 18:00, pre-dinner drinks are hosted in the sitting room by the manager.
Classic Villa (17 Worcester Boulevard, Christchurch) - Classic Villa is one of the best hotels I've ever stayed in. Comfortable and centrally located, Classic Villa is one of the best hotels I've ever stayed in. Rooms were comfortable - and beds provided a great sleep. Classic Villa is centrally located directly opposite the Christchurch Arts Centre and Cultural Precinct. Breakfast is around a large communal table which, combined with an enjoyable spread, is a great place to meet other visitors to New Zealand .
European tourism and rail organisations - a quick reference - A reference guide to European tourism and rail organisations
Europe - Travel information from around Europe
Rapperswil - What a visitor to Rapperswil needs to know
Eclipse chasing - Essential total eclipse trip planning information from 2010 to 2019
Lucerne - 7 things not to miss - What not to miss in Lucerne
Italy - 10 places not to miss - 10 places you shouldn't miss in Italy
Why chase solar eclipses? - Why I chase total solar eclipse all over the world
Antwerp - what to do, see, stay and eat - What to see, where to stay and eat in historic Antwerp
2012 Solar Eclipse - partial stages of the eclipse recommence - Video of third contact and the bgeinning of the partial eclipse during the 2012 eclipse seen from Port Douglas
The Antelope - the dog friendly pub - The Antelope - your local, dog friendly, beer friendly pub
Mark Sukhija is a travel and wine blogger, photographer, tourism researcher, hat-touting, white-shirt-wearing, New Zealand fantatic and eclipse chaser. Aside from at least annual visits to New Zealand, Mark has seen eclipses in South Australia (2002), Libya (2006), China (2009) and Queensland (2012). After twelve years in Switzerland, Mark moved back to London in 2012. You can follow Mark on Twitter or Facebook