A look at great things to do and see in New Zealand, plus an update from the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, a look at the new Marriott Bonvoy/American Express Credit Card, a rebirth for Lahaina, Maui business, growing Germany visits from Canada, and a big boost for San Diego tourism.
NEW ZEALAND’S SUMMER IS APPROACHING
Not quite ready to say goodbye to warm-weather days? As temperatures begin to cool across Canada, New Zealand is heading into its warm season, offering an easy way to extend sunshine a little longer.
From October through March, New Zealand has longer, warmer days that are made for outdoor adventures, coastal escapes, wine country tastings and alfresco dining. The season offers plenty of outdoor adventure, relaxation and discovery of the country’s food, wine and culture while Canada heads into fall and winter.
Mount Maunganui is.a great spot not far from Rotorua, New Zealand. Jim Byers Photo
Below are a few New Zealand experiences across both islands to inspire a warm-weather escape.
| Hike the Waitākere Ranges
West of Auckland, the Waitākere Ranges offer a lush escape of native rainforests, cascading waterfalls and dramatic views across the Tasman Sea. A network of walking and hiking trails winds through the expansive regional park, ranging from leisurely forest walks to more challenging treks. |
| Explore Rotorua’s Geothermal Wonders
Discover the geothermal marvels of Rotorua, a city where the earth’s raw power is on full display. Wander through landscapes filled with bubbling mud pools, hissing geysers, and vibrant hot springs that showcase the unique geothermal activity, otherworldly beauty and the rich history that surrounds these natural wonders. After a day of adventure, indulge in a relaxing soak at the renowned Wai Ariki, where the healing waters will rejuvenate your body and spirit. Editor’s note: This is a fine region of New Zealand, not only for geothermal wonders but for learning about Maori culture. |
| Be captivated by the Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Deep beneath the Waikato countryside, the Waitomo Caves are illustrated by thousands of tiny glowworms, creating a natural constellation across the cavern walls. On a guided boat tour, you’ll drift through these dark, quiet caverns, witnessing a unique sight that can only be found in New Zealand. The calm waters and gently glowing lights are a memorable experience, especially during the hot summer months when the caves give a refreshing escape. |
| Cycle the Otago Central Rail Trail
Stretching 150KM through Central Otago, the Otago Central Rail Trail winds past historic gold-mining towns, rolling farmland, river valleys and rugged mountain landscapes. Along the way, discover charming villages, local cafes, regional wineries and heritage sites that showcase the area’s distinctive character. Editor’s note: I didn’t have a chance to do any cycling, but I visited Otago some years ago and fell in love with the natural beauty. And the wine!  Lake Wanaka in the Otago Region of South Island, New Zealand. Jim Byers photo. |
| Unwind in Scenic Hot Pools
Take in sweeping alpine views while soaking in the hot pools at Tekapo Springs, overlooking the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo/Takapō. Alternatively, head to Christchurch’s He Puna Taimoana Hot Pools for a restorative seaside soak with views across the Pacific Ocean. |
| Savour Queenstown’s MICHELIN Guide Scene
Queenstown’s culinary scene has gained international recognition with the arrival of the MICHELIN Guide in New Zealand in 2026. At its pinnacle, Two-MICHELIN-Star Essence showcases seasonal New Zealand ingredients through refined European techniques, with sweeping views of Lake Whakatipu. Bonus: Extend the experience with an overnight stay at ROKI Collection Queenstown, overlooking Lake Whakatipu and The Remarkables. Editor’s note again: Queenstown is a terrific spot, and the views of Lake Whakatipu and The Remarkables are splendid.
A SMALL REBIRTH FOR LAHAINA, MAUIA new marketplace has opened at the former Outlets of Maui site, bringing local businesses back to Lahaina more than three years after the 2023 wildfires. The transformed site, now called ʻUlu o Lele, celebrated its grand opening Tuesday, Hawaii News Now reports. “The marketplace offers space for small local businesses at a site that once catered to large corporations,” the outlet stated.]  The new marketplace in Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii. As a frequent, long-time (I’ve been going to Maui for 58 years!) visitor to Lahaina, I’m thrilled to see this marketplace open. It’s obviously not a restoration of the entire town, but it’s a strong signal that things may someday return to some kind of normalcy, as is the fact that building permits have been issued for at least one good-sized building on Front Street. I’ll check it out when we’re on Maui in January. In the meantime, my friend Leanne Pletcher from Maui and Hawaii tourism sent me the above photo. Mahalo nui loa, Leanne! NEW AMERICAN EXPRESS MARRIOTT BONVOY CREDIT CARDSAmex Canada and Marriott Bonvoy have announced an expanded credit card portfolio, introducing a new no-annual-fee Card and enhanced hotel loyalty benefits for existing Cardmembers. Launching February 9, 2027, the new Marriott Bonvoy Bright™ American Express® Card will give Canadians a way to earn points toward travel through everyday spending, without an annual fee.  HONEYROSE Hotel, Montreal, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel from Marriott. A few key highlights: NEW: Marriott Bonvoy Bright Card
The announcement builds on Amex and Marriott Bonvoy’s more than 15-year relationship in Canada, offering Canadians more choice in how they earn travel rewards. GERMANY GROWS CANADIAN VISITATION
SAN DIEGO TOURISM GETS A BOOSTOne of the great cities of the U.S. is seeing a nice boost in visitors. The San Diego Tourism Authority is projecting 34 million visitors this year, up from 32.4 million last year.  The Hotel Del Coronado in San Diego, California. Brand USA Photo It’s a beautiful city with incredible beaches, perhaps the world’s best zoo, cultural attractions, great food, and terrific craft beer. The Hotel Del Coronado is a true gem that’s right on the beach. FAIRMONT HOTEL VANCOUVER UPDATESI spent a few nights at the splendid Fairmont Hotel Vancouver this past week as I attended the Railbookers Group annual summit. I managed a glass of great B.C. wine and some fine food at their Notch 8 restaurant/bar, including excellent crab cake and fine, just-right spiced fried chicken. Notch 8 has entered a new chapter with the launch of fully refreshed menus across breakfast, lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch, including a new à la carte brunch offering. Rooted in classic French technique and shaped by Pacific Northwest ingredients, the update signals an evolution for the hotel’s signature restaurant.  The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver. Jim Byers Photo. At the heart of a Vancouver landmark, Notch8 brings its 87-year story to life through food and drink. Inspired by Château-style architecture and the golden age of railway travel, the experience blends heritage with a contemporary West Coast sensibility. Under the direction of Executive Chef Mike Reid, the culinary program emphasizes precision, seasonality, and regional sourcing, while paying homage to the chefs who helped define the hotel’s legacy, including former Executive Chef Robert LeCrom. The hotel recently welcomed its newest partner, Spa Soleá, a reimagined wellness sanctuary that brings contemporary luxury and holistic rejuvenation to one of the city’s most treasured historic landmarks. Now open, Spa Soleá invites guests to experience an extraordinary new level of relaxation and renewal in the heart of downtown Vancouver. Nestled within the storied walls of the ‘Castle in the City’, Spa Soleá spans 6,000 square feet of fully renovated, thoughtfully crafted space. Serene tones, organic textures, and natural finishes come together to create an environment inspired by the tranquility of the Pacific Northwest for an atmosphere of calm connection, and elevated comfort.
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