Best Western Sails into Taupo

Best Western has added its fourteenth New Zealand hotel, the BEST WESTERN Sails in Taupo to its growing hotel family. Anchored on the waterfront of the Great Lake Taupo, the four and half star (4.5) property is perfectly positioned for travellers looking to explore snow capped mountains or try a variety of water activities at the base of the volcanic peaks lining this popular North Island destination.

BEST WESTERN Sails is a comfortable three and a half hours’ drive south of Auckland on New Zealand No.1 Highway, or a 45 minute domestic flight from Auckland Airport. The two-level property offers 19 units ranging from queen or king one bedroom units to deluxe studio spa suites, two serviced apartments and a one bedroom family apartment. All units have self-service kitchen facilities and Sky TV channels, 

with guests receiving free wi-fi and complimentary morning newspapers.The hotel is pet-friendly, accepting dogs by prior arrangement and with their own bedding.

Rob Anderson, Best Western Australasia Chief Executive said, “I am delighted to welcome BEST WESTERN Sails to our growing hotel group, to help increase tourism to Taupo and its surrounding regions.”

Canadian-born Richard and his New Zealander wife Karen Murphy, hosts at BEST WESTERN Sails, have lived in Taupo for almost three years, after spending eight years in the Bay of Islands running a five star resort for which they received the “Franchisee of the year Award” working with another hotel chain.

Coming from a professional dance background, Richard worked for Paramount Pictures for ten years as a choreographer before finishing up his dance career in 2002. He and Karen then moved from Hawaii to New Zealand to begin their next successful career stage in hotel management. Richard said they enjoy the fast-paced nature of the accommodation industry.

“We wanted to run a smaller property that is busy all year round, not only during peak ski season or the summer months. Taupo, with its four seasons is the perfect fit for us,” he said.

Richard said joining Best Western allows them to be part of a hotel brand with a global reputation, highly regarded among Australian, European and UK travellers.

“Best Western has a proud international reputation, and the brand fits well with our commitment to providing the very best customer care for all our guests,” he said.

Taupo attracts domestic and international tourists looking for adventure, a place to relax, or who are attending one of the many popular events native to the region. Taupo’s freshwater lake allows for great trout fishing and water activities, with day sailing on the lake extremely popular. The Orakei Korako Cave and Thermal Park can be a great half day excursion, with the 18-hole Wairakei International Golf Course and the Jack Nicklaus-designed Kinloch Golf Course drawcards for golfing enthusiasts.

Earlier this year, BEST WESTERN Sails received a 2013 TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence, placing it among the top ten per cent of all hotels on TripAdvisor that receive this prestigious award each year.

To make a reservation at BEST WESTERN Sails, see http://www.bestwestern.co.nz/best-western-sails