Planning your next holiday already? These websites may come in handy.

From an 1870s kauri shearing shed to a 100-year-old post office, Danielle Wright discovers quaint and quirky accommodation options for your next getaway.

Accommodation website Airbnb is gaining traction with holidaymakers who want to stay off the beaten tourist track.

This architecturally-designed two-storey house is nestled among a cluster of upmarket properties in a quiet cul-de-sac. It accommodates 14 in six sumptuous bedrooms and has three bathrooms and a galley-style kitchen. Views of Coronet Peak, Queenstown Hill, Ben Lomond and the Shotover Canyon complete the sense of luxury.

For further information see luxuryholidayhouses.com.

Justine Tyerman's wish for snow is granted during a pilgrimage to her spiritual home.

We round up some of the best places to stay when you're looking for a spot of luxury in the wilderness.

Australia is blessed with stunning natural environments in pristine wilderness regions that have hardly felt the touch of man. Paul Rush takes it all in.

Elisabeth Easther visits luxury wilderness lodge Poronui and discovers heaven on earth.

Forty minutes from Taupo along SH5, Poronui (Maori for 'part of something bigger') is miles from mobile reception and smack bang in the centre of heaven.

For further information see poronui.com.

Santorini, or Thera, is an island of many names but in ancient times it was known as Kalliste, the most beautiful one ... Justine Tyerman agrees.

This special wilderness sanctuary at the foot of the Warmwaterberg Mountain Range offers five-star accommodation as well as the opportunity to see endangered black and white rhinoceros species.

For further information see: sanbona.com

We round up some of the best eco accommodation options for those wanting to get back to nature across the ditch.

Non-traditional urban accommodation providers are appealing to travellers in Austria and New York.

Barney McDonald enjoys the taste of a Cloudy Bay experience.

Justine Tyerman looks for anything but authentic ... or traditional.

Melbourne's Mornington Peninsula is an amazing place to see by bike with an audio guide — you can hear about the rich history while you take in the spectacular sights, writes Rachel Grunwell.

A flock of marvellous distractions await you at The Farm, writes Diana Balham.

Sequestered in the battlements of Castle Mandawa, Paul Rush dreams of his best exotic marigold hotel.

Spa Qualia on Hamilton Island and the Gold Coast's Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat are great places to unwind.

Danielle Wright discovers small-town seaside charms on a weekend away in Raglan.

Catherine Smith jumped at the chance to bike and hike her way through Nelson's stunning landscape.

Barney McDonald revels in a powder-perfect Mt Hutt day.

Gwyneth Paltrow shows what her house has to offer potential Airbnb guests. Video / @gwynethpaltrow

Europe's most affordable ski slopes are in Poland, as Jared Savage discovers

Catherine Smith enjoys the high life with great views at Matakauri Lodge.

Owners of a Whangarei lodge have apologised after turning away a lesbian couple who had booked a shared bed - but are not ready to welcome back gay people.