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A 'whale of a year' for
New Zealand
New Zealand has been confirmed as one of the world’s top destinations with a string of international awards in 2010 that applaud the country for being an easy, fun place to live in and visit.
As well as topping the Lonely Planet Travel Awards ‘I’d happily stay in forever...’ category, New Zealand won global accolades for everything from luxury accommodation and fine wine, to unique cultural experiences and tourism activities.
Kiwi authors, film-makers, sportsmen, designers, artists, vintners and tourism operators were also ranked amongst the world's best, receiving high praise from travel and tourism watchdogs, as well as travellers.
The wide-ranging array of significant awards puts the country in a strong position for New Zealand's tourism’s most important ever - when the country hosts more than 85,000 international visitors for Rugby World Cup 2011 ... [continued]
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New Zealand Summer 2012 Highlights
Visit New Zealand during the summer months and you might not find anyone at home - that’s because when the sun is out, so are Kiwis and with so much to do, it’s hardly surprising.
Not only is the beach beckoning, the boat waiting and the family ready for fun, but there are wineries and cafés to visit, bush walks and bike rides to enjoy, farmers markets, food festivals and outdoor concerts everywhere - along with Christmas ... [continued] |
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New Zealand Events & Festivals
New Zealand is a happening place and you can guarantee there's a noteworthy event being held somewhere throughout the country every week of the year.
The annual New Zealand events calendar sports a long list of diverse international, national and regional New Zealand events & festivals to entice visitors keen to sample the country's best offerings from the table to the stage ... [continued] |
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Proposed Milford Dart Tunnel & Fiordland Link Monorail projects approved in principal
On 10 November, the proposal to build a tunnel through areas within two of New Zealand''s World Heritage Areas drew one step closer to realisation with the Department of Conservation approving the project in principal, subject to public consultation. The 'Milford Dart proposal' is one of two proposals presently being considered, which may reduce travel times to Milford Sound and create a new visitor experience within the world renowned Fiordland and Aspiring National Parks. The other proposal, the Fiordland Link Experience, has also been approved in principal and would involve the construction and operation of a monorail in the area.
Not all are happy with the Department of Conservation's decisions however. Objecters include Southland District Council Mayor Frana Cardno who believes the Milford Dart Tunnel is inconsistent with the New Zealand Tourism Strategy objectives since it will reduce the duration of stay within New Zealand as well as the daily spend. Also, that it will limit visitor flows into the southern region.
Regional tourism organisation Destination Fiordland has also taken the official position that it opposes the Milford Dart concession application. The RTO is currently working on a submission regarding the monorail proposal ... [continued]
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