Stunning scenery might be your first reason for visiting New Zealand, but the chance to explore our history and creativity probably comes a close second.
Otago Museum won three awards at the 2005 Tourism Awards
Our unique culture has grown from a fusion of diverse ethnic groups - Maori, English, Scottish, Irish, Central European, Polynesian and Asian, to name but a few. In every town and city, there are opportunities to dig into the past or be entertained by the local creative community.
You can watch kapa haka performances, to appreciate Maori performance art traditions; you can catch a band or check out a theatrical production; you can follow an art trail to visit painters, potters, glass artists, sculptors and textile artists. And wherever you go in the country, our colourful history is explained by a multitude of museums.
Many New Zealand artists are currently enjoying success on a global scale, including Hayley Westenra, Ben Makisi and Neil Dawson. Experience more New Zealand art and culture through the wide variety of events taking place here in the next 12 months.