Backgrounders

New Zealander Scarlett Hagen is on top of the world as a mountain biker, but she is happy to scale the heights for almost any outdoor pursuit.

Corporal Bill Henry "Willie" Apiata was the first winner of the new Victoria Cross (VC) of New Zealand, which was instituted in 1999.

Since AJ Hackett dived off the Eiffel Tower 20 years ago, his bungy-jumping craze has continued to scale new heights of daring.

A selection of eco-friendly food outlets throughout New Zealand, inlcuding eco-friendly cafes and restaurants, accommodation, festivals and suppliers.

Prolific Westerns writer Zane Grey (1872-1939) visited New Zealand’s Bay of Islands in 1926 where he introduced sport fishing for marlin and shark.

Auckland's temperate coastal climate makes the great outdoors accessible all year round. Art and landscape combine at various gardens and events across the region, providing art lovers plenty of opportunities to enjoy art in the outdoors.

Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Dame Malvina Major, Janet Frame, Nyree Dawn Porter, Katherine Mansfield.

New Zealanders are famous for their ingenuity and creativity in many realms of endeavour, from science to art to music and literature.

Waiheke Island and Nelson are two strongholds for art and artist communities in New Zealand.

The rainforest of the Waitakere Ranges is the ecological treasure at Auckland’s western fringe. Situated only 24 kilometres west of Auckland, the area covers more than 18,000 hectares of rainforest and beaches, and features more than 240km of walking trails through beautiful strands of native trees, streams and stunning coastline.