Backgrounders

Zealandia, 40 minutes north of Auckland, is both a home and a gallery open to visitors. It features an imposing edifice with sharp lines and cool concrete slabs, which contrasts with the green pasture and native bush. The art itself, bronze sculpture by Zealandia creator Terry Stringer, is loaded with riddles and complexity. Stringer is one of New Zealand's top sculptors.

Background information on New Zealand's three World Heritage sites: Te Wahipounamu, Tongariro National Park and the Sub-Antarctic Islands.

Keen on whale watching and seal spotting? There’s no better time than winter and New Zealand’s extensive coast offers endless opportunities.

A look at the 10 major wine-producing areas in New Zealand; export markets; major wineries.

New Zealand hoki carries the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification, recognising the industry’s efforts in sustainability.

List of New Zealand art galleries and museums, from small local collections to the impressive National Museum Te Papa, in Wellington.

The earliest name for Wellington, from Maori legend, is Te Upoko o te Ika a Maui. In Maori it means 'the head of Maui's fish.' Caught and pulled to the surface by Polynesian navigator Maui, the fish became the North Island.

The earliest name for Wellington, from Maori legend, is Te Upoko o te Ika a Maui. In Maori it means ‘the head of Maui's fish’. Caught and pulled to the surface by Polynesian navigator Maui, the fish became the North Island.

New Zealand’s most popular annual rugby events, the NZI Sevens World Series.

One of Wellington's most popular tourist attractions, the cars run from Lambton Quay in the commercial heart of the city and emerge in the Wellington Botanic Garden where the Lookout, Carter Observatory, Planetarium and Cable Car Museum are located.