Features

Most people choose to visit Fiordland, New Zealand’s southern paradise in summer, but as Joe Russell discovers, spring and autumn is really the time to go.

Spas in Rotorua move with the times. The Polynesian Spa opens its new Lake Spa Retreat and Hell's Gate at Tikitere has opened deep bathing mud pools.

New Zealand has always offered environmentally-aware tourists a golden opportunity but now the experience can be rated officially thanks to a growing group of tourism operators who are walking the talk.

Visitors can now experience a livestock sale at New Zealand’s largest livestock saleyards in the Manawatu region.

Experienced and fit hikers relish the opportunity to tackle the Ball Pass, a three-day alpine treck crossing the Mount Cook Range.

Most New Zealand top sailors can trace their sailing roots back to the ugly little dinghy called the P class.

New Zealand’s southern regions are preparing for an influx of the world’s top winter athletes for the inaugural Winter Games NZ – an international sports event billed as the ultimate lead-up to the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics.

While New Zealand’s high streets are filled with shops and boutiques touting all the great international fashion labels, Kiwi followers of fashion also frequent many local fashion designers.

Farmers markets are now firmly established in the Kiwi foodie culture with 40 markets operating - and new markets adding to the list each year - in towns and cities throughout New Zealand.

The picturesque South Canterbury district of Timaru is gaining a reputation as the rose garden of New Zealand.