Features

New Zealand director Andrew Adamson is showcasing his home country to the world through one of his favourite childhood novels.

Standing near the top of the world, encircled by snow, ice and colossal rock, a tourist husband and wife burst into tears. They assure the pilot of the Mount Cook ski plane sitting on the glacier behind them that they are crying in happiness.

Growing up in New Zealand – surrounded by sea, snow and space – has had a huge influence on Hayley Westenra’s blossoming international career.

In Hollywood, the name New Zealand now shares star billing with the likes of Sir Anthony Hopkins, Naomi Watts, Kiefer Sutherland, Tom Cruise and Sir Ian McKellen.

Sam Neill may be an international man of movies, but his heart belongs to New Zealand – and you can pinpoint the spot to three paddocks in the ruggedly beautiful region of Central Otago.

The talent of Maori is evident in many fields of creative endeavour, both in New Zealand and overseas.

Top Maori singer/songwriter Moana Maniapoto has three albums behind her (Tahi and Rua – meaning one and two), Moana and The Tribe already released in Europe, and a fourth album on the way in New Zealand.

New Zealand sisters Liz Findlay and Margi Robertson are the inspiration behind two of the country's most successful fashion labels, Zambesi (Findlay) and Nom D (Roberston).

Treetops, New Zealand's newest luxury lodge is dedicated to preserving its natural environment at the same time as allowing travellers to experience the best of New Zealand's natural surroundings in an atmosphere of five star luxury.

New Zealand trout fishing expert Ron Giles (author of Hooked on Trout: How and Where to Catch Large Trout in New Zealand) offers visitors tips on hooking a trout in New Zealand.