Features

It’s winter down-under, nights are longer and darker, and Aotearoa New Zealand is about to celebrate the rising of the Matariki star cluster that signals the Māori New Year.

New Zealand’s North Island offers a full range of cycling experiences for cyclists of all abilities – from vineyard doddles to high speed downhills for top of the game mountain bikers.

'The Hobbit' director Sir Peter Jackson is documenting behind-the-scenes production on the films through a series of blogs.

Auckland offers an amazing choice for discerning palates in down town food precincts with an eclectic range of restaurants and entertainment establishments.

Jared Connon knows New Zealand better than most of his compatriots, has a job that is the envy of movie fans worldwide, and is a genuine, down-to-Middle-earth Kiwi.

Set-jetting movie buffs on the trail of favourite characters will find plenty to do in the iconic New Zealand landscapes that have supported many Hollywood blockbusters and international hits.

Over the past decade New Zealand’s capital city Wellington – sometimes referred to as ‘Wellywood’ – has risen to become a film production and screen technology hot spot.

Long time local secret, Lake Wanaka – tucked into New Zealand’s grand Southern Alps mountain chain – is developing a reputation as one of the world’s premier year-round destinations.

Rakiura / Stewart Island is renowned for its untouched natural beauty but the locals – human or otherwise – are also a big part of what makes New Zealand’s southern-most island a unique experience.

New Zealand’s southern hemisphere ski fields – renowned for spectacular mountain terrain, postcard scenery, varied snow trails, and popular resorts – are open for the winter 2012 season.