Wellington

Talented Kiwi chefs, innovative cuisine, top wines, and a growing list of high-end destinations and food events are helping New Zealand develop a reputation in the world of fine cuisine.

New Zealand has laid down the welcome mat with a new campaign to assure travellers that the country is very much open for business, while bloggers throughout the world are extolling the virtues of the destination.

Long before European settlers reached New Zealand’s shores, Wellington’s sheltered harbour had been the ancestral home to generations of Māori tribes.

Wellington – New Zealand’s capital city – is known as the nation’s arts and culture capital.

Alister Brown – chef, TV presenter, writer and Wellington restaurant-owner – is one of the best known faces of New Zealand cuisine.

New Zealand has a long history of brewing – from Captain Cook who brewed up the first beer in the 1770s to the establishment of the earliest pubs and breweries during 19th century colonial times.

New Zealand might be best known for its award-winning wines, but Kiwis are also beer drinkers and have developed a discerning palate that has prompted a boutique brewery boom.

Rugby is an integral part of being a Kiwi and Rugby World Cup 2011 is destined to turn New Zealand into a non-stop party zone called the REAL New Zealand Festival.

New Zealand’s great outdoors presents some spectacular backdrops for summer music events and festivals in locations all over the country.

Live music bars, local pubs and outdoor summer festivals throughout New Zealand offer some of the best settings for visitors to experience the Kiwi music scene.