Auckland

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 Pacific Rim cuisine draws inspiration from Europe, Asia and Polynesia.

For almost a century, no real New Zealand feast or happy family celebration would be without the crowning treat – a classic Kiwi pavlova topped with cream, kiwifruit or summer berries.

Some key moments in Aotearoa - New Zealand's Maori history from Polynesian migrations and British colonisation to the modern renaissance of Maori language.

Kiwis love the arts, and local and international artists living in or visiting New Zealand are often inspired by the country’s diverse natural landscapes, friendly people and unique Maori culture.

Auckland's dramatic coastal scenery is only the beginning of the contrasting landscapes found within a short distance of the city's downtown business centre.

Essential to the New Zealand experience is the unique sound of the beautiful song birds heard in forests, hills and backyards all over the country.

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.

Since New Zealander AJ Hackett dived off the Eiffel Tower 20 years ago, his bungy-jumping craze has continued to scale new heights of daring.

Overview of caving in New Zealand; deepest, longest and other interesting facts. Most New Zealand caves are limestone or marble with some lava caves mainly around Auckland.