Nature / Sustainable Tourism

New Zealand’s Taranaki region – on the western edge of the central North Island – is a unique horticultural area that is world renowned for its gardens.

When the 3000-kilometre Te Araroa – The Long Pathway was completed in New Zealand in December 2011, it became one of the world's longest walking trails.

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 vision of All Black coach Graham Henry relaxing on the beach or fishing at one of his favourite island haunts is hard to imagine - given the pressure of Rugby World Cup 2011.

Snow is gathering on New Zealand’s high country, and mountain resorts are grooming their fields as the country says goodbye to autumn and welcomes visitors for another season of uniquely Kiwi winter events.

Few New Zealand cities portray such an impressive mix of old and new as Dunedin – the second largest city in the South Island and home to some of the country’s rarest inhabitants.

Canterbury – New Zealand’s largest region – rises from the Pacific Ocean, sweeps across vast plains, through braided river valleys, and climbs into the magnificent Southern Alps that divide the length of the South Island.

Trains and boats and planes, and Hobbit motels are just some of the quirky overnighters for travellers looking for out-of-the-ordinary accommodation in New Zealand.

It might not be unusual to find sanctuary on a golf course but it is rare to find a golf course that is a sanctuary. New Zealand's Wairakei International Golf Course is thought to have scored a world first.

Wetlands are not only crucial to the environment, they also offer an attractive landscape for conservationists and tourists to explore – especially in New Zealand.