Auckland

New Zealand sailors have claimed, over the years, most of the top international sailing trophies including the America's Cup and Whitbread Race.

Dateline 09-09-09 was celebrated with particular significance in New Zealand today, marking exactly two years out from the opening game of Rugby World Cup 2011.

As New Zealand bursts into spring colour, an event-filled calendar and the forecast of a long hot summer promise to banish winter blues.

A regular feature on many parts of the North and South Island coast, 13 different dolphin species live in the waters around New Zealand.

New Zealand will be represented at the 2009 Venice Biennale by two eminent artists of differing mediums and methods but with a common interest – their birthplace and favourite Kiwi foods.

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.

Colourful garden festivals and events throughout New Zealand during 2009.

Background information on the host towns and cities for the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.

Thirteen host towns and cities in different New Zealand regions will help fill the 'stadium of four million' promised by the New Zealand Rugby Union for the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

New Zealand born yachting legend Sir Peter Blake is the only sailor to have taken part in the first five Whitbread Round the World races. He also led his country to two successive America’s Cup victories.