Auckland

Auckland is on 'Cloud' nine, Wellington’s launching a waka, Nelson’s taking a long Italian lunch, Bluff’s reserving the juiciest oysters, Westland’s celebrating whitebait, and wineries all over New Zealand are dusting off their vintage best.

A super-sized Māori haka, staged simultaneously in New Zealand’s four main cities, will unite Kiwis in sending a powerful message of strength and support for the people of Christchurch.

Glow worms, great food, black water rafting and bungy jumping have left US pop star Katy Perry raving, and in love with New Zealand after her first visit.

Astronauts who are more used to viewing New Zealand from space will conduct a voyage of discovery with a difference this week when they step onto Kiwi soil as part of an ‘inner space’ mission.

A rare all-white kiwi, thought to be the first ever bred in captivity, has hatched at New Zealand's Pukaha Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre.

A New Zealand garden transported to the other side of the earth for the world famous Chelsea Flower show has not only won a silver medal, but also the royal stamp of approval from the Queen.

The first glimpse of Te Wao Nui – a major new ecological project at Auckland Zoo and the biggest development in the city attraction’s history – will be offered to visitors to celebrate World Environment Day.

New Zealand’s Auckland Town Hall has resonated to some sweet sounds in its 100-year history, and the latest buzz involves a group of busy locals who seem set to stick around for a while.

With 85,000 international visitors in the country, Rugby World Cup will showcase New Zealand to a global audience of discerning travellers – and, away from the rugby field, it’s Kiwi food and wine that’s likely to attract the most sustained interest.

‘Happy Feet’ – the Antarctic emperor penguin that made New Zealand visitor arrival history by finding its way to a North Island beach – continues its fight for life under the watchful eye of Kiwi medics and conservation experts.