Hawke's Bay

Hot on the heels of Rugby World Cup, and a bag full of international tourism accolades from 2011, New Zealand is set to stay in the international spotlight for 2012.

New Zealand’s luxury lodges are basking in a series of international accolades – lining up with the world’s best to demonstrate how the local luxury accommodation sector continues to punch above its weight.

The ‘Robertson Promised Gift’ – a private art collection owned by billionaire New Zealand luxury lodge owners, the Robertson family – is to go on show for the first time at the newly refurbished Auckland Art Gallery.

Rugby World Cup 2011 will be a chance to experience and relive New Zealand’s rich rugby heritage with a series of REAL New Zealand Festival nostalgic exhibitions and events surrounding the tournament.

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.

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.

While the traditional Kiwi food experience is often around casual outdoor dining, New Zealand is fast developing a reputation for fine cuisine and high-end foodie events and destinations.

Three world-renowned chefs working with first class New Zealand wine and food at one of the top 20 hideaways on earth, has proved to be an irresistible combination.

Romance is in the air, and New Zealand has some top spots to celebrate Valentine’s Day.

New Zealand’s Art Deco capital of Napier, in Hawke’s Bay, celebrates its annual festival of origin in style in February with an event calendar that features boas and balls, picnics and parades.