Northland

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.

Matariki, the unique cultural festival celebrating the dawning of Māori New Year, will start early this year with the Pleiades star formation due to first appear over New Zealand on 4 June.

Remembering the fallen heroes of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZACS) will have added depth this coming Anzac Day thanks to a strengthened bond between the two countries as a result of the Christchurch earthquake.

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.

The call of a traditional Māori greeting echoed across the waters of Lake Ngatu in the far north today (2.02.2011) as New Zealand became the first country in the world to welcome the dawning of World Wetlands Day.

An authentic Māori cultural experience that includes sailing on a traditional waka to the Bay of Islands to celebrate Waitangi Day – New Zealand’s national holiday – is being offered by a new Auckland tour operator.

Canadian peace walker Jean Béliveau has completed his mammoth 64-country, 11-year walk around the world – arriving at the tip of New Zealand’s North Island accompanied by local supporters.

The Canadian walker who has spent the past 11 years walking around the world to promote peace has arrived in Northland, New Zealand on the last leg of his foreign travels.