Hamilton - Waikato

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

Thousands of food lovers will swoop into the small Waikato town of Kāwhia on 5 February for a hands-on experience of New Zealand’s kai Māori / traditional Māori food.

As Valentine’s Day – February 14 – approaches, Hobbit hearts are a-flutter with talk that filming of the much anticipated 'Lord of the Rings' film prequel is likely to begin that day in New Zealand.

The final stage of Te Parapara – New Zealand’s first and only traditional Māori garden in a public setting which will be unveiled at Hamilton Gardens tomorrow (10.12.2010) – offers rare insight into the region’s pre-European history.

Already world famous for their dubious sexual conduct– New Zealand’s rare kākāpō are in the news again with a pack of “studs” facing deportation after becoming victims of their own success with the ladies.

New Zealand’s reputation as one of the world’s top surfing spots has been future-proofed by new legislation that protects the country’s most famous breaks.

Two young Kiwi lawyers who’ve spent nearly 12 months travelling the world playing a different golf course every day – are on the home straight and will return to New Zealand next month.

While the world speculates on the forthcoming royal wedding, the New Zealand tourism industry has plenty to say about why Prince William and Kate Middleton should opt for a Kiwi-style honeymoon.

After eight days of intense international competition, colourful festivities and enthusiastic home-crowds, New Zealand rowing officials and Hamilton Waikato locals are the toast of the international rowing fraternity.

International visitors at the World Rowing Championships have been treated to some unique action on New Zealand's Lake Karapiro - from an historic fleet of Māori waka to fierce challenge in the first days of competition.