Luxury

New Zealand has been confirmed as one of the world’s top destinations with a string of international awards for 2010 that applaud the country for being an easy, fun place to live in and visit.

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.

New Zealand’s Northland region is enjoying the international tourism spotlight having won a series of significant awards for the best coastline, dive spot and luxury lodges in the world.

New Zealand’s exclusive Eagles Nest retreat has won recognition as the world’s best ‘luxury coastal hotel’ – at the 2010 World Luxury Hotel Awards in Thailand.

New Zealand celebrity jeweller Michael Hill is on a quest to find the world’s best couple – offering as the grand prize a diamond engagement ring of massive proportions.

Three of New Zealand’s top luxury lodges have been included in Andrew Harper's Top 20 Hideaways in the World list.

Luxury travellers to New Zealand will have a spectacular new destination – Matakauri Lodge near Queenstown, when it’s unveiled on 27 August.

A 12-year-old Kiwi girl is heading for the bright lights of New York – as one of the stars of a brand-new US television show.

A cold blast over New Zealand’s South Island is bringing snow to low levels and dumping snow on key resorts, just days before the first ski field opens.

Record numbers of Australians are cruising to New Zealand, and cruise companies are rising to the challenge.