Christchurch - Canterbury

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.

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.

Top international snow and ice sports athletes are due to descend on New Zealand’s Southern Alps this winter, for 16 days of cool action in the 100% Pure New Zealand Winter Games.

Tourism operators in New Zealand’s Canterbury region, hard hit by publicity around the recent earthquakes, are banding together for a special event this weekend (30.4.11) to reinforce their “Christchurch is open” message.

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.

Three of the five Rugby World Cup pool matches that were to have been held in Christchurch, but have had to be moved because of the February earthquake, will remain in the South Island.

New Zealand’s forthcoming ski season is shaping up to be another major success – with more flights, attractive deals and positive exchange rates adding impetus to the already strong Australian visitor market.

New Zealand has laid down the welcome mat with a new campaign to assure travellers that the country is very much open for business, while bloggers throughout the world are extolling the virtues of the destination.

A grassroots blogging and social media movement, supporting New Zealand in the wake of the Christchurch earthquake, is gathering major support worldwide with plans to saturate the internet with Kiwi travel content.

A ‘Hollywood vs Wellywood’ style charity cricket match, which pitched professionals against politicians and celebrities at Wellington’s Basin Reserve yesterday (13.3.11), has raised more than half a million dollars for Christchurch earthquake victims.