Events

More than 1100 athletes from 80 countries are converging on the South Island city of Christchurch for the IPC Athletics World Championships – the biggest event of its kind outside the Paralympic Games.

Leading New Zealand sculptors will showcase their work in an iconic setting on the headlands of Waiheke Island in Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf this summer.

New Zealand has been named as number two of the top nine destinations for 2011 by global broadcasting network CNN – coming in just behind New York.

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.

Sunshine, a fun atmosphere, world-class entertainment and a unique setting in a picturesque vineyard’s natural amphitheatre – no wonder New Zealand’s Rhythm & Vines is the place to be for New Year.

Ticket sales for Rugby World Cup 2011 have already exceeded expectations and with still nine months to go until kick off, New Zealand can count on an influx of at least 85,000 international visitors.

More than 50,000 people are expected to make a pilgrimage to Gisborne in February 2011 when New Zealand’s culture-rich Eastland plays host to Te Matatini – the biggest festival of Māori performing arts in the world.

The world’s top buskers are lining up for a festival that promises to lift spirits in Christchurch, and get 2011 underway on a positive note for the earthquake-torn region.

‘Tis the season to be merry and, as Christmas lights up all over New Zealand, Kiwis are moving into festive mode.

Sculptures made out of old goal posts from Eden Park in Auckland could become part of French / Kiwi rugby history if a symbolic ceremony planned during the Rugby World Cup next year goes ahead.