Dunedin - Coastal Otago

Excited rugby fans in Dunedin on Saturday (13.06.09) got the ‘full monty’ – a bonus match featuring the ‘Nude Blacks’ – as well as the much anticipated first rugby test between New Zealand – France.

New Zealand is turning the concept of a wildlife ‘Big Five’ upside down by developing its own ‘Small Five’ list aimed at encouraging travellers to come and see some of the world’s rarest creatures for themselves.

With the 2010 FIS Snowboard and Freestyle Junior World Champs over, elite junior winter sports athletes from around the world are packing their bags – but many will leave with high hopes of returning.

While Alice in Wonderland fans are flocking to cinemas to relive Lewis Carroll’s literary classic, a New Zealand tourist attraction has put a new twist on the legendary tale.

Never mind the New Zealand government’s pending national cycleway, a couple of cycling Americans in their seventies have already created the Great Southern Cycle Route.

One of New Zealand’s most respected rugby stars – former All Black captain and coach, Fred “The Needle” Allen – celebrated his 90th birthday at a civic reception in Auckland.

Despite global recession and ensuing challenges in 2009, New Zealand has sustained its position as a high profile destination bringing in the tourists and notching up many international awards to prove it.

The eventual return of New Zealand native tuatara to wild habitat in the South Island has been brought a step closer with the arrival of 15 of the baby reptiles at Orokonui Ecosanctuary near Dunedin.

An unexpected population explosion has the New Zealand Marine Studies Centre aquarium, on the Otago Peninsula, brimming with activity.

Dunedin’s decadent mid-winter sweetener, the irresistable Cadbury Chocolate Carnival is ready to roll from 11 – 17 July, in the southern New Zealand city.