Hamilton - Waikato

A new venture between Sir Peter Jackson and Rings Scenic Tours, will allow visitors to access the Hobbiton Movie Set on the Matamata farm location in New Zealand - scene of The Lord of the Rings films and now The Hobbit films.

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.

Hobbit holes and hedgerows have appeared on one of New Zealand’s most celebrated farms as work begins on rebuilding Hobbiton for filming the 'The Hobbit' movies.

New Zealand has stepped back into the role of Middle-earth and the realm of mythical creatures as filming finally gets underway on 'The Hobbit' – one of the biggest Kiwi movies ever to be made.

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.

‘Flight of the Conchords’ star Bret McKenzie has swapped one funny hat for another to become an angelic-looking elf in 'The Hobbit' movies.

Cycling or walking a scenic route along the Waikato river is an attractive option for visitors wanting to get to and from the 2010 World Rowing Championships at Lake Karapiro.

With 50 countries confirmed to compete, the 2010 World Rowing Championships at Karapiro in the North Island will be the biggest international sport event in New Zealand since the 1990 Commonwealth Games.

From 12 December Australian travellers will be able to take advantage of direct flights into the central North Island of New Zealand.

Sir Ian McKellen, who played Gandalf in the ‘Lord of the Rings’ trilogy, is itching to revisit Middle Earth after reading the script for the first of ‘The Hobbit’ films.