Lake Taupo

Work on New Zealand’s national cycleway network is to get a ‘quick start’ this summer at several locations throughout the country.

While financial swings have prompted caution and reserve in some industries, it seems New Zealand adventure-seekers are keener than ever to take the plunge and enjoy an adrenalin high.

Two top New Zealand luxury lodges - Kauri Cliffs, in Northland, and The Farm at Cape Kidnappers, in Hawke's Bay - have come in #1 and #2 in an international travel survey.

Taupo, the central North Island’s lake resort and popular tourist destination, is to have a Hilton hotel – only the second in New Zealand to be managed by the famous world corporation.

Swiss racing car drivers in New Zealand for the Taupo A1GP event were not only victorious on the track but also vocal in their praise for the country.

Five of New Zealand’s top hotels have made it onto the list of 500 best hotels in the world just published by international magazine Travel & Leisure.

Two famed New Zealand lodges - Glenorchy’s Blanket Bay and Taupo’s Huka Lodge - have been named among the best luxury hotels on Earth.