Christchurch - Canterbury

A New Zealand wildlife experience offering a close encounter with marine mammals in their natural environment has won a prestigious international award for responsible tourism.

Rugby fans opting to stay afloat on cruise ships that will provide accommodation during the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand, will find themselves in the heart of the action.

Two top New Zealand tourism businesses have been short-listed for international responsible tourism awards.

New Zealand movie-goers flocking to see the recently released 'Julie and Julia', based on the life of Julia Child, have discovered that the US celebrity chef’s former personal assistant is now living on their doorstep.

Billed as the country’s biggest spring festival, New Zealand Cup and Show week takes the prize for diversity with a programme featuring everything from rural life, racing and rodeo to fashion, theatre and dancing.

Unseasonable snowfalls, causing havoc in New Zealand’s central North Island, at least have a silver lining for winter sports enthusiasts who’re keen to make the most of spring skiing and snowboarding.

Life revolves around the sea in Kaikoura on the east coast of New Zealand’s South Island, and once a year the rich harvest of local seafood becomes central to a now internationally renowned festival.

Kiwis are reputed to be great global travellers but the discovery of New Zealand’s national icon in the centre of the Milky Way Galaxy in outer space has to be off the planet in anyone’s book.

On the crest of a bumper winter sports season, fresh snow falls and clear days are providing good conditions for skiers and snowboarders as New Zealand shifts into spring gear.

Wellington restaurant Logan Brown has been named Supreme Winner in the 2009 Cuisine New Zealand ‘Restaurant of the Year’ awards.