Renowned travel guide Lonely Planet has once again ranked New Zealand in the top ten travel destinations in the world.
New Zealand was ranked the number two 'favourite destination' of travellers worldwide, according to new book Lonely Planet Bluelist 2007, following Australia, and ahead of Britain, Thailand, Greece, Italy and the US. A number of New Zealand locations and activities also gained a mention in the book, with Lonely Planet Bluelist 2007 devoting a double-page spread to New Zealand.
'This recognition for New Zealand is all the more important as it comes from the people who are experiencing it first-hand,' says George Hickton, Tourism New Zealand Chief Executive. 'The world is moving more and more towards listening to what those who are experiencing the product have to say - blogs, podcasts and web forums are becoming increasingly important in spreading the word about destinations. I am delighted that New Zealand has been ranked so highly.'
Lonely Planet Bluelist 2007 is an annual book capturing the hottest trends, destinations, journeys and experiences for the year ahead, as recommended by Lonely Planet staff, authors, and travellers themselves. The 'favourite destination' list was compiled from a worldwide poll of 32,000 travellers.
Wellington is listed as one of the world's top 10 'Cities on the Rise' and recommended as 'gaining in reputation as a place to be in the southern hemisphere'. Diving the Rainbow Warrior is listed as one of the top ten dive experiences in the world, while tramping the Milford Track is one of the best 'slow travel' adventures in the world.
Mr Hickton says the high ranking is the result of the collective efforts of the New Zealand tourism industry. 'Our industry works very hard to ensure the quality of the tourism experience in New Zealand is as high as possible. This award is another endorsement of this hard work'.
Further information:
Cas Carter
Corporate Communications
Tourism New Zealand
Phone +64 4 917 5410
New Zealand in Top Ten Travel Destinations
New Zealand's warmest months: a time for foodies
New Zealand's summer and autumn months offer a myriad of festivals for culinary enthusiasts showcasing some of the country's best food and wine.
Food and wine festivals throughout New Zealand provide good opportunities to taste regional specialties.
The seventh Organic River Festival promotes sustainable living over a weekend of organic food and wine, entertainment, and workshops on topics such as alternative power sources. The event is held in Levin, just north of Wellington, on 27 and 28 January 2007.
Wellington hosts Pinot Noir 2007 from 29 January - 1 February. The event will see 500 of the world's most influential wine commentators and producers gather for four days of eating, drinking, talking and celebrating New Zealand's top red wine.
For a truly New Zealand experience, the Kawhia Kai Festival on 3 February 2007 offers traditional and modern Maori kai (food) such as shark liver sausages, mutton bird, paua (abalone) and hangi (food cooked in a hot earth oven).
The festival, held in Kawhia on the west coast of the North Island, will also feature kapa haka performances, ta moko (tattoo) demonstrations, music, art, carving and weaving.
Harvest Hawke's Bay is one of New Zealand's largest food and wine celebrations with 25 wineries opening their doors from 3-4 February 2007 to showcase their award winning wines. The 12-year-old festival also features live entertainment and art exhibitions.
Auckland's Waiheke Island Wine Festival will be a day of wine, gourmet food and New Zealand music. Wines will be presented by 18 of Waiheke Island's vineyards on 10 February 2007.
At the top of the South Island, the annual Wine Marlborough Festival will also be on held on 10 February. More than 200 wines from 40 wineries will be showcased, with the opportunity to meet some of New Zealand's leading wine makers during wine tutorials.
For something different, the Hokitika Wildfoods Festival on 10 March 2007 celebrates the West Coast's unique lifestyle, food and hospitality. Festival-goers can sample gourmet 'bush tucker' such as worms, seagull eggs, mako shark, emu meat, whitebait, ostrich meat, octopus, eel and mutton bird.
The Bluff Oyster and Southland Seafood Festival on 21 and 22 April 2007 showcases Southland seafood and wine with the star of the show being the Bluff oyster. The programme also includes oyster shucking and eating competitions, wearable arts competitions, and the Southern Seas Ball.
Top chefs and winemakers from New Zealand and around the world will host culinary classes at Savour New Zealand from 27-29 April 2007. The Christchurch event will also feature a Cuisine Symposium where guest commentators will discuss sustainable agriculture and New Zealand's potential to lead the world in this area.
