ABOUT NEW ZEALAND

New Zealand is a sports-loving nation known for its easygoing, friendly people and diverse, breathtaking scenery. The unofficial home of Rugby culture, New Zealand also offers so much more - a veritable melting pot of culture from Maori, Polynesian and Asian to English, Scottish, Irish and Central European origins.

On a visit to New Zealand you can expect everything from spectacular scenery and outdoor experiences to superb food, internationally famous wines, a lively café scene and great arts and crafts. Museums in each of the main cities display major collections of Maori and Polynesian artifacts.

Thrill seekers, take your pick from heliskiing, bungy jumping, abseiling, skiing, kayaking, white water rafting, caving, canyoning, trekking, fresh and saltwater fishing, diving and horse trekking to jetboating, surfing, wind surfing, kitesurfing, parasailing and hang gliding.

Visit subtropical Northland, the birthplace of modern New Zealand, and sail around the Bay of Islands or swim with dolphins. Enjoy fine wine, gourmet food, world-class golf, sumptuous spas and luxury lodges.

Soak in a thermal pool at Waiwera just north of Auckland, Rotorua and Taupo in the central North Island or Hanmer Springs in the South Island.

Ski at Turoa or Whakapapa on Mount Ruapehu in the North Island. In the Southern Alps, the Remarkables, Cardrona, Treble Cone and Coronet Peak ski fields are centred on the resort towns of Queenstown and Wanaka.

Discover Rotorua with its unique volcanic landscape, living Maori culture, natural hot springs and beautiful lakes.

The South Island offers glaciers, fijords, clear lakes, scenic mountains and rolling green pastures. Farm stays and luxury lodges provide a taste of Canterbury's country life.

Colonies of penguins, gannets and seals can easily be viewed from some beaches. Offshore from Kaikoura giant migrating whales swim within a few kilometres of the coast, accessed by special whale-watch boats.

The allure of New Zealand takes many forms, not least of which are our superb Rugby traditions. A trip to New Zealand for Rugby World Cup 2011 will be the trip of a lifetime - be sure to make it your own.