Auckland, New Zealand’s ‘City of Sails’, has been confirmed as the halfway stopover port for the gruelling, round-the-world Global Ocean Race in 2014. Legendary hospitality and an unmatched enthusiasm for sailing in a city known as one of the world’s leading yachting capitals influenced the organisers and the race fleet can look forward to a great reception, says Auckland Mayor Len Brown.

Air New Zealand and Tourism New Zealand have signed a memorandum of understanding valued at more than $20 million, in a one year partnership to undertake joint marketing activity promoting travel to New Zealand in selected international markets. The investment represents an increase in planned joint marketing spend of around 80 per cent compared with the previous financial year.

Tourism operators in the southern wilderness region of Fiordland have introduced new tours, cruises and travel options as they work around a scheduled maintenance closure to the road accessing Milford Sound - one of New Zealand’s most popular tourist destinations.

New Zealand’s marine sector is going global and social with a networking initiative linking expat-Kiwis and their pool of connections, expertise and reputation to boost the local industry.

The New Zealand screen industry has broken the NZ$3 billion barrier for the first time thanks to earnings from an increased number of feature films made in the country during the last financial year.

Tourism New Zealand, national carrier Thai Airways and Auckland Airport have just launched a new initiative offering special deals to families travelling from Thailand to picturesque New Zealand. The campaign aims to encourage Thai families to explore New Zealand’s stunning landscapes and experience the golden season of autumn by road.