NEW ZEALAND [TRAVEL + TOURISM]

[christos-greece]

Originally Posted by SYDNEY

The Hobbit will be filmed in New Zealand

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Hobbiton, New Zealand by Rob & Jules, on Flickr

The Hobbit will be made in New Zealand, Prime Minister John Key has announced. He said at a press conference this evening that legislation would be introduced to Parliament tomorrow to support this. It will apply only to the film industry. Mr Key also announced The Hobbit will get a $15 million tax rebate - $7.5m per film - and said he would be surprised if the films were the last to be made by Warners in New Zealand. The future of the $670 million production hung in the balance after an actors union issued a no-work order on the films last month. Talks were held overnight with studio executives from Warner Brothers to resolve concerns about industrial laws in New Zealand. But the studio was also holding out for a bigger tax subsidy from the Government. The film's executive producer Sir Peter Jackson would "be a very happy camper" Mr Key said at the announcement. The movie will premiere in New Zealand and the Government would plan a major campaign promoting the country to coincide with its launch, Mr Key said. "It's good to have the uncertainty over, and to have everyone now full steam ahead on this project." He said he thought the Government had got the package right. A memorandum of understanding with Warner Brothers was signed at around 7pm tonight. It was "unacceptable" to the New Zealand public to have the film go offshore, he said. He believed the new legislation would not take rights off workers. Without those changes to the law it was a no go, Mr Key said. "I am delighted we have achieved this result," Mr key said. It will safeguard work for thousands and "put New Zealand on the world stage". National already have the backing of the ACT party and United Future for the legislation and are talking to the Maori party. They will also discuss the changes with Labour, he said. Mr Key was returning to his office to call Sir Peter Jackson. He had not spoken to him since yesterday morning.

Nice to hear that; btw i think that The Lord of the Ring trilogy, some scenes made in New Zealand?

[SYDNEY]

Originally Posted by christos-greece

Nice to hear that; btw i think that The Lord of the Ring trilogy, some scenes made in New Zealand?

Most of the actors for the Hobbit start arriving in New Zealand on friday (11 Feb 2011) - filming will start very soon

All the scenes of Lord of the Rings was filmed in New Zealand. Thanks for the comment mate

[SYDNEY]

AUCKLAND promotional video:

[SYDNEY]

UK announce NZ third top country in travel awards

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Lake Tekapo|South Island|New Zealand by looknbooknz, on Flickr

New Zealand has placed third in the Top Country category of UK magazine Wanderlust's Travel Awards. Namibia came first in the category, followed by Costa Rica and then New Zealand. The award winners were announced in London overnight. New Zealand came third in the same category last year. Tourism New Zealand general manager of Western long haul markets Gregg Anderson said the award would help reinforce the value of a New Zealand holiday in the UK market, where Wanderlust was well read. "Wanderlust has a circulation of more than 30,000 and our top three finish will stand us in good stead for UK travellers considering where they want to go on their next overseas holiday." Wanderlust said on its website that it was Namibia's sense of drama and accessibility that won it top spot.

"And that mix of drama and accessibility surely accounts, too, for runners-up Costa Rica and New Zealand - destinations where the natural world pulls out all the stops, but creature comforts are never far away," Wanderlust said. Other mentions of New Zealand in this year's awards were Air New Zealand, which finished third in the Top Airline category, and the TranzAlpine train journey, which took seventh in the Top Rail Journey category. In other categories, Myanmar/Burma won Top Emerging Destination, Luang Prabang in Laos was named Top City, and Top Airline went to Singapore Airlines. The Disservice to Travel award went to Ryanair. The Wanderlust Travel Awards are held annually and are based on travellers' experiences from December 2009 to November 2010.

[SYDNEY]

Otago makes top 10 of world spots to propose

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Otago Peninsula by LUKINEC, on Flickr

The Otago Peninsula has been proclaimed one of the most romantic places on the planet to propose marriage. United States news organisation CNN International has released its top 10 places to propose to a loved one on Valentine's Day. "If your beseeching eyes can't soften her heart, the mating rituals of South Island's unusual coastal wildlife may do it for you," CNN gushed. It highlighted the wildlife reserves near Dunedin - home to colonies of yellow-eyed penguins, blue penguins, fur seals and the royal albatross. "Joining wildlife tours organised by one of South Island's many nature tour operators will help you figure out which wildlife hot spot is best for the occasion," it said.

The top 10 places are:

1. England's North Lees Hall
2. The Great Wall of China
3. Jaipur, India
4. Ireland's Lismore Castle
5. 360° Leti hotel, India
6. Maldives
7. ShirazN, Iran
8. Dubrovnik's Hotel Excelsior
9. New Zealand's Otago Peninsula
10. Petra, Jordan

[christos-greece]

Originally Posted by SYDNEY

All the scenes of Lord of the Rings was filmed in New Zealand. Thanks for the comment mate

I still remember the landscapes, background of those films; those mountains were great

[SYDNEY]

Originally Posted by christos-greece

I still remember the landscapes, background of those films; those mountains were great

They are unforgettable, the Queenstown area is a must see, truly spectacular

[SYDNEY]

New Zealand scenery will make splash in 'Hobbit'

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Huka Falls, Taupo, New Zealand by Sweppy, on Flickr

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P1330998 by philrickerby, on Flickr

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Hobbiton (Matamata, New Zealand) by Planetgordon.com, on Flickr

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Ruapehu Crater Lake 2 by MidwifeJules, on Flickr

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Queenstown lake - New Zealand. by globetrottingmatt, on Flickr

It is a spectacular sight: tens of millions of litres of water exploding from the spill gates of Aratiatia Dam, leaping and gushing through the narrow gorge below. It is a sight that draws thousands of tourists to the rapids, above Taupo's Huka Falls, every year. But for four days this year, those visitors will be turned away - and the tourism operators couldn't be more happy about it. Peter Jackson has settled on the Aratiatia Rapids as a location for filming one of the dramatic outdoor scenes in his two-part feature production of The Hobbit. It is only one of the beautiful locations set to feature in the movies, and with every new location disclosed, local tourism operators will be rubbing their hands.

Tourism is worth an estimated $9.5 billion a year to the New Zealand economy, and the pulling power of Middle Earth has been valued at a significant share of that. On top of that is the $500 million that the movie producers are expected to spend during filming and post-production. Unlike the Lord of the Rings trilogy, much of The Hobbit will be filmed at Wellington's Stone Street Studio - meaning the benefits to the select number of scenic outdoor locations could be even more lucrative. Hobbit producers have confirmed their return to the Waikato to the Hobbiton set on a Matamata farm.

With Environment Waikato's consent, they have begun diverting up to 890cu m of water a day from a nearby lake and stream to irrigate the lush green Middle Earth set and offset the browning effects of a hot New Zealand summer. They are also in talks with Ngati Tuwharetoa to film on the central North Island volcanic plateau, though the iwi is not expected to let them feature mountains Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu in the movies. The movie's location scouts have been busy in Ruapehu, Taranaki and Queenstown Lakes.

Wanaka would seem a perfect candidate for Laketown, the town devastated by the wrath of Smaug till the dragon was brought down by the black arrow of Bard the Bowman. Mt Taranaki could be the Lonely Mountain, given that Ngati Tuwharetoa is refusing to allow the use of Mt Ngauruhoe. Farther north, the Department of Conservation revealed to the Herald on Sunday that it granted a four-day "concession" for Weta to film in the Aratiatia scenic reserve above Huka Falls last month. That filming was delayed by Jackson's hospitalisation for a perforated stomach ulcer, but a new application could be lodged in the coming months.

While production company 3foot7 Ltd isn't saying what role the Aratiatia Rapids will play in The Hobbit, it is possible they could feature as the Forest River, down which Bilbo and his dwarf friends float in (and on) wine barrels to escape the elves of Mirkwood. At tourism agency Destination Great Lake Taupo, general manager Scott Pearson says the Lord of the Rings has left a "massive legacy" of tourism revenue. "This will enhance the whole Aratiatia experience and we'll see a lot more international visitors." Jane Kingston, marketing director for Huka Lodge, says the scenery around the Falls is like leaving the real world behind - so is perfect as Middle Earth. "This filming will draw attention to the beauty of New Zealand, increasing tourism and revenue."

[Yellow Fever]

Awesome photos and scenery! The way you credit the photos and providing their links is also excellent!

[SYDNEY]

Originally Posted by Yellow Fever

Awesome photos and scenery! The way you credit the photos and providing their links is also excellent!

Thanks, I try to behave

[SYDNEY]

Lake Wanaka continues growth in tourism numbers

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Lake Wanaka by saint_hotpot, on Flickr

Lake Wanaka visitor numbers continue to climb with the destination achieving one of the largest percentage increases in international visitor numbers during December according to the latest figures released by Statistics New Zealand. The Commercial Accommodation Monitor shows in December 2010, compared with December 2009, Lake Wanaka recorded one of the largest percentage increases for international visitors up 10.3%. The report also highlighted a continued growth in visitor numbers for Lake Wanaka, up 2.6% (to 65,533 guest nights) on the same period last year.

“It is promising to see the international visitors returning to Lake Wanaka and pleasing the growth in visitor numbers overall keeps climbing,” said Lake Wanaka Tourism general manager, James Helmore. “The reliable climate, relaxing environment and multitude of activities enjoying the lakes and mountains is certainly a drawcard for the overseas visitors.” The latest figures showed most regions across the country reported a decline in overall visitor and international visitor numbers.

For further information on Lake Wanaka, visit www.lakewanaka.co.nz

[Deanb]

this country is MAGNIFICENT... I don't think calling it the most or one of the most beautiful places in the world would be an exaggeration haha

[SYDNEY]

Originally Posted by Deanb

this country is MAGNIFICENT... I don't think calling it the most or one of the most beautiful places in the world would be an exaggeration haha

Cheers sweety, I have to agree with you there and I have seen some incredible scenery here in NZ. I have been told that I still haven't seen the the most beautiful areas of NZ - I can't wait to continue with my explorations Thanks for the comment hun

[christos-greece]

Really awesome photos, SYDNEY

[SYDNEY]

Originally Posted by christos-greece

Really awesome photos, SYDNEY

I am very pleased to read that you enjoyed them, thanks mate

[Linguine]

Amazing landscapes....

[ENRIQUE DANIEL]

LOVELY COUNTRY,VERY BEAUTIFUL,NICE CLEAN CITIES,AMAZING LAND,CHARMING AND CAUTIVATING,GREETINGS FROM PERU

[SYDNEY]

Originally Posted by Linguine

Amazing landscapes....

They are great, I fall in love with NZ every day Thanks for the comment mate

Originally Posted by ENRIQUE DANIEL

LOVELY COUNTRY,VERY BEAUTIFUL,NICE CLEAN CITIES,AMAZING LAND,CHARMING AND CAUTIVATING,GREETINGS FROM PERU

Thanks mate, your comments are much appreciated - greetings from NZ

[SYDNEY]

International travel up at Auckland Airport

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New Chums by Piotr Zurek, on Flickr

Auckland Airport said it handled 4.8 per cent more international passengers in January compared to a year earlier, but handled 7.8 per cent fewer domestic passengers. The airport handled 687,996 international passenger movements, excluding transits, in January, up from 656,380 in the previous January. It handled 449,022 domestic passengers, down from 486,779 in the same month last year. Short-haul traffic was strong with Australian markets growing by 8.4 per cent and Pacific Island markets by 3.8 per cent. The airport said that China Airlines started international services to Auckland on January 2. The new service added 10 Airbus 330 and two Airbus 340 landings.

[SYDNEY]

Overseas visitor numbers hit January record

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NZ 1 282 by damn_camera, on Flickr

The number of visitors arriving in this country for a short-term stay rose 3 percent in January from a year earlier, to 265,600 - a record for a January month. Publishing the figures today, Statistics New Zealand (SNZ) said the number of visitors from China rose by 5100 in January compared to a year earlier, with a rise of 1700 from Australia and 900 from Japan. The increase in visitors from China was influenced by an earlier Chinese New Year holiday period, which was a popular time for travel. Visitor numbers from Britain fell further, 3500 lower in January this year than 12 months earlier, continuing declines seen in almost every month since April 2007, SNZ said.

The estimated average number of visitors in this country each day during January was 212,300, up from 211,500 a year earlier. For the year to January, visitor numbers were up 3 percent from a year earlier to 2.53 million, with the 127,800 visitors from China during the latest year an annual record, and 30,400 or 31 percent higher than in the January 2010 year. Annual visitor numbers from Australia were up 25,900, while 13,000 more visitors came from Korea, 9000 more from Japan, 4400 more from Taiwan, and 4000 more from India.

Visitor numbers from Britain fell 27,400 for the year, with numbers from the United States down 8300 and from Ireland down 3500. The number of New Zealand residents leaving on short term overseas trips lifted 10 percent to 117,700 in January from a year earlier. The latest figure was the highest on record for a January month. In the year to January departures rose 6 percent to 2.04m.