New Zealand's population continues to grow. According to Statistics New Zealand, on March 31, 2004 the population was estimated at 4,054,200. Tourism also continues to flourish. Despite threats from an overvalued kiwi dollar, terrorism, SARS and the war in Iraq, tourist-spending grew to a record $6.4 billion in 2003, equivalent to 5.6% of gross domestic product. There can be little doubt that the Lord of the Rings clean sweep at the Oscars has also raised New Zealand's international profile considerably and international visitors continue to seek our filming locations throughout the country thanks to thriving private tour companies offering guided visits to the best of them.
In the air, the proposed merger between Air New Zealand and Australia's Qantas has failed to get the go ahead; and Virgin Blue's regular trans-Tasman service via Pacific Blue is up and running. Here's what else is new for 2004 in New Zealand.
Auckland
A new Maori cultural attraction has opened in the city. Rawaka (tel. 0800/729-252 in NZ or 09/419-7621; www.rawaka.com) is a replica Maori Village and visitors will pay NZ$125 for the cultural display featuring a live dinner show, hangi meal, a tour of the village and the opportunity to buy New Zealand-made gifts in the renovated Fisherman's Wharf complex beneath the Harbour Bridge on Auckland's North Shore.
Wellington
As the 'home' of Peter Jackson's "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, the capital city is expecting a rush of interest from tourists keen to find out more. Grand Hotels International has risen to the occasion, adding to their city bed numbers with the new addition of Atrium Towers, The Chancellor Serviced Apartments (www.grandhotelsinternational.com) 154 The Terrace, Wellington, a new four-star complex in the heart of the city. Just over the Rimutaka Hill, in the Wairarapa, you'll find Greytown's new and very stylish The White Swan Country Hotel (tel.06/304-8894; www.thewhiteswan.co.nz), which features eleven themed rooms from NZ$149 ($255). Rates include breakfast.
Nelson
The luxurious Paratiho Lodge near Motueka (www.paratiho.co.nz) has been granted membership of the prestigious Relais & Chateaux Association, which promotes luxury hotels worldwide. In Nelson itself, we are sad to report the closing of the gorgeous upscale B&B 39 Russell as owner/artist Jane Evans returns her attention to painting. Meanwhile, for those who wish to test their nerves of steel, you can now visit The Buller Gorge Swing Bridge Adventure & Heritage Park, south of Nelson near Murchison (tel. 03/523-9809; www.BullerGorge.co.nz). Here you'll find New Zealand's longest swing- bridge hanging precariously over the mighty Buller River among a whole heap of other activities including jetboating and the Faultline Loop Walk, located at the epicenter of the 1929 Murchison earthquake.
Picton
Lovers of the fanciful should visit Seahorse World (tel. 04/570-6030; www.seahorseworld.co.nz), a boutique aquarium on the Picton Foreshore, nest to the Cook Strait Ferry Terminal.
Christchurch & Canterbury
A new boutique hotel development is planned for the small but endearing historic port town of Lyttelton, just over the Port Hills (or alternatively a 15-minute tunnel drive) from Christchurch. It will be built by the ever-expanding Scenic Circle Hotels chain, who plan to refurbish the old Canterbury Hotel building in 2004-2005. Within Christchurch city, look out for a number of new restaurants, cafés and stylish retail developments along Victoria Street. The always popular Winnie Bagoes Pizza Bar has moved from Lichfield Street and can now be found at 194 Gloucester Street (tel. 03/366-6315). The beach suburb of Sumner has also grown its restaurant choices but the charming Sumner Beach Guest House has closed down. An hour away in Akaroa, the popular backpacker hostel, Chez la Mer, (tel. 03/304-7024) is pleased to mention they're now online at www.chezlamer.co.nz.
Queenstown & Environs
For a genuine taste of the South Island High Country farming life, pay a visit to the 3000-hectare sheep and cattle property, Glendhu Station (tel. & fax 03/443-7055) located on the shores of Lake Wanaka, surrounded by magnificent mountains. Owners Bob and Pam McRae offer private bookings for four or more people to tour their land, watch sheep dogs working, along with a visit to the family homestead and history room with morning or afternoon tea in a garden setting. This unique opportunity costs NZ$400 minimum per group. Another new Wanaka tour addition is Clean Green Photo Nature Tours (tel. 03/443-7951; www.cleangreen.co.nz) where, for NZ$70 per person, you can join internationally renowned photographer and naturalist, Gilbert van Reenen on an expedition to breathtaking locations. You can be guided to the most picturesque vineyards in the world, get personal tuition or take a 4WD trip.
Near Wanaka Airport, the NZ Fighter Pilot's Museum and Wanaka Beerworks, you'll also find the Wanaka Transport & Toy Museum (tel. 03/443-8765, fax 03/443-8750) where for NZ$6 adults, NZ$2 children, you can see one of the quirkiest and largest vehicle and toy collections in the country -- over 15,000 items including 9000 toys and 200 cars and trucks. And for speed freaks, try out the new Monster Mountain Xtreme Rally and Off Road Adventures (tel. 0800/872-559 in NZ, or tel/fax 03/443-6878; www.mmrally.co.nz). You'll be put in the seat of a high performance rally car and at race speed you'll tackle a purpose built gravel course that delivers the maximum adrenalin rush. This will cost you from NZ$85 or from NZ$250 for the self-drive option.
If you're a winter visitor, you'll want to try out the new Snow Park (tel. 03/443-9991; fax 03/443-9717; www.snowparknz.com) that caters for the freerider and snowboarder with half pipes, table tops and rails. For skiers and snowboarders of all abilities, it also offers a winter and summer-events schedule and is located at Cardrona, approximately 12 kilometers from Wanaka township.
New on the Wanaka accommodation scene is Wanaka Homestead Luxury Lodge & Cottages (tel. 03/443-5022; fax 03/443-5023; www.wanakahomestead.co.nz), which offers ten lodge or cottage rooms close to the lake. The two or three bedroom cottages are designed with families or groups in mind and breakfast is included in the tariff -- lodge rooms NZ$180-$255; cottages NZ$310-$395. And due to open in 2005 are 57 On The Lake Apartments (www.onthelakewanaka.co.nz) overlooking the lake and marina; and Golfside Managed Apartments (www.onthelakewanaka.co.nz), situated beside the Wanaka Golf Course, just a three-minute stroll from the township. Both complexes will offer a wide range of amenities and tariffs ranging from NZ$250-$600 per night.