Tourism New Zealand says it has scored a $170 million coup after more than 400 million viewers across China tuned in for the reality show "Dad, where are we going?".

NZ features in five of Lonely Planet's Top Travel Lists for 2015- touted as one of the most 'progressive, inclusive and accepting' destinations for gays and lesbians.

HeliPro employs 70 people to run its 35 helicopters in NZ, Australia and Fiji.

Tourism Holdings chief executive Grant Webster says the falling New Zealand dollar will boost the visitor sector but is unlikely to encourage a big surge in numbers this high season.

A study of the superyacht industry has found visiting vessels generated more than $40 million for New Zealand last summer - which could rocket if facilities were expanded.

There are increasing hotel sales and new hotel construction activity, with the industry showing signs of renewed optimism that is expected to continue into 2015, says Dean Humphries, national director of hotels at Colliers International.

Tourist industry leaders have a short wishlist for the next John Key Government and topping it is having the Prime Minister continue in the tourism portfolio.

NZ's current account deficit rose by $1.4b in the past three months reflecting falling dairy prices and a large revision to investment flows into the country.

Grant Bradley travelled to Papenburg, Germany to see first-hand the process behind building megaships.

Take a look at the German launch of a megaship so big that Auckland will expand its wharf for its visit

The tourism industry wants to outperform Government forecasts to cement its position as one of New Zealand's biggest export sectors.

The cost of a night away from home is on the rise.

New Zealand is increasingly becoming the No 1 travel destination for the rich and the famous.

Total visitor spending in New Zealand grew by 11 per cent to $7.1 billion in the past year, driven by strong growth from the United States, Germany and China.

Analysts appear to be satisfied with SkyCity Entertainment Group's performance, despite a drop in annual profit.

SKyCity has dramatically increased the scope of its planned Auckland convention centre, announcing plans for a five star hotel and a 50 per cent increase in spending on the project .

More than $2 million a year will be spent to almost double the economic spinoff from Auckland's business events sector to $430 million annually in the next decade.

Auckland aims to almost double the economic spinoff for the business events industry to $430 million industry by 2023.

Passengers aboard the biggest ship based in this region will be able to go surfing onboard.

Auckland can expect a boost of millions to the economy with a record number of cruise ships hitting our shores.

On the floor of a conference about conferences, there's excitement mixed with a measure of frustration.

Kiwi music lovers could be in for more big name international acts under new visa laws due to come into force in November, a tourism body says.