Lord of the Rings director putting millions of dollars of his own money into plan to build a movie museum and convention centre in Wellington.

The South Island is in for a $150 million boost from a surge in air travel this summer.

Tourists setting off from Auckland on one of the world's top scenic rail journeys will have to check in at a kiosk fashioned from converted shipping containers from December 21.

In New Zealand, where cows outnumber people, leaping off a bridge tethered only by a rubber band has better economic prospects than selling milk.

A super-sized cruise ship with a 1350 seat theatre, surfing simulators, an ice skating rink and a rock climbing wall has arrived in Auckland.

Air New Zealand wants to move New Zealand into the top ten destinations for Argentine tourists.

Air New Zealand has signed a deal with an Argentine Government tourism body and both will now work together to promote tourism and trade.

Former All Blacks skipper reveals primal fear while sharing flight with the Herald: "I don't think a horse will enjoy a big lump like me on it."

Luxury cruise, visiting the Wonders of the World and seeing the Northern Lights top options in new survey.

The ship has 10 pools and whirlpools, 15 bars and restaurants, a surf simulator and a rock climbing wall.

Lax service and acute labour shortages are a threat to New Zealand's booming tourism sector, says an industry body.

Their careers over, the kids flown, older people are joining the backpacker trail. Joanna Mathers reports.

Auckland's busiest summer of events helped raise tourism expenditure by 15 per cent.

Plans for 9.8km gondola - the longest in Australasia - from Queenstown's Remarkables Park to the iconic Remarkables mountain range.

The installation of a suspended viewing cube on Skyline Queenstown's viewing deck has been put back until next winter.

Tokyo's Hato Bus is proving to be one of the bright lights in Japan's tourism industry.

Country is growing in popularity for Kiwi travellers.

The long-awaited airfare war between New Zealand and the United States has taken off and is being welcomed by the Kiwi travel and tourism industry.

Accommodation providers benefited from the highest-ever guests stays in September, as record numbers of tourists travelled the country.

American Airlines is confident it can do what other carriers from the US have not - stay in New Zealand for the long haul.

COMMENT: Qantas now has the biggest airline in the world to do some of its heavy hitting, writes Grant Bradley.

Dreams of an air fare war between New Zealand the United States have been realised.

Interactive: Data shows leap in spending for Matamata region as fans flock to Hobbiton attraction.

Short-stay Chinese visitors are spending up large in Auckland and Queenstown but snubbing some of the country's biggest cities for the cultural hot-spot of Rotorua.

Tourism operators say their industry is being crippled by a lengthy process forcing seasonal staff to wait months to get special driver licences.

Thousands of Bali-bound holidaymakers - including countless Kiwis - have been delayed due to volcanic ash wreaking havoc at Denpasar Airport.

Air New Zealand will purchase 15 new ATR72-600 aircraft to operate on regional services, the airline announced today.