Five German aspiring models have been flown to New Zealand with the help of the Government's tourism department in a bit to boost visitor numbers.

The number of superyachts arriving in New Zealand this summer has soared from 37 to 57 compared to last year with the biggest of them all, Serene, extending its stay for maintenance.

Amazing Race host Phil Keoghan is the face of a new campaign to attract United States cycle tourists to New Zealand.

New figures reveal the astonishing boost Tolkien fans have given to our economy, but how long can the lucrative movie off shoot continue, and should we turn our ambitions elsewhere?

Auckland has cracked the two million mark for annual international visitor arrivals for the first time.

The falling New Zealand dollar will boost tourism and could enable hotel operators to increase prices.

It has housed the world's largest water chute, welcomed the Empire of India exhibition and hosted David Bowie and the most disastrous concert of his career.

China's big three state-owned airlines are spreading their wings and heading for New Zealand this summer and have room for the number of flights to double.

Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce has confirmed it would be harder to justify government funding if the America's Cup is Bermuda-bound in 2017.

Tourist operators say a chronic labour shortage because of problems hiring overseas workers could choke the booming tourism sector.

'I'm deadly serious, I will close you down'. The Prime Minister has issued a stern warning to adventure tourism operators over safety breaches.

Hobbit fans and media have descended on New Zealand for an exclusive Hobbit tour and screening of the final film in the trilogy.

French tourists Caroline Claudon and Alexis Rebours chose Auckland to begin their working holiday but a clean break from big cities was what they hoped for.

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?".

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.

New Zealand has scored a starring role in China's most popular reality TV show.

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.

Chris Roberts is no stranger to being in the firing line.

A chain stretched across an entrance to the Hole in the Rock scenic marine attraction in the Bay of Islands has been removed after being deemed a navigational hazard.

Tourist drivers are being quizzed and in some cases denied their hired vehicle as the industry looks at ways to improve safety.

New Zealand hotels are on the brink of "golden years" thanks to more international visitor spending but room rates have to increase to make top-end hotels more viable.

Overseas holiday arrivals hit a new high last month, reaching 64,000 - up 12.8 per cent on the same month a year ago.

A 20ha block of land at Hobsonville set aside for the marine industry will now be used for housing after a vote by Auckland councillors today.

Of the 83 million Chinese who travelled overseas last year, about 240,000 came here.

Spending by tourists is up 18 per cent in the past year as the tourism industry continues its recovery from tough times.

New Zealand's multimillion-dollar glacier tourism industry is potentially under threat by ongoing glacial retreat, according to a university researcher.