Why the British love NZ

This country is a hot destination for British travellers. MAGGIE TAIT reports why Guardian travel editor Andy Pietrasik thinks it is so popular and whether it will remain so



The face of travel to New Zealand has changed dramatically in recent years but it had to, says Guardian travel editor Andy Pietrasik.

"There was that old joke where the pilot said 'we are approaching Auckland, the weather's a bit overcast and by the way set your clocks to 1955' ... that used to be the perception but it's changed enormously, obviously, over time."

In an interview in London recently, Mr Pietrasik said while New Zealand's increasing sophistication was a major part of its growing popularity, the scenery would always be its biggest drawcard.

"And that's been brought home by Lord of the Rings and other films that we've seen.

"You've got the great outdoors that is wilderness without being too wild, you don't have any sort of that danger factor unless you want to do the adrenaline [activities]. It's married with that sophistication of taste."

Increasingly, travellers expected more than sightseeing - New Zealand has met demand by increasing the standard of accommodation and food and wine on offer.

"It's a pristine wilderness, I think but not going the wilderness mile. You can still stay in nice places and have nice food."

The British public was well informed about what was available here and six or seven features about New Zealand run in the Guardian each year - a high ratio for a distant country.

Having won the Guardian and Observer's People's Choice Award for the best long-haul travel destination four of the past five years - it missed out last year to Chile - New Zealand had proven its consistent popularity, but was it a bubble waiting to pop?

"No, I can't see that bubble bursting ... I think people will always want to go there. It's a beautiful destination that is unspoiled."

While there were trends, and countries went in and out of fashion, New Zealand had the benefit of attracting repeat business.

"It is a knockout destination. When you see it for the first time you think 'Christ I wish I had more time to do more' ...

"I think they are going back. People go for the first time and try to take in as much as possible. They go back for a second time and they're tapping into the lifestyle a bit more."

While many see the sheer distance of New Zealand as a barrier it was also an advantage.

"That part of the world is much safer. You have political stability, it's never had a history of violence, you have the odd sort of backpacker incident ... it's probably one of the safest travel destinations in the world."

* Maggie Tait visited London as a guest of Tourism New Zealand and Air New Zealand.

- NZPA