NZ: Lonely Planet Hot Spot 2003

Proving that NZ is not only destination of choice for Louis Vuitton carrying America’s Cup acolytes, Lonely Planet, bible of the young and Birkenstocked, picks NZ as the grand winner in its annual survey of hot spots. “Given a big boost, no doubt, by its breathtaking cinematic appearance in the Lord of the Rings films.”One US-based LP’er wrote: ‘If I could go anywhere in the world, it would be to New Zealand … [there] seem to be beautiful oasis-like places where you can feel like you’re at the ends of the earth” NZ is also SMH travel writer’s pick for hot destination of the year: “New Zealand for hip new Auckland and fantastic scenery”