As one of the biggest article contributors to New Zealand's Information Network, I can honestly say that I continue to be surprised at how much online tourism related information is to be found within New Zealand's Information Network!

When I'm not busy creating new Websites for predominately tourism related clients, or 'jazzing up' the text in some older sites, I enjoy writing articles about New Zealand for the Network.

If you haven't visited the Homepage recently then you should take a peek! The 'Popular Resources' on the left hand navigation are simply mind-blowing - you can plan your entire Kiwi holiday right from here! Extensive articles and great pictures cover it all! International visitors and locals alike can plan it all here, including Free & Low Cost Activities for the family, Adventure Thrill Sports for the young at heart or Golf Courses and Wine Regions for the not so young at heart, as well as loads of self-drive itineraries. There is something for everyone, from hunters to fly fishing enthusiasts, divers, trampers and rafters, to skiers, surfers and more!

Established way back in 1995, New Zealand’s Information Network is one of the genuine ‘old boys’ from the very early days of NZ tourism online, and I am proud to be part of such a successful Kiwi Website based company that positively promotes New Zealand around the world.

Personally, I’m counting down the days until the end of our Winter and I can happily report to sightings of blossom on trees (albeit rather small blooms) and the odd lamb huddling in the unseasonably rainy weather, however I know that the huge number of New Zealand and international snow lovers will be in denial that this glorious season could come to an end. In the midst of enjoying one of the best ski seasons to be seen in New Zealand in a very long time, it is wonderful to see the happy ripple that has been created this snow season. Happy skiers, happy ski operators, happy accommodation providers, happy shuttle operators and the huge numbers of staff employed at each ski field around the country…

So with the end of the ski season, what’s next for New Zealand? The arrival of Spring heralds the exciting planning of the 2008/2009 Summer. Day light savings, School holidays, Christmas holidays, New Year Eves celebrations, Summer outdoor concerts, long weekends… it’s all pointing towards another wonderful summer for locals, visitors and tourism operators. Of course the savvy traveller can take advantage of the Spring shoulder season for some terrific touring with cheaper rental vehicle and accommodation rates, plus avoiding the big summer crowds while enjoying nice, settled weather.

As I mentioned earlier, one of my favorite jobs is writing New Zealand articles and for some months now I have been steadily chomping my way through creating an extensive range of updated North Island Itineraries to replace the slightly out-dated ‘old’ ones. This job has been commissioned by Tui Campers and they have invested a substantial amount of resources into providing you with completely free and unbiased tour guides for your self-drive journey. The team at Tui Campers is passionate about New Zealand tourism and want to encourage as many Kiwi’s and international visitors to see this fabulous country!

I am extremely proud of each itinerary that I have extensively researched to provide you with the best possible routes and suggestions for places to stay, entertainment, activities, places to eat and much more. I am now on the job of tackling the South Island itineraries and having recently returned from a South Island jaunt I am keen to share my top places and travel routes with you! In the meantime, the North Island Itineraries should help you get started on planning your self-drive Kiwi experience.

Now for the plug, we have just updated a couple of Websites with new online information, photos, color scheme and our tech guy has put some new tricks into the ‘behind the scenes’ part of these sites, so please take a moment to look (and hopefully provide the nod of approval) for Anchorage Resort Motel in Taupo and Sahara Guesthouse, Motel & Deluxe Studio Units in Dunedin ().

Hopefully by my next thoughts and ramblings the sun will be shining and North Canterbury will be drying out nicely…

Cheers

Rachael de Hek