Akaroa is still open for business and virtually unaffected by the February 22nd earthquake

The Canterbury region still has some great options for visitors. While the Christchurch CBD may be out of action for a while, the surrounding area still has plenty to offer. The French inspired village of Akaroa offers great cafes, relaxing restaurants, sailing, cruising on the harbour and swimming with the rare Hector dolphins.

It's possible that some travellers may think all of the South Island is quake damaged, when infact the situation is localised and doesn't even affect all of Christchurch city.

Experts say the country’s strict building codes have helped prevent fatalities in the Christchurch Earthquake. The Christchurch Cathedral with its tall spire still stands proudly in Cathedral Square thanks to the strengthening it received 10 years ago.

Known for their friendliness, Cantabrians pulled together really well, checking on their neighbours and helping out where they could. Scores of people have volunteered their services across Christchurch and wider Canterbury as the clean-up effort continues following Saturday morning's devastating earthquake.

Civil defence has been praised for its quick response to the Christchurch Earthquake. Christchurch City Council staff worked tirelessly to restore the water supply to most of the City promptly and filling stations have been set up to provide water to residents who do not have tap supply at home. Power supply has also been restored to most of the region.

All payphones in the city are now free for local, national and mobile calls. The Christchurch Metro bus service resumed operating today, and rubbish collection continues as normal.

Metallica Fans were worried they would cancel the show but the Rockers say they will still play in Christchurch. The band says its performances on September 21 and 22 at the CBS Canterbury Arena will go ahead as planned.

The top spot of highest grossing movie, which until recently was held by Titanic, has been taken over by sci-fi spectacular Avatar.  The total worldwide sales for Avatar were sitting at $1.859 billion on 26 January, after just six weeks, which is more than the $1.843 billion that Titanic grossed over 1997 and 1998.

Director James Cameron has definitely confirmed his reputation as the worlds best director, as he directed both Titanic and Avatar, now the two highest grossing films ever!

Weta Digital in New Zealand used state of the art technology to produce the film Avatar and it is the most expensive film ever made, with a price tag of around $400 million after more than five years in production time.  The cost was well worth it though as Avatar has already won a Golden Globe and is a front runner for an Oscar nomination in February.

The action-adventure movie, starring Sigourney Weaver, is set in 2154 and tells the tale of a disabled ex-Marine sent to the planet Pandora to infiltrate a race of three-metre blue aliens and persuade them to let his employer mine their homeland for natural resources.

South Island Location on way to gaining World Heritage status

The South Island's Tekapo-Aoraki night sky has been approved to go to the next stage of being declared a World Heritage reserve site.  The United Nations Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization held a meeting on Wednesday in the Canary Islands where the bid by New Zealand was one of five to be accepted.  The other four bids to be accepted were from Austria, Spain, Chile and Hawaii.  The five bids will go through the process for the final stage of approval athe a world heritage meeting in Brazil next year.

The area around Tekapo, in the South Island is well known for its dark unspoiled skies with one of the most accessible observatories in the world located on Mt John.

"Thanks a Million Oz"


Fancy a Millionaire's Holiday in New Zealand?

Tourism New Zealand found a way to say Thank You to Australia for the one million visitors who visit New Zealand every year.

Participants had 25 words or less to describe New Zealand, and Shannyn Gourley from Victoria chose poetry to describe her thoughts about New Zealand;  

"Spirits depleted, Boredom Chronic. New Zealand adventure, perfect tonic! Mixing one part adrenaline, scenery for good measure, stir in adventure, pour out PLEASURE!"