New Zealand listed as one of top 10 in Best in Travel guide

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

By MSN NZ Travel staff

New Zealand has been awarded another international travel gong after being named one of the top countries to visit in 2010 by Lonely Planet's Best in Travel guide.

Each year staff and author's from the travel bible put together an overview of some of their best travel experiences from around the world.

When describing New Zealand, authors adhered to the motto "If it ain't broke, don't fix it".

"The land of Maori and hobbits certainly didn't need repairing," according to the guide.

The book recommends travellers to try paragliding over Queenstown, hiking in Tongariro National Park, kayaking in Abel Tasman National Park and taking a flight over Fiordland for those seeking "life-changing experiences".

The South Island's Otago Peninsula is named one of the 10 best cycling routes, while Dunedin is highlighted as one of the top 10 places to take Rover for a walk. Sustainable tourism practices in New Zealand are praised.

Tourism New Zealand chief executive George Hickton told media he was astonished by the industry nod.

Top 10 countries to visit in 2010

New Zealand
El Salvador
Germany
Greece
Malaysia
Morocco
Nepal
Portugal
Suriname
United States
Do you agree with Lonely Planet's pick of the top 10 countries to visit in 2010? Have your say below.

User comments

I agree with all the above positive comments about NZ being on the list. One has to remember that travellers need to be able to safely & affordably get to the places of interest within a country also. I am curently in my favourite hotel in Hong kong and have just returned from Portugal and Europe, including Prague. There is only 2 places on the list I have not spent time in and although there are other countries just as deserving as some on the list, We need to be clear what variables are used as the measure. Just a thought, I never have to keep my valuables in a tummy pack while in NZ and it is nice not to see signs warning of pick pockets and bad taxi service in the airport. The negative North Islanders confirm why the South Island is called the Mainland and also (as a former Aussie) we need to rejoice that the negative Aussies do not want to come here as we do not want them or their attitudes which would probably keep us off the list.

It comes as no surprise that Morocco is in the top 10 Im a kiwi living here with a travel company Morocco has so much to offer beautiful oceans,mountains,snow,the mighty Sahara, and great shopping and the people are excellent hosts to their visitors if you haven't already put Morocco on you TO DO LIST for 2010

Darius, Once again NZ makes a number one list. Australia? Um, copy NZ advertising and clean up the racist attitudes and then just maybe!.

I can think of so many better places to visit than clean green (NOT) NZ. NZ should not be on the list, not even to 20. NZ is a baby Norway. To many politics and complaining going on in NZ. How can anyone think NZ is more beautiful than the Okavango Delta or Masaia mara or Switzerland or France? Get real people, there’s a whole world out there.

Who believes in this Lonely Planet c..p anyway. They pdroduce a different list every year. New Zealand is full of nothing. A country with beautiful scenery and no culture whatsover.

This is a subject that will constantly be debated. I have travelled extensively and would have to query why Canada and Turkey are not on this list. It is an honour that good old NZ has been chosen.

i strongly agree, New Zealand is such a beautiful place!!!!!!!!! wish the whole world could see N.Z close up. you'd be amazed. i miss N.Z very much, cant wait to return back home! 1 weeks and 3 days - counting down.

The advantage of NZ is that it has a great variety of scenery, easily accessible, within a small area. This is what tourists seem to be looking for. However, when I went back last year, I was shocked by the amount of street violence, especially the senseless attacks on tourists ( West coast and ChCh). NZ could be a paradise, but is not. We have to deal with the gangs, the drugs, the street and domestic violence. Per head of population, our violent crime statistics are apalling. Whether in my house, or away camping, I feel more safe in the ten other countries I have lived in, than I do when back home in NZ.. Consequently, I reluctantly chose to leave again.

Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, don't tell everyone! NZ rocks. North Islanders get off your *** and instead of flying to Aussie take a road trip to the South Island and get to know your country. Agree with Morocco in the top ten but would also add Chile & Argentina. Happy Travels wherever they take you.

Come on Guys, New Zealand has beauty that shines deep into your soul. Every orifice of our home has a secret and a light that is gorgeous in every single way. I am so proud of every person that calls this little Island nation home. Take every good to the bad and Home will always be the top of the list.