Rotorua has landed a leading role in China's most popular reality TV show, which will be watched by millions of potential visitors.

The show, called Dad, Where Are We Going?, has been filming in Rotorua and the central North Island for a week, with its stars visiting some of the region's most picturesque locations. 

聚光灯下的Rotorua—中国的“爸爸去哪儿”

在中国的一档最受欢迎的电视真人秀“爸爸去哪儿”中，Rotorua 扮演了一个很重要的角色，因为目前这档将会被数百万的潜在观众观看的节目，正在这里进行着为期一周的拍摄，而节目中的明星们正也参观着当地最风景如画的地方。Rotorua这个地区的迷人风景将会呈现在“爸爸去哪儿第二季” 最近的两集中。但是由于双方合同的一些限制，具体拍摄的一些地方的细节问题还不能对外公开。

Second place and the People’s Choice award for the inaugural Rotorua Start-Up Pitch Night event went to Dr. Julia Charity, who founded 'Look After Me - New Zealand's Homestay Network. Accepting her award, Charity said she had worked tirelessly for three years to bring an idea from absolutely nothing into something.

“Rotorua really needs events like this. It helps create and support an entrepreneurial community,” she said.

“Through determination and grit I have created something from nothing. The world has changed and New Zealand needs its own Homestay Network. I'm doing this for the people of New Zealand and it's so wonderful to receive this award. 

Winning the People’s Choice provides awhi for me along my entrepreneurial journey.”

Julia Charity says she's had a ''pretty typical entrepreneurial journey''.

''I've been burnt out, ripped off and broke. You just learn to never let anything compromise the dream.''

This week's 'Our People' is about Rotorua Entreprenuer Julia Charity.

If Julia Charity was a doll she'd be one of the double-faceted kind. On one side she'd appear as the consummate scientist, turn it around and she'd be seen as an entrepreneur.

WOMAD 2014 - our Accommodation picks in New Plymouth

10 years of celebrating music and international culture

WOMAD began from a desire to share international music and culture with people, experience culture that is not their own. Music is said to be the international language spanning cultures and barriers. From a dream in 1980 to the humble inaugural event in 1982, WOMAD has grown in popularity and status as 'the event' for many.

Blooming Marvellous!

Ellerslie International Flower Show is an iconic Christchurch event. With it's earlier start this year (26 - 2 March 2014), it is poised to make the most of day light savings. Ellerslie International Flower Show is held annually in North Hagley Park and is more than just a flower show. Here we mention a few highlights and offer our recommentdations and ideas for accommodation in Christchurch for those attending the Ellerslie Flower Show. 

  Canstruction is a fun new event at Ellerslie this year, with a serious purpose of raise funds, food and awareness of the City Mission. Well done and don't forget to vote. Entries are still open to enter a team.

What flower show would be complete without a fashion show and afternoon workshops with Angela Stone. Get creative and decorate your hat daily hat competitions with spot prizes.

As an official partner of the Rotorua Cycle Trail 'Thermal By Bike' we wish to thank Rotorua Daily Post for highlighting Rotorua's new Cycle Trail on Day 3 of their summer series: 'Essential 50 featuring the top Visitor Attractions and local experiences in Rotorua.'

Whether you are new to cycling or an old hand, Rotorua's Cycle Trail - Te Ara Ahi - Go Thermal By Bike Cycleway is a must-do.

An estimated 20,000,000 viewers are expected to watch a Korean Reality TV show featuring New Zealand residents and iconic tourist attractions. 

Korea’s No. 1 reality TV show ‘Dad, where are we going? aired in Korea on Sunday 24 November. Produced by MBC (Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation), the show features five celebrity fathers and their children as they undertake weekly challenges.

Photo caption: 'Dad, where are we going?' celebrity father Yoon Minsoo and son Yoon Hoo, fishing at Lake Tarawera. 

Christchurch A&P Show Day is huge, no its massive!

Your senses will shout vibrant and your taste buds will go wild sampling delicious food and wine; oh yeah, and there are a few horses running around too!

Labour Weekend is a much-deserved long weekend - an opportunity to celebrate the end of a long winter stretch. Here are our top tips for a Labour Weekend Getaway.  

With glimpses of warm summer weather and spring baby animals and blossoms, we suddenly leave our hibernation, say farewell to the fire-lighting routine and make plans for getting out and about.

The Hawke's Bay is gearing up to showcase the Food and Wine Classic (FAWC) , a 10 day festival of gluttony. With over 50 events planned from Wine tasting to humus making, picnics on the Parade and Scottish music.

Hooked on fishing?

Come and stay with hosts who have access to primo fishing spots. Even better, our mad-keen fishing hosts can't wait to give you their best fishing tips - from a humble kiwi homestay ($60) to a luxury lodges in Hawke's Bay or Gore.

Easter is a great time to build up your bragging rights, biggest catch, longest battle, the largest number in a day and of course 'the one that got away'!!

A fabulous way to try something new, deep sea, lake or river fishing try out new gear, learn the best spots from your friendly host who will most likely will smoke your catch for the price of a cold one!

Great places… warm faces

Searching for a connection that touches your soul?

As a destination, New Zealand stands upon the reputation of its world-renowned hospitality, a view that has just been corroborated by an international survey by the World Economic Forum. New Zealand was ranked highest globally, along with Iceland, on how welcoming they are to tourists. ^[1]

At the cultural heartland of New Zealand is the founding principle of ‘manaakitanga’ or hospitality, instilled by our indigenous peoples – the New Zealand Māori. Inherent to their culture is a philosophy where guests and visitors are treated with the highest respect and honour.

What's your happiest memory riding a bike?

Maybe you were very young - or maybe it was just a few weeks ago...

There is something simple and joyous about the sensation of cycling. It reminds me of being a kid - the freedom, the excitement of exploring new places, the fresh air and exercise.

Don't you feel quite 'virtuous' while you're riding? Clocking up all those health benefits, mile after mile.  That burgeoning sense of wellbeing, with every inflated breath?

Oh yes.....

Overwhelmed?

Want to get off the treadmill but don't know how?

We're all rushing - our days are full and busy. It's a constant juggle to be professionally active, supportive and functional at home, and somehow all through it, stay healthy and sane.

We'd like to invite you to give yourself a mini break -  permission to get off the treadmill for a while and to remember what's really important in life. We all have our own version of what a 'retreat' feels like, and there's no right or wrong answer. For some this will be snuggling into a hammock for 3 days and reading a book, for others it will be walking along the beach or exploring nature and appreciating all its wonder. Or maybe for you it is spending quiet, uninterupted time to re-connect spiritually, with access to a yoga mat and a fire....
 

As a nation, we are aging, becoming increasingly affluent and technologically aware. How then, are these factors fundamentally changing expectations from travellers demanding experiences that are more enriching, meaningful and memorable?

Are you feeling a little run down? Is it  time for a break? Even one or two nights can be a real pick-me-up to beat the winter blues.

Before you book your flights have you considered a mini kiwi ski holiday? No need for passports or picking up a new language or learning foreign customs. Just head for the hills – actually the mountains! All of the ski fields are now open, so dig out your puffer jacket and thermos and away you go.

'Look After Me' is New Zealand's largest and fastest growing Homestay Network. We have plenty of hosts just busting to share breakfast, give directions and run you a bath after your big day out!

As we start the third winter after the tragic Christchurch earthquakes we take a moment to look reflect on progress so far, look to the future and see what NZ's Homestay Network can do to help with accommodation for the rebuild. 

Many of our Look After Me hosts are keen gardners and are as excited to welcome you into their garden, as they are into their homes!  Considered local experts, they  willingly suggest nearby nature reserves, walks and gardens for you to enjoy.

We warmly welcome you to indulge in one of your favourite past-times and enjoy the sights and smells of your hosts efforts, explore their take on gardening.

No matter the season, there's bound to be fruit, flowers and vegetables for you to enjoy.

Dreaming of a cycling holiday in New Zealand but not sure where to get started?

The New Zealand Cycle Trail is a network of off-road cycle ways offering cyclists the chance to experience the very best of New Zealand landscape, culture and world-class hospitality. Cycling through dappled bush, gently bubbling geothermal activity, stunning snow-capped peaks and popular beach and wine trails – a myriad of experience awaits along well-formed cycle paths all around the country.