The number of foreign visitors to New Zealand last month jumped by 1.7% from November last year, due, in part, to more direct flights from China, New Zealand government tourism agency announced Wednesday. Total visitor arrivals counted 230,000 in November, the same month that China Southern Airlines began every day flights between Guangzhou & Auckland.

Following a recent review of i-SITE Board and Network's structure conducted by i-SITE Board and discussed with the management and Board of Tourism New Zealand, Tourism New Zealand reconfirmed its dedication for ongoing support of VIN Inc and i-SITE network as outlined in VIN Inc Constitution and Rules and the Memorandum of Understanding between the organizations.

It's not directors, actors, gaffers and editors who are working around the clock, however. New Zealand's tourism industry is taking steps to make definite that there's no missed opportunities with The Hobbit. So-called 'Tolkien Tourism' is sizable business in New Zealand.