New Zealand is a world-class destination, so visiting any year is a good idea, but there are a few reasons that the country is a standout in 2017, according to the New Zealand Tourism Board. Here are just a few.
The Lions Tour is touted as the next best thing to the Rugby World Cup. The British & Irish Lions series visits New Zealand in June and July and will feature matches in Whangarei, Auckland, Hamilton, Rotorua, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin.
In addition, there will also be seven major matches of the Rugby League World Cup 2017 taking place in four different cities during the year.
The 9th World Masters Games will also take place in New Zealand. The event features more athletes than the Olympics and will take place in Auckland between April 21 and 30.
At the end of the year, in December, the Rotorua Mud Festival will take place. The inaugural festival will highlight the city's famed mud springs and is also taking place in partnership with Korea's Boryeong City which attracts more than three million people to its own mud festival.
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If you've wanted to give rafting a try, head to Auckland to experience the country's first purpose-built whitewater playground, Wero Whitewater Park. Visitors can try their hand at Class 3 and 4 rapids as well as a tame Class 2 for a visit that is suitable for all ages.
Experience the new Marlborough Lodge, offering five-star luxury in New Zealand wine country. The resort is billed as "the ultimate retreat in New Zealand's gourmet province" and offers 10 elegantly decorated contemporary suites.
There are of course many more reasons to experience New Zealand, at any time of year. There's plenty more inspiration here.
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