Media Release for immediate use: 2007-02-12

Whales and thermal pools prove popular with online voters

Kaikoura and Hanmer Springs have scored top-ten finishes following the 200,000 votes to find New Zealand's 101 most popular holiday experiences.

The pair of popular tourist destinations, both situated in the Alpine Pacific Triangle Touring Route, were part of the AA's 101 Must Do's For Kiwis promotion.

Hurunui Mayor Garry Jackson says he is delighted to see the top ten ranking of Hanmer Springs and Kaikoura feature so prominently in the AA Campaign.

"The Alpine Pacific Triangle is very fortunate to have such impressive icons and furthermore, confirmation of the Waipara Wine Village going ahead under Latitude Group will strongly cement the third apex of the Triangle in the rapidly growing Waipara Valley Wine Region," he says.

General Manager of Alpine Pacific Tourism Scott Pearson, says the result proves the visitor destinations of Hanmer Springs and Kaikoura are up there with the country's best, both in terms of scenery and the overall visitor experience.

"Kaikoura, which finished seventh in the competition, has always been a very popular spot both for scenery and, of course, whale watching. Hanmer Springs Village's major drawcard has always been its thermal pools which have drawn locals and tourists from all around for many, many years - it's no surprise at all that it finished eighth."

The top three destinations ranked in the AA's 101 most popular New Zealand holiday experiences were Mitre Peak and Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound and the Bay of Islands.

Full results of the 101 Must Do's For Kiwis voting are available online at: www.aatravel.co.nz

ENDS

www.alpinepacifictourism.co.nz

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