New Zealand

Five Green Flags awarded in NZ

12:47 pm on 6 January 2014

Five areas of New Zealand have been granted Green Flags, an international award for tourism excellence.

The flags have been awarded to the Lake Matheson Walk at Fox Glacier, Ship Creek in Haast, Ruakuri Walk in Waitomo, Ruapekapeka Pa in Northland and Wairongomai in Bay of Plenty.

The flags were established in Britain as a way of recognising parks and green spaces as top destinations, fulfilling eight criteria.

Two sites previously awarded Green Flags - Karangahake Gorge in Bay of Plenty and Pureora-Ongarue Timber Trail near Taupo - have both had their status renewed.

Conservation Minister Nick Smith said the awards will help promote New Zealand's scenery and history, and are a testament to hard work by the Department of Conservation.