An Australian tourism operator says a competition aimed at the gay community will boost travel by gay couples to New Zealand.
The Tourism New Zealand competition which marks the new marriage equality laws passed in April this year is being run through the social networking site Facebook.
The prize is a trip to New Zealand so same-sex couples can marry when the new law takes effect from 19 August.
Gay and Lesbian Tourism Australia director Geoffrey Pfitzner told Radio New Zealand's Morning Report programme on Tuesday the marriage equality laws would boost travel by gay couples to New Zealand.
Mr Pfitzner said in the past, couples had to travel to Canada to get married and this was often a lonely experience.
However with reduced costs, many more would now fly to New Zealand and family and friends could also join in the celebrations, he said.
Listen to Geoffrey Pfitzner