New Zealand signs up for long-haul Dreamliner

Fly to New Zealand in 2010 as a long-haul traveller and you could be on a new stretch Boeing 787 – otherwise known as the Dreamliner.

Costing $183 million, the new Boeing 787-9 has a 280 seat capacity, which is 30 seats more than the 787 when at full capacity, and a range of 13,000 kilometres.

Commenting on Air New Zealand's purchase of four of the planes, Rob Fyfe, the airline's chief executive, said the Dreamliner will offer passengers "superior, first to market experience" as well as "new capabilities for our long-haul international operations".

Those who do decide to jet out to the antipodean destination, whether it be on the Dreamliner or not, can enjoy a range of destinations and activities.

New Zealand's official tourist website states that the country offers a "spectacular and varied natural environment" and "provides excellent opportunities to participate in a huge range of sightseeing, cultural, and outdoor activities".

Some of the activities highlighted include sea kayaking in the Hauraki Gulf as well as a range of museums in Wellington, Auckland and Canterbury for those looking for a more relaxed experience.

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