Praise for Queenstown by Prime Minister John Key in the British press is ''very positive'' for the resort and for New Zealand, Destination Queenstown says.
DQ chief executive Graham Budd was asked to comment on the prime minister and Tourism Minister's promotion of Queenstown as ''my kind of town'' in the Daily Telegraph on Wednesday.
Mr Key said ''beautiful'' Queenstown was in probably the most picturesque part of New Zealand, with every sort of adventure activity on offer.
''Bungy jumping, sky diving, skiing, white-water rafting - you name it, they do it,'' he said.
''And not least, there's the fantastic food and wine, especially the pinot noir grown around there.''
Mr Key said he never tired of visiting the resort, after more than 30 years.
''I usually visit about five times a year for conferences, but I also try to spend at least one weekend there with my wife and children.''
The prime minister reveals his taste for high-end expensive activities and accommodation, plugging the exclusive championship Arrowtown golf course The Hills, where ''I've played my best game''.
He told Telegraph interviewer Jolyon Attwooll the Keys usually stayed at Millbrook Resort, but he also tipped Blanket Bay and Eichardt's Private Hotel as the best in accommodation.
Amisfield Winery was where he would meet friends for a drink and Botswana Butchery was his first choice for dinner.
Asked where he would send a first-time visitor, Mr Key said Skyline Gondola and recommended a helicopter flight for the ''magnificent'' views.
However, the 134m high Nevis bungy jump should be avoided ''if you haven't got a head for heights,'' he said.
''I did a bungy jump in Queenstown about 20 years ago, but wouldn't be able to do another one now.
''For some reason, my political staff don't think me diving off a bridge screaming would be great footage, in case I ever have a big dip in the polls.''
Mr Key reassured Telegraph readers Queenstown ''is a pretty safe place'' and recommended pounamu jewellery and merino products as items to bring home.
''Having the PM advocate so strongly for Queenstown is very positive for us, but also for New Zealand in general,'' Mr Budd said.
''There couldn't be a more prominent cheerleader for our industry and we all know that the UK market needs as much stimulation as possible.''
