Southern Lakes among Lonely Planet's top regions for 2012

Queenstown and Southern Lakes is eighth on Lonely Planet's list of the best regions to visit in 2012

You can read the full story in the New Zealand Herald http://www.nzherald.co.nz/travel/news/article.cfm?c_id=7&objectid=10762823

Now is a great time to visit New Zealand and see this magical region for yourselves.  A long, hot, dry southern summer is on the way thanks to a returning La Nina weather pattern, say forecasters.

And even better, there is only a slim chance of a tropical cyclone heading our way over the summer months.

However, scientists say this year's La Nina is weaker than last year's so temperatures may not quite reach the highs of last summer.

The Niwa National Climate Centre will today release its seasonal climate outlook for the next few months.

Principal climate scientist James Renwick said the outlook showed that temperatures would be fairly typical for a La Nina pattern in most parts of the country during summer.

That means long, dry periods, particularly in the North Island, and no sustained run of rain.

Oh, and guess who won the Rugby World Cup?  Go the All Blacks!