The Lonely Planet guidebook has just hit the stands, and it names Wellington as the best destination in New Zealand.

Wellington has been named New Zealand's best destination in the latest Lonely Planet guidebook, with the city branded "one of the coolest little capitals in the World".

The new edition of the influential paperback – often described as the Bible for backpackers – says Wellington is the number one highlight for tourists.

But while Auckland, Queenstown and even The West Coast make the list, Christchurch is not mentioned among the country's top attractions.

First published in 1977, Lonely Planet is the biggest-selling guide to New Zealand, providing tourists with recommendations on accommodation, restaurants, outdoor activities and cultural experiences.

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ROSA WOODS/STUFF Wellington has been named the top spot to visit in New Zealand by Lonely Planet.

A team of seven writers visited towns and cities from Cape Reinga to Stewart Island to research the latest book and praised Wellington for its art-house cinemas, hip bars and live music.

"Wellington is the crossing point between the North and South Islands, so travellers have long been passing through these parts. The likes of Te Papa and Zealandia now stop visitors in their tracks," the book says.

"Edgy yet sociable, colourful yet often dressed in black. Wellington is big on the unexpected and unconventional.

"One of the coolest little capitals in the World, windy Wellington lives up to the hype."

GEORGE HEARD/STUFF Tourists Jonathan Postlethwaite, 28, from the UK and Roberta Battaglia, 27, from Italy say they have a copy of the Lonely Planet but don't believe the guidebook is essential.

Wellington Mayor Justin Lester said he was delighted with the city's top-ranking.

"It's brilliant," he said.

"Every visitor to Wellington, and those returning after an absence, are gobsmacked by the change and I'm glad more people are getting the same buzz.

"I'm sure every New Zealander who has travelled overseas will have used a Lonely Planet to help plan their trip and I'm ecstatic that we have been named as Lonely Planet's number one destination in New Zealand."

Wellington Regional Economic Development Agency (Wreda) chief executive Lance Walker said it was great to see Wellington's reputation as a visitor destination was growing.

"The last year has seen a record number of visitors coming to our region, and we're expecting more of the same in the year ahead.

"This summer we will see more cruise ships visiting the city than ever before and attractions like the Terracotta [Army] at Te Papa will be a drawcard as well".

"On an international scale, we are safe, the city is affordable, and we've got good transport connections. Most importantly, we've got a city full of wonderful people, which makes everyday living here a pleasure.

"It's nice for our city to get some further recognition on the international stage."

According to Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment figures, 3.7 million people visited New Zealand between August 2017 and July 2018, with Auckland capturing 29 per cent of all tourist spending.

GEORGE HEARD/STUFF Christchurch was left out of Lonely Planet's top 20 destinations in New Zealand.

But the City of Sails is listed as fourth in the chart, down two places from the last edition of Lonely Planet New Zealand which was published in 2016.

"[Auckland is] regularly rated one of the world's most livable cities, and while it's never going to challenge NYC or London in the excitement stakes, it's blessed with good beaches, wine regions and a thriving dining, drinking and live music scene," the book said.

The highest placed South Island destinations are Kaikōura in fifth, Milford Sound in seventh and Queenstown in eighth.

And of Kaikōura it states: "Following a severe earthquake in November 2016, Kaikōura has rebounded to become a fascinating destination to observed the profound impact of seismic activity."

GEORGE HEARD/STUFF A new copy of Lonely Planet New Zealand has been released.

In the chapter devoted to Canterbury, the book does describe Christchurch as a vibrant and creative city but also cites that: "Scaffolding and cones will be part of Christchurch's landscape for a while yet."

"Curious travellers will revel in this chaotic, crazy and colourful mix, full of surprises and inspiring in ways you can't even imagine."

Loren Heaphy, ChristchurchNZ General Manager of Destination and Attraction said: "While it's unfortunate Christchurch hasn't made it onto the Top 20, we've also had our time in the Lonely Planet spotlight, including being ranked as a global street art capital in the Lonely Planet Street Art book. Our iconic Sumner beach is also ranked amongst New Zealand's 10 most unforgettable beaches."

The book will be published in English, German, Italian, Spanish, French and Chinese and sold in Western Europe, America, Canada and Asia.

The previous edition sold more than 90,000 copies but backpackers staying at hostel Urbanz Accommodation in Christchurch said guides such as Lonely Planet have been superseded by information online.

Florian Aussedat, 22, from Paris, France, said he had travelled around New Zealand for seven months and not used a Lonely Planet guidebook.

"I have used them in the past in other countries but here I have used websites, such as Hostelworld, and blogs written by other travellers," he said.

Fellow traveller Thoralf Berger, 18, from Potsdam, Germany, said: "It's not that necessary to use a guidebook. When you are travelling you don't want to carry a whole book around with you. It's faster to look online for specific information or just ask other travellers."

Couple Jonathan Postlethwaite, 28, from Leamington Spa, England, and Roberta Battaglia, 27, from Milan, Italy, said although they did have a copy of Lonely Planet New Zealand they preferred to arrive in a new city and ask for details in the local Information Centre.

"My dad gave me a copy and they are useful, especially when you are first planning but there's so much information online now you don't really need it," Postlethwaite said.

"They are good for middle-aged people who are not as confident on the internet but I don't think they are essential anymore," Battaglia said.

LONELY PLANET'S TOP 20 THINGS TO DO AND PLACES TO VISIT IN NEW ZEALAND:

Wellington Tongariro Waiheke Island and the Hauraki Gulf Auckland Kaikōura Bay of Islands Milford Sound Queenstown Rotorua Maori Culture The West Coast Heaphy Track Central Otago Rugby Abel Tasman National Park Waitomo Caves Skiing and Snowboarding Akaroa and Banks Peninsula TranzAlpine Railway Otago Peninsua

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