Many gay and lesbian events are staged throughout New Zealand with the most popular being the Hero Festival and Big Gay Out in Auckland (February), Gay Ski Week in Queenstown (August/September) and ongoing events in Wellington. In October 2004, the 'Approved Gay/Lesbian Friendly' criteria was re-branded as Rainbow Tourism Accreditation (RTA). In 1998 New Zealand was the first international gay and lesbian destination to have a nationwide network of gay, lesbian owned and 'Approved Gay Lesbian Friendly' tourism businesses.
