Some of the results were surprising!
'Facing Trouble' with a score of 48, Australias' Gold Coast gained critical comment like "displays symptoms of aggressive development—including air and water pollution, traffic congestion, and ugly sprawl."
Hawaiis' Waikiki scored a mere 45 and was described as facing severe problems. Comments included: "With its imported sand, high-rise concrete jungle, polluted water, and superficial touristic representation of indigenous Hawaiian culture, Waikiki certainly differs markedly from Kauai's pristine Na Pali coast."
So what did they have to say about little old Great Barrier Island?
Nicely postioned in the 'Top Rated' category the island is described as being "in excellent shape, relatively unspoiled, and likely to remain so."
The article touches on how unaffected Great Barrier Island remains, despite it's nearness (55miles) to Auckland Cosmopolitan area.
"With fewer than 1,000 permanent residents, more than half of its land area administered by New Zealand's Department of Conservation, and fewer introduced species than elsewhere in the country, the island is in good shape ecologically and will likely remain so for a while."
The panelists were generous with their praise for Great Barrier Island with 'anonymous' comments like, "Gin-clear waters and secluded coves lure sailors to New Zealand's Great Barrier Island..."
"The diverse coastal landscape is relatively unmodified and of outstanding aesthetic
value..."
"The bays, beaches, bush, and coastal waters are spectacularly beautiful. A majority of residents are committed to environmental sustainability"and, "Great location with high levels of biodiversity."
Sounds like a pretty good place to us!
Read the full article here:
See the full result list here: