A Weta is a large, nocturnal, flightless insect which is indigenous to New Zealand.

It is a creature which is unique in many ways. The giant weta claims the title of heaviest insect in the world, with the female weighing up to 30 grams (twice the weight of a mouse). The weta is also believed to be one of New Zealand's oldest species with fossilised evidence of similar creatures living 180 million years ago.

A WETA is also a "Website of Excellence in Tourism Award", the ultimate recognition of a website which is as unique as its namesake. Each month, one New Zealand website will be chosen to receive this award based on its content, orginality, and ease of use.

Only sites which display the "WETA Award Winner" symbol have been judged to offer the best tourism and travel information and to be the most original and enjoyable sites this country has to offer.