Public space wireless availability in New Zealand is largely limited to expensive, gated systems or prohibitively expensive 3G telephone connections, something that stands to cost us mightily in the tourism sweepstakes.

According to chipmaker Intel, tourists are increasingly likely to pack notebooks as they head off to exotic locations, a development that's fuelled in part by the proliferation of digital cameras, email and instant messaging.

A new poll run by the company to ferret out the top 10 Asian wireless hotspots showed creative integration of wireless connectivity in some of the region's most attractive and/or busy locations -- but it also demonstrated the increasing importance of public area wireless access for tourism.

In the survey, business and leisure travellers could pick the 10 most scenic, convenient or unusual places to enjoy wireless mobility out of 36 entries from around the region.

The Millennium Hotel Queenstown secured 758 votes and the Viaduct in Auckland -- which is covered in part by Reach Wireless' CBD-wide coverage -- received 457 votes.

Asked about their computing activities when visiting wireless hotspots, 86.4 per cent of respondents said they surf the internet looking for information on restaurants, shopping and local attractions; 83.7 per cent check e-mail; 67.2 per cent send or edit photos; and 60.3 per cent use instant messaging.

In addition, 66.2 per cent of respondents indicated they prefer thin and light notebook designs, with long battery life as a key feature (77.8 per cent).

"This poll shows that wireless mobility is no longer just about the needs of business users in Asia; a completely new lifestyle has evolved around wireless devices," said Stephanie Hallford, director of mobility and digital health brand management for Intel Asia Pacific.

"Wireless hotspots, like our top ten winners, offering convenience, a nice view or specific amenities are attracting a new generation of wireless notebook users."

Most fashionable and coolest location: Kenting, Taiwan. Kenting is a popular vacation spot in Taiwan, famous for its beaches. The city's well-known aquarium offers an integrated multi-media audiovisual guided tour that is supported by a wireless network.

Most enjoyable wireless computing experience: National Museum for History, Taipei. The National Museum of History allows wireless mobile learning by integrating the exhibitions with dedicated websites. Visitors can browse information through a mobile device to experience customised interactive multi-media guided tours.

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