Groupon, the group buying site that features a daily deal on the best stuff to do, eat, see and buy in more than 500 markets around the world today announced its launch of the Groupon New Zealand, which began offering deals on May 10, 2011.

"The New Zealand market represents an incredible addition to Groupon's growing global presence," said Mark Copplestone, Auckland based country manager of Groupon New Zealand.

"We look forward to bringing unbeatable deals to local shoppers while driving new customers to businesses in New Zealand."

Since its launch in November 2008, Groupon has led a worldwide movement in e-commerce, using the principles of collective buying to bring millions of dollars in new revenue to local businesses while saving more than US$2 billion for subscribers.

Groupon New Zealand joins the Groupon network which serves more than 500 markets and 46 countries.

For its first deal Groupon New Zealand featured an exclusive Fijian travel package that sold 140 vouchers in just one day. The NZ$499 deal (worth NZ$1,690) included a five night getaway for 2 on the coral coast.

The site currently serves Auckland with live deals and plans to expand to Wellington, Christchurch, Hamilton and additional cities in future months. In addition to city specific deals Groupon New Zealand will also offer nation-wide
deals on a regular basis.

Groupon started in November 2008 in Chicago. It uses collective buying power to offer unbeatable prices and provide a win-win for businesses and consumers, delivering more than 900 daily deals globally.