The warmth of the welcome is sadly not echoed by the food presentation — or the dining room.

Great scenery and a dollop of sugary history; Liz Light takes an autumn walk in Chelsea Heritage Park.

The message about locally sourced, seasonal ingredients has been hammered so repetitively that you almost wish a restaurant offer winter greens from Uzbekistan in February. Almost.

Our personable waiter eagerly helped us compile a selection of dishes that would answer our preferences.

Right across Auckland, libraries are doing their bit to keep the munchkins busy.

Here's a list of the four best places to get your ready-to-eat meals.

It seems Birkenhead is spoilt for choice when it comes to good coffee.

The best thing to come out of Auckland's Super City amalgamation is that you can borrow 3.5 million items from 55 libraries from Wellsford to Waiuku. Here we choose our favourite handful.

Janetta Mackay checks out a treatment fast winning fans.

Climbing the walls this school holidays? Get them out climbing real ones instead at supervised walls around the region.

Beekeeping is a simple and rewarding hobby which can become rather addictive, discovers Catherine Smith.

The Tea Lady in Birkenhead Point is all retro charm, with china cups, a host of brews, chilled tea infusions and even 'coffee if you must'.

Landscape gardener and Life columnist Justin answers your question.

Devonport wharf is a popular spot for land-based fishermen.If you can't get out on the harbour on a boat, try these land-based fishing spots. James Russell reports.

We came here because the cafe formerly known as Lounge had undergone a reincarnation and we were curious.

Viva's team of experts gives its annual verdict on Auckland's best takeout spots for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

With the festive season approaching, Catherine Smith finds there is more than one way to present a present.