Tall stories are what you expect from talkative Americans. Or so Jacqueline Smith thinks.

Authentic Kiwi baches where you can escape without leaving the city boundaries.

Goat Island proves the perfect base for a a bit of fun on a summer's day out, finds Cate Foster.

Paul Rush finds passion in the air in Italy's style city.

There is plenty to see and do at the New Zealand Maritime Museum, discovers Gill South.

Graham Reid goes to a Sydney institution and meets new old friends.

Like your frocks fabulous and your produce pesticide-free? Dunedin's for you, writes Rachel Grunwell.

Rhiannon Batten walks and tastes her way around the Austrian capital.

To find out whether Wellington lives up to its latest international accolade, Frances Morton goes hunting for the capital's cool spots.

Hey there's Queenstown. Upside down. It's an unexpectedly excellent way to admire some of the world's most spectacular alpine scenery.

The wild west coast is worth a day trip with a couple of stops along the way, writes Libby Nicholson-Moon.

As you drive up the long tree-lined road into Millbrook Resort, you get the eerie sensation that you're leaving the world behind you.

You'll be surprised what's behind them, writes Chris Samsara.

Rotorua has a host of new activities, making it even more of a destination for a weekend away. Anna Jones investigates.

Staying home is the new going away. Bronwyn Sell looks at how the 'staycation' can be just as fun as a holiday away - and at the same time can save you lots of money.

Fast boats, helicopter views and thundering water - the central plateau provides adrenalin galore, writes Beck Vass.

James Russell heads south to the Waikato and a property which offers a range of activities to get the blood pumping.

Oamaru's red waterfront sheds have a story to tell, writes Don Donovan.

If you need a break, don't discount a weekend "away" enjoying parts of Auckland you may have lost touch with. Cate Foster reconnected with the city.

The rural town of Gore has turned itself into a creative hub, writes Anna Hart.

The pretty township of Matakana is heaven for foodies, discovers Catherine Smith.

Joelle Thomson has a day of adventure in Auckland's west - all the while managing to stay clean and dry, despite the dreary weather.

Shelley Bridgeman sits in on an Auckland tour group to see what visitors learn about our city and to see it through a fresh pair of eyes.

A weekend in Coromandel town, with its old-fashioned Kiwi charm, makes for a refreshing getaway, writes Sarah Lawrence.

A realistic Antarctic experience offers only half the danger, writes Jim Eagles.

Rain or shine, Castlepoint has plenty to offer, finds Jacqui Madelin.