Motutapu's precious pest-free status was shattered when a stoat was discovered on bordering island Rangitoto after swimming an incredible 3km across the Hauraki Gulf.

As the Herald reported this week, many national cycleway trails are open. But elsewhere progress is painfully slow. Kirsten Warner visits Hokianga to find out why

Herald reporters have been out and about testing New Zealand's ultimate recreational cycling experience for a five-part summer series beginning today.