Nature, wildife, culture, history, gorgeous food and a dose of adrenalin - Cate Foster takes advantage of the pleasures of the Bay of Islands.

In whispers, Far North residents tell one another they have the best beach in the country on their doorstep.

Paul Rush discovers hidden treasures among the nikau, cabbage trees and kauri of this famous harbour.

A Northland tour destination brings back fond memories for one of the members of Fat Freddy's Drop.

A New Zealand retreat billed as "somewhere between seven stars and heaven" has been named the world's top luxury coastal hotel.

A weekend visit to a farm can be an educational experience for the kids, writes Diana Clement.

More than half of the 24 whales being refloated in the Far North this evening have made it into the water, but three have died.

Paul Rush takes a hair-raising ride in the Te Paki dunes on a nostalgic Cape Reinga tour

The final stretch of State Highway 1 was sealed today, allowing drivers a tarsealed ride from one end of the country to the other for the first time.

Most travellers in the north know Kawakawa as the town with the railway running down the middle of the main street.

An award-winning chef is making the most of the local produce, writes Helen Twose.

Northland takes on a whole new glow from a luxury sundeck, says Rachel Tiffen.

James Russell relives the joys of a Kiwi surfing safari.

Northland boasts a number of thriving wineries worth a visit, says Helen Twose.

Rob Cox spends a weekend soaking up the atmosphere at luxurious Kauri Cliffs.

Jim Eagles puts his grey matter to the test on a visit to a corner of Northland.

A popular drawcard for overseas visitors, the Bay of Islands proves an action-packed success, too, for Geoff Cumming's family holiday.

Feel like a break in the north? Stop in at this bustling Bay of Islands town.

A few days in pristine Paihia is scarcely adequate to revisit all the area has to offer, says Isobel Marriner.

Naomi Rowley pulls on the wetsuit and braves the waves at a surf camp.

Claire Trevett saddles up and travels from Rawene to Pouto Point the old-fashioned way.

A deliciously relaxing hosted stay in the Bay of Islands broadens Sharleen Heijstra's holiday hot list.

Mangonui is the perfect base for exploring the Far North, and as Janetta Mackay finds, the fish and chips are pretty good too.

Jim Eagles takes shelter from the wild wind at an all-weather anchorage at Whangaroa.