In the car on the way back to town, I asked the others how they'd star-rate the meal we'd just had and why.

In Auckland's rural west, Kumeu is lavishly blessed with appetite-teasing treats.

Cate Foster gets on her bike and enjoys the trails of Woodhill Forest - and the refreshment waiting at the end of her journey.

Oh the joy when my fine doctor, William Fergusson, told me there was a new French restaurant in Kumeu.

Long Italian lunches are compulsory at this beautiful and productive Mediterranean-style estate.

Meet the new batch of contestants for New Zealand's Hottest Home Baker.

Think you have a way with words? Put your talent to good use and enter our caption competition - and don't forget to check back for the latest photos.

A new book by Shane Boocock features the best of adventure tourism in Auckland.

Three teenage boys have been praised as heroes for their actions after a serious collision.

A young man is dead after his car crossed the centre line and was partially crushed under a school bus carrying 21 teenagers.

One person was killed and two critically injured when a car collided with a school bus near Kumeu, west of Auckland, this afternoon.

A young girl is 'extremely shaken' after a man attempted to kidnap her in Kumeu yesterday.

A furious 60-year-old woman and quick-thinking police combined to catch burglars who were raiding her home.

A renewed effort in the kitchen has paid off for an old favourite.

Millie Elder was with Connor Morris when police stopped Morris and allegedly found methamphetamine and a glass pipe.