One of Auckland's most beautiful western suburbs, Huia is a darling settlement 33km from the centre of Auckland where time seems to have stood still.

At just 47km from central Auckland on the Hibiscus Coast, Waiwera is a doozy of a day trip.

There’s a lot to be said for wet weather.

Add some sparkle to your wardrobe for an ab-fab festive season.

Nicky Park finds out what our favourite flowers at this time of the year are.

Dionne Christian checks out some yoga classes.

I was looking forward to visiting friends Gilbert Wong and Jo Boese to check out a landscaping project at their Herne Bay home last week.

Changing fortunes in Tudor times have ring of reality.

The Block NZ 2012 winner Ben Crawford and his girlfriend Kylie are building their dream home. Share their proud moments and pitfalls every week.

Prepare your skin for warmer weather.

All right, I give up. The hospitality industry has defeated me on the apostrophe.

Cameras have replaced guns on safari in MalaMala.

Tricky weather gets building progress stuck in the mud.

Things are heating up and we’re getting bach ready.

Susan Buckland gets in some bird-watching at Miranda's sanctuary.

Expat actors gather in Auckland to play in At the Wake.

It's not easy keeping up with all the restaurants opening around town these days. In my attempts to do so, I rely on a handful of dining-out websites that report on new and upcoming openings.

Treat yourself to the best of the best this summer.

No room, no problem; options include pots and mobile beds.

Mud sticks, as the piling contractors found.

A rare woman rider tells Susan Buckland about the famed Lipizzaners.

Ever wondered how others manage to stay fit and healthy? I asked a few Kiwis what they do fitness and food-wise and they have some great tips.

Keep it simple to get the best flavours.