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Kia ora: Whangamomona
An unforgettable stop on the Forgotten Highway entrances Elisabeth Easther.

Tongariro National Park: Easy hike among giants
Tongariro National Park turns on a bright blue day for a ramble to its even bluer lakes, writes Josie Dale.

Kia ora: Whanganui
This diverse river city offers adventures, galleries, top cafes and more, writes Elisabeth Easther.

Road to family adventure
Even with three kids in tow, Rob Cox manages to have a ball in Rotorua and Ruapehu.

Ruapehu: Wake to a pristine world of white
Snowmen, snowball fights and skiing: Children won't forget their first experience of playing in fresh snow, writes Liam Dann.

Powderhorn Chateau, Ohakune
This inviting hotel, with a cosy alpine lodge feel, is the perfect place to retire to after a busy day exploring the Ruapehu District.
For further information see: powderhorn.co.nz.

Powderhorn Chateau, Ohakune
Tristram Clayton finds a warm welcome and cold craft beers at the foot of Mt Ruapehu.

Central North Island: Snow in July - you can rely
Paul Charman on the joys of a weekend driving around the Central Plateau.

Arrest made in Hall homicide case
Police investigating the homicide of Wanganui man Brett Hall have arrested and charged a man with his murder.

Mum pleads guilty over toddler's death
A young woman wept as she admitted causing the death of her preschool-age child in a hearing at the Palmerston North High Court today.

Four fruity festivals
Small town New Zealand does wonderful and whacky to keep up our winter spirits.

Ruapehu District: Going out for a duck
Elisabeth Easther visited Blue Duck Station with her son and found the perfect spot.

Taumarunui: If you go down to the woods today
Elisabeth Easther finally knocks off the other half of the Timber Trail.

Missing man found alive in hay barn
A missing Rangitikei man, who hasn't been seen for a week, has been found in a hay barn, police say.

Man survives 40m fall from cliff
A contractor who plunged 40m down the same cliff where his uncle fell to his death has spoken of his miraculous survival.

Mt Ruapehu: Adventures in the snow
Rachel Grunwell offers tips on how to survive taking the kids on a ski holiday.

Taumarunui: Off the main trunk line
Elisabeth Easther took a quirky rail trip and has been singing the little engines' praises ever since.

Kia ora: Raetihi
Tranquil yet full of interest, this town is well worth a visit, writes Elisabeth Easther.

Wellington expressway gets green light
A 16km expressway north of Wellington has had resource consent granted by a Board of Inquiry.

Raetihi: Acting the goat
Escape city life and discover this tiny Central North Island town, writes Rachel Grunwell.