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

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

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

Snowmen, snowball fights and skiing: Children won't forget their first experience of playing in fresh snow, writes Liam Dann.

Elisabeth Easther explores this picturesque town's rich history.

With all sorts of gems, Ohakune takes the carrot, writes Elisabeth Easther.

Paul Charman on the joys of a weekend driving around the Central Plateau.

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

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.

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

Elisabeth Easther visited Blue Duck Station with her son and found the perfect spot.

Ride golf carts, horses or canoes to explore this wonderful area ... or get going on foot.

Elisabeth Easther finally knocks off the other half of the Timber Trail.

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

Rachel Grunwell offers tips on how to survive taking the kids on a ski holiday.

Elisabeth Easther took a quirky rail trip and has been singing the little engines' praises ever since.

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

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

Escape city life and discover this tiny Central North Island town, writes Rachel Grunwell.

Rural adventures are reviving small-town New Zealand, writes Elisabeth Easther.

Elisabeth Easther enjoys the puns and good humour in a small town like no udder.

This King Country town will make you feel right at home, writes Elisabeth Easther.