To find out whether Wellington lives up to its latest international accolade, Frances Morton goes hunting for the capital's cool spots.

The Poor Knights Islands off the Northland coast have been declared one of the top 10 places to see nature at its finest.

Wine, food, scenery ... Joelle Thomson samples the more sedate pleasures Taupo offers its visitors.

Christchurch was today confirmed as the venue next year for New Zealand's annual mid-season rugby league test against Australia.

The ruins of a huge 1870 woolshed show settler skills, writes Don Donovan.

It's hard to think of a better guide to our wild places than Gordon Ell.

Even novices can get amongst excitement of harness racing, says Joanna Davies.

Wellington is voted the fourth top city in the world to visit next year, but Auckland misses out.

There are quite a few things to love about Te Aroha, writes Rachel Grunwell.

A haunted scream park in Franklin is not for the faint-hearted, writes Jacqueline Smith.

Puketutu Island in Auckland's Manukau Harbour is to be turned into a regional park.

If you really want to appreciate a garden, you need to stay in it, writes Chris Samsara.

The Tutukaka Coast in Northland is one of the top three coastlines in the world, according to a prestigious travel magazine.

The latest Lonely Planet guide to New Zealand came out the other day with the usual flutter of controversy over descriptions of the Bay of Islands as over-hyped, Hamilton as dull and Kiwis as eager-to-please.

This curved finger of land, pointing into Kawau Bay, was sold to the Auckland Regional Council in 1998 by George Scandrett, whose family farmed here from 1863.

Miniature trains have enjoyed a rise in popularity over the past few years thanks to a certain engine called Thomas.

Our story on Auckland's Top 10 Playgrounds on October 10 drew a great response from readers, who have added to our suggestions.

Diana Clement and a friend took two long weekends away from men and children to discover the tracks of Tongariro National Park.

Families can enjoy a close encounter with Aoraki/Mt Cook 'The Cloud Piercer' from the comfort of the valley floor, finds Paul Rush.

September arrivals for British visitors were the lowest in a decade, Statistics NZ figures show.

Watch out for the sea lions when you're on the Auckland Islands, warns Jim Eagles.

A landmark road which played a key role in the Central Otago gold rushes has been recognised by the New Zealand Historic Places Trust.

There are many parts of Auckland worth exploring at sea level, discovers Kirsten Warner.

Jim Eagles takes the grandkids to Glenbrook to meet a favourite family friend.

As you drive up the long tree-lined road into Millbrook Resort, you get the eerie sensation that you're leaving the world behind you.

The Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge is a mammoth event. Phil Taylor shares his experience.

A potty-mouthed puppet called Rico is the controversial new face of the country's national carrier, Air New Zealand.

Auckland's maritime military past, present and future are put on fine display at the new Navy Museum in Devonport, writes Jim Eagles.

Jill Worrall discovers a settlement that time forgot.