Grant Dyson gets to the bottom of the Waihi opencast mining operation.

Paul Rush takes a blissful stroll around Hamilton Gardens' glorious Paradise Collection.

Susan Buckland indulges in some fine food and wine at a stunning sculpture garden near Taupo.

They met "May-oris" wearing "butt flaps", posed with "horny beasts", and were confused about their geography.

Tyra Banks said she chose New Zealand as a location because a lot of young Americans see the country as "a fantasy world".

Leave your comfort zone at this outdoor pursuits centre, says Beck Vass.

Two rural and two seaside favourites make Paul Jobin's list of great North Island cafes.

Freedom camping could become anything but under proposals designed to stop tourists disrespecting their surroundings.

Milford serves up toil and pleasure in equal measure, writes Pamela Wade.

Maritime Museum puts on a voyage of discovery, writes Chris Eagles.

Just down the Seabird Coast from where I have a bach is a long stretch of beach alongside which runs a well-worn vehicle track.

Great river town, super beach. Liz Light has free fun in Whakatane and Ohope.

A bid to set up a North Shore version of a Brazilian "love motel" has struck trouble after neighbouring businesses withdrew offers to hire out their carparking spaces on busy nights.

All is well until a salmon gobbles the hook, writes Sue Hoffart.

Jim Eagles rediscovers an era of highway robberies and religious battles.

Clearly there's something about train travel that exercises a particular charm over New Zealanders, writes Jim Eagles.

Diana Clement dons her running shoes and explores a well-kept secret in her own backyard - the picturesque North Shore Walkway.

Jill Worrall tackles the Otago Rail Trail as preparation for a longer ride through India.

Health and happiness top the menu at Amuri Estate, writes Susan Buckland.

Tourism NZ is looking to Scribe, Liam Finn and The Mint Chicks to uncover out-of-the-way spots for tourists and draw younger Australian travellers.

The romance of steam trains and gold prospecting make Shantytown a rare delight, says Jim Eagles.

Paul Rush pays homage to giant hermaphrodites and fairy people in the ancient kauri kingdom of Waipoua.

New Zealand's premier resort town is riding a wave of tourism growth, and considering how it might handle a trebling of visitor numbers in the next 20 years.

A journey through Arthur's Pass reveals a wealth of history.

A lone figure takes care of this station made famous by Rita Angus.

Rob McFarland spends a day cruising the Bay of Islands.

Jim Eagles says it's a pity we we don't make more use of the marvellous recreational potential offered by the Hauraki Gulf.

Re-enactment enthusiasts travelled back in time at the Taupo Medieval Festival for jousting, archery, sword battles ... and a spit-roasted pig. Photographer Alan Gibson went with them.