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.

John Key says having to pay to use an internationally renowned walking track "isn't ideal", but it is better than the track being closed.

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.

Warm tunnels allow Jim Eagles to savour the TranzAlpine rail experience longer.

Jim Eagles enjoys the passing parade as he tours through Christchurch in style.

The Central Plateau is making a name for itself in viticulture, writes Jim Eagles.

The imposing spirit of New Zealand's greatest soldier, Charles Upham, dominated the second leg of my rail trip on the TranzCoastal.

Liz Light explores a heritage trail that has escaped intrusion by developers and entrepreneurs.

Jim Eagles is granted rare access to the lonely but lovely Sub Antarctic islands.

Jim Eagles finds the attractions of this rail route very much suit his tastebuds.

Jim Eagles' journey aboard the Kaitaki from Wellington to Picton leaves him feeling replete.

Jim Eagles gets a dose of wildlife and culture in a stopover on his great NZ train journey.

Megan Singleton grabs some vino and enjoys a girls' weekend in magical Mangawhai.

Joelle Thomson talks to one of the founding fathers of Marlborough's wine industry.