On the way out to Moturua Island, our guide pointed out a spectacular mansion on the sprawling hillsides of Russell.

Helen van Berkel heads underground with her daughter for the stunning delights of Waitomo.

Eli Orzessek takes a walk on the wild, wonderful and weird side of Taranaki.

Venture to the bottom of the country and you'll find a warm welcome.

The gateway to the Western Bays is sitting pretty, writes Elisabeth Easther.

One of the best lookouts on the trail takes in Awaroa Inlet, the home of the beach New Zealanders bought through a crowd-funding campaign earlier in the year.

New study shows Brits are taking vast amounts of holidays - and they all want to come to NZ.

Deep in the bush of the Abel Tasman National Park, four trampers are scuffing their feet along a sandy path, eyes intently scanning the canopy above.

It's the perfect family destination, finds Rob Cox.

Miriyana Alexander gets a taste of luxury and finds it's for kids as well as adults.

Amisfield is one of Queenstown's best-known wineries, and its bistro was started as a way to showcase and support its unique wine in 2005.

Kaukapakapa Markets, on the third Sunday of each month, are fun for eating, drinking and people-watching.

The pleasure of a long weekend should not be spoiled by the realisation that this is the last one until late October, but it is reason to complain.

Enjoy your long weekend, New Zealand - after tomorrow it will be 139 long, cold days until the next statutory holiday graces our working week.

Helen van Berkel discovers a precious natural highway, not far from the roar of Auckland traffic.

Kiwi actor David de Lautour finds a respite from the mad world of Hollywood in Taupo, the home of his heart.

Driving past the orchards, wineries and small agricultural towns of Otago brought to mind trips through California's Central Valley.

Papa is Maori for land and the towai is a native tree - making it Land of the Towai.

There's nothing like hitting the hometown hard to rediscover Auckland's charm, writes Verity Johnson.

Whether it's adventure or relaxation you're after, there's heaps to do in Hanmer.

An autumnal visit to relaxing Hanmer Springs is just what the doctor ordered.

Auckland had been named the greatest coastal city in the world by an overseas cruise line.

Te Araroa: New Zealand's Trail is 3000km of continuous walking from one end of Aotearoa to the other, connecting Cape Reinga in the north to Bluff in the south.

In both New Zealand and Australia, we pride ourselves on our "big things" - whether it's a carrot in Ohakune or a banana in Coff's Harbour.

We already know we've got great beaches in New Zealand - but it's always nice to have it internationally recognised.

Like most Kiwis, I thought I knew the Ruapehu region.

Staying at Kinross Cottages is like taking a step back in time, only it's comfortable and luxurious.

New Zealand's Great Walks are acclaimed around the world. Make the most of them.