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.

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

Leila George finds out what's new at Queenstown's skifields and down in town.

Shandelle Battersby gets a taste of tramping through the bush, with the luxury of home.

The Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre is a great place to hang out and watch what's happening on the airfield.

Ewan McDonald is shocked to find TripAdvisor on the money regarding comfortable beds.

It's not just the skiing that attracts John Parker to our mountains.

A seriously major MTB park is currently being built in the hills and will feature a huge variety of trails.

Queentown is a mecca for the world's wealthy, who need experiences and accommodation to match.

Elizabeth Binning is pleased she mustered up the courage to visit Rotorua's Farm Show.

You're not in Auckland anymore Toto - the temperature drop was noticeable the moment we stepped out of our Jucy 4WD rental car.

The founders of this skifield still love strapping on their skis, writes Kelly Lynch.

Helen Van Berkel discovers the perfect place for Mother's Day - or any special occasion.

Travelling by ferry to Waiheke, I always thought, was as far removed from city life as I could get via a short boat ride.

He may have raved about his "sensational" holiday in New Zealand, but a US news anchor had one serious problem with our country - the toilets.

Pirongia is Maori for "like a bad smell" although Pirongia is pretty and not at all smelly.

Settled in the 1860s by hardy pioneers from Bohemia, now part of the Czech Republic, the intrepid Bohemians were lured with the promise of free land.

Simon Kay relishes the fact that he is finally a welcome guest at an iconic hotel.

New Zealand has been named as a popular fishing destination for millionaires.

Bring your bike because the Twin Coast Cycleway is just 40km away at Horeke.

It may be our majestic mountains and pristine lakes that tourists come for, but apparently the loos are worth a gander as well.