Punakaiki's pancake rocks are enough to make Elisabeth Easther flip out.

Whisky and art are the first drawcards - but Colin Hogg is surprised to find there's much more to the once-named Chicago of the south.

World-famous for its vines, Marlborough is now getting a reputation for craft beer.

Fresh local fare, a gentle massage and thermal valleys -- Catherine Smith takes it easy.

Colourful boatsheds set the scene at friendly Titahi Bay, finds Elisabeth Easther.

The Melbourne beauty and her last two suitors take part in white-water rafting, luxury sailing on Waitemata Harbour and trip to Waiheke Island.

Megan Singleton looks at some of the more unusual ways to occupy yourself in Auckland.

Elisabeth Easther finds gold in a charming hamlet in Central Otago.

A fruit distillery provides an alternative to Marlborough's usual wine tours.

Next year's Wellington Sevens will be held on Saturday January 30 and Sunday January 31, and here are seven reasons why you should be there.

First-timers are full of the joys of spring on the slopes of Happy Valley, writes Dionne Christian.

From Pahi to Shelly Beach, cruising by boat was a perfect family day-trip, writes Sarah Ell.

Try fish and chips at the beach - washed down with as much wildlife as you can handle.

You can't head up this way without taking a detour all the way west to Muriwai, or Maori Bay or Shelly Beach off South Head.

Shandelle Battersby slathers herself in thermal gloop and waits for the magic to happen.

Going walkabout is a great way to experience the winterless north, says Donna McIntyre.

Visit the world's top hideaway in tiny Tai Tapu.

Elisabeth Easther goes bush in the Far North but finds all the creature comforts she could wish for at the five-star Waipoua Lodge.

The South Island town of Tekapo is bursting with things to do, discovers Megan Singleton.

This former beauty queen still lives up to its name, finds Elisabeth Easther.

Is there a serious alternative to carbon-belching flights for the tree-hugging domestic traveller?

Nothing says spring like the blooming of the kowhai or the opening of scallop season, says Sarah Ell.

Shandelle Battersby gets a taste for the finer things in life in the Hawkes Bay.

Gold mines built the town now famous for its carnivorous snails, says Elisabeth Easther.

Elisabeth Easther visited Great Barrier Island's Glenfern Sanctuary and found plenty to crow about.

Fine dining is just one fun way to keep busy in Gizzy, writes Megan Singleton.

In Taranaki, Elisabeth Easther finds a town with a playful history.

Isobel Marriner gets a maritime history lesson amid the spectacular scenery of Fiordland.

Consider the pleasure of many rather the wants of an elite few, says Paul Rush.