Elisabeth Easther makes some scaly, slithery new friends.

Daily deals make it even easier to pick up what Ponsonby is putting down, writes Donna McIntyre.

Cathedral caves and ringing birdsong - the Catlins astound Jane Jeffries.

From wildlife to heritage to chocolate, Peter Feeney finds plenty of reasons to extend your visit to Dunedin.

Room escape games are taking the world by storm so Elisabeth Easther took a posse of puzzlers to find out what all the fuss is about. We promise, no spoilers.

Shandelle Battersby spends a night in the bush at Waitakere Estate.

This South Taranaki town has some top-notch dining and several great museums.

Shandelle Battersby roughs it, Auckland-style, in a luxury motorhome for a weekend.

Motoring the Mainland loop is a classic trip, finds Cameron Williamson.

Chase the sun north to a proud town where Elisabeth Easther finds a warm welcome and a fascinating history.

A Central Otago boutique hotel with a conscience mixes pleasure with wellbeing, discovers Jesse Mulligan.

Te Papa never does anything by halves. The new exhibit, 'Gallipoli: The Scale of Our War', to mark the centenary of the Gallipoli landing, is an extraordinary event.

A view from above takes a Tongariro National Park experience to new heights.

With the sheep and the All Blacks link there are few places as true blue South Island, says Elisabeth Easther.

Andrew Alderson falls hard for the romance of Chateau Tongariro's historic and literary atmosphere.

A visit to the thermal hot pools at Hanmer Springs should be an essential stop on any South Island road trip, writes Winston Aldworth.

Michelle Coursey finds the ideal way to get away from it all in the peaceful haven that is Kawhia.

Explore the River Trails, embrace the lake and let the young ones play freely while you unwind — this is old school cool, says Elisabeth Easther.

Elisabeth Easther goes to the birds.

Glamping allows you the best of both worlds, writes Catherine Smith.

Volunteers on Motuihe Island get a big tick for community work and, as Debbie Griffiths finds, they are rewarded with an amazing family day out.

Nature's treasures keep drawing people south to the Teviot Valley, finds Elisabeth Easther.

A castle, gardens and penguins give the student town of Dunedin a more refined air, finds Sam Wicks.

Alexia Santamaria goes right to the source, delving into Marlborough's foodie secrets.

Elisabeth Easther tackles the Waitakeres' Fairy Falls Walk.

You don't have to leave the country to feel you've had a break, writes Pamela Wade.

Our capital city has more restaurants and cafes per capita than New York. Delaney Mes tries as many of them as she can.

With the Surf Life Saving New Zealand patrol season officially ending this Easter weekend, and many boaties still out on the water, New Zealanders are being urged not to be complacent about safety.

From biking to climbing to golf, Auckland Airport's The District buzzes with adrenalin-fuelled fun, discovers Donna McIntyre.

Winston Aldworth and his family check into a Wellington hotel with capital views of the harbour.