Elisabeth Easther followed her heart to Maungatautari in the hope that Sirocco, her kakapo friend, would recall their fleeting fling.

Bevan Hurley sees stars over millions of light years from one of only four dark-sky reserves on Earth, from Mt John Observatory, near Lake Tekapo.

Winston Aldworth overnights at a classic central city hotel.

Elisabeth Easther explores this picturesque town's rich history.

Earlier this year we sent Warriors fullback Sam Tomkins bungy jumping in Queenstown after asking readers for their tips on what he should do in New Zealand. Here are some of the other great suggestions that came in ...

In Wellington, bad weather means a chance to learn something, says Sharon Stephenson.

Eric Watson writes: Are there potentially a large number of Kiwis who feel aggrieved because our "most important" public holidays are Christian holy days?

Sarah Lang salivates over the delights to be found at Wellington on a Plate.

There's more to the West Coast than gannets, finds Danielle Wright.

Danielle Wright spends a rainy day in Waikato, in the company of the Incas' silent brothers — the llamas.

On the streets, in the parks and galleries, Auckland has a wealth of art treasures to seek out.

Tristram Clayton finds a warm welcome and cold craft beers at the foot of Mt Ruapehu.

Herald readers recommended a bunch of great Kiwi activities for Warriors fullback Sam Tomkins. We sent him to see the best of Queenstown with competition winner Dave Floyd.

Peter Feeney finds Dunedin is a supercity minus the sleaze.

Cold nights are lit up with fire breathers, tin lanterns and fluorescent faces, finds Catherine Smith.

Head to some of these local gems next time you're visiting the peninsula.

This old mining town is finding a new fortune in the beauty of its forests, writes Elisabeth Easther.

Paul Charman on the joys of a weekend driving around the Central Plateau.

Peter Feeney and family fly on Jetstar JQ284 Dunedin to Auckland.

Awe-inspiring mountain country amply rewards tramper Conor MacHugh.

A visit to Waitomo has long been on our family’s holiday "to do" list...

Blame it on the cycleways, the artwork and the market, but cycling advocate Barbara Cuthbert just can't stay away.

Danielle Wright discovers man-made glories - old and new - around Auckland.

Here are our favourite quiet cycle trails to explore around the city.

Climb aboard a carriage to appreciate a potter's decades-long labour of love.

Elisabeth Easther is introduced to the beers that are in the market for perfect suitors.

This picturesque slice of the South Island is not just a hub for adrenalin junkies, discovers Jennifer Ennion.

Wellington is full of geeks and arty types, and its Bohemian charm captivates Peter Feeney.

The sky is the limit as a Northland town turns on the charm for a winter festival, writes Elisabeth Easther.

Small town New Zealand does wonderful and whacky to keep up our winter spirits.