Oratia beauty really sums up this great family friendly place with its many laid-back features, writes Hannah Sperber.

Some spring adventures around Auckland on two wheels.

The top of the South Island is a fine place to eat and drink, writes Elisabeth Easther.

New Zealand's best produce is world class and a first-rate reason to travel, writes Nadia Lim.

Sharks are the least of James Russell's worries at Kelly Tarlton's.

Danielle Wright heads into the CBD to find family options that'll get the heart pumping.

Need a cure for summertime blues? This patch of coast has the remedy year-round, writes Elisabeth Easther.

A Waitomo caving experience will leave your mind blown, writes Alex Robertson.

A wildlife expedition to Fiordland takes you up close to a pristine land of legend and glacial beauty, writes Jim Eagles.

Detour through a town you always pass but never stop to visit, writes Elisabeth Easther.

Auckland, and Aucklanders, tend to get a lot of grief, but Rhonwyn Newson loves the City of Sails.

On a scenic flight in the south, Elizabeth Carlson gets into the pilot's seat.

A shelter of the steppes finds a place under the nikau, writes Monique Balvert-O'Connor.

Intrepid trampers or a bunch of softies? Pam Neville puts the case for guided walks.

Catherine Smith enjoys a city break in her hometown.

Winston Aldworth stays in a Mighty Deuce 2Y campervan in Waipara.

Pamela Wade finds the unspoiled beauty of New Zealand's southeast is wasted on some.

Named for Plymouth in England, where many of the early colonial settlers came from. Taranaki is Maori for shining mountain.

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.

Anne Gibson takes in the luxurious accommodation and dramatic surroundings at a Palliser Bay lodge that's hosted royalty.

The road around Banks Peninsula is steeped in history, finds Wendy Dunlop.

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