Elisabeth Easther finds this Bay of Plenty farming hub is well worth exploring.

The Garden City's slow but steady rebirth is welcomed by Megan Singleton.

Waitomo's 'starlit' caves spark Alex Robertson's curiosity.

200 years after NZ's first service, some churches are riding a resurgence in which theology and pastoral care merge with pragmatic acceptance of sex, booze and rock’n’roll.

Elisabeth Easther took a quirky rail trip and has been singing the little engines' praises ever since.

There's no excuse for the kids to be bored these holidays with heaps to do around the city.

Elisabeth Easther visits a small North Island town that's full of iron and ... more iron.

Pamela Wade meets a real brown kiwi and other wild species on an excursion to isolated Stewart Island.

With the next Christmas break feeling an age away and summer holidays a thing of the past, most Kiwis are knuckling down for the mid-year slog at work.

Elisabeth Easter cruises along the cycle trails between Matakana and Omaha.

A gentle walking trail that edges its way around a Waiheke vineyard will delight all members of the family, writes Donna McIntyre.

Wander the country's hills and dales on one of these picturesque hikes.

Ease into tramping with an overnighter at the Pinnacles Hut in the Coromandel, writes Andrew Laxon.

Craving fun, sun and stupendous beaches? Here's the place, says Elisabeth Easther.

Megan Singleton stays conveniently central in her search for some of Wellington's finest offerings.

Northland is the most popular summer holiday destination, according to an Automobile Association survey.

Elisabeth Easther pitched her tent on Great Barrier Island and was very reluctant to leave.

The South Island's first gold rush town is resplendent with colourful characters, writes Paul Rush.

We've picked five volcanoes from the more than 50 in the Auckland Volcanic Field.

For a fantastic surf or swim, Waihi Beach is the place to be, says Elisabeth Easther.

Wine, whales and a warm coastal Canterbury welcome capture Megan Singleton's affection.

Dionne Christian joins tourists on the Breeze for a trip back into Auckland's coastal trading history.

No matter what the weather, Elisabeth Easther finds plenty to do at the beach.

Waitawa Regional Park drew thousands of visitors to the southeast coast when it opened last weekend.

Elisabeth Easther flies on a DC-3 to Tauranga and travels back in time.

The harsh Auckland Islands claimed many a ship and their crews, finds Paul Charman.

Sarah Lawrence and her teenage son have a wheely good time in Central Otago.

Visiting Whakatane, Elisabeth Easther discovered two isles literally fizzing with fabulousness.

Graham Young has captured classic Kiwiana in his new book of painted work, Lazy Days. Check out the images and win yourself a copy.