A tiny colonial outpost today exerts a big pull on tourists, writes Don Donovan.

Clear, pollution-free skies has resulted in New Zealand beating Australia in an ultimate travel bucket list comprised by an influential news website.

Paul Rush takes a time travel journey through Fiordland's twilight zone.

Whangarei's centre does away with the staid image of art, writes Jim Eagles.

The hectic pace of Auckland seems a million miles away as I idly watch a lone duck disappear around a bend in the river.

Danielle Wright stays overnight at Auckland Zoo and finds the children and zoo animals on their best behaviour.

Belinda Henley checks out the latest development for adrenaline junkies at Queenstown's Shotover Canyon Swing.

Abby Gillies laps up the idyllic sights and flavours of Wanaka.

Joanna Mathers finds plenty to keep her happy away from the slopes.

Danielle Wright meets the littlest lighthouse keepers at the annual Manukau Heads Lighthouse re-lighting ceremony.

Mountain Scene editor Ryan Keen shares an insider's guide to having fun on the cheap in New Zealand's premier resort town.

Surely I can't be the only New Zealander to arrive on Stewart Island and become hooked on bird watching?

Danielle Wright looks at the resurgence of Matariki events in this month-long celestial celebration.

Catherine Smith swaps the suburbs for the city and enjoys a foretaste of her dream future.

The historic 98-year-old inner-city pools open again after a $15.8m makeover.

Sophie Bond meets a man involved in preparing a feast for Maori New Year, which is marked by the rise of the star cluster Matariki and the sighting of the new moon.

Ewan McDonald gets a glimpse into how the other half lives when he checks in for a night of pop star-style pampering.

Elizabeth Binning's youngster falls for a speeding lullaby in Fiordland National Park.

The small town of Kawhia has plenty to offer those interested in our origins, finds Dionne Christian.

Stunning images of Aurora Australis have been captured from Invercargill.

Technology and travel go well together, as Danielle Wright discovers on the new QR code journey along the Auckland Waterfront.

'Weekend warrior' Andrew Alderson does a lot of thinking on the stamina-taxing Tour of NZ cycle race.

Paul Rush visits a homely thermal village and finds it a genuine cultural experience.

Michael Burgess grapples with Outward Bound's tradition of testing mettle.

Great food and wine - and no rowdies - make the day for Sharon Lundy.

Fieldays is the highlight of the country calendar, as Helen Twose discovers.

Skiers will be praying for snow at Mt Ruapehu this week amid fears the Turoa ski area may not be able to open on Saturday as scheduled.

Alexia Santamaria finds that Whangarei is much more than just a rest stop.

John Parker gets a preview of a cycle trail that promises to be one of our finest.