It doesn't take long for the creative and picturesque charms of Northland's west coast to enrapture Kirsten Warner.

Neville Peat laps up a rafting trip on the Clarence River in North Canterbury.

There's no excuse for not exploring Rangitoto, finds Cate Foster.

The spot named New Zealand's best secret camping spot by NZ Herald Travel readers has been revealed.

A weekend on a South Canterbury farm charms Sheriden Rhodes.

Forty containers have now been lifted off the stricken cargo ship Rena, aground off the Bay Of Plenty coast.

Fine wine, great food, pretty cycle trails ... Mangere has it all, finds Catherine Smith.

Looking for some inspiration for your summer holidays? Readers have suggested some of their favourite NZ campgrounds.

It's time to start dreaming of your summer escape so we've rounded up some classic Kiwi baches to inspire you.

The small historic Northland town of Russell has plenty to offer for a summer getaway, writes Susan Edmunds.

Beauty abounds where once there was sewage and sludge, finds Liz Light.

Southern shores of Manukau Harbour top popularity stakes.

Waiheke's sculpture trail is but a starting point for a day of admiring glorious views.

Liz Light gets in touch with farming New Zealand at the Canterbury A&P Show.

It costs $10,000 a night - but the cream of Auckland hoteliers are calling the Pullman Hotel's new presidential suite a "marketing gimmick".

Our city has much to offer chefs with an Asian persuasion, writes Alexia Santamaria.

A winery tour by horseback is a good reintroduction to horse-riding, finds Claire McCall.

Pioneer brothers created a memorial to a wrecked ship, says Raewyn Court.

Queenstown and Southern Lakes has been named one of Lonely Planet's top 10 regions to visit next year.

It's a sunny-ish day but some threatening clouds are lurking. I don't care, I'm keen to get outdoors.

East Cape's bush and beaches set off the superb artistry of its people, says Jim Eagles.

Danielle Wright takes a bike ride down memory lane, peddling past quaint caravans and kitsch holiday homes in Orewa.

With all the recent changes Alexia Santamaria discovers the city has a definite cosmopolitan feel.

Air New Zealand said today it would spend up to $340 million on 12 new ATR72-600 aircraft for its regional fleet.

Pain is an inevitable part of learning to surf - but it's worth it, writes Vicki Virtue.

There are so many fine picture books about New Zealand these days that it's often difficult to find a point of difference that makes one stand out from the others.

Few Aucklanders have ever heard of the 11km-long Oakley Creek, yet it runs from Hillsborough, through Mt Roskill, Mt Albert and finally Waterview.

Sarah Lawrence has a blast with her son on an high octane, laugh-filled ride across the harbour in a jet boat.

Rebecca Kamm heads for some eco-friendly R&R, topped up with gourmet eats.

Passengers may soon be able to board a luxury Orient Express-style train to travel the length of New Zealand - at a cost of up to $1500 a day.