A decade after it opened, the rail trail has become - to use an overworked phrase - a New Zealand tourist icon.

Danielle Wright finds Torpedo Bay's Navy Museum to be a touching insight into life at sea.

Mangawhai's like a little piece of Provence, just an hour out of Auckland.

Hot pools are just the start of family fun at accessible Miranda and Kaiaua.

Vicki Virtue gets high on the beauty of the first mountain in NZ to see the sun.

It's snow, sheep and mountain country on the Scenic Southern Route, finds Justine McLeary.

Danielle Wright is swept off her feet by Hobsonville's contrasts of modern and historical - as well as by some unexpected gusts.

Andy Kenworthy gets a whole new perspective on Auckland's mighty Harbour Bridge.

A jam-packed weekend in New Plymouth offers something for everyone, writes Renee Lang.

A ski weekend in Taupo opens up a world of adventure, as Nicola Whitham and Tim Roest discovered.

Head to Hamilton and discover its gourmet side, writes Vicki Ravlich-Horan.

Nikki Birrell finds a weekend break in the lake city ticks all the boxes.

As Jim Eagles found during a cruise in Okarito Lagoon, the area's most famous residents can be dauntingly camera-shy.

Lonely Planet has named Tongariro National Park as one of the world's best parks and preserves in a list that includes the Grand Canyon and Iguazu Falls National Park in South America.

The fabulously clear sky of the Mackenzie Country is a national asset, writes Sheriden Rhodes.

Doug Sherring delights in the perfect snow of Queenstown's Remarkables.

In Auckland's rural west, Kumeu is lavishly blessed with appetite-teasing treats.

Earlier this week Danielle Wright road-tested the fan trail from Britomart to Eden Park that will run on game nights throughout the RWC 2011. She tells us what fans can expect to encounter along the way.

Paul Rush finds endangered native birds flying free with a little help from their friends.

Photos from a unique forest sanctuary, where native birds are being reintroduced without being barricaded behind predator-proof fences.

It may be renowned for its waves, but Whangamata has other temptations.

Danielle Wright finds there's more than tourism on offer at a three-day showcase of the Pacific Islands at The Cloud.

Sue Baxalle and Elisabeth Easther dip into the varied delights of New Zealand's top tourist town, Rotorua, and find there's a lot more than geysers and hot mud pools to interest their families.

Animals were the surprise stars of a family trip to Rotorua, writes Raewyn Court.

Hone your cooking skills at sumptuous Otahuna Lodge, writes Abby Gillies.

Four children under six in a pristine art gallery sounds like a recipe for disaster, but, as Danielle Wright finds out, there are 'safe' areas for families if you know where to look.

A tour of Tauranga by bicycle is a great way to explore the city and its surrounds, discovers Tristan Ogden.

A cold, wet end to a thrilling wilderness voyage is all part of the adventure, writes Elizabeth Binning.

An afternoon drive to Huia will reveal some amazing picnic spots, picturesque bays and historical locations.