Diana Clement grabs a cheap weekend in the Central North Island.

The unique village of Puhoi is the perfect place to while away a weekend day, writes Karen Phelps.

Virgil Evetts is wowed by some incredible sea life, including whales, all within minutes of downtown Auckland.

Tauranga is making a name for itself as a serious foodie destination, writes Catherine Smith.

This meticulously renovated 1876 pub attracts the crowds - some arriving by boat to tie up at the jetty.

At one desk, a hotel room will cost about $600 a night. A few steps away, an identical room will be just $99 a night.

One of New Zealand's top hotels has been largely downgraded to a two star hotel, with prices starting from $99 per night.

Sheep-stealer James Mackenzie's hideaway is stunningly beautiful, writes Jim Eagles, and the food is equally stunning.

Industry sources are warning that the volcanic ash cloud's impact on the tourism sector will be serious if the disruptions continue much longer.

Danielle Wright finds the blustery conditions and loudness of the ocean strangely soothing on a weekend break at Bethells Beach Cottages.

NZ tourism operators are concerned about the effect Kiwis' overseas holidays are having at home.

Hot springs at Lake Tarawera are a reminder of the area's volcanic history, writes Alex Robertson.

A bill aimed at changing the nasty habits of some freedom campers passed its first reading in Parliament today.

Viva experiences the very best of Wellington in the VIP style we could easily become accustomed to.

As NZ skifields delay opening because of unseasonably warm weather, some Aussie resorts are blanketed...

Mangawhai has always been beautiful. Now, with fine food and art, it's cultivated too, finds Liz Light.

A hotel near Auckland Airport advertised as four star has been slammed for being filthy and having no hot water.

If you want to know the best places to check out when you're visiting a foreign country you're often best advised to ask a tourist rather than a local.

Australia's "silver nomads" holidaying in New Zealand will enjoy discounts on goods and services under a new reciprocal arrangement for SuperGold Card holders.

Vicky Jayne finds plenty to see on Route 35 - and all at an enjoyable pace.

New Zealand and overseas guests spent 165,000 fewer guest nights in Canterbury during March.

Eat, drink - and learn to cook - aboard the Pacific Pearl, writes Kerri Jackson.

It may not be the first place that springs to mind when you're after an art fix, but Waikato is home to two exhibition spaces that will have culture seekers revelling, writes Libby Nicholson-Moon.

Despite a fruitless search for great coffee, Diana Clement finds plenty to do and see in the warm and welcoming Bay of Islands.

The Foveaux Strait ferry is not for the faint-hearted, says Chris Samsara.

Liz Light takes a walk up Mt Taranaki.

We baby boomers seem hell-bent on dashing off around the world gaining notches in our money belts. Everyone has been, or is going, to Europe or Asia.

Danielle Wright discovers a day at the races, wild west-coast style.

Easing his bones in natural hot springs and filling up with a hearty meal in an old colonial hotel is Phil Parker's idea of a great weekend in Waikato.

Pictures speak a thousand words, but for rookies the first word is "m for moron", finds Kate Roff.