It's hard to think of a better guide to our wild places than Gordon Ell.

Even novices can get amongst excitement of harness racing, says Joanna Davies.

Wellington is voted the fourth top city in the world to visit next year, but Auckland misses out.

There are quite a few things to love about Te Aroha, writes Rachel Grunwell.

Hey there's Queenstown. Upside down. It's an unexpectedly excellent way to admire some of the world's most spectacular alpine scenery.

A haunted scream park in Franklin is not for the faint-hearted, writes Jacqueline Smith.

Puketutu Island in Auckland's Manukau Harbour is to be turned into a regional park.

If you really want to appreciate a garden, you need to stay in it, writes Chris Samsara.

This curved finger of land, pointing into Kawau Bay, was sold to the Auckland Regional Council in 1998 by George Scandrett, whose family farmed here from 1863.

Miniature trains have enjoyed a rise in popularity over the past few years thanks to a certain engine called Thomas.

Our story on Auckland's Top 10 Playgrounds on October 10 drew a great response from readers, who have added to our suggestions.

Diana Clement and a friend took two long weekends away from men and children to discover the tracks of Tongariro National Park.

The wild west coast is worth a day trip with a couple of stops along the way, writes Libby Nicholson-Moon.

Auckland's farmers' markets are booming, but don't forget the city's traditional markets.

Families can enjoy a close encounter with Aoraki/Mt Cook 'The Cloud Piercer' from the comfort of the valley floor, finds Paul Rush.

September arrivals for British visitors were the lowest in a decade, Statistics NZ figures show.

There are many parts of Auckland worth exploring at sea level, discovers Kirsten Warner.

Jim Eagles takes the grandkids to Glenbrook to meet a favourite family friend.

As you drive up the long tree-lined road into Millbrook Resort, you get the eerie sensation that you're leaving the world behind you.

The Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge is a mammoth event. Phil Taylor shares his experience.

A potty-mouthed puppet called Rico is the controversial new face of the country's national carrier, Air New Zealand.

Auckland's maritime military past, present and future are put on fine display at the new Navy Museum in Devonport, writes Jim Eagles.

Jill Worrall discovers a settlement that time forgot.

A New Zealand retreat billed as "somewhere between seven stars and heaven" has been named the world's top luxury coastal hotel.

Spooky tunnels and historic weapons keep young and old entertained at Auckland's North Head, writes Jim Eagles.

Here are New Zealand's Top 10 favourite native birds as voted on ForestandBird.org.nz, with the kakariki taking out Bird of the Year 2010.

It's a shame the path around Devonport's North Head isn't quite complete, writes Jim Eagles.

On October 23, enjoy a day exploring the glorious gardens and woodland trails at Eastwoodhill Arboretum near Gisborne for half price.