Latest from New Zealand Holidays

Out of the darkness and into the light
A journey through Arthur's Pass reveals a wealth of history.

Cass: Colourful character right on track
A lone figure takes care of this station made famous by Rita Angus.

A playground right on our doorstep
Jim Eagles says it's a pity we we don't make more use of the marvellous recreational potential offered by the Hauraki Gulf.

Taupo Medieval Festival
Re-enactment enthusiasts travelled back in time at the Taupo Medieval Festival for jousting, archery, sword battles ... and a spit-roasted pig. Photographer Alan Gibson went with them.

Famous journey steeped in contrasts
Warm tunnels allow Jim Eagles to savour the TranzAlpine rail experience longer.

Christchurch: Everything's lovely in Garden City
Jim Eagles enjoys the passing parade as he tours through Christchurch in style.

Time stands still at Mangonui
Liz Light explores a heritage trail that has escaped intrusion by developers and entrepreneurs.

Macquarie Island: A long way from everywhere
Jim Eagles is granted rare access to the lonely but lovely Sub Antarctic islands.

A natural kai on the TransCoastal track
Jim Eagles finds the attractions of this rail route very much suit his tastebuds.

Getting in the spirit across Cook Strait
Jim Eagles' journey aboard the Kaitaki from Wellington to Picton leaves him feeling replete.

Wellington: Capital sights and songbird sounds
Jim Eagles gets a dose of wildlife and culture in a stopover on his great NZ train journey.

Mangawhai: Seaside escape
Megan Singleton grabs some vino and enjoys a girls' weekend in magical Mangawhai.

Blenheim: Scott's greats
Joelle Thomson talks to one of the founding fathers of Marlborough's wine industry.

Kaikoura: Descent into the abyss
Paul Rush ventures into the domain of Kaikoura's majestic sperm whales.

Tragedy remembered on journey south
Jim Eagles continues his exploration of NZ by train, paying his respects at Tangiwai.

Auckland: Classy old dame
Kerri Jackson revels in the luxury of Auckland's restored and refined Hotel DeBrett.

Nelson: Spreading the gospel of craft beer
Victoria Bartle looks at the people behind Nelson's boutique breweries.

Northland: Bream come true
Diana Clement is blown away by the views, birdlife and forests of Northland's Bream Head.

Macquarie Island: South Westies
Jim Eagles braves rough seas, icebergs and whipping rain to get to know some of the amusing inhabitants of the Sub-Antarctic islands.

Taranaki: All the world's a stage in Stratford
Taranaki town is so bard it's brilliant, writes Chris Samsara.

Lakeside lodge at Rotorua among the best for lovers
Forget Paris or Venice if you're looking for the most romantic place to propose to your lover this Valentine's Day.

Coromandel Peninsula: Peak fitness
Helen van Berkel tackles the Pinnacles walk and discovers astounding scenery - when she works up the courage to open her eyes.

Huka Lodge wins travel award
A New Zealand luxury lodge has been recognised for its consistent high standards by a century-old English high society magazine.

Road trip: Closer to home
Karen Jackson rediscovers New Zealand's riches from the comfort of a well-stocked campervan.