Linda Herrick travels the length and breadth of New Zealand by rail, heading for the town she grew up in.

Wayne Thompson relaxes at a northern coastal getaway close to white sand beaches and tranquil inlets.

Summer time and the living is made easy at a Provence-style bed and breakfast. Geraldine McManus reports.

Michele Crawshaw visits a luxury boutique lodge which commands a grand view over the Bay of Islands.

Sometimes you wonder just what could be achieved in the world if small-town enthusiasm was harnessed, writes Colin Moore.