A new mascot for Waitomo has been unveiled. Sam the Moa sits on the side of State Highway 37 in Hangatiki. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Queues? What queues? Lorna Subritzky goes by rail to enjoy Tongariro National Park and salutes traffic jams as she passes through.

Beautiful Portobello has wildlife, great views and excellent coffee.

'Twas the month before Christmas when photographer Jason Oxenham got an all-access pass to the making of the Smith & Caughey's Santa rooms. Story by Kim Knight.

Parnell is enjoying a renaissance thanks to its retailers and galleries, writes Sarah Daniell.

A huge new body of water on their property wasn't part of their plan, but these North Canterbury farmers want to make hay while the sun shines.

The Bay of Islands' biggest jewel is ideal for a classic Kiwi beach break, writes Elisabeth Easther.

No, it's not the Sheraton or the Four Seasons - New Zealand's latest accommodation provider to list its wares on Booking.com falls a little further off the beaten track.

Everything from lakes and beaches to cities and movie sets have featured in New Zealand's most Instagrammed locations this year.

Farmer Stu Muir talks to Matt Philp about transformation and taniwha.

Elisabeth Easther finds horticultural heaven, just a short jaunt down the motorway.

NZ places where earthquakes or volcanic activity have changed the landscape forever.

The falcon comes straight at me. I can see its big eyes fixed on me as it approaches on a dead level and silent flight path, like a feathered attack drone.

Gore's art gallery is the magnet, but other delights abound too, writes Eleanor Ainge Roy.

Greg Bruce goes beyond the cellar door for a winery tour with a difference.

There's plenty to see in Whanganui, where Pam Wade gets an elevated view.

Dunedin's 'arty' suburb is worthy of a film, writes Elisabeth Easther.

Holidaymakers are being urged not to write post-quake Kaikoura off as a destination.

Elisabeth Easther finds country village living at its best in this Wairarapa town.

Stephanie Holmes flies JQ295 to one of New Zealand's most stunningly-situated airports.

Shandelle Battersby checks into a boutique hotel in the heart of the city.

A holiday jaunt to Palmerston North and beyond surprises Helen Van Berkel.

Elisabeth Easther finds a town full of golden opportunities.

Jesse Mulligan checks into a beautiful property in the heart of Wellington.

Alex Braae visits the Treaty Grounds - a perfect spot to soak up a little of our history.

Here's why the Taranaki capital should be on your New Zealand bucketlist.

The majesty of the skies above Tekapo is captivating, writes Sarah Daniell.

Nestled in berry country, this sunny town is bursting with Edwardian elegance, discovers Elisabeth Easther.

The tiny dishes of this Lyttelton eatery grew on locals, says Jesse Mulligan.

Anna Harrison embarks on four days of cycling to explore the rugged West Coast.