Victoria Clark stays at Sofitel Wellington, the capital city's first brand new hotel in 15 years, where the surrounds are luxuriously, romantically French.

This lovely spot comes with barrels of history, some of it millions of years old, as Elisabeth Easther discovers.

Sixty brands serving 300 beers: what 40-something wouldn't be in heaven, asks Jesse Mulligan.

Tennessy Weir checks into a lakefront hotel with a beautiful garden.

Sometimes you just throw a bag in the boot, reverse down the driveway. Nothin' more than a couple of hundred clicks of open road ahead. Ewan McDonald did.

The area's creativity is on show, writes Sara Bunny.

Diana Plater enjoys some of the best Central Otago has to offer.

The town popped up following the discovery of gold in the mid-1860s and was named after George Ross, provincial treasurer of Canterbury.

Joanna Hunkin lives the champagne lifestyle in Queenstown during a weekend loaded with luxury.

The mercury is dropping but Sarah Lawrence's spirits are rising as she heads south.

Sara Bunny heads over the Rimutakas to indulge in some winter R&R.

The operator of a new low-rise development joined to a historic hotel predicts it will command New Zealand's most expensive new hotel room rate at $10,000 a night.

There's far more to this gorgeous east coast centre than just the beach.

Shandelle Battersby finds plenty of activities for families in and around Whangarei.

Neil Reid travels to Waiheke Island for a 24-hour getaway and rediscovers one of the jewels in the wider Auckland region.

In New Zealand's original seat of power, Winston Aldworth finds a pub to celebrate.

Elisabeth Easther explores a piece of paradise, at the top of the South Island.

Winston Aldworth checks into a property with postcard views of prime New Zealand scenery.

A Dunedin street has become an unlikely tourist attraction, after people have shared photos on social media of a bizarre optical illusion.

It's nearly the end of the school holidays and you haven't been out of town? A mid-winter jaunt in Miranda is the perfect escape.

Singer/songwriter Anna van Riel pens an ode to her favourite spot.

Elisabeth Easther heads north to the township built by oil.

NBA legend Yao Ming made a surprise appearance in Dunedin this week.

New Zealand is full of these wondrous warm spots and many of them are free. Here are some of the best to check out around the country.

There's intrigue in the bushes at Zealong estate, and the owners will not give up their secrets easily, learns Tim Roxborogh.

Herald Travel readers share their advice for getting kids on skis or boards this winter.

A mid-winter mission in a muscle car is just the ticket, writes Alanah Eriksen.

Elisabeth Easther explores the charms of a sleepy settlement.

A winter treat brings warmth and a feeling of well-being, writes Lydia Jenkin.

Andrew Gillick tests his driving and cycling skills in Tongariro National Park.