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.

Named for a local tribe, a branch of the Waitaha people, and Ngati Mamoe.

A Kiwi hotel and island have been named among the world's best by Travel and Leisure magazine.

These places will prove to be the cherry on top of your Otago holiday.

Chris Daniels apprehensively doubles down on the North Island's highest mountain.

On the way out to Moturua Island, our guide pointed out a spectacular mansion on the sprawling hillsides of Russell.

Helen van Berkel heads underground with her daughter for the stunning delights of Waitomo.

Eli Orzessek takes a walk on the wild, wonderful and weird side of Taranaki.

The gateway to the Western Bays is sitting pretty, writes Elisabeth Easther.

One of the best lookouts on the trail takes in Awaroa Inlet, the home of the beach New Zealanders bought through a crowd-funding campaign earlier in the year.

New study shows Brits are taking vast amounts of holidays - and they all want to come to NZ.

Deep in the bush of the Abel Tasman National Park, four trampers are scuffing their feet along a sandy path, eyes intently scanning the canopy above.

Rob Cox finds himself caught short when he takes his wife to the exclusive Kauri Cliffs resort in Northland for a Mother's Day treat.

Eli Orzessek stays at a Taranaki hotel with free mountain bikes.

It's the perfect family destination, finds Rob Cox.

Miriyana Alexander gets a taste of luxury and finds it's for kids as well as adults.

Enjoy your long weekend, New Zealand - after tomorrow it will be 139 long, cold days until the next statutory holiday graces our working week.

The pleasure of a long weekend should not be spoiled by the realisation that this is the last one until late October, but it is reason to complain.

Helen van Berkel discovers a precious natural highway, not far from the roar of Auckland traffic.

Kiwi actor David de Lautour finds a respite from the mad world of Hollywood in Taupo, the home of his heart.

You can see more than 30 winning entries at the World of Wearable Art and Classic Cars Museum on the outskirts of Nelson's CBD for $24 (adult).

The Queenstown Skyline gondola is set for a multi-million dollar revamp.

Driving past the orchards, wineries and small agricultural towns of Otago brought to mind trips through California's Central Valley.

Papa is Maori for land and the towai is a native tree - making it Land of the Towai.

There's nothing like hitting the hometown hard to rediscover Auckland's charm, writes Verity Johnson.

Whether it's adventure or relaxation you're after, there's heaps to do in Hanmer.

An autumnal visit to relaxing Hanmer Springs is just what the doctor ordered.

Auckland had been named the greatest coastal city in the world by an overseas cruise line.