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

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.

Te Araroa: New Zealand's Trail is 3000km of continuous walking from one end of Aotearoa to the other, connecting Cape Reinga in the north to Bluff in the south.

In both New Zealand and Australia, we pride ourselves on our "big things" - whether it's a carrot in Ohakune or a banana in Coff's Harbour.

We already know we've got great beaches in New Zealand - but it's always nice to have it internationally recognised.

Like most Kiwis, I thought I knew the Ruapehu region.

Staying at Kinross Cottages is like taking a step back in time, only it's comfortable and luxurious.

New Zealand's Great Walks are acclaimed around the world. Make the most of them.

Leila George finds out what's new at Queenstown's skifields and down in town.

Shandelle Battersby gets a taste of tramping through the bush, with the luxury of home.

It's not just the skiing that attracts John Parker to our mountains.

A seriously major MTB park is currently being built in the hills and will feature a huge variety of trails.

Queentown is a mecca for the world's wealthy, who need experiences and accommodation to match.

One day I hope to recite a story which explains why life as a sports writer can be so rewarding.

Gun-toting Sarah Ell becomes a member of the cool crowd for a high-flying adventure.

Elizabeth Binning is pleased she mustered up the courage to visit Rotorua's Farm Show.

You're not in Auckland anymore Toto - the temperature drop was noticeable the moment we stepped out of our Jucy 4WD rental car.

The founders of this skifield still love strapping on their skis, writes Kelly Lynch.

Helen Van Berkel discovers the perfect place for Mother's Day - or any special occasion.

Travelling by ferry to Waiheke, I always thought, was as far removed from city life as I could get via a short boat ride.

He may have raved about his "sensational" holiday in New Zealand, but a US news anchor had one serious problem with our country - the toilets.

Pirongia is Maori for "like a bad smell" although Pirongia is pretty and not at all smelly.