The sleepy hamlet of Tapanui is a film star in its own right writes Elisabeth Easther.

Still trying to come up with the perfect gift for Father's Day? Perhaps what he'd like most is a break from the rat race.

From eco tours to distillery visits, there's plenty to fill a holiday here.

The peaceful natural beauty of Wainui Inlet has Fergus Blakiston waxing lyrical.

Mokoia Island's colourful past covers passions from the benign to the violent.

Anna Harrison finds a jaw-droppingly beautiful view at Bay of Many Coves.

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.

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.

A new Lonely Planet book has singled out some of the best things to do in New Zealand - and most of them won't cost you a cent.

This friendly town is a fabulous place from which to explore the Catlins.

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.

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.

Peter Donaldson ventures into the northern unknown.

Wellington is a very easy city to love, and it's just about perfect for a food-and drink-filled weekend getaway.

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.