The mosquitoes up there are as big as sparrows, they told me. They come in swarms so big they blot out the sky, they added ominously.

Take an extended break and explore this art- and culture-centric part of the North Island.

Elisabeth Easther takes a journey back in time to a small town steeped in history.

Time travel is difficult-but not impossible: witness the nostalgia-seeking horde that descends on Napier for the Art Deco Weekend each February.

As far as breakfast spots go, it would be hard to beat our beachfront campsite at Matata, just north of Whakatane, with its views of crashing surf and picturesque Whale Island.

Cyclists are bringing the gold back to this former mining town, says Elisabeth Easther.

It's Seaweek - what better excuse to get out to some of NZ's top snorkelling spots?

The Eagles Nest spills across 75 acres of a peninsula looking down on the Bay of Islands along the way to Tapeka Pt.

The snacking is plentiful down south, discovers Louise Richardson.

A US-based "sand artist" has transformed a Northland beach with the help of a local Maori artist.

Most people who live around here have deep ties to the land, their parents are from here, their grandparents, and their great-grandparents.

Scenic Hotel Te Pania Napier has rolled out the welcome mat to guests and their dogs

Over a million Kiwis left our main centres over the Christmas holiday break - but most didn't go far.

Jim Eagles rekindles his love affair with the country's National Clock Museum.

The Hillary Trail offers action and adventure on Auckland's back doorstep - and it's accessible by public transport.

Seeing your own country through the eyes of a tourist can reignite a love affair with the beautiful land in which we're blessed to live.

One time in Melbourne I had dinner with Tool, Shapeshifter, Peaches and Serena Williams' tennis coach.

The ferry journey is as lovely as the destination, writes Neil Porten.

The Wakatipu Basin is a walker's paradise, offering a shed-load of stunning views.

Elisabeth Easther's doing her bit to save the kiwis.

Five walks that highlight the historic significance of Waitangi and nearby areas

Originally called Hukanui, with huka being Maori for "foam, frost or snow" and nui meaning big; in this neck of the woods it means "heavy frost".

Elisabeth Easther heads south of Auckland for a day of shooting and feasting at Bracu.

Tina Trenkner-Meade flies JQ285 to the South Island.

With the help of Booking.com, we've put together some great Auckland Anniversary Weekend scenic road trips.