Bluff has an annual rainfall of about 1000mm, although I'm told the town enjoyed just as brilliant a summer as the rest of us.

Pauanui was a perfect weekend getaway, says Holly Jean Brooker.

Elisabeth Easther strikes gold for visitors to the West Coast's former mining town.

Helen van Berkel becomes a fan of life on the road as she tours Northland in style.

Elisabeth Easther takes a trip back to a time when flight was an adventure.

In the heart of Central Otago Paul Davies is a little enclave that gives wine lovers a taste of heaven.

So you're a grommet, I say to my teen on the way to Raglan. He looks puzzled but his friends enlighten him. A grommet or grom is slang for a young surfer.

Long faces are nowhere to be seen when trekking on Waiheke, discovers Pamela Wade.

Elisabeth Easther gets down to the disco beat of 'Poi E' with the Patea Maori Club.

Lonely Planet rates island among the hottest travel destinations.

Liz Light visits Gibbs Farm for art's sake.

Debbie Griffiths discovers the wonder of a Bay of Plenty 'Dinosaur Forest'.

Punakaiki's pancake rocks are enough to make Elisabeth Easther flip out.

Whisky and art are the first drawcards - but Colin Hogg is surprised to find there's much more to the once-named Chicago of the south.

World-famous for its vines, Marlborough is now getting a reputation for craft beer.

Fresh local fare, a gentle massage and thermal valleys -- Catherine Smith takes it easy.

Colourful boatsheds set the scene at friendly Titahi Bay, finds Elisabeth Easther.

The Melbourne beauty and her last two suitors take part in white-water rafting, luxury sailing on Waitemata Harbour and trip to Waiheke Island.

A fruit distillery provides an alternative to Marlborough's usual wine tours.

Taupo is a great playground for thrillseekers, finds Shandelle Battersby.

The Mackenzie Country is full of photo opportunities. Megan Singleton finds five of the most scenic.

Next year's Wellington Sevens will be held on Saturday January 30 and Sunday January 31, and here are seven reasons why you should be there.

First-timers are full of the joys of spring on the slopes of Happy Valley, writes Dionne Christian.

From Pahi to Shelly Beach, cruising by boat was a perfect family day-trip, writes Sarah Ell.

Try fish and chips at the beach - washed down with as much wildlife as you can handle.

You can't head up this way without taking a detour all the way west to Muriwai, or Maori Bay or Shelly Beach off South Head.

Shandelle Battersby slathers herself in thermal gloop and waits for the magic to happen.

Going walkabout is a great way to experience the winterless north, says Donna McIntyre.

Visit the world's top hideaway in tiny Tai Tapu.

Elisabeth Easther goes bush in the Far North but finds all the creature comforts she could wish for at the five-star Waipoua Lodge.