Dogs, racing cars, bikes and curling are just some of the highlights of a whistle-stop trip to Cromwell, finds Elisabeth Easther.

The community's spirit and their pet eels are a source of pride in this town, discovers Elisabeth Easther.

The top 10 most photographed Kiwi locations that have appeared on Instagram in the past year have been revealed.

Martinborough offers 25 wineries, good tucker and a buzzy nightlife.

A tiny town on a state highway seems to be the big cheese and is worth pulling over for, says Elisabeth Easther.

Despite its slightly faded glamour, the Chateau still lives up to Tim Roxborogh's childhood expectations.

A roadtrip to Palliser Bay can take a traveller's breath away, writes Richard Moore.

The warm water slides make quite a splash at award winning resort, writes Elisabeth Easther.

Elisabeth Easther discovers a town with a fascinating history.

Rob Cox and family are charmed by Waitangi and its neighbouring towns.

A leading Auckland migrant settlement agency is avoiding the word Christmas and will instead be talking about "happy holidays" and "season's greetings".

Elisabeth Easther dives into the East Coast's pristine beaches and chilled-out vibe.

A trip around Mt Taranaki is a magical experience.

Meander down to the beach, dig yourself a hole and wallow in the thermal water, says Sarah Ell.

It's no wonder Scottish migrants chose to settle in Waipu. Elisabeth Easther discovers its secrets.

Hungry, and perhaps a little thirsty in Dunedin? Anna King Shahab discovers 10 great places to sate your appetite.

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.

Bronwyn Sell finds the natural wonders of the West Coast can match the Big Five of any safari.

Waiheke - The jewel of the Hauraki Gulf has been named as one of the world's best regions in Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2016, the publisher's annual summary of the travel trends for the upcoming year.

Lonely Planet rates island among the hottest travel destinations.