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.

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.

Megan Singleton looks at some of the more unusual ways to occupy yourself in Auckland.

Elisabeth Easther finds gold in a charming hamlet in Central Otago.

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