Next time you're in the region, be sure to explore these spots ...

Sure, there's gold in 'them thar hills' but there's far more to do in the mining town than a weekend is time for, find Donna McIntyre and her family.

Haul the bike out of the garage, clean it up, and prepare to tackle the Auckland Harbour Bridge, writes Sarah Ell.

Elisabeth Easther bunked down at Kelly Tarlton’s with two small fry in tow, and discovered a whole new meaning to the word 'seabed'.

Wild beach is a world away from the city, yet just a short drive, says Elisabeth Easther.

Here are five festivals that should be on your (ice) bucket list.

Tongariro National Park turns on a bright blue day for a ramble to its even bluer lakes, writes Josie Dale.

Just an hour's drive north of Auckland, 16km from Warkworth, Omaha Beach is home to one of the most beautiful white sand beaches you could ever hope to see.

Elisabeth Easther visited her turangawaewae and learned that lemurs are lovely and Cambridge's river trails are superb.

This coastal town serves up more than scrummy fish and chips, writes Elisabeth Easther.

Takaka has a bustling arts scene and pretty scenery, writes Elisabeth Easther.

Life & Style Editor Nicky Park shares her insider tips for making the most of Toast Martinborough ahead of ticket sales for this year's food and wine festival.

The scenery out here is so super, you'll want to make sure the designated driver keeps their eyes on the road.

Hidden under the streets we walk every day are tales of murder and mayhem, of geological upheaval and war. Dionne Christian sees what Heritage Festival has to offer.

The best on offer these school holidays, chosen by Susan Edmunds.

Auckland's Heritage Festival is underway so we thought we'd indulge in a little character house porn. Grab your parasol and perambulate down these charming suburban streets for a thoroughly pleasant architectural education.

Sarah Ell takes her crew on Ports of Auckland's fun and interesting free guided water tour.

Elisabeth Easther and her son Theo took a sneak peek at Motat’s newest exhibit Welcome to the Machine, declaring it entertaining, educational and epic.

From high-end Asian street food-inspired dishes to pizzas that have been popular for almost 40 years, Queenstown's food scene has something for everyone.

This delightfully rural enclave sits right on the edge of the Manukau Harbour.

Head out and explore Auckland on foot, writes Joelle Thomson.

Leading travel guide places two NZ hotels in top 100 out of 4000 global entries.

There are cultural symbols aplenty in the kiwiana capital of New Zealand, writes Elisabeth Easther.

Belinda Henley visits a property that offers opportunities for physical exertion and relaxation in equal measure.

Reaching the peak is easy when you have snowshoes, discovers Andrew Louis.

Even with three kids in tow, Rob Cox manages to have a ball in Rotorua and Ruapehu.

From ponies to penguins, caving to campfires, Danielle Wright finds plenty of camping action for the next school holidays.

Elisabeth Easther visited Russell for a sneak preview of the Bay of Islands Walking Weekend and found a wealth of wanders on offer.

It isn't just wine that Martinborough excels at, discovers Sharon Stephenson.

North is just the tops, Elisabeth Easther discovers on a trip up to Whangarei.