Google Maps is famous for getting the commuter, cyclist and pedestrian from A to B; but it is a little known fact that the man who oversaw its development is a Kiwi.

Rustic mountain huts, baches on the beach and a miner’s cottage with vineyard views - Danielle Wright discovers humble holiday homes to book in advance.

The East Coast Bays coastal walk is a lovely summer ramble, discovers Cate Foster.

Danielle Wright walks through history in a picturesque seaside village in the Far North.

Standing in front of a round green door, set into a cheery hillside, I half expect to see Gandalf the Grey and Bilbo Baggins wandering up the footpath.

Catherine Smith falls for Oamaru's Victorian township and modern food.

The Dullsville reputation is busted by a museum with wow factor and a cool city centre.

Justine Tyerman writes of her love affair with a place deep in the Mt Aspiring National Park.

Alexia Santamaria finds there is more than enough to keep both parents and kids happy on a day trip to Hamilton.

Dionne Christian finds activities for all ages in Pirongia and its surrounds.

Colin Hogg finds a southern town steeped in heritage.

For two years we have seen images of Christchurch, a broken city. Ewan McDonald visits a community picking up the pieces.

Head north and hit the Collectables Trail.

So you've been tasked with organising a hen's party ... one option is fleeing the city and swapping novelty cakes and forced craziness for a weekend of fun and pampering.

Sitting in Auckland in 2012, 1950s Britain looks a bit dull - the Beatles hadn't even been formed let alone discovered acid, writes Winston Aldworth.

Ahead of the food and wine additions to the summer Headland Sculpture on the Gulf, Catherine Smith gets a taste of what's to come.

Elisabeth Easther travels back in time to a sleepy town at the end of the Waikato River.

Warmer weather brings a new energy for experiencing the great outdoors. Great Lake Taupo will not disappoint, writes Donna Jarden.

New Zealand is the best holiday spot in the world, according to Britain's Daily Telegraph newspaper.

Seeing a little spotted kiwi, referred to as a kiwi pukupuku in Maori, in the semi-wild is a very special thing. Not only are they adorably fluffy, they're rare.

Spring is the perfect time to enjoy the conservation success story that is Tiritiri Matangi Island, finds Cate Foster.

Dionne Christian heads to Warkworth with the family to enjoy a sunny day at SheepWorld.

Elisabeth Easther becomes 'spokes woman' for the joys of the Hauraki Rail Trail.

From a giant, bug-eyed Gollum sculpture looming over passengers at Wellington Airport to promotional banners covering the facades of entire office blocks, the upcoming The Hobbit movie is impossible to ignore in New Zealand.

Overcoming her fears, Donna McIntyre tackles Waiheke's latest adrenalin buzz.

Justine Tyerman learns to love snakes on the Kepler Track.

Justine Tyerman writes of her "conversion" on the Routeburn Track.