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.

Justine Tyerman learns to love snakes on the Kepler Track.

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.

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.

Classic NZ coastline, lush bush and old-fashioned holiday camp fun - Danielle Wright takes a campervan tour around the Coromandel.

Christchurch's determination to rise from the rubble has been richly rewarded with a spot in Lonely Planet's top 10 cities worldwide to visit in 2013.

Herald Online reporter Paul Harper is making his way around the South Island by rail.

Danielle Wright goes bush with medical herbalist Helen Elscot to preview the Waiheke Walking Festival.

Justine Tyerman takes on the Routeburn Track.

Danielle Wright introduces her city kids to farm animals and the rural way of life in the Kaipara district.

Herald Online reporter Paul Harper is making his way around the South Island by rail over the course of a fortnight.

A five-day tramp on the West Coast gives photographer Greg Bowker ample chances to capture some wild beauty.

Herald Online reporter Paul Harper is making his way around the South Island by rail over the course of a fortnight. Here are some of the highlights of his trip so far.

The Domain and Grafton Bridge bring back student memories for Cate Foster.

A ramble through forest near Ohakune is a pleasant diversion for the whole family, finds Libby Nicholson-Moon.

Lydia Jenkin drops the shops and experiences a Ladies' Weekend with a difference - caving, climbing and trekking in Tongariro National Park.

Paul Rush tackles foaming rapids on a six-day journey down the Whanganui River.