Catherine Smith swaps the suburbs for the city and enjoys a foretaste of her dream future.

The historic 98-year-old inner-city pools open again after a $15.8m makeover.

Sophie Bond meets a man involved in preparing a feast for Maori New Year, which is marked by the rise of the star cluster Matariki and the sighting of the new moon.

Ewan McDonald gets a glimpse into how the other half lives when he checks in for a night of pop star-style pampering.

An ice rink in Auckland's Aotea Square is opening tonight, three days ahead of schedule.

Jim Eagles visits the Whangarei Town Basin and discovers a thriving focal point for all sorts of crafts.

Elizabeth Binning's youngster falls for a speeding lullaby in Fiordland National Park.

The small town of Kawhia has plenty to offer those interested in our origins, finds Dionne Christian.

Stunning images of Aurora Australis have been captured from Invercargill.

Paul Rush visits a homely thermal village and finds it a genuine cultural experience.

Michael Burgess grapples with Outward Bound's tradition of testing mettle.

Great food and wine - and no rowdies - make the day for Sharon Lundy.

Fieldays is the highlight of the country calendar, as Helen Twose discovers.

Skiers will be praying for snow at Mt Ruapehu this week amid fears the Turoa ski area may not be able to open on Saturday as scheduled.

Alexia Santamaria finds that Whangarei is much more than just a rest stop.

John Parker gets a preview of a cycle trail that promises to be one of our finest.

Elizabeth Binning and her family encounter the great outdoors in the south.

Stewart Island is not completely predator free but compared with the mainland it is a paradise for our native birds, writes Jill Worrall.

Karangahape Rd, on a sunny Sunday morning, has the look of a good time girl who's gone to bed in her makeup.

It's nearly time to get your skates on in the central city.

Don't let the cold weather keep you from the royal waves.

James Russell and some mates head to the 'Naki to hang 10 and tame the waves of the reefs.

Catherine Smith avoids her own garden by volunteering to help restore Rotoroa to a public green haven.

If you ever had any fear that birds dislike an urban environment, a walk through Epsom will dispel that notion.

Kauri are the kings of the New Zealand forest and these are some of the best places to see them ...

Danielle Wright and family take a tour bus to Cape Reinga and find themselves the main attraction.

Deb Faith bakes a picnic lunch and enjoys a gorgeous Anzac Day out.

Jim Eagles follows the footsteps of his colourful boyhood hero, Sir Francis Drake.

Sharon Lundy settles into an easy bike-riding tour of Wairarapa's award-winning wineries.

Nicky Park plays leading lady during a rainy weekend excursion to the Coromandel.