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.

A luxury New Zealand lodge has been judged as providing perfect service by an international travel magazine.

Rob Cox longs for a lake view and a big tub.

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.

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.

Little Barrier Island truly is New Zeland's last untouched natural sanctuary.

Great Barrier is regenerating after its destructive past, finds Cliff Taylor.

Dionne Christian is drawn to the charming characters of Hamilton Zoo.

Cycling enthusiast Catherine Smith is one of the first riders to try the Hauraki Rail Trail.

Jim Eagles is delighted to discover a hidden talent for carving.

Edward Rooney charts a course to the bottom of South Island and across to Australia on one of the busiest cruise ships afloat.

Great scenery and a dollop of sugary history; Liz Light takes an autumn walk in Chelsea Heritage Park.

There's plenty to do in Taupo for the whole family, writes Elisabeth Easther.

Estelle Sarney takes a Rotorua walk through history and a thermal field.

Jill Worrall takes a hike to one of her favourite South Island beaches.

Heading down south by motorhome to the Warbirds Over Wanaka airshow is a nostalgic, and pie-filled, journey for pilot Michael Walsh.

Danielle Wright takes her family to Rotorua and becomes a tourist in her hometown.

Lake Rotoiti is cafe owner Sarah Uhl's haven.

Dionne Christian and her family rummage around in nature's past on a fossil-hunting expedition.

This Waikato town's a treasure hunter's dream, writes Joanna Mathers.