Air New Zealand said today it would spend up to $340 million on 12 new ATR72-600 aircraft for its regional fleet.

Pain is an inevitable part of learning to surf - but it's worth it, writes Vicki Virtue.

There are so many fine picture books about New Zealand these days that it's often difficult to find a point of difference that makes one stand out from the others.

Few Aucklanders have ever heard of the 11km-long Oakley Creek, yet it runs from Hillsborough, through Mt Roskill, Mt Albert and finally Waterview.

Sarah Lawrence has a blast with her son on an high octane, laugh-filled ride across the harbour in a jet boat.

Rebecca Kamm heads for some eco-friendly R&R, topped up with gourmet eats.

Passengers may soon be able to board a luxury Orient Express-style train to travel the length of New Zealand - at a cost of up to $1500 a day.

For the first time in 200 years, New Zealand's unique giant parrots can be found in Wellington, writes Jim Eagles.

Today, we're in search of a secret beach up the hill into Glendowie.

Kids can get a feel for life at sea in the Navy's hands-on museum Alex Tully.

Air New Zealand has been named the leading airline in Australasia for the third year running.

A decade after it opened, the rail trail has become - to use an overworked phrase - a New Zealand tourist icon.

Danielle Wright finds Torpedo Bay's Navy Museum to be a touching insight into life at sea.

Mangawhai's like a little piece of Provence, just an hour out of Auckland.

Hot pools are just the start of family fun at accessible Miranda and Kaiaua.

Vicki Virtue gets high on the beauty of the first mountain in NZ to see the sun.

It's snow, sheep and mountain country on the Scenic Southern Route, finds Justine McLeary.

Danielle Wright is swept off her feet by Hobsonville's contrasts of modern and historical - as well as by some unexpected gusts.

Getting up close to NZ's native falcon was an all-time family highlight, writes Alex Tully.

Discover the pleasures and treasures of Waiheke from the comfort of your own car.

A ski weekend in Taupo opens up a world of adventure, as Nicola Whitham and Tim Roest discovered.

Head to Hamilton and discover its gourmet side, writes Vicki Ravlich-Horan.

Nikki Birrell finds a weekend break in the lake city ticks all the boxes.

As Jim Eagles found during a cruise in Okarito Lagoon, the area's most famous residents can be dauntingly camera-shy.

Lonely Planet has named Tongariro National Park as one of the world's best parks and preserves in a list that includes the Grand Canyon and Iguazu Falls National Park in South America.

The fabulously clear sky of the Mackenzie Country is a national asset, writes Sheriden Rhodes.

Doug Sherring delights in the perfect snow of Queenstown's Remarkables.

In Auckland's rural west, Kumeu is lavishly blessed with appetite-teasing treats.

Earlier this week Danielle Wright road-tested the fan trail from Britomart to Eden Park that will run on game nights throughout the RWC 2011. She tells us what fans can expect to encounter along the way.

Dargaville and the southern Kauri Coast are often overlooked but as Cate Foster finds, the region has hidden charms.