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.

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

A small-town grocery store is a treasure trove of New Zealand history, where century-old shelves hold bygone brands and insights into late-1800s living, writes Jim Eagles.

Paul Rush finds endangered native birds flying free with a little help from their friends.

Photos from a unique forest sanctuary, where native birds are being reintroduced without being barricaded behind predator-proof fences.

It may be renowned for its waves, but Whangamata has other temptations.

Danielle Wright finds there's more than tourism on offer at a three-day showcase of the Pacific Islands at The Cloud.

Sue Baxalle and Elisabeth Easther dip into the varied delights of New Zealand's top tourist town, Rotorua, and find there's a lot more than geysers and hot mud pools to interest their families.

Animals were the surprise stars of a family trip to Rotorua, writes Raewyn Court.

Hone your cooking skills at sumptuous Otahuna Lodge, writes Abby Gillies.

A cold, wet end to a thrilling wilderness voyage is all part of the adventure, writes Elizabeth Binning.

An afternoon drive to Huia will reveal some amazing picnic spots, picturesque bays and historical locations.

Cate Foster puts flowers in her hair and follows the hippie trail to the pukeko bridge and the charming Northland town of Kaiwaka.

Alex Tully and family test their wits and their funny bones at two Rotorua mazes.

New Zealand offers unique spa treatments, often at sites of thermal springs, writes Diana Clement.

Everything in Te Aroha harks back to another time, finds Rebecca Barry Hill.

Former England captain Phil Vickery is encouraging the English rugby fans to make the trip to New Zealand.

Central Otago's historic steam train the Kingston Flyer is back on track and should be carrying tourists again by October, says its new owner.

Jim Eagles goes flora spotting on the wild and windy Chatham Islands.

No good at skiing? No problem. Danielle Wright sets out in snowshoes through Queenstown's backcountry.

The Manukau Harbour reaches its fingers far inland and you're still on the highway when the first mangrove-fringed estuaries hove into view.