Danielle Wright learns to live with the artistic tastes of her children as they race around the Kid's Trail at the Auckland Botanic Gardens.

A wing and a prayer won't get you to the beach on time, says Liz Dobson

The small historic Northland town of Russell has plenty to offer for a summer getaway, writes Susan Edmunds.

Beauty abounds where once there was sewage and sludge, finds Liz Light.

Southern shores of Manukau Harbour top popularity stakes.

Waiheke's sculpture trail is but a starting point for a day of admiring glorious views.

Liz Light gets in touch with farming New Zealand at the Canterbury A&P Show.

It costs $10,000 a night - but the cream of Auckland hoteliers are calling the Pullman Hotel's new presidential suite a "marketing gimmick".

Our city has much to offer chefs with an Asian persuasion, writes Alexia Santamaria.

Paul Rush explores the pink-tinged, sculptured coasts of Coromandel.

Massive public demand for Christchurch red zone bus tours overloaded phone lines this morning.

Queenstown and Southern Lakes has been named one of Lonely Planet's top 10 regions to visit next year.

It's a sunny-ish day but some threatening clouds are lurking. I don't care, I'm keen to get outdoors.

East Cape's bush and beaches set off the superb artistry of its people, says Jim Eagles.

Danielle Wright takes a bike ride down memory lane, peddling past quaint caravans and kitsch holiday homes in Orewa.

With all the recent changes Alexia Santamaria discovers the city has a definite cosmopolitan feel.

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.

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.

Kirsten Warner takes a an East Coast Bays walk close to nature and to history.

This historic cottage has a grand tradition of welcoming guests, writes Don Donovan.

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.