One of New Zealand's top hotels has been largely downgraded to a two star hotel, with prices starting from $99 per night.

Sheep-stealer James Mackenzie's hideaway is stunningly beautiful, writes Jim Eagles, and the food is equally stunning.

Industry sources are warning that the volcanic ash cloud's impact on the tourism sector will be serious if the disruptions continue much longer.

Danielle Wright discovers the dramatic drive to Manukau Heads Lighthouse along a winding road through Awhitu Peninsula.

Efforts are rewarded on a group kayaking trip by gorgeous sights and a hearty lunch. Andy Kenworthy joins in.

Danielle Wright finds the blustery conditions and loudness of the ocean strangely soothing on a weekend break at Bethells Beach Cottages.

NZ tourism operators are concerned about the effect Kiwis' overseas holidays are having at home.

Hot springs at Lake Tarawera are a reminder of the area's volcanic history, writes Alex Robertson.

A bill aimed at changing the nasty habits of some freedom campers passed its first reading in Parliament today.

A hotel near Auckland Airport advertised as four star has been slammed for being filthy and having no hot water.

Mangawhai has always been beautiful. Now, with fine food and art, it's cultivated too, finds Liz Light.

If you want to know the best places to check out when you're visiting a foreign country you're often best advised to ask a tourist rather than a local.

There's more to Karangahake Gorge than the view from SH2, as Danielle Wright discovers on a weekend break from Auckland.

Paparoa has had a makeover and offers plenty for visitors, writes Susan Edmunds.

Australia's "silver nomads" holidaying in New Zealand will enjoy discounts on goods and services under a new reciprocal arrangement for SuperGold Card holders.

Vicky Jayne finds plenty to see on Route 35 - and all at an enjoyable pace.

New Zealand and overseas guests spent 165,000 fewer guest nights in Canterbury during March.

Eat, drink - and learn to cook - aboard the Pacific Pearl, writes Kerri Jackson.

The Foveaux Strait ferry is not for the faint-hearted, says Chris Samsara.

Liz Light takes a walk up Mt Taranaki.

We baby boomers seem hell-bent on dashing off around the world gaining notches in our money belts. Everyone has been, or is going, to Europe or Asia.

Danielle Wright discovers a day at the races, wild west-coast style.

Easing his bones in natural hot springs and filling up with a hearty meal in an old colonial hotel is Phil Parker's idea of a great weekend in Waikato.

Pictures speak a thousand words, but for rookies the first word is "m for moron", finds Kate Roff.

From plains to peaks to rainforest, the TranzAlpine offers a taster of the striking south.

A trip with her 10-year-old to wildlife-packed and tranquil Tiritiri Matangi island proves to Sarah Lawrence that fun can be had far from the reaches of modern razzle dazzle.

There's plenty to see and do - and eat - in nearby Mangawhai, discovers Graham Hepburn.

This water park is a scream for young and old, finds Alex Tully.

An expanded, updated and improved new edition of the book which won deserved acclaim - and an award - when it was first published 11 years ago.

If you're keen for a spot of luxury and pampering, Rotorua's Peppers on the Point may be just the place, says Diana Balham.