Jill Worrall explores the region that was home to the legendary bushman and prospector.

Next time you're passing through Christchurch International Airport during the hours of darkness keep an eye out for the control tower.

During Waimarino's new Thermal Hot Pool & Glow-worm Cave Kayak Tour, paddlers skirt the bushy shores of Lake Rotoiti before slipping into a cave where glow-worms twinkle all around.

The Waitakere Tramline was built in the early 1900s to facilitate repairs and maintenance to the Waitakere Dam. Weekly trips have now been running for 35 years and are a great way to amuse the entire family, whatever the weather.

We sent our two experts out to find Auckland's best playgrounds. Diana Clement reports back.

Rotorua has a host of new activities, making it even more of a destination for a weekend away. Anna Jones investigates.

Staying home is the new going away. Bronwyn Sell looks at how the 'staycation' can be just as fun as a holiday away - and at the same time can save you lots of money.

Cape Kidnappers is a rugged, chaotic and whiffy bird-lovers' paradise, writes Paul Rush.

We have a family pass valued at $390 for two adults and two children to venture out to one of the most diverse marine parks in the world - Auckland's own Hauraki Gulf.

Get the kids off the couch these holidays and explore Auckland's west coast on foot. Diana Clement checks out the tracks around Karekare.

A weekend visit to a farm can be an educational experience for the kids, writes Diana Clement.

You don't have to be rich or famous to enjoy the lifestyle on offer at Omaha. And the beach settlement just north of Auckland will please all the family, writes Bronwyn Sell.

Get your blood pumping with these adventurous activities in and around Auckland.

Joelle Thomson goes with the flow at a luxury escape in the heart of the city.

This sumptuous hotel is perfect for the soul, writes Beck Vass.

City dweller Janna Hamilton gets out of her comfort zone, spending a weekend getting wild in Poronui - albeit with a large dose of luxury.

Qantas-owned budget airline Jetstar is expanding in the New Zealand domestic market by offering 39 extra flights from February.

For a compact round of golf with the kids, complete with novelty fun factor.

Some NZ regions have been singled out as overpriced, overhyped or just plain boring.

Canterbury tourism officials say the best way people can help is to keep bookings they have made and continue visiting the region.

James Russell heads south to the Waikato and a property which offers a range of activities to get the blood pumping.

Oamaru's red waterfront sheds have a story to tell, writes Don Donovan.

If you need a break, don't discount a weekend "away" enjoying parts of Auckland you may have lost touch with. Cate Foster reconnected with the city.