There's nothing better than soaking in a hot pool such as Whitianga's Lost Springs to aid relaxation.

Lucy Casley explores Whangarei's stunning scenery and mouthwatering cuisine.

Elisabeth Easther discovers a town with a fascinating history.

Rob Cox and family are charmed by Waitangi and its neighbouring towns.

A leading Auckland migrant settlement agency is avoiding the word Christmas and will instead be talking about "happy holidays" and "season's greetings".

Elisabeth Easther dives into the East Coast's pristine beaches and chilled-out vibe.

A trip around Mt Taranaki is a magical experience.

Meander down to the beach, dig yourself a hole and wallow in the thermal water, says Sarah Ell.

Peter Jackson uses his creative genius to tell aviation stories.

Sarah Ell finds our favourites around the edges of the city.

Bluff has an annual rainfall of about 1000mm, although I'm told the town enjoyed just as brilliant a summer as the rest of us.

Pauanui was a perfect weekend getaway, says Holly Jean Brooker.

Elisabeth Easther strikes gold for visitors to the West Coast's former mining town.

Helen van Berkel becomes a fan of life on the road as she tours Northland in style.

Elisabeth Easther takes a trip back to a time when flight was an adventure.

In the heart of Central Otago Paul Davies is a little enclave that gives wine lovers a taste of heaven.

So you're a grommet, I say to my teen on the way to Raglan. He looks puzzled but his friends enlighten him. A grommet or grom is slang for a young surfer.

Bronwyn Sell finds the natural wonders of the West Coast can match the Big Five of any safari.

Waiheke - The jewel of the Hauraki Gulf has been named as one of the world's best regions in Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2016, the publisher's annual summary of the travel trends for the upcoming year.

Lonely Planet rates island among the hottest travel destinations.

Liz Light visits Gibbs Farm for art's sake.

Debbie Griffiths discovers the wonder of a Bay of Plenty 'Dinosaur Forest'.

Punakaiki's pancake rocks are enough to make Elisabeth Easther flip out.

Whisky and art are the first drawcards - but Colin Hogg is surprised to find there's much more to the once-named Chicago of the south.

World-famous for its vines, Marlborough is now getting a reputation for craft beer.

Fresh local fare, a gentle massage and thermal valleys -- Catherine Smith takes it easy.

Colourful boatsheds set the scene at friendly Titahi Bay, finds Elisabeth Easther.

The Melbourne beauty and her last two suitors take part in white-water rafting, luxury sailing on Waitemata Harbour and trip to Waiheke Island.

Megan Singleton looks at some of the more unusual ways to occupy yourself in Auckland.