Takaka has a bustling arts scene and pretty scenery, writes Elisabeth Easther.

Life & Style Editor Nicky Park shares her insider tips for making the most of Toast Martinborough ahead of ticket sales for this year's food and wine festival.

The scenery out here is so super, you'll want to make sure the designated driver keeps their eyes on the road.

Hidden under the streets we walk every day are tales of murder and mayhem, of geological upheaval and war. Dionne Christian sees what Heritage Festival has to offer.

The best on offer these school holidays, chosen by Susan Edmunds.

Auckland's Heritage Festival is underway so we thought we'd indulge in a little character house porn. Grab your parasol and perambulate down these charming suburban streets for a thoroughly pleasant architectural education.

Sarah Ell takes her crew on Ports of Auckland's fun and interesting free guided water tour.

Elisabeth Easther and her son Theo took a sneak peek at Motat’s newest exhibit Welcome to the Machine, declaring it entertaining, educational and epic.

This diverse river city offers adventures, galleries, top cafes and more, writes Elisabeth Easther.

This delightfully rural enclave sits right on the edge of the Manukau Harbour.

Head out and explore Auckland on foot, writes Joelle Thomson.

Leading travel guide places two NZ hotels in top 100 out of 4000 global entries.

There are cultural symbols aplenty in the kiwiana capital of New Zealand, writes Elisabeth Easther.

Belinda Henley visits a property that offers opportunities for physical exertion and relaxation in equal measure.

Reaching the peak is easy when you have snowshoes, discovers Andrew Louis.

Even with three kids in tow, Rob Cox manages to have a ball in Rotorua and Ruapehu.

From ponies to penguins, caving to campfires, Danielle Wright finds plenty of camping action for the next school holidays.

Elisabeth Easther visited Russell for a sneak preview of the Bay of Islands Walking Weekend and found a wealth of wanders on offer.

Snowmen, snowball fights and skiing: Children won't forget their first experience of playing in fresh snow, writes Liam Dann.

Clare Gleeson shared the lonely and lovely Chatham Island with a handful of tourists.

Oratia beauty really sums up this great family friendly place with its many laid-back features, writes Hannah Sperber.

Some spring adventures around Auckland on two wheels.

The top of the South Island is a fine place to eat and drink, writes Elisabeth Easther.

New Zealand's best produce is world class and a first-rate reason to travel, writes Nadia Lim.

Sharks are the least of James Russell's worries at Kelly Tarlton's.

Danielle Wright heads into the CBD to find family options that'll get the heart pumping.

Need a cure for summertime blues? This patch of coast has the remedy year-round, writes Elisabeth Easther.

A Waitomo caving experience will leave your mind blown, writes Alex Robertson.

A wildlife expedition to Fiordland takes you up close to a pristine land of legend and glacial beauty, writes Jim Eagles.

As we tough out our longest stretch without a public holiday, here's the good news — Kiwis are among the luckiest in the world for annual leave and beat America hands down.