The sky is the limit as a Northland town turns on the charm for a winter festival, writes Elisabeth Easther.

Small town New Zealand does wonderful and whacky to keep up our winter spirits.

The 'H's: Hobbit holes, horses and heartfelt hospitality, writes Elisabeth Easther.

Glenn Cullen skis down steep slopes and dreams of what Porters could become with a bit of work.

No longer a sleepy village, this Hawke's Bay locale is now a sought-after destination.

Penny Lewis gets a taste of the sort of luxury usually reserved for tourists.

Elisabeth Easther takes an affectionate look at some stalwarts of colonial tourism that still stand tall today.

Fergus Blakiston rekindles his love affair with Central Otago.

Danielle Wright takes her family in search of small, hairy footprints on a movie location tour in Piopio.

Fergus Blakiston embarks on a 10-day odyssey of the South's skiing high points.

Elisabeth Easther visited Blue Duck Station with her son and found the perfect spot.

The legs get a workout while the eyes are dazzled by the view on this lushly-forested Southland track, writes a weary but astounded Pamela Wade.

Hit the road to rediscover old-time New Zealand charm.

Rachel Grunwell finds plenty to keep her busy on a weekend in Russell.

Danielle Wright discovers a small town with a big history.

Elisabeth Easther finds a quiet town dominated by a mountain.

Far from the beaten track is a land where the wind is master, writes Fergus Blakiston.

A Queenstown hotel treats its guests to epicurean delights sourced on its doorstep, finds Morgan Tait.

Elisabeth Easther finally knocks off the other half of the Timber Trail.

Danielle Wright finds sweet treats at an old dairy factory in the Waikato.

Get close to bush, rivers and hills on these two-wheeler tracks.

Justine Tyerman saves on the international airfares and finds luxury accommodation just 45 minutes' drive from Auckland for a family reunion.

Thousands visit the ice in this world-famous beauty spot, writes Elisabeth Easther.

Leah McLennan looks at what's big and what's new on the Otago skifields.

Nothing re-awakens the Scot inside you like the aroma of a smoky whisky, finds Peter Feeney.

Glassy water, still days, what could be more serene than a paddle?

Kayaking trips from Matiatia on Waiheke can be an adventure for the whole family, discovers Donna McIntyre.

No matter what the weather's doing, Pamela Wade finds entertainment in Southland and Central Otago.

Put off by chairlift queues? Join the club, says Ben Taylor.

Patrice Gaffaney enjoys the pleasures of a day-long TranzAlpine rail trip through the scenic wonders of the Southern Alps.