Rustic mountain huts, baches on the beach and a miner’s cottage with vineyard views - Danielle Wright discovers humble holiday homes to book in advance.

The East Coast Bays coastal walk is a lovely summer ramble, discovers Cate Foster.

Danielle Wright walks through history in a picturesque seaside village in the Far North.

Standing in front of a round green door, set into a cheery hillside, I half expect to see Gandalf the Grey and Bilbo Baggins wandering up the footpath.

Catherine Smith falls for Oamaru's Victorian township and modern food.

The Dullsville reputation is busted by a museum with wow factor and a cool city centre.

If the Far North is on your list of places to go, here are a few suggestions to add a bit more excitement to your break, including dolphins, spirits and the deep blue sea.

It may be the butt of many a joke, but Colin Hogg can't wait to get back to the city Aucklanders love to hate.

Dionne Christian finds activities for all ages in Pirongia and its surrounds.

Colin Hogg finds a southern town steeped in heritage.

For two years we have seen images of Christchurch, a broken city. Ewan McDonald visits a community picking up the pieces.

Head north and hit the Collectables Trail.

So you've been tasked with organising a hen's party ... one option is fleeing the city and swapping novelty cakes and forced craziness for a weekend of fun and pampering.

Sitting in Auckland in 2012, 1950s Britain looks a bit dull - the Beatles hadn't even been formed let alone discovered acid, writes Winston Aldworth.

Ahead of the food and wine additions to the summer Headland Sculpture on the Gulf, Catherine Smith gets a taste of what's to come.

Justine Tyerman learns to love snakes on the Kepler Track.

New Zealand is the best holiday spot in the world, according to Britain's Daily Telegraph newspaper.

Seeing a little spotted kiwi, referred to as a kiwi pukupuku in Maori, in the semi-wild is a very special thing. Not only are they adorably fluffy, they're rare.

Spring is the perfect time to enjoy the conservation success story that is Tiritiri Matangi Island, finds Cate Foster.

Dionne Christian heads to Warkworth with the family to enjoy a sunny day at SheepWorld.

Elisabeth Easther becomes 'spokes woman' for the joys of the Hauraki Rail Trail.

From a giant, bug-eyed Gollum sculpture looming over passengers at Wellington Airport to promotional banners covering the facades of entire office blocks, the upcoming The Hobbit movie is impossible to ignore in New Zealand.

Overcoming her fears, Donna McIntyre tackles Waiheke's latest adrenalin buzz.

Justine Tyerman learns to love snakes on the Kepler Track.

Justine Tyerman writes of her "conversion" on the Routeburn Track.

Classic NZ coastline, lush bush and old-fashioned holiday camp fun - Danielle Wright takes a campervan tour around the Coromandel.