Elisabeth Easther learns what makes this Waikato town tick.

Justine Tyerman discovers a new form of torture at Morere, near Gisborne.

Elisabeth Easther gets a taste of the 'Fruit Bowl of the South'.

New Zealand has been named World's Best Luxury Destination for 2013 in the Chinese Luxury Travel Awards.

This West Coast gem is wild at heart, finds Elisabeth Easther.

Elisabeth Easther finds a Far North town steeped in history.

Pamela Wade finds a farm turned into a fantasy setting.

There's no reason to be bored in the Auckland region. Greg Dixon takes a look at some of the top offerings nature provides.

Rural Coromandel was so much fun Alexia Santamaria's kids want a return trip — immediately.

Danielle Wright traces a well-worn path to the Kitekite Falls, with a history lesson along the way.

A Queenstown hotel and a Marlborough bed and breakfast rated well with TripAdvisor guests.

Grant Bradley flies NZ499 - 'The Nightrider'.

Justine Tyerman finds one of the only flattish walks in the Aoraki-Mt Cook National Park - even Japanese ladies in high heels and Aussies in jandals can manage the Hooker Valley track.

A lazy cruise down the Waikato River is a belated birthday getaway for Isobel Marriner.

A straw poll of Parliamentarians found most were opting for a modest summer break at or near home while the House is in recess until January 29.

Justine Tyerman learns the finer points of wine tasting at a trio of Gisborne vineyards.

A 100-year-old sporting event continues to thrive, writes Elisabeth Easther.

Google Maps is famous for getting the commuter, cyclist and pedestrian from A to B; but it is a little known fact that the man who oversaw its development is a Kiwi.

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.