Elisabeth Easther checks out the cheery Daffodil Capital.

Winston Aldworth flies JQ296 to the South Island.

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 visit to a blueberry farm is entertaining for the whole family, discovers Alexia Santamaria.

Danielle Wright finds a holiday park with 'complete silence' and an award for 100 per cent cleanliness the perfect antidote to Waimarino's Adventure Park thrill-rides.

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.

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.

Justine Tyerman writes of her love affair with a place deep in the Mt Aspiring National Park.

Alexia Santamaria finds there is more than enough to keep both parents and kids happy on a day trip to Hamilton.

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.