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.

Elisabeth Easther travels back in time to a sleepy town at the end of the Waikato River.

Warmer weather brings a new energy for experiencing the great outdoors. Great Lake Taupo will not disappoint, writes Donna Jarden.

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.

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.

It's hard not to be distracted by the scenery on the road to Aoraki Mt Cook, writes Josie Dale.

Danielle Wright goes bush with medical herbalist Helen Elscot to preview the Waiheke Walking Festival.

Justine Tyerman takes on the Routeburn Track.

Danielle Wright introduces her city kids to farm animals and the rural way of life in the Kaipara district.

Herald Online reporter Paul Harper is making his way around the South Island by rail over the course of a fortnight.

A five-day tramp on the West Coast gives photographer Greg Bowker ample chances to capture some wild beauty.

Herald Online reporter Paul Harper is making his way around the South Island by rail over the course of a fortnight. Here are some of the highlights of his trip so far.

The Domain and Grafton Bridge bring back student memories for Cate Foster.

A ramble through forest near Ohakune is a pleasant diversion for the whole family, finds Libby Nicholson-Moon.

Lydia Jenkin drops the shops and experiences a Ladies' Weekend with a difference - caving, climbing and trekking in Tongariro National Park.

Paul Rush tackles foaming rapids on a six-day journey down the Whanganui River.

Walking a spectacular coastal section of Te Araroa is a special New Zealand experience, writes Jim Eagles.

Younger kids are bound to get a kick out of a rail ex+cursion, writes Alexia Santamaria.