Apart from being home to New Zealand's entire hop production, the Nelson region is also home to a dazzling group of breweries and craft beer bars.

Donna McIntyre cycles, horse rides and roams around scenic Opotiki.

The National Cycle Trail, Nga Haerenga, includes the rural Hauraki rail trail (top and centre) and passes steaming mud and hot pools near Rotorua.

Before we lose daylight savings, a trip to the winterless north should be on your wishlist.

Cate Foster takes a nostalgic drive through the hill country between Herekino and Hokianga.

Ewan McDonald enjoys a few reds and Blacks in one of the country’s burgeoning food and wine regions.

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.

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.

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.

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.