Dargaville and the southern Kauri Coast are often overlooked but as Cate Foster finds, the region has hidden charms.

A small-town grocery store is a treasure trove of New Zealand history, where century-old shelves hold bygone brands and insights into late-1800s living, writes Jim Eagles.

Paul Rush finds endangered native birds flying free with a little help from their friends.

Photos from a unique forest sanctuary, where native birds are being reintroduced without being barricaded behind predator-proof fences.

It may be renowned for its waves, but Whangamata has other temptations.

Danielle Wright finds there's more than tourism on offer at a three-day showcase of the Pacific Islands at The Cloud.

Sue Baxalle and Elisabeth Easther dip into the varied delights of New Zealand's top tourist town, Rotorua, and find there's a lot more than geysers and hot mud pools to interest their families.

Animals were the surprise stars of a family trip to Rotorua, writes Raewyn Court.

Hone your cooking skills at sumptuous Otahuna Lodge, writes Abby Gillies.

A cold, wet end to a thrilling wilderness voyage is all part of the adventure, writes Elizabeth Binning.

An afternoon drive to Huia will reveal some amazing picnic spots, picturesque bays and historical locations.

Cate Foster puts flowers in her hair and follows the hippie trail to the pukeko bridge and the charming Northland town of Kaiwaka.

Alex Tully and family test their wits and their funny bones at two Rotorua mazes.

New Zealand offers unique spa treatments, often at sites of thermal springs, writes Diana Clement.

Everything in Te Aroha harks back to another time, finds Rebecca Barry Hill.

Former England captain Phil Vickery is encouraging the English rugby fans to make the trip to New Zealand.

Central Otago's historic steam train the Kingston Flyer is back on track and should be carrying tourists again by October, says its new owner.

The Manukau Harbour reaches its fingers far inland and you're still on the highway when the first mangrove-fringed estuaries hove into view.

A Whitianga thermal spa is an instant de-stresser, writes Dionne Christian.

Paul Rush takes a sea change along the shipwreck coast of southern Wairarapa.

Cath Fraser samples a Queenstown-based visitor activity aimed at unleashing the artist within.

Auckland has been ranked seventh in a list of the best value cities to visit by a US travel site.

Boutique hotel on the edge of Christchurch's red zone among those singled out by Travel + Leisure magazine.

After enjoying horse races on the beach at KareKare, Danielle Wright heads to Ruakaka to enjoy horse racing across from the beach.

Heading back to childhood haunts in Hamilton, plus taking in all the new hotspots, is a hit with the family. Gill South writes.

Libby Nicholson-Moon takes a food lover's adventure tour.

When it comes to fine food, the capital just keeps giving, discovers Kerri Jackson.

An 11-deck cruise ship arriving for the Rugby World Cup has been forced to slash prices by half in a bid to spark interest among Kiwis.

Jim Eagles visits a nursery for the most endangered of our kiwi species.