The dreams of two men called James meld to create a gift for the public. Liz Light reports.

With so much to see and do in Thames Libby Nicholson-Moon vows to return soon to take it all in.

Mid-term and looking for a rest from routine, Danielle Wright gathered up her family and their gumboots, and headed for the hills.

Napier's Ahuriri district offers history with its coffee, says Matthew Wright.

Rating Tutukaka and the Welsh Pembrokeshire coast second-equal in a ranking of the world's finest coasts is a cop-out, says Anna Tuson.

Maritime New Zealand has launched an inquiry into the Fullers GreatSights Bay of Islands vessel Excitor III after several passengers were injured, including one woman who had to spend 12 weeks in a body brace.

Auckland has been waiting many years for a public transport system with a transfer ticket.

Peter Calder heads west of Nelson and wonders what took him so long to get there.

Waitomo is world famous for its subterranean wonders but, as Anna Jones writes, there are plenty of treasures above ground too.

Matakauri Lodge offers royal treatment in a laidback setting, writes Michele Hewitson.

Think long weekend, think great escape. Megan Singleton recommends four getaway destinations.

Kirsten Warner is captivated by the beauty and mystery of Great Barrier Island.

In a secret spot, restricted to visitors, Jim Eagles marvels at the elegant, isolated beauty of NZ's only flock of endangered white heron.

Latest figures show Auckland is the most popular destination for New Zealanders travelling within the country.

Liz Light follows Auckland's Domain sculpture walk.

Cate Foster and daughter circle the north in a weekend road trip that takes in food, history, craft and culture.

NZ's freshest designers set up camp in Dunedin's historic quarters, writes Catherine Smith.

Supporting tourism in Canterbury will help Christchurch get through bad times.

Novice canoeist Diana Clement satisfies a long-held ambition to paddle the mighty Whanganui River - and all in one easy weekend.

Susan Edmunds takes to the water with a surf school - and manages to do without Piha Rescue.

A hands-on cooking school is a delight from paddock to plate, writes Alexia Santamaria.

Ancient forests and waterfalls are all part of a short trek through the Waitakeres, writes Danielle Wright.

A weekend in Tauranga has a wet theme for Sarah Lawrence who goes kayaking, to a seafood festival, looks for dolphins and visits hot pools.

Jim Eagles discovers even our threatened species in sanctuary are not afraid to fight for territorial advantage.

Liz Light visits Westland's kotuku colony.

Carolyn Bergquist enjoys a short break on Waiheke, so near to Auckland, yet so far.

There's a track for every ability on two wheels, and great scenery too.

Jim Eagles discovers crazy heart-pumping, breath-taking thrills on historic rivers, mining tunnels and shafts on the West Coast.

Spending by tourists dropped to a five-year low in 2010, even as more people visited New Zealand, as the strong kiwi dollar sapped purchasing power.

Liz Light finds weka, seals and superb scenery at Cape Foulwind.