Origin of name: Mapua means "abundance" or "prolific". Population: About 3500, including the Mahana…

1. Kia ora: Cromwell

What's a Blokart? Essentially it's a land sailing gizmo, a wind powered go-kart. Super easy to drive and great fun.

1. Three of the best... walks from Waihi Beach

A trip south leaves a glowing impression on Elisabeth Easther.

1. Bay of Plenty: The Waihi unwind

Origin of name: Known as Kemureti in Maori, while in pre-colonial times, the pa here was called Horitiu. The area was later…

1. Kia ora: Kaikoura

Justine Tyerman manages to leave Waiheke with her limbs intact after spending Easter - but not a fortune…

1. photos Matiatia headland walkway (5 photos)

Catherine Smith pedals Taranaki's seafront, stopping along the way.

1. Taranaki: Listen for the kiwi

Justine Tyerman joins the Milford Track fan club.

1. photos Meeting Ms Milford (6 photos)

Tent, sheltered swims and G&Ts provide Jane Binsley's family with Tapapakanga tranquillity.

1. Auckland: Ten of the best secret beaches

Donna McIntyre and kids glide across the ice at Mission Bay.

1. Daytripper: Island in the sun

The wonderful Waipara Valley produces remarkable handcrafted classic wines, writes Paul Rush.

1. North Canterbury: Game of two halves

Trundling along in a camper van, Elisabeth Easther and family take in some of Rotorua's stellar attractions.

1. Rotorua: Family fun in the tall timber

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

1. Great NZ road trips: Auckland to Port Waikato