Latest from New Zealand Holidays

Waikato: Taupo turns it on

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

BLOG: Silly season spending

NZ named best holiday spot

New Zealand is the best holiday spot in the world, according to Britain's Daily Telegraph newspaper.

Wellington: In search of the Kiwi

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.

Tiritiri Matangi: Little piece of bird heaven

Spring is the perfect time to enjoy the conservation success story that is Tiritiri Matangi Island, finds Cate Foster.

Warkworth: Dog tales, shear joy

Dionne Christian heads to Warkworth with the family to enjoy a sunny day at SheepWorld.

Hauraki Rail Trail: Having a gorgeous time

Elisabeth Easther becomes 'spokes woman' for the joys of the Hauraki Rail Trail.

NZ seeks Hobbit tourist magic

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 <i>The Hobbit</i> movie is impossible to ignore in New Zealand.

Waiheke: Off to a flying start

Overcoming her fears, Donna McIntyre tackles Waiheke's latest adrenalin buzz.

Waiheke: A walk on the wild side

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

Roughing it on the Routeburn

Justine Tyerman takes on the Routeburn Track.

Kaipara: Making hay while the sun shines

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

All down the line

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

Shooting the West Coast

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

All down the line: Auckland to Christchurch

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.

Auckland: Revisiting familiar sites on foot

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

Ohakune: A hike you'll all like

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

Tongariro: Call of the wild

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