Latest from New Zealand Holidays

Hawkes Bay: A big bite out of the Bay

A weekend in Hawkes Bay was timed well for the food and wine festival, writes Catherine Smith.

Chatham Islands: Myths form on mystic isles

Magnificent formations on the Chathams deserve their own tales, writes Jim Eagles.

Mt Maunganui: Up, up and away with boredom

It's never too early for your children to become social climbers, writes Alex Tully.

Backpackers cop blame for plague of bedbugs

Bedbugs are back - experts say a plague is affecting hotels, apartments and student housing.

A creative retreat in beautiful Mangawhai

Retreat to a beachside paradise with conversation and craft, writes Amanda Linnell.

Snow news not good news

The skiing outlook for the upcoming school holidays is better than it was, but what is really needed is a snow storm.

Auckland to Wellington: It's the journey that counts

Good things take time, as Danielle Wright discovers on an Overlander scenic train trip to Wellington.

Polar blast to blow skifield gates open

A bitterly cold southerly from the Antarctic will sweep up the country this week, bringing snow to all skifields.

Helensville: West of Eden

Helensville weaves its historic origins into a modern-day paradise, writes Cate Foster.

Travel book: <i>New Zealand Landscapes</i>

This book was honoured as the best pictorial book in this year's Cathay Pacific Travel Media Awards and it's easy to see why.

Wild weekend on a budget

Diana Clement grabs a cheap weekend in the Central North Island.

Puhoi: Bohemian rhapsody

The unique village of Puhoi is the perfect place to while away a weekend day, writes Karen Phelps.

Auckland: Our backyard aquarium

Virgil Evetts is wowed by some incredible sea life, including whales, all within minutes of downtown Auckland.

Tauranga: Bountiful Bay of Plenty

Tauranga is making a name for itself as a serious foodie destination, writes Catherine Smith.

Four of the best: Country pubs

This meticulously renovated 1876 pub attracts the crowds - some arriving by boat to tie up at the jetty.

Five-star hotel split brings two-star rates

At one desk, a hotel room will cost about $600 a night. A few steps away, an identical room will be just $99 a night.

Two star rooms at luxury hotel

One of New Zealand's top hotels has been largely downgraded to a two star hotel, with prices starting from $99 per night.

Mackenzie Country: The high life

Sheep-stealer James Mackenzie's hideaway is stunningly beautiful, writes Jim Eagles, and the food is equally stunning.