New Zealand have a range of qualities in their test side but a collective talent for digging deep is among the most significant.

For the third straight day, the Basin Reserve was treated to marvellous batting yesterday; throw in an intriguing declaration and the second test is set up for a potentially cracking finale today.

Win or lose against Sri Lanka in Wellington next week, it won't alter the fact New Zealand have been unbeaten in their last six series, going back to the middle of last year.

New Zealand's test spinning ranks are into their third year of the time classification known as PV (Post-Vettori) and off-spinner Mark Craig and leg-spinner Ish Sodhi are showing signs of promise.

Sri Lankans revere and celebrate their tumultuous history. As Chris Pritchard learned, they like visitors to enjoy it, too.

Watching these mighty beasts splash in the river is an amazing sight, says Alex Robertson.

When a Sri Lankan watering hole touts its beer as strong, it is, finds Alex Robertson.

Knives are out in a dark room on a stormy Sri Lankan night, writes Alex Robertson.

Prime Minister John Key said he will set out his concerns about human rights issues "pretty directl" when he has his formal meeting with Sri Lanka's President later today, but said overall the relationship between the two countries was improving.

Prime Minister John Key is refusing to take sides in a stoush between British Prime Minister David Cameron and the Sri Lankan Government over Sri Lanka's human rights record.

Editorial: Should John Key be going to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Sri Lanka? The question seems not to have weighed very heavily on him.

Prime Minister John Key says calls to block Sri Lanka taking over as the chair of the Commonwealth because of human rights concerns are likely to be fruitless.

A Green Party MP is making her way back to New Zealand after being detained by Sri Lankan authorities and questioned about her visa.

Green Party MP Jan Logie says she is "safe'' after being detained by Sri Lankan authorities and her passport confiscated.

Sri Lanka is the latest country to suspend New Zealand milk powder imports because of botulism fears from contaminated Fonterra products.

Kiwi Helen Steemson saw Sri Lanka up close when she joined Habitat for Humanity.

Alex Robertson and award-winning travel photographer Babiche Martens get to grips with a complex and beautiful land.

The Ministry of Primary Industries has reassured overseas consumers that NZ milk is safe after claims it could be contaminated with radioactive chemicals.

Photographs have emerged which raise fresh questions about the conduct of Sri Lanka's armed forces during the final stages of the operation against Tamil rebels.

Tim Southee's return to action today is part of an intriguing puzzle developing ahead of New Zealand's first test against England.