What to do

I spent a couple of hours walking through the bush around Russell listening to kiwi, weka, tui – and the sound of silence.

Back in the 80s Napier’s Art Deco buildings were being demolished in favour of glass and aluminium office blocks, until some zealous architecture and history buffs intervened

Take a hike in the Bay of Islands! I donned my boots and explored some of New Zealand’s most pristine islands

Guest blogger Maggie Tweedie got out Wellington to explore Scorching Bay and the best little cafe in town…

I popped down to Christchurch, now 3 years after the earthquakes, and was thrilled to see some of these new businesses and developments that are now open…

Check out Wellington’s coolest little street packed with great cafes, bars, buskers and local designers

New Zealand’s A&P Shows are as kiwi as the gumboot. I just went to the Hawkes Bay show and here are the dates of the rest around the country for a taste of provincial NZ.

A great story about the many gorgeous things do in this part of the South Island…

Here are some of my favourite photos of the Bay of Islands to inspire you to join their October walking weekend

What is more perfect than eating a freshly caught crayfish on the beach with a bottle of local sauvignon blanc?

The chance to see enormous sperm whales just off the Kaikoura coast makes feeling sick worth it!

For a new concept in spa treatments, try one of these body scrub cocktails. Yes: mojito, pina colada or cosmopolitan from Bernard Cassiere who makes products for Sothys. You’ll be left soft and tiddly….