Remembering Opo: More than 50 years ago, a friendly dolphin dubbed Opo swam into Northland's Hokianga Harbour and stole the hearts of all who met her. For one golden summer, Opo gave children rides on her back and charmed the town of Opononi. She's still remembered fondly, and her story is just one of many legends - both ancient and modern - you will hear about on a discovery tour of this unspoilt corner of New Zealand. Story by Lee Mylne

Walking on White Island: Steaming, hissing, sulphurous clouds rise from the crater of New Zealand's White Island - a very active live volcano. It may not be the greatest look, but suddenly I'm reaching for the gas mask.... Story by Lee Mylne

Remarkable Rotorua: With striking Tudor-style architecture, steaming geysers and the chance to learn about Maori heritage at almost every turn, Rotorua should be a stop on everyone's North Island itinerary. Story by Lee Mylne

First Light: New Zealand's sunny Gisborne region is the first in the world to see the sunrise. It's temperate climate is also perfect for wine-growing, making this the country's Chardonnay Capital. Story by Lee Mylne

Coast to Coast: A great drive is one that has a little of everything – a circular route, so no backtracking; gorgeous countryside; little other traffic; fascinating history and plenty of attractions and activities along the way to ward off the dreaded white line fever. The Twin Coast Discovery Highway in northern New Zealand, packs in all this and more, in spades. There is history and culture galore – both Maori and European settlement began here – and more tours, cruises and adventure outings than you can count in the Bay of Islands area. Throw in one of the best golf courses in the world, and some spa indulgence, and this great drive is about as good as it gets, anywhere...
Story by Lee Atkinson

Stingray Supper-time: My hand slides gently, gingerly, into the stingray's mouth. The fish I'm holding disappears, and with a swish of water, so does the giant stingray which has taken it gently from my palm. On New Zealand's East Cape, this is a daily ritual which the locals are sharing with increasing numbers of visitors. Story by Lee Mylne

Kayaking in the Dark: My kayak bobs in the calm water in the canyon. In the dark, the rock walls on both sides of me are ablaze with pinpricks of light from hundreds of glow worms. Above, the open sky is competing for attention. We follow the Milky Way back up the river, the silence disturbed only by a flock of black swans as they move away from us. Lake McLaren, near the North Island city of Tauranga, is the only place in New Zealand where you can kayak into glow-worm caves. Story by Lee Mylne

Waiouru Army Museum: At the end of the North Island's famous Desert Road, take time to stop off at the Waiouru Army Museum, a fascinating and moving tribute to New Zealanders who have served their country. Hear the soldiers' stories and learn about New Zealand's military history, from the Maori Wars to the present day. Story by Lee Mylne

The Art Deco City: When the coastal city of Napier was destroyed by an earthquake in 1931, it was rebuilt in the most popular style of the times. Today, the city has one of the world's most fascinating collection of art deco buildings, which you can explore on foot or by guided tour. Story by Lee Mylne

Sheer Fun: Jumping inside a huge plastic ball and rolling down a grassy hill - sound like fun? It is! The latest adventure craze in New Zealand is zorbing, just one of a number of adrenaline-pumping activities to be found in the North Island city of Rotorua. If zorbing doesn't appeal, there's jet-boating, X-treme free-fall, the Swoop and - of course - bungy-jumping.
Story by Lee Mylne

Maori Treasures: Rare kiwi feather cloaks, massive carvings, delicate jewellery, sculpture, pottery and traditional weaving are among the contemporary works created by Maori artists at Wellington's Maori Treasures. Three generations of the Hetet family lead a group of artists and craftsmen who work together at the tribal settlement of Waiwhetu in the Wellington suburb of Lower Hutt . Here, you can watch them work, ask questions, and learn how modern Maori artists are working to keep ancient traditions and know-how alive, as well as experimenting with new ideas and techniques. Story by Lee Mylne

Kapiti Island: This predator-free island, off the coast from Wellington, is home to several rare birds including the Little Spotted Kiwi, which is extinct on New Zealand's mainland. Kapiti has been inhabited by Maori people for more than 800 years, their history surviving through the stories and legends told by their ancestors, who still live here and share their culture with visitors. You can make it a day trip, or stay overnight at the bush lodge to take part in kiwi spotting tours.
Story by Lee Mylne

Walking Wellington 's Waterfront: A walk along Wellington 's sometimes windy waterfront reveals much about the vibrant city that is New Zealand 's capital. Modern sculpture lines the harbourside from Queen's Wharf to the sweep of beach which fringes Oriental Bay. Story by Lee Mylne

The River Wild: I am the river, the river is me. The words of this old Maori proverb stay in my head as I meet the rapids which punctuate the Whanganui River's steady flow, coursing through farmland and wilderness.
Story by Lee Mylne

Taupo – Alive & Active: Lake Taupo was created 26,000 years ago by an eruption so big the haze across the sun was visible in China and Europe . Tour guides like to drop this fact into the conversation when you're gently drifting on the lake in a kayak. Then, deadpan, they deliver the punchline: it is still a live volcano and could blow at any time. Story by Lee Mylne

Literary Wellington: Start your exploration of New Zealand's literary world with a visit to the birthplace of one of the country's most famous writers, Katherine Mansfield. Then wander along the Writers Walk, soaking up quotes about the country and the city.
Story by Lee Mylne

The Kiwis of Kerikeri: An eerie call in the night. New Zealand 's endangered symbol, the kiwi, is afoot. In the dark silence, a small group of eager visitors to its habitat hold their breath. Not far from one of New Zealand 's most luxurious golf resorts, guests have swapped their clubs for dimmed torches as they wait for a glimpse of this elusive nocturnal bird.
Story by Lee Mylne

Toast Martinborough: Excesses aside, the trick to really enjoying Martinborough's annual wine festival each November is to take it slowly, savour a few of the festivities on offer, and come back the next year to try the others out. Story by Lee Mylne

Whirinaki Wilderness: Standing on the edge of a silent rainforest, our heads are bowed in prayer. “E te Atua, te kaiwhakaora mo tenei wa,” our softly spoken young Maori guide intones, as he asks God “the bearer of life” for guidance to choose the right pathway for our walk. We are about to enter the ancient forest now called Whirinaki Forest Park. Story by Lee Mylne

Mt Ruapehu – Fire & Ice: You certainly don't need to head to the South Island to find great New Zealand skiing or snowboarding conditions. Mount Ruapehu has it all. It is easy to get to, has two great ski resorts, and is stunningly beautiful. The mountains here rise dramatically from the surrounding green fields, and the drive along the eerily barren Desert Road is spectacular. Story by Lee Mylne