Photos and words: James Russell. The Great Barrier Island’s generic viagra history is one of a ruthless pillaging of natural resources – mining, kauri, whales – and now only the sustainable industries remain. Its isolation ensures an incredible bounty and … Read more
The Ureweras have been getting more than their fair share of press over the last few years, next to none of it positive, but – don’t believe the hype – for the tramper the Te Urewera National Park with its … Read more
Increasing numbers of wineries around Auckland region are becoming Certified Sustainable operations. This means they’ve adopted holistic programmes to manage their vineyard and winery practices in order to protect the environment while efficiently and economically producing the best wines they … Read more
There is a huge range of activities to get into this summer, and you don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars on gear to get started. Here are some of Element’s favourites. Get on yer bike The Natural High … Read more
A good old fashioned road trip is the best way to see the country. Here are Element’s four favourite car trips to do in the North Island, with one more down South thrown in for balance. Stock up, stop frequently, … Read more
With private campgrounds going under auctioneers’ hammers up and down the country, it’s good to know the old Department of Conservation (DoC) campgrounds are there for good. More often than not consisting of a long-drop toilet and a shower open … Read more
New Zealand’s Qualmark-rated hotels are a great way to treat yourself to a little luxury over the holiday season, whether it’s close to home or further afield. Here are Element’s favourite half dozen. HILTON HOTEL, AUCKLAND As one of … Read more
As the economic situation puts a squeeze on home budgets and we become increasingly conscious of the cost of flying, both in terms of price tag and the environment, the staycation is growing in popularity all over the industrialised world. … Read more
You badly need to earn some Brownie points to pay the family back for all those rugby nights with the boys, but you can’t go mad because the big summer break is coming up fast. Time to take a look … Read more
James Russell finds that apart from a bit of tar seal on the roads little has changed in the Catlins since he and his friends first visited 20 years ago.