Within a jet’s roar of Wellington Airport, in the Capital’s eastern suburbs, the Wellington Regional Aquatic Centre has a wide range of services and facilities for all ages.

Do you love chocolate? Then you’re sure to love Butlers Chocolate Cafe, as hands down they do the best hot chocolate in town and the drinks even come with a free handmade chocolate.

Whenever I holiday I love to start out with a massage to get me relaxed and out of work mode.

Just walking in I could immediately tell Ima Spa fit the bill perfectly, with the delicious lemongrass aromatherapy and calming environment.

There are so many kayaking options you will be spoilt for choice (or if you’re anything like me, completely unable to pick) - from hourly hire off the beach, half day, full day or overnight with guided and freedom options.

So many wineries, so little time.

I had initially thought a bicycle tour would be a fun way to get around the wineries. But in the end, I’m very pleased sanity prevailed we opted for an air conditioned van tour.

Having visited Hahei for many years, I thought I’d seen it all... But for something different the Hahei Explorer gave me a wonderful new perspective of the 12km of beautiful volcanic rock formations along Coromandel Peninsula coastline.

Hot Water Beach is on the east coast of the Coromandel Peninsula approximately 12 minutes (8.6km) drive from Hahei. And its name is no exaggeration!

When setting up life insurance, you can choose any lump sum you would like.

However as your situation changes over time you might find that you need a greater amount of life insurance (for example if you have had children or taken out a mortgage your need for cover will probably increase).

I’ve always loved making my own bags, and I’m one of those women who think one can’t have too many bags.

It’s one of these books I have an inane aversion to opening.

Even looking at mere pictures of creepy crawlies is not my thing. But as it is so often, I’m at the same time grossed out and fascinated by the leggy creatures that inhabit our environment, no matter how we feel about them.