OPINION: Making New Zealand Today sends me to places you wouldn't normally visit; Gore, Huntly, Tokoroa, Westport - and Dargaville.
And what most Kiwis don't know, is they're all great. There's something about embattled small town New Zealand that makes the people awesome.
I had a great couple of days in Huntly and I thought Gore's heritage buildings were genuinely quite beautiful - but the town that has stolen my heart is Dargaville. Yes, Dargaville.
Now Dargaville may not sound like a tourist destination, and I'm definitely not recommending a two-week vacation, but I loved it.
Obviously, the people were great. Dargaville is a weird mix of conservative religious types, relaxed hippies, conspiracy theorists and kumara Farmers, but in the three days I spent there, I found them all to be wonderful.
I'm not sure what it is about small towns that are often the butt of jokes, but it brings a group together and really brings out the best in people. Everyone in Dargaville was super welcoming and inclusive.
I was especially impressed by Circus Kumarani, a local community circus group for nothing more than fun, entertainment and bringing people together.
When I was there, Greenways Trust, a group that provides support for adults with intellectual disabilities, were busy sharing learning skills - it melted my heart. Everyone was wonderful and it really brings out the best in people.
But my favourite part of Dargaville was the scenic beauty.
Once we'd finished shooting we took the production van straight out to Baylys Beach for one of the most beautiful sunsets I've ever seen.
Don't get me started on Kai Iwi Lakes, one of the true natural wonders of New Zealand. With clear water and beautiful white sand beaches, I was absolutely shocked at how much beauty is around a town with such a bad reputation.
I blame the name. Dargaville doesn't sound great, and neither does Gore or Huntly. I think a rebrand would do these towns a lot of good.
Guy Williams is the host of New Zealand Today, which airs on Thursday night at 8:30pm on Three.