You don't have to leave the country to feel you've had a break, writes Pamela Wade.

Our capital city has more restaurants and cafes per capita than New York. Delaney Mes tries as many of them as she can.

With the Surf Life Saving New Zealand patrol season officially ending this Easter weekend, and many boaties still out on the water, New Zealanders are being urged not to be complacent about safety.

From biking to climbing to golf, Auckland Airport's The District buzzes with adrenalin-fuelled fun, discovers Donna McIntyre.

Winston Aldworth and his family check into a Wellington hotel with capital views of the harbour.

Maungaturoto, Paparoa, Pahi, Tinopai, Matakohe, Ruawai and Tokatoka are a hop, skip and a jump from each other, and Elisabeth Easther found plenty in these tiny towns to delight.

Louise Richardson's kids are so charmed by scenery and history they manage to put down their devices for a while.

Danielle Wright introduces her children to golfing holidays in Taupo.

There's much more to this small and unpretentious town than you might imagine, writes Elisabeth Easther.

Danielle Wright enjoys the magic of Balloons Over Waikato in Hamilton.

Ellie Mitchell spends a night at a well-located hotel in central Auckland.

Justine McLeary and her young family enjoy an adventurous weekend in Whakatane.

Hiking, fishing, rugby and a giant kiwi draw Elisabeth Easther to a small community that has big spirit.

Andrew Alderson and Junior treat their queen to a Mother's Day break on the Northern Explorer to National Park.

Rosalie France explores National Park without snow.

In a corner of the Auckland Botanic Gardens, tucked away from the main walkways and thoroughfares, is the serenely beautiful New Zealand native forest walk.

Cruising the scenic South Island in a super flash motorhome requires more than a steady hand on the wheel, writes Mark Meredith.

An upstream river paddle is fun and games on a budget for all the family, writes Rob Cox.

Keep your cool, enjoy the views and let other drivers get past you, writes campervan-convert Jarrod Wright.

Natalie Akoorie finds she's a little wobbly on her sea legs but her husband gets to enjoy the rich sealife of the Poor Knights Islands.

Elisabeth Easther takes the boys on the road down to Raglan for a weekend.

Elisabeth Easther enjoys the grotto and more at a lakeside retreat in Taupo.

The 'Island of Weka' is full of natural beauty, says Elisabeth Easther.

The marine animals and birdlife on the remote sub-Antarctic Islands captivate Isobel Marriner.

Our ancestors would have ventured deeper into our back country if they'd been able to do so in a powerful jetboat, writes Lisa Scott.

Oratia offers more than the average farmers' market, writes Karen Phelps.

Natalie Akoorie checks into the Quality Hotel Oceans Tutukaka.

Meet a dream destination for keen birdwatchers and water sports enthusiasts.

A family with 150 years of brewing history boosts Nelson's craft-beer capital claim, writes Justin Henehan.

Danielle Wright falls for a beautiful bush reserve in the Waitakere Ranges.