Elisabeth Easther enjoys the serenity at a boutique hotel in the capital.

Chase the sun north to a proud town where Elisabeth Easther finds a warm welcome and a fascinating history.

A Central Otago boutique hotel with a conscience mixes pleasure with wellbeing, discovers Jesse Mulligan.

Te Papa never does anything by halves. The new exhibit, 'Gallipoli: The Scale of Our War', to mark the centenary of the Gallipoli landing, is an extraordinary event.

A view from above takes a Tongariro National Park experience to new heights.

With the sheep and the All Blacks link there are few places as true blue South Island, says Elisabeth Easther.

Andrew Alderson falls hard for the romance of Chateau Tongariro's historic and literary atmosphere.

A visit to the thermal hot pools at Hanmer Springs should be an essential stop on any South Island road trip, writes Winston Aldworth.

Michelle Coursey finds the ideal way to get away from it all in the peaceful haven that is Kawhia.

Daniel and Adele Le Brun give their tips on what to do when you're in their neighbourhood.

Elisabeth Easther goes to the birds.

Glamping allows you the best of both worlds, writes Catherine Smith.

Volunteers on Motuihe Island get a big tick for community work and, as Debbie Griffiths finds, they are rewarded with an amazing family day out.

Nature's treasures keep drawing people south to the Teviot Valley, finds Elisabeth Easther.

A castle, gardens and penguins give the student town of Dunedin a more refined air, finds Sam Wicks.

Alexia Santamaria goes right to the source, delving into Marlborough's foodie secrets.

Elisabeth Easther tackles the Waitakeres' Fairy Falls Walk.

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

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.

Elisabeth Easther seeks out some shade in the heart of Mt Eden.

This mysteriously neglected side of the Manukau has plenty to offer the curious, writes Sarah Ell.

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.