A relaxing island paradise of food, wine and great views is just a 35-minute ferry trip away, writes Donna McIntyre.

Josie Dale contemplates the dark green silence of the Matukituki Valley.

Roger Hall steps back in time on Great Barrier Island - a place where strangers still stop and offer you a lift.

Tauranga combines art and nature's ingenuity in a festival that enthrals Donna McIntyre.

Deep within the Hokianga is a quiet settlement adrift from the rat race, writes Hannah Sperber.

Be sure to check out these terrific spots next time you're up north.

With 15,000km of coastline, Kiwis are spoilt for choice when it comes to great beaches.

Shandelle Battersby enjoys a luxurious stay at the Millbrook Resort, Arrowtown.

Natural beauty, action-packed adventure and heritage are here, says Elisabeth Easther.

The holiday weekend road toll was at two today as the New Zealand Transport Agency urged motorists to be patient on the roads.

Megan Singleton gets behind the wheel for some Kiwi classics.

Labour Weekend marks the start of summer. In Auckland, with harbours on both sides of the isthmus, it's difficult to avoid the sight of boats - big and small - out on the water.

Whitebait, wild seas and welcoming locals ... Danielle Wright takes her family to Port Waikato.

Men want their holiday places big and comfy but women hunt out value for money.

Andrew Louis lives like a king in a deluxe suite.

The home of sunshine has a lot of activities to offer away from the usual charms of beach and blue sky, writes Julie Haines.

Next time you're in the region, be sure to explore these spots ...

Sure, there's gold in 'them thar hills' but there's far more to do in the mining town than a weekend is time for, find Donna McIntyre and her family.

Haul the bike out of the garage, clean it up, and prepare to tackle the Auckland Harbour Bridge, writes Sarah Ell.

Elisabeth Easther bunked down at Kelly Tarlton’s with two small fry in tow, and discovered a whole new meaning to the word 'seabed'.

Wild beach is a world away from the city, yet just a short drive, says Elisabeth Easther.

Here are five festivals that should be on your (ice) bucket list.

Tongariro National Park turns on a bright blue day for a ramble to its even bluer lakes, writes Josie Dale.

Just an hour's drive north of Auckland, 16km from Warkworth, Omaha Beach is home to one of the most beautiful white sand beaches you could ever hope to see.

Elisabeth Easther visited her turangawaewae and learned that lemurs are lovely and Cambridge's river trails are superb.

If you're in a aquatic frame of mind, check out these great on-water excursions.

A city break in this centrally-located hotel leaves Courtney Whitaker impressed.

This coastal town serves up more than scrummy fish and chips, writes Elisabeth Easther.