Travel experts at Lonely Planet are encouraging tourists to spend some time in Christchurch.

For two years we have seen images of Christchurch, a broken city. Ewan McDonald visits a community picking up the pieces.

Jamie Morton suffers a bruised rear-end and discovers 'hard-luck camping'.

Helen van Berkel is on the trail of a cure for bored kids.

It's a paradise where time slows and crayfish dinners are all part of the landscape.

Andy Kenworthy casts aside his fears and jumps off a very large cliff ...

You shouldn't swim at Whatipu, but Danielle Wright finds there's no better west coast beach for a windswept day.

After whizzing about on the tarmac in a compact land yacht, Dionne Christian is converted to the Kiwi-created sport of blokarting.

Motutapu's precious pest-free status was shattered when a stoat was discovered on bordering island Rangitoto after swimming an incredible 3km across the Hauraki Gulf.

Just 90 minutes from Auckland, Hamilton Gardens present a variety of international gardening styles in a setting the whole family will enjoy exploring - for free.

Elisabeth Easther finds a slice of French seaside in Pine Harbour, just 40 minutes from Auckland.

There are many beautiful beaches to base yourself on Waiheke. We chose Onetangi.

The Herald's five-part summer series on New Zealand's recreational cycling experience ends with a look at Mangapurua and Ohakune's Old Coach Rd

The Waikato River Trails section of the NZ Bike Trail opens up a beautiful tract of backcountry North Island.

Coromandel just pipped the South Island as New Zealanders' favourite domestic holiday destination in 2011.

Wayne Thompson cycles the Karangahake Gorge section of Nga Haerenga and finds marvels of a bygone era.

A trip to the races is about more than just the horses, writes Alexia Santamaria.

A restorative seaside ramble loops the loop from Narrow Neck.

Andrew Alderson loses some desk-jockey flab while trying out a new cycle trail.

Carolyn Bergquist enjoys the tranquillity of the Hauraki Gulf's newest visitor attraction.

The friendly staff at nzherald.co.nz share their favourite holiday spots.

What's your favourite NZ holiday spot? And why? Send us your views.

Monique Balvert-O'Connor puts on her walking shoes for a taste of Wellington.

Chloe Johnson visits an Oamaru lodge with hosts as fascinating as the building's history.

Tauranga's beaches are back in business, just in time for summer, writes Shandelle Battersby.

Kapiti Island has gone to the birds and Jim Eagles reckons that's what makes a stay on this nature reserve so rewarding.

Avoid the pre-Christmas madness and invest in some healthy healing time on Waiheke Island.

There's plenty more to do than just ski in this Central Otago town, reports Shandelle Battersby.

A survey has revealed Kiwi travellers' biggest hygiene fears.