Danielle Wright and family don't let the rain put them off Sandspit.

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.

New book about touring New Zealand in a motorhome is packed with handy hints.

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.

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.

Donna McIntyre sets out in search of the Hauraki Gulf's bounty on a fishing charter boat.

Danielle Wright finds it's the simple, rather than most expensive, things in life that create the best family holidays.

Danielle Wright spends a weekend in a regional park and discovers that having nothing to do can be a very good thing.

A new book checks out 70 outlets sure to delight coffee-lovers, writes Jim Eagles.

Air New Zealand has this morning slashed its cheapest domestic airfares by up to $10 as it launches new low-cost seats.

Te Araroa - a national walkway running the length of the country - will be officially opened this weekend.

Pop-up tents make camping easy, writes Diana Clement.

A meander to Whangaparaoa makes for a perfect Sunday, finds Helen van Berkel.

It doesn't take long for the creative and picturesque charms of Northland's west coast to enrapture Kirsten Warner.

Neville Peat laps up a rafting trip on the Clarence River in North Canterbury.