After digesting both sides of the debate, Jim Eagles believes there should be a uniform set of rules governing freedom camping.

A Devonport company offers an unusual way to see the highlights, writes Susan Edmunds.

So-called freedom campers could soon face hefty fines for setting up camp in areas without adequate toilet facilities.

Just 30 minutes west out of Auckland city and Alexia Santamaria was feeling like she'd left the stresses of the world well behind her.

There's a cold beer at the end of this tour, writes Victoria Clark.

Jacqui Madelin spots sheep and scores great views on a bike adventure in steep MacKenzie Country.

A nervous kayaker, Cate Foster found herself loving her day out on the tranquil waters of the Puhoi River.

Strolling, floating, or cruising, here are some laid-back ways to make the most of the city.

Bronwyn Sell enjoys a girls' weekend away with a difference - a walk and wine in the Coromandel's Kauaeranga Valley.

Paul Lewis and Andrew Alderson pick some top spots to swing your clubs.

Scientists using underwater robots have discovered remnants of the Pink Terraces on the floor of Lake Rotomahana, near Rotorua.

Never mind Europe's easy weekend haunts, we have Waiheke Island, writes Kerri Jackson.

The biggest signing of the Treaty of Waitangi was in the Hokianga. Liz Light visits the site that will host an alternative Waitangi celebration next month.

The Auckland Anniversary Day regatta has always been a family affair for yachting legend Penny Whiting - while she was being born, her father was on the Waitemata Harbour racing in the very same regatta.

Auckland has a plethora of activities to whet your appetite this long weekend.

Awhitu Lighthouse, on a beautiful peninsula on the south-western shores of the Manukau Harbour, has remarkable views of the coast.

Follow the wildlife to Tawharanui Regional Park near Matakana, New Zealand's first integrated open sanctuary. It's not just for the birds, as Danielle Wright discovers.

After watching all those yachts on the harbour this weekend you might be itching to get among them. Diana Clement had a go at learning how to sail.

Peter Calder takes a break from creature comforts - and city slickers.

Mitimiti's windswept beauty transports Liz Light to a land - and time - far away.

A driver is being labelled by police as foolhardy for trying to take a bus full of tourists up reputedly the world's steepest street.

Milking cows, riding dirt bikes, sliding in the mud ... The Farm's charm proves irresistible to families, discovers Diana Clement.

Kerri Jackson swaps cocktails for maritime exploration on Wellington's waterfront.

Rangitoto Island offers much more than a walk to the summit, as Danielle Wright finds out.

One reason we take off so often as a family is that I'm a whizz at holidays on the cheap.

Pack up the tent and the kids and head ... across town. We round up some unexpected campsites right here in Auckland.

Photographer Sarah Ivey, who grew up in the Mackenzie Country, uses her camera to introduce the rugged beauty of a place few New Zealanders have visited.

If you've run out of ideas to keep yourself busy these holidays Julie Harries has a novel idea guaranteed to get the suggestions flowing.

This small Bay of Plenty settlement is a great destination for a long weekend away, finds Diana Clement.

In principle the Conservation Department wants as many of the public as possible to enjoy the estate their taxation maintains. In practice, it is not very good at making that possible.