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

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

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.

There's plenty to do on and off a cruise ship, finds Shandelle Battersby, and the attentive staff make cruising even better.

A retired mechanic has modified his car so he can tuck it under his bed.

Paul Rush dives below Raglan's surface to sample its many shore-based attractions.

Handing Department of Conservation campgrounds to private companies to run will turn them into "canvas subdivisions", says Labour's tourism spokesman Kelvin Davis.

Authentic Kiwi baches where you can escape without leaving the city boundaries.

The historic harbour settlement and fishing town of Mangonui is a gem of a place to visit writes John Durrant.

Auckland is home to more than 50 volcanic cones and craters. Diana Clement explores just a few.

Goat Island proves the perfect base for a a bit of fun on a summer's day out, finds Cate Foster.

Accommodation website wotif.com has released its list of New Zealand's top 20 travel destinations, based on domestic bookings online.

I am starting to think that in this case we do need a national policy on freedom camping, so campers and locals know exactly what the rules are.

Tawharanui a Garden of Eden for rare natives.

Liz Light finds Tutukaka living up to the high expectations of it.

Drive down SH39 from Ngaruawahia to Otorohanga and you'll pass a prominent sign pointing to a small, relatively unknown coastal settlement called Kawhia.

It's been 12 years, but New Zealand is no longer 100 per cent Pure.

Greedy campers are rorting the Department of Conservation online booking system to give themselves more room.

Nzherald.co.nz is celebrating the best things about New Zealand. Today surfer Daniel Kereopa shares his favourite NZ beaches. What do you think?

Nzherald.co.nz is celebrating the best things about New Zealand. Today opera singer Simon O’Neill shares his favourite beaches. What do you think?

With a tent and an airbed packed into his Mercedes-Benz, Jurgen Karl Ahrens made the New Zealand outdoors his home.

When rhododendron and world music festivals are the main drawcards to Taranaki, you could be forgiven for thinking the region has traded its wild west coast image for an altogether more hippy vibe.

A still summer night seems like the perfect time to just lie on your back gazing at the stars.