Tess Nichol is pleasantly surprised to find generous cheesemakers and inspiring gardens in Hamilton.

Sales on the first charter flight from Dunedin to see the aurora australis are taking off and the trip's organiser is considering making the flight an annual event.

Derek Cheng basks in a panoramic view that few have experienced.

COMMENT: Is it time for major holiday reform in New Zealand? Do we need a late October combo mega celebration dubbed "Super Weekend"?

Stephanie Holmes lives a life of luxury in the Coromandel ... if only for a weekend.

Elisabeth Easther explores a Central Otago hamlet, population 300, where newcomers are welcomed with a community dinner.

Eli Orzessek checks into a Fenton Street spot with an excellent spa bath.

Lorna Subritzky enjoys a winning bach in acclaimed surroundings.

Take your time in this seaside village, writes Elisabeth Easther.

Lindy Laird samples the delights of the Bay of Islands.

More than a pit-stop on the way from Auckland to Hamilton, this village is worth a visit in its own right, says Elisabeth Easther.

A winemaker is hooked on pinot and the land where it's grown, writes Stephanie Holmes.

Sheba Williams' working holiday in Shanghai was a real inspiration.

Helen van Berkel stays at a Hawke's Bay cottage that offers both sunrise and sunset views.

Cloe Willetts explores the art, tastes, sounds and scenery of the Kapiti Coast.

Sir Peter Jackson is in talks to bring augmented reality and digital storytelling to Matiu-Somes Island in Wellington Harbour.

Sarah Lawrence checks into a lovely spot with mountain views.

Greg Fleming hits the track and heads off towards the east coast.

Shandelle Battersby flies Air New Zealand NZ643 from Auckland to Queenstown.

On an insider tour of Dunedin's hidden treasures, Eleanor Ainge Roy discovers the other Edinburgh deserves a second glance.

Kim Knight felt the fear (and then walked it off) on a six-hour side-trip to Hokitika.

There is one place in this beautiful country that always leaves me feeling completely fulfilled - Abel Tasman National Park.

Cycling is kept to a minimum and feasting to a maximum on this Tour de Nelson.

Hot springs, museums packed with Maori taonga and a demolition derby immortalised on film - there's plenty to love about Kaikohe, finds Elisabeth Easther.

We boarded the ferry at Devonport - it was 1982 - our first family camping holiday; lots of small humans, some bigger ones and a very old canvas tent.

Greg Fleming finds a great base from which to explore the East Cape.

The sleepy hamlet of Tapanui is a film star in its own right writes Elisabeth Easther.

Still trying to come up with the perfect gift for Father's Day? Perhaps what he'd like most is a break from the rat race.

From eco tours to distillery visits, there's plenty to fill a holiday here.

Mokoia Island's colourful past covers passions from the benign to the violent.