Helen van Berkel is well prepared for a camping weekend with teens at Martins Bay and takes everything but the plastic box.

ZM's Megan Sellers checks out an award-winning eco-tour.

A boutique lodge on the fringe of Northland's Waipoua Forest has been named New Zealand's best hospitality business.

Bike, swim or lick an icecream at this beachy paradise, writes Elisabeth Easther.

Queenstown novice Dan Ahwa experiences the resort town's extreme, adrenaline-fuelled activities for the first time.

At the birthplace of the nation, Winston Aldworth and his kids encounter our gritty past.

Winston Aldworth jumps aboard NZ611 - a night flight from Auckland to Queenstown.

Otago's dreamland is best seen without the summer crowds, writes Mike Yardley.

Shandelle Battersby checks into a hotel that celebrates the story of NZ's early settlers.

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.

It was time to fly the nest. All I had was a double bed and "warm wishes" from my parents.

Elisabeth Easther finds a small South Island town that rocks and regularly dances.

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