Holly Jean Brooker cools down with the kids at Balmoral's new Splashpad.

Eveline Harvey and her family check into a well-appointed apartment in Central Otago.

This town has big money, great pubs and cottage industries, discovers Elisabeth Easther.

Over five days, Greg Dixon does one of the ultimate New Zealand road trips: taking a car from Auckland to Bluff.

Here are five of our favourite places in Auckland to farewell the day.

Danielle Wright takes her grandmother Dolina for a walk down memory lane at Yatton Park.

Four of the best parks and outdoor spaces to take your kids.

For rural friendliness and city fun, this gem has it all, finds Elisabeth Easther.

Pack an overnight bag and leave the big smoke behind for a sea break on the Hauraki Gulf, writes Elisabeth Easther.

Josie Dale contemplates the dark green silence of the Matukituki Valley.

Roger Hall steps back in time on Great Barrier Island - a place where strangers still stop and offer you a lift.

Tauranga combines art and nature's ingenuity in a festival that enthrals Donna McIntyre.

Deep within the Hokianga is a quiet settlement adrift from the rat race, writes Hannah Sperber.

Be sure to check out these terrific spots next time you're up north.

Shandelle Battersby enjoys a luxurious stay at the Millbrook Resort, Arrowtown.

With 15,000km of coastline, Kiwis are spoilt for choice when it comes to great beaches.

Natural beauty, action-packed adventure and heritage are here, says Elisabeth Easther.

A 10-year-old may have dashed in to the road to return to a lakeside holiday home when she was fatally hit by a motorcycle in the third road fatality this long weekend.

Megan Singleton gets behind the wheel for some Kiwi classics.

Labour Weekend marks the start of summer. In Auckland, with harbours on both sides of the isthmus, it's difficult to avoid the sight of boats - big and small - out on the water.

Whitebait, wild seas and welcoming locals ... Danielle Wright takes her family to Port Waikato.

Men want their holiday places big and comfy but women hunt out value for money.

Andrew Louis lives like a king in a deluxe suite.

The home of sunshine has a lot of activities to offer away from the usual charms of beach and blue sky, writes Julie Haines.

An unforgettable stop on the Forgotten Highway entrances Elisabeth Easther.

Nelson is host to a bike path that meanders through beautiful countryside.

Next time you're in the region, be sure to explore these spots ...

Sure, there's gold in 'them thar hills' but there's far more to do in the mining town than a weekend is time for, find Donna McIntyre and her family.