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.

Haul the bike out of the garage, clean it up, and prepare to tackle the Auckland Harbour Bridge, writes Sarah Ell.

Elisabeth Easther bunked down at Kelly Tarlton’s with two small fry in tow, and discovered a whole new meaning to the word 'seabed'.

Wild beach is a world away from the city, yet just a short drive, says Elisabeth Easther.

Here are five festivals that should be on your (ice) bucket list.

Tongariro National Park turns on a bright blue day for a ramble to its even bluer lakes, writes Josie Dale.

Just an hour's drive north of Auckland, 16km from Warkworth, Omaha Beach is home to one of the most beautiful white sand beaches you could ever hope to see.

Elisabeth Easther visited her turangawaewae and learned that lemurs are lovely and Cambridge's river trails are superb.

If you're in a aquatic frame of mind, check out these great on-water excursions.

A city break in this centrally-located hotel leaves Courtney Whitaker impressed.

Life & Style Editor Nicky Park shares her insider tips for making the most of Toast Martinborough ahead of ticket sales for this year's food and wine festival.

The scenery out here is so super, you'll want to make sure the designated driver keeps their eyes on the road.

Hidden under the streets we walk every day are tales of murder and mayhem, of geological upheaval and war. Dionne Christian sees what Heritage Festival has to offer.

The best on offer these school holidays, chosen by Susan Edmunds.

Auckland's Heritage Festival is underway so we thought we'd indulge in a little character house porn. Grab your parasol and perambulate down these charming suburban streets for a thoroughly pleasant architectural education.

Sarah Ell takes her crew on Ports of Auckland's fun and interesting free guided water tour.

Elisabeth Easther and her son Theo took a sneak peek at Motat’s newest exhibit Welcome to the Machine, declaring it entertaining, educational and epic.

This diverse river city offers adventures, galleries, top cafes and more, writes Elisabeth Easther.

A great boys' trip up north is about golf and sleep not babes and beach for family man Rob Cox.

From high-end Asian street food-inspired dishes to pizzas that have been popular for almost 40 years, Queenstown's food scene has something for everyone.

This delightfully rural enclave sits right on the edge of the Manukau Harbour.

Head out and explore Auckland on foot, writes Joelle Thomson.