Salmon 'chanted evenings are the toast of this town, discovers Elisabeth Easther.

At just 47km from central Auckland on the Hibiscus Coast, Waiwera is a doozy of a day trip.

Danielle Wright and family share the water with albatrosses, bottlenose dolphins and sea lions on a wilderness cruise through Doubtful Sound.

When the day is hot and that sparkling blue beckons, you can't say no - especially when it's free for the kids.

Elisabeth Easther is charmed by the Sulphur City.

Danielle Wright finds there's more to Omaha than a millionaire's playground.

Elisabeth Easther finds fascination in a great bank robbery in a beautiful town.

In the splendid town of Middlemarch, Peter Feeney and his family stay on a sheep station and enjoy Southern hospitality that comes complete with locally brewed beer.

Few will have visited this quaint little Auckland suburb.

Shandelle Battersby enjoys a mini-break at a luxury city hotel.

Otago's gateway is a hip town of vintage shops and nice beaches, says Elisabeth Easther.

Elisabeth Easther went to Great Barrier Island in search of some reel fun.

Treat yourself to the best of the best this summer.

A trip to the beach is among treasured items Barnados New Zealand wants to provide needy kids with this summer.

This isolated Northland community is an ideal spot for a weekend break, writes Holly Jean Brooker.

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.

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.

Attractions at Westpac Stadium — aka the Cake Tin — make a trip to the capital imperative, writes Jared Savage.

A relaxing island paradise of food, wine and great views is just a 35-minute ferry trip away, writes Donna McIntyre.

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.