Catherine Smith enjoys a city break in her hometown.

Winston Aldworth stays in a Mighty Deuce 2Y campervan in Waipara.

Pamela Wade finds the unspoiled beauty of New Zealand's southeast is wasted on some.

Named for Plymouth in England, where many of the early colonial settlers came from. Taranaki is Maori for shining mountain.

Just 45-50 minutes northwest of Auckland, via SH1 and SH16, you'll discover Kaukapakapa on the delightful Kaipara Coast.

When you're sick of walking around the block or park with your kids, take them on a family tramping adventure and watch them come alive.

Elisabeth Easther followed her heart to Maungatautari in the hope that Sirocco, her kakapo friend, would recall their fleeting fling.

Bevan Hurley sees stars over millions of light years from one of only four dark-sky reserves on Earth, from Mt John Observatory, near Lake Tekapo.

Winston Aldworth overnights at a classic central city hotel.

In Wellington, bad weather means a chance to learn something, says Sharon Stephenson.

Eric Watson writes: Are there potentially a large number of Kiwis who feel aggrieved because our "most important" public holidays are Christian holy days?

Sarah Lang salivates over the delights to be found at Wellington on a Plate.

There's more to the West Coast than gannets, finds Danielle Wright.

Anne Gibson takes in the luxurious accommodation and dramatic surroundings at a Palliser Bay lodge that's hosted royalty.

The road around Banks Peninsula is steeped in history, finds Wendy Dunlop.

Danielle Wright spends a rainy day in Waikato, in the company of the Incas' silent brothers — the llamas.

On the streets, in the parks and galleries, Auckland has a wealth of art treasures to seek out.

Tristram Clayton finds a warm welcome and cold craft beers at the foot of Mt Ruapehu.

Cold nights are lit up with fire breathers, tin lanterns and fluorescent faces, finds Catherine Smith.

Head to some of these local gems next time you're visiting the peninsula.

This old mining town is finding a new fortune in the beauty of its forests, writes Elisabeth Easther.

Paul Charman on the joys of a weekend driving around the Central Plateau.

In honour of Matariki, Danielle Wright rounds up activities that everyone can enjoy, from twilight bush walks to narrated waka sailings.

Drink in the gorgeous views on one of the many hikes, says Elisabeth Easther.

Peter Feeney and family fly on Jetstar JQ284 Dunedin to Auckland.

Awe-inspiring mountain country amply rewards tramper Conor MacHugh.

A visit to Waitomo has long been on our family’s holiday "to do" list...

Blame it on the cycleways, the artwork and the market, but cycling advocate Barbara Cuthbert just can't stay away.

Danielle Wright discovers man-made glories - old and new - around Auckland.

Here are our favourite quiet cycle trails to explore around the city.