Ophir's elegant O'Connell bridge was built to last, says Don Donovan.

Matakauri Lodge offers royal treatment in a laidback setting, writes Michele Hewitson.

Think long weekend, think great escape. Megan Singleton recommends four getaway destinations.

Kirsten Warner is captivated by the beauty and mystery of Great Barrier Island.

In a secret spot, restricted to visitors, Jim Eagles marvels at the elegant, isolated beauty of NZ's only flock of endangered white heron.

Latest figures show Auckland is the most popular destination for New Zealanders travelling within the country.

Liz Light follows Auckland's Domain sculpture walk.

Cate Foster and daughter circle the north in a weekend road trip that takes in food, history, craft and culture.

NZ's freshest designers set up camp in Dunedin's historic quarters, writes Catherine Smith.

You don't have to go far to get up close with creatures great and small, discovers Bronwyn Sell.

Novice canoeist Diana Clement satisfies a long-held ambition to paddle the mighty Whanganui River - and all in one easy weekend.

Susan Edmunds takes to the water with a surf school - and manages to do without Piha Rescue.

A hands-on cooking school is a delight from paddock to plate, writes Alexia Santamaria.

Ancient forests and waterfalls are all part of a short trek through the Waitakeres, writes Danielle Wright.

A weekend in Tauranga has a wet theme for Sarah Lawrence who goes kayaking, to a seafood festival, looks for dolphins and visits hot pools.

Jim Eagles discovers even our threatened species in sanctuary are not afraid to fight for territorial advantage.

Liz Light visits Westland's kotuku colony.

Carolyn Bergquist enjoys a short break on Waiheke, so near to Auckland, yet so far.

Spending by tourists dropped to a five-year low in 2010, even as more people visited New Zealand, as the strong kiwi dollar sapped purchasing power.

Liz Light finds weka, seals and superb scenery at Cape Foulwind.

Shenagh Gleeson finds gorgeous beaches, fine art and good food on the northeastern Coromandel peninsula.

Make the most of fine late summer Sundays to explore Auckland's back yard and beyond.

A helicopter flight is the quickest way to get from crowded city to island vines, finds Danielle Wright.

For a day of fresh air and fun, golf can't be beat. Graham Hepburn visits Auckland's courses.

Jill Worrall revisits a childhood haunt that has also inspired authors and film makers.

The East Cape makes for a great family holiday, writes Alex Tully.

After digesting both sides of the debate, Jim Eagles believes there should be a uniform set of rules governing freedom camping.

A Devonport company offers an unusual way to see the highlights, writes Susan Edmunds.

So-called freedom campers could soon face hefty fines for setting up camp in areas without adequate toilet facilities.

Just 30 minutes west out of Auckland city and Alexia Santamaria was feeling like she'd left the stresses of the world well behind her.