Helensville weaves its historic origins into a modern-day paradise, writes Cate Foster.

Good food and wine reward your exertions on a new Waiheke track, writes Donna McIntyre.

Virgil Evetts is wowed by some incredible sea life, including whales, all within minutes of downtown Auckland.

Tauranga is making a name for itself as a serious foodie destination, writes Catherine Smith.

Danielle Wright discovers the dramatic drive to Manukau Heads Lighthouse along a winding road through Awhitu Peninsula.

Efforts are rewarded on a group kayaking trip by gorgeous sights and a hearty lunch. Andy Kenworthy joins in.

Danielle Wright finds the blustery conditions and loudness of the ocean strangely soothing on a weekend break at Bethells Beach Cottages.

It may not be the first place that springs to mind when you're after an art fix, but Waikato is home to two exhibition spaces that will have culture seekers revelling, writes Libby Nicholson-Moon.

Easing his bones in natural hot springs and filling up with a hearty meal in an old colonial hotel is Phil Parker's idea of a great weekend in Waikato.

The trip to Riverhead Tavern is all part of the experience, writes Cate Foster.

Liz Light discovers the delights of windy and wave-pounded Taranaki.

Mid-term and looking for a rest from routine, Danielle Wright gathered up her family and their gumboots, and headed for the hills.

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.

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

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.

The French-Canadian city of Montreal is an easy place to fall in love with, discovers Linda Shackelford.

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

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.

Never mind Europe's easy weekend haunts, we have Waiheke Island, writes Kerri Jackson.

Auckland has a plethora of activities to whet your appetite this long weekend.

Kerri Jackson swaps cocktails for maritime exploration on Wellington's waterfront.

This small Bay of Plenty settlement is a great destination for a long weekend away, finds Diana Clement.

A tired Rebecca Barry gets taken for a ride in Bangkok.

Graham Reid looks at innovative architecture - modern and historic.

Alan Perrott goes dining in the dark at Dans Le Noir in Clerkenwell Green.

Eww, eww and awe ... Shayne Currie suffers vertigo in the world's tallest building.

Liz Breslin spends a day in Abu Dhabi, a city largely under construction.