Safety shouldn't be thrown in the bin with all the used wrapping paper, warns ACC, after 3500 people were injured during last year's Christmas Day.

We've unearthed a bunch of gadgets to help take the grief out of roadtrips.

Danielle Wright meets the people behind the businesses swapping the silly season for their busy season.

Stocked up with Santa hats, blankets and hot chocolates, we brave the wet weather for a Christmas Lights tour of Auckland.

I swear I only visited for observation's sake. Not to peruse the specials or to buy so much as a bauble, but to examine why human beings would spend America's great holiday scrounging for savings on the department store floor.

Charities are bracing themselves for an influx of more than 40,000 struggling Kiwi families who can't afford to serve Christmas dinner or put presents under the tree this year.

Trick or treaters of all ages were out in force in Westmere last night.

Dear Halloween grinches. Have a heart and buy some lollies for the excited children who will be knocking on your door on Thursday.

Psycho nurse outfits, zombies, creepy schoolgirl and ugly baby costumes are among the favourite Halloween costumes this year.

It has been a long wait for Labour Weekend - the last time Kiwis had three days off in a row was almost five months ago.

Andrew Potter uses a holiday to Turkey to take an app-y break from his smartphone and other electronic devices.

Online booking sites are revolutionary compared to the old days of phone calls, faxes, travel agents and rack rates.

The debate about extending retailing on public holidays keeps popping up, almost as often as there's a Briscoes sale.

It's the school holidays and our Weekend editor, Catherine Smith, has picked the five best things to do with the kids. Enjoy.

Blenheim, named for a battle, is a peaceful oasis, writes Elisabeth Easther.

Donna McIntyre escapes the city on a campervan holiday.

Donna McIntyre joins BMX champs Sarah Walker and Laura Smulders on a thrill-filled road trip.

In the south of Ireland, Living’s restaurant reviewer Peter Calder finds fine food — and a decent cup of coffee at last.

Catherine Smith jumped at the chance to bike and hike her way through Nelson's stunning landscape.

Elisabeth Easther visits a small town with a big heart - and plenty to see and do.