In the third of our series, Alanah May Eriksen recalls her family's flight from a storm-battered camping ground.

It could be something in the water or maybe it's the clean country air - but for whatever reason, Opunake has produced more than its fair share of high-achieving New Zealanders.

Great Barrier Island is emphasising its wealth of natural features and paucity of cars in an application to become part of the New Zealand Cycleway.

Most travellers in the north know Kawakawa as the town with the railway running down the middle of the main street.

Incidents of tourists hiking in rugged terrain in Jandals and running out of food while out camping have led to the development of a NZ outdoors code.

Couples getting intimate in hallways and swimming pools, forgotten sex toys and even a misplaced nun's habit feature in a shocking hotel chain survey.

Phoebe Falconer checks out another great summer holiday place within an hour's drive of downtown Auckland.

The zoo provides a home and rehabilitation for at-risk animals as well as chances for visitors to interact with the animals every day.

Visitors to the Coromandel say a $40 fine for freedom campers will do little to deter those who choose to doss down in beach carparks.

Lava caves, lava fields, pillars and tunnels are all part of Rangitoto's landscape.

The Tongariro Crossing seems to agree with energetic children a lot more than weary adults, finds Helen van Berkel.

Liz Light explores the quiet villages of the Kaipara Harbour.

Herald reporter Beck Vass explores Tongariro National Park, a World Heritage site.

A global travel magazine highlights Kaikoura as a place to have a whale of a time over Christmas.

Paul Rush embraces nature in a remote forest sanctuary.

Pam Neville takes a different view of one of New Zealand's greatest beauty spots.

NZ's lush green pastures, snowy mountain peaks and clear lakes are turning the country into a "wedding photo tourism" hotspot.

Helen Van Berkel searches the Hauraki Gulf for those gentle giants - Bryde's whales

Campervanning with preschoolers is far more fun than it sounds, writes Steve Deane.

Herald Travel editor Jim Eagles on why a local vacation may turn out to be the most relaxing break you've ever had.

Timaru's Caroline Bay Carnival runs December 26 to January 10.

Paul Rush finds that a fun-filled family holiday around Taupo region can be enjoyed at minimal cost.

There was some sex, a little violence, home improvements and some intimate dining-in - it could have been any night of reality television but in fact these scenarios were being played out among the kotuku.

Altitude and adventure mingle on this helihike.

Australasian passport holders arriving in NZ now no longer need to be checked by a Customs official.

A leisurely ride through stunning Otago leads Joanna Sullivan to aesthetic heaven.

Jill Worrall makes the most of a rare clear West Coast morning with a flight over the Southern Alps.