We boarded the ferry at Devonport - it was 1982 - our first family camping holiday; lots of small humans, some bigger ones and a very old canvas tent.

Greg Fleming finds a great base from which to explore the East Cape.

The sleepy hamlet of Tapanui is a film star in its own right writes Elisabeth Easther.

Still trying to come up with the perfect gift for Father's Day? Perhaps what he'd like most is a break from the rat race.

From eco tours to distillery visits, there's plenty to fill a holiday here.

Mokoia Island's colourful past covers passions from the benign to the violent.

The peaceful natural beauty of Wainui Inlet has Fergus Blakiston waxing lyrical.

Anna Harrison finds a jaw-droppingly beautiful view at Bay of Many Coves.

Victoria Clark stays at Sofitel Wellington, the capital city's first brand new hotel in 15 years, where the surrounds are luxuriously, romantically French.

Tennessy Weir checks into a lakefront hotel with a beautiful garden.

Sometimes you just throw a bag in the boot, reverse down the driveway. Nothin' more than a couple of hundred clicks of open road ahead. Ewan McDonald did.

The area's creativity is on show, writes Sara Bunny.

Diana Plater enjoys some of the best Central Otago has to offer.

The town popped up following the discovery of gold in the mid-1860s and was named after George Ross, provincial treasurer of Canterbury.

Joanna Hunkin lives the champagne lifestyle in Queenstown during a weekend loaded with luxury.

A new Lonely Planet book has singled out some of the best things to do in New Zealand - and most of them won't cost you a cent.

This friendly town is a fabulous place from which to explore the Catlins.

The mercury is dropping but Sarah Lawrence's spirits are rising as she heads south.

There's far more to this gorgeous east coast centre than just the beach.

Shandelle Battersby finds plenty of activities for families in and around Whangarei.

Neil Reid travels to Waiheke Island for a 24-hour getaway and rediscovers one of the jewels in the wider Auckland region.

In New Zealand's original seat of power, Winston Aldworth finds a pub to celebrate.

Elisabeth Easther explores a piece of paradise, at the top of the South Island.

Winston Aldworth checks into a property with postcard views of prime New Zealand scenery.

Peter Donaldson ventures into the northern unknown.

Wellington is a very easy city to love, and it's just about perfect for a food-and drink-filled weekend getaway.

A Dunedin street has become an unlikely tourist attraction, after people have shared photos on social media of a bizarre optical illusion.

It's nearly the end of the school holidays and you haven't been out of town? A mid-winter jaunt in Miranda is the perfect escape.

Singer/songwriter Anna van Riel pens an ode to her favourite spot.

Elisabeth Easther heads north to the township built by oil.