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.

NBA legend Yao Ming made a surprise appearance in Dunedin this week.

New Zealand is full of these wondrous warm spots and many of them are free. Here are some of the best to check out around the country.

There's intrigue in the bushes at Zealong estate, and the owners will not give up their secrets easily, learns Tim Roxborogh.

Herald Travel readers share their advice for getting kids on skis or boards this winter.

A mid-winter mission in a muscle car is just the ticket, writes Alanah Eriksen.

Elisabeth Easther explores the charms of a sleepy settlement.

Named for a local tribe, a branch of the Waitaha people, and Ngati Mamoe.

A Kiwi hotel and island have been named among the world's best by Travel and Leisure magazine.

These places will prove to be the cherry on top of your Otago holiday.

Chris Daniels apprehensively doubles down on the North Island's highest mountain.

On the way out to Moturua Island, our guide pointed out a spectacular mansion on the sprawling hillsides of Russell.

Helen van Berkel heads underground with her daughter for the stunning delights of Waitomo.

Eli Orzessek takes a walk on the wild, wonderful and weird side of Taranaki.

Venture to the bottom of the country and you'll find a warm welcome.

New study shows Brits are taking vast amounts of holidays - and they all want to come to NZ.

Deep in the bush of the Abel Tasman National Park, four trampers are scuffing their feet along a sandy path, eyes intently scanning the canopy above.

Rob Cox finds himself caught short when he takes his wife to the exclusive Kauri Cliffs resort in Northland for a Mother's Day treat.

Eli Orzessek stays at a Taranaki hotel with free mountain bikes.

It's the perfect family destination, finds Rob Cox.

Miriyana Alexander gets a taste of luxury and finds it's for kids as well as adults.

Amisfield is one of Queenstown's best-known wineries, and its bistro was started as a way to showcase and support its unique wine in 2005.

Kaukapakapa Markets, on the third Sunday of each month, are fun for eating, drinking and people-watching.

The pleasure of a long weekend should not be spoiled by the realisation that this is the last one until late October, but it is reason to complain.

Enjoy your long weekend, New Zealand - after tomorrow it will be 139 long, cold days until the next statutory holiday graces our working week.

Helen van Berkel discovers a precious natural highway, not far from the roar of Auckland traffic.