Justine Tyerman cycles to Paradise ...

A new arrival on Waitemata Harbour tempts Donna McIntyre to pack an overnight bag and take a pleasure cruise.

Beaches, fishing and scenery combine to give Aucklanders a prime getaway, poll finds.

The summer hot spot is known for its beaches, but in case of rain, there are great shops, cafes and markets to explore too. Here's our go-to guide.

Fingers crossed, you will be blessed with a refreshing sea breeze as you tackle these top walks.

Elisabeth Easther enjoys a tour of a Cambridge stud farm and takes a crash course on raising racehorses.

When the sun goes down, Dionne Christian finds the city comes alive with activities to entertain kids — and adults.

They call it Magical Mangawhai, and with its beautiful beach, great food and proximity to Auckland we can see why.

Three-wheel pedal power can lead to a perfect pinot noir, writes Paul Rush.

Bronwyn Sell stays at a family-friendly place with dramatic ocean views near Greymouth.

It seems the sun always shines on the East Coast, writes Elisabeth Easther.

Sarah Ell and her son are awed, charmed and enlightened by a 'movie' at the Observatory.

Everyone's in fine feather at Butterfly Creek's new exotic aviary, says Dionne Christian.

Tristram Clayton makes like a megastar at a top Auckland address.

Nicky Park dishes up five food experiences to try in Rotorua.

Elisabeth Easther finds a town with Scandinavian heritage and real socks appeal.

At the sea life-rich Poor Knights, Donna McIntyre and family let the fish find them.

One of Auckland's most beautiful western suburbs, Huia is a darling settlement 33km from the centre of Auckland where time seems to have stood still.

Salmon 'chanted evenings are the toast of this town, discovers Elisabeth Easther.

At just 47km from central Auckland on the Hibiscus Coast, Waiwera is a doozy of a day trip.

Danielle Wright and family share the water with albatrosses, bottlenose dolphins and sea lions on a wilderness cruise through Doubtful Sound.

When the day is hot and that sparkling blue beckons, you can't say no - especially when it's free for the kids.

Elisabeth Easther is charmed by the Sulphur City.

Danielle Wright finds there's more to Omaha than a millionaire's playground.

Elisabeth Easther finds fascination in a great bank robbery in a beautiful town.

In the splendid town of Middlemarch, Peter Feeney and his family stay on a sheep station and enjoy Southern hospitality that comes complete with locally brewed beer.

Few will have visited this quaint little Auckland suburb.

Kiwi holidaymakers are being offered a free ticket to ride this summer.

Susan Buckland gets in some bird-watching at Miranda's sanctuary.

Shandelle Battersby enjoys a mini-break at a luxury city hotel.