Otago's gateway is a hip town of vintage shops and nice beaches, says Elisabeth Easther.

Elisabeth Easther went to Great Barrier Island in search of some reel fun.

Treat yourself to the best of the best this summer.

A trip to the beach is among treasured items Barnados New Zealand wants to provide needy kids with this summer.

This isolated Northland community is an ideal spot for a weekend break, writes Holly Jean Brooker.

Holly Jean Brooker cools down with the kids at Balmoral's new Splashpad.

Eveline Harvey and her family check into a well-appointed apartment in Central Otago.

This town has big money, great pubs and cottage industries, discovers Elisabeth Easther.

Danielle Wright takes her grandmother Dolina for a walk down memory lane at Yatton Park.

Four of the best parks and outdoor spaces to take your kids.

For rural friendliness and city fun, this gem has it all, finds Elisabeth Easther.

Pack an overnight bag and leave the big smoke behind for a sea break on the Hauraki Gulf, writes Elisabeth Easther.

Attractions at Westpac Stadium — aka the Cake Tin — make a trip to the capital imperative, writes Jared Savage.

A relaxing island paradise of food, wine and great views is just a 35-minute ferry trip away, writes Donna McIntyre.

Josie Dale contemplates the dark green silence of the Matukituki Valley.

Roger Hall steps back in time on Great Barrier Island - a place where strangers still stop and offer you a lift.

Tauranga combines art and nature's ingenuity in a festival that enthrals Donna McIntyre.

With 15,000km of coastline, Kiwis are spoilt for choice when it comes to great beaches.

Shandelle Battersby enjoys a luxurious stay at the Millbrook Resort, Arrowtown.

Natural beauty, action-packed adventure and heritage are here, says Elisabeth Easther.

A 10-year-old may have dashed in to the road to return to a lakeside holiday home when she was fatally hit by a motorcycle in the third road fatality this long weekend.

A 10-year-old girl was hit by a motorcycle and killed last night, bringing the holiday weekend road toll to three.

The holiday weekend road toll was at two today as the New Zealand Transport Agency urged motorists to be patient on the roads.

Megan Singleton gets behind the wheel for some Kiwi classics.

Labour Weekend marks the start of summer. In Auckland, with harbours on both sides of the isthmus, it's difficult to avoid the sight of boats - big and small - out on the water.

Whitebait, wild seas and welcoming locals ... Danielle Wright takes her family to Port Waikato.

Men want their holiday places big and comfy but women hunt out value for money.