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.

Over five days, Greg Dixon does one of the ultimate New Zealand road trips: taking a car from Auckland to Bluff.

Here are five of our favourite places in Auckland to farewell the day.

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.

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.

Deep within the Hokianga is a quiet settlement adrift from the rat race, writes Hannah Sperber.

Be sure to check out these terrific spots next time you're up north.

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.

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.

Andrew Louis lives like a king in a deluxe suite.

The home of sunshine has a lot of activities to offer away from the usual charms of beach and blue sky, writes Julie Haines.

An unforgettable stop on the Forgotten Highway entrances Elisabeth Easther.

Nelson is host to a bike path that meanders through beautiful countryside.