A straw poll of Parliamentarians found most were opting for a modest summer break at or near home while the House is in recess until January 29.

A visit to a blueberry farm is entertaining for the whole family, discovers Alexia Santamaria.

Danielle Wright finds a holiday park with 'complete silence' and an award for 100 per cent cleanliness the perfect antidote to Waimarino's Adventure Park thrill-rides.

Justine Tyerman learns the finer points of wine tasting at a trio of Gisborne vineyards.

A 100-year-old sporting event continues to thrive, writes Elisabeth Easther.

Google Maps is famous for getting the commuter, cyclist and pedestrian from A to B; but it is a little known fact that the man who oversaw its development is a Kiwi.

Rustic mountain huts, baches on the beach and a miner’s cottage with vineyard views - Danielle Wright discovers humble holiday homes to book in advance.

Danielle Wright walks through history in a picturesque seaside village in the Far North.

Standing in front of a round green door, set into a cheery hillside, I half expect to see Gandalf the Grey and Bilbo Baggins wandering up the footpath.

Catherine Smith falls for Oamaru's Victorian township and modern food.

The Dullsville reputation is busted by a museum with wow factor and a cool city centre.

If the Far North is on your list of places to go, here are a few suggestions to add a bit more excitement to your break, including dolphins, spirits and the deep blue sea.

It may be the butt of many a joke, but Colin Hogg can't wait to get back to the city Aucklanders love to hate.

Justine Tyerman writes of her love affair with a place deep in the Mt Aspiring National Park.

Alexia Santamaria finds there is more than enough to keep both parents and kids happy on a day trip to Hamilton.

Dionne Christian finds activities for all ages in Pirongia and its surrounds.

Head north and hit the Collectables Trail.

So you've been tasked with organising a hen's party ... one option is fleeing the city and swapping novelty cakes and forced craziness for a weekend of fun and pampering.

Sitting in Auckland in 2012, 1950s Britain looks a bit dull - the Beatles hadn't even been formed let alone discovered acid, writes Winston Aldworth.

Ahead of the food and wine additions to the summer Headland Sculpture on the Gulf, Catherine Smith gets a taste of what's to come.

Justine Tyerman learns to love snakes on the Kepler Track.

Elisabeth Easther travels back in time to a sleepy town at the end of the Waikato River.

Warmer weather brings a new energy for experiencing the great outdoors. Great Lake Taupo will not disappoint, writes Donna Jarden.

New Zealand is the best holiday spot in the world, according to Britain's Daily Telegraph newspaper.

Seeing a little spotted kiwi, referred to as a kiwi pukupuku in Maori, in the semi-wild is a very special thing. Not only are they adorably fluffy, they're rare.

Spring is the perfect time to enjoy the conservation success story that is Tiritiri Matangi Island, finds Cate Foster.