A five-day trip exploring the hidden gems of the East Coast comes to an end.

Backpackers are still flocking to Christchurch as a must-stop destination, despite the ongoing shaking.

Jamie Morton and Alan Gibson arrive at the North Island's most easterly point.

A home by the sea is the Kiwi dream and many are living it.

Travel experts at Lonely Planet are encouraging tourists to spend some time in Christchurch.

For two years we have seen images of Christchurch, a broken city. Ewan McDonald visits a community picking up the pieces.

Jamie Morton suffers a bruised rear-end and discovers 'hard-luck camping'.

Helen van Berkel is on the trail of a cure for bored kids.

It's a paradise where time slows and crayfish dinners are all part of the landscape.

After whizzing about on the tarmac in a compact land yacht, Dionne Christian is converted to the Kiwi-created sport of blokarting.

Isobel Marriner eats her way around Rotorua.

Danielle Wright and family don't let the rain put them off Sandspit.

Motutapu's precious pest-free status was shattered when a stoat was discovered on bordering island Rangitoto after swimming an incredible 3km across the Hauraki Gulf.

Just 90 minutes from Auckland, Hamilton Gardens present a variety of international gardening styles in a setting the whole family will enjoy exploring - for free.

Elisabeth Easther finds a slice of French seaside in Pine Harbour, just 40 minutes from Auckland.

There are many beautiful beaches to base yourself on Waiheke. We chose Onetangi.

The Herald's five-part summer series on New Zealand's recreational cycling experience ends with a look at Mangapurua and Ohakune's Old Coach Rd

Coromandel just pipped the South Island as New Zealanders' favourite domestic holiday destination in 2011.

A trip to the races is about more than just the horses, writes Alexia Santamaria.

Quirky rooms are the icing on the cake on Rebecca Kamm's trip to Kerikeri, with its kauri forests, gourmet eats and stunning vistas.

New book about touring New Zealand in a motorhome is packed with handy hints.

A restorative seaside ramble loops the loop from Narrow Neck.

Andrew Alderson loses some desk-jockey flab while trying out a new cycle trail.

Carolyn Bergquist enjoys the tranquillity of the Hauraki Gulf's newest visitor attraction.

The friendly staff at nzherald.co.nz share their favourite holiday spots.

What's your favourite NZ holiday spot? And why? Send us your views.

Monique Balvert-O'Connor puts on her walking shoes for a taste of Wellington.

Chloe Johnson visits an Oamaru lodge with hosts as fascinating as the building's history.

Tauranga's beaches are back in business, just in time for summer, writes Shandelle Battersby.