Quiet Okarito boasts a rich history and magnificent bird life, writes Jim Eagles.

The sun is finally shining, so it's time to kick-start your outdoor summer, writes Danielle Wright.

A touch of luxury is being offered for trampers on the rugged Auckland coastal trail bearing the name of explorer Sir Edmund Hillary.

The Coromandel's Fantail Bay campsite is like another planet, far from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Comedian Dai Henwood recalls his favourite holiday memories.

A simple family holiday to Clarks Beach is much improved when you travel in a comfortable glamavan, finds Alexia Santamaria

Big Splash ride couples wet-and-wild adventure with a serious ecological message.

A lucky few get to experience stunning Lake Heron Station at close quarters, writes Andrew Stone.

Jim Eagles discovers that on the sub-Antarctic islands, great birds rule the roost.

Helen van Berkel and daughter Grace, 10, experience the rough-and-tumble of Action World.

Sandspit Holiday Park Park is a family-oriented getaway 45 minutes north of Auckland that is steeped in history.

This beautiful area just over 90 minutes' drive from Auckland, is steeped in history.

Danielle Wright plays detective to solve the mystery of who murdered Professor Felix Splicer.

Rain or shine, Danielle Wright discovers why any season is ideal lighthouse weather.

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.

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.

Andy Kenworthy casts aside his fears and jumps off a very large cliff ...

You shouldn't swim at Whatipu, but Danielle Wright finds there's no better west coast beach for a windswept day.

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.