If the sound of Ho Ho Ho makes you think “No, No, No!” then you’ll probably need to get away this Christmas to power up your merry mood. But what kind of holiday do you choose? How about something relaxing, adventurous, exciting or just plain different - but always surrounded by natural wonders and lashings of local fare? So take your pick, then pin a note to the tree, “Dear Santa, we skipped town. Sorry mate, no beer and cookies this year…” Read more »

Mmmm, there’s nothing like the smell of fresh coffee in the morning, or the tantilising taste of melting chocolate… anytime! Learn the fine art of coffee making or take a tour through choccy nirvana on these New Zealand holiday breaks that are sure to leave you buzzzzing with excitement. Read more »

Bellydancing: via Wikimedia Commons | 

Kiwis are nocturnal birds, and you can be too on a New Zealand hen’s holiday party before the Big Day. Whether it involves poles, bellies, touring, pampering or clubbing, most of these adventures have three common ingredients – dancing, wine and bubbly - the perfect blend of fun for dainty ladies and daredevilesses alike. Read more »

Scrapbook Kit: Bastet985 via Wikimedia Commons | Quilt: Quiltpatch via Wikimedia Commons

You’ll be in stitches with a visit to craft-central New Zealand. Learn for yourself how to mosaic like a Michelangelo, or buy up on supplies for your next scrapbooking project. Best of all you get to mingle with fellow crafties, swap ideas and buy original pieces to wow the folks back home. Read more »

Ahhh winter hibernation. The perfect excuse for curling up on the couch, gourmet gorging and way too many red wines. Unfortunately, by the time Spring pops up, budding love handles and slumbering lungs can make climbing the office stairs, running for the bus and squeezing into our favourite jeans an Olympian effort.  But who needs the gym when there’s a world of heart-pumping holidays out there to re-invigorate your lust for life. Read more »