On to Muriwai for a peep at the gannet colony and a stroll along its remarkable glittering black sand, while we admire the hang-gliders and kite racers. - Roy Wade's second prize-winning entry

On to Muriwai for a peep at the gannet colony and a stroll along its remarkable glittering black sand, while we admire the hang-gliders and kite racers. - Roy Wade's second prize-winning entry

A tempting outing that takes overseas visitors on tours of the bush, beaches, craft shops and cafes around Whangarei has won Ross Osborne a luxury weekend at Russell's Pukematu Lodge.

Osborne's entry took first place in our contest to find the best idea for showing a visitor a slice of New Zealand in a day.

Second place went to Roy Wade, whose day trip focused on the amazing variety of beaches - roaring surf, gentle water, black and golden sand - at Auckland's east and west coasts.

For his effort Wade will spend a weekend at Colleith Lodge, overlooking Tairua, on the eastern side of the Coromandel Peninsula.

There were so many entries in the competition, and the standard was so high, that Boutique Lodgings of New Zealand, who provided the prizes, has decided to acknowledge three runners-up as well.

Copies of their book, Boutique Lodgings of NZ, will go to: June Close, from Morrinsville, who described a history-focused trip to the neighbouring town of Paeroa; to Barbara McGillivray, who proved there's a lot more to her home town of Whangamata than its magnificent beach; and Dianne Hawken, of Leigh, whose entry showed off the sea-life, parks and potteries of the Kowhai Coast.

Hawken's itinerary begins with an early-morning walk "down to the quaint fishing wharf at Leigh with its fishing trawlers and small boats. We wander along the bush-lined coastline, accompanied by the occasional cumbersome flapping of kereru and the song of tui.

"At Goat Island Marine Park we board the glass-bottom boat to view the myriad of fish, including snapper, red moki, stingray and blue maomao. If we are lucky, dolphins will join us. For a really close encounter, try snorkelling or diving.

"We stop at one of the two farmers' markets in Matakana, if it is a Saturday, and taste some organic produce, chat to the friendly locals and buy some Kiwi crafts. For lunch there are an abundance of cafes and vineyards to choose from but we opt for the lush ferns and palms at the Mariposa Palm Cafe at Point Wells. Our next treasure to share is Tawharanui Regional Park, where the Pacific Ocean laps the long, white sand beach lined with pohutukawa and green hills; ambling through the native bush and its puriri grove is tranquil and regenerating.

"On our return Morris and James give us visual delight with their creative, colourful pottery. The Ascension vineyard restaurant is the choice for dinner, with its fine cuisine and award-winning wines, an upbeat ending to a truly New Zealand experience."