Package deals to Australia, Fiji, Hawaii and North America are being snapped up by New Zealanders making mid-winter escapes and capitalising on a strong NZ dollar.

Thinking of going to the beach instead of the office today? You're not alone. With Waitangi Day falling just two days ahead of the weekend, there's a good chance thousands of workers will be lured by the temptation of a four-day weekend.

Public holiday surcharges seem to be on the decline at Auckland eateries, but an industry insider says establishments are compensating by raising prices year-round.

Drunk, flag-draped youths turning celebration of nationhood into affirmation of white power

A few months ago, we tried to make a booking for a holiday home via Holiday Houses. By accident, my wife clicked February 12 and 13 instead of January 12 and 13.

Holidays can be a stressful time for supportive wives. Unlike the rest of the family, we still have mouths to feed, laundry to wash and floors to clean.

Get fit, lose weight and save money - it's the start of a new year and time to make promises we won't keep.

Holidaymakers needing urgent medication over the holiday period are being stung by pharmacy surcharges.

Retailers are "over the moon" at record Boxing Day sales on Thursday.

Safety shouldn't be thrown in the bin with all the used wrapping paper, warns ACC, after 3500 people were injured during last year's Christmas Day.

We've unearthed a bunch of gadgets to help take the grief out of roadtrips.

Danielle Wright meets the people behind the businesses swapping the silly season for their busy season.

Stocked up with Santa hats, blankets and hot chocolates, we brave the wet weather for a Christmas Lights tour of Auckland.

I swear I only visited for observation's sake. Not to peruse the specials or to buy so much as a bauble, but to examine why human beings would spend America's great holiday scrounging for savings on the department store floor.

Charities are bracing themselves for an influx of more than 40,000 struggling Kiwi families who can't afford to serve Christmas dinner or put presents under the tree this year.

Pop culture addicts, gamers and geeks are out in full force at this year's Armageddon Expo

Dear Halloween grinches. Have a heart and buy some lollies for the excited children who will be knocking on your door on Thursday.

Psycho nurse outfits, zombies, creepy schoolgirl and ugly baby costumes are among the favourite Halloween costumes this year.

It has been a long wait for Labour Weekend - the last time Kiwis had three days off in a row was almost five months ago.

Andrew Potter uses a holiday to Turkey to take an app-y break from his smartphone and other electronic devices.

Online booking sites are revolutionary compared to the old days of phone calls, faxes, travel agents and rack rates.

The debate about extending retailing on public holidays keeps popping up, almost as often as there's a Briscoes sale.

From glitter paintings to yarn bombing, Danielle Wright rounds up what's on offer for crafty kids over the holidays.