It's the school holidays and our Weekend editor, Catherine Smith, has picked the five best things to do with the kids. Enjoy.

Blenheim, named for a battle, is a peaceful oasis, writes Elisabeth Easther.

Donna McIntyre escapes the city on a campervan holiday.

Donna McIntyre joins BMX champs Sarah Walker and Laura Smulders on a thrill-filled road trip.

In the south of Ireland, Living’s restaurant reviewer Peter Calder finds fine food — and a decent cup of coffee at last.

Catherine Smith jumped at the chance to bike and hike her way through Nelson's stunning landscape.

Elisabeth Easther visits a small town with a big heart - and plenty to see and do.

Ewan McDonald went on a family holiday. The riot police came along too.

Missionary messages still resonate in the islands, writes Robyn Yousef.

The Greeks invented the most enduring, most popular, most commercially sophisticated and prescient system of governance ever devised, but the nation that perfected democracy seems to be struggling to preserve its economy.

Intense heat and bushfires didn't stop Wynne Gray from finding some great food.

Colourful church services are a glorious way to enjoy Sundays in paradise, finds Pamela Wade.

Want a break from the kids on your family holiday? Danielle Wright discovers kids clubs in Fiji.

Only minutes away in the Hauraki Gulf are plenty of sanctuaries for animals - and humans.

Forget about Australians appropriating our cultural icons; the Scots are getting in on the act.

Dionne Christian previews a school holiday course of film-making fun for youngsters with ambitions.

Three stylish women, frequent visitors to France, share their favourite Parisian haunts.

School holidays start this weekend, to it’s time to find some wintery treats to keep the ankle-biters amused.

A mix of comfort and adventure awaits you, writes Elisabeth Easther.

Cirque du Soleil is bringing a version of its Michael Jackson show to NZ; at another there's a Kiwi at the helm, finds Leena Tailor.

Don Kavanagh falls in love with cross-country travel the way people used to do it.

Luxury steps up to new high-tech levels at a renowned Hong Kong institution.

Lydia Jenkin enjoys some jewels of the Pacific - and shipboard rest and relaxation - on an island-hopping journey.