Make your Mothers' Day - whisk her away!

It's about the magic of the moments, not the presents, but if you are thinking about getting something for Mum...please don't get her tea towels or a new vacuum cleaner!

When I was a child my Mum just wanted a nice card and a hot cuppa in bed. I figured that was pretty lame but now I'm a Mum I 'get it' - it's an excuse for peace and quiet -  it takes a LOOOOONG time to create a card and a hot cuppa, it meant Dad had to get up and help us, of course taking his sweet time so Mum actually got a sleep-in.

What are you planning for your Mum? You could always go with the tried and true, flowers or chocolate (as long as she is not on a diet). BUT really what does she want?

Each Mum is unique and the quality of the gift, usually reflects the quality of the thought behind it. This year, be extra special to your Mum by working out what will fill her love tank.

Maybe she in need of some pampering, and would enjoy a voucher to get her nails done. Or perhaps she'd like you to come over and cook a meal, or a special non-essential shopping trip. Is there a book or a CD you know she'd just love but probably won't get around to buying?

Is there an Event in your area or nearby?

Eventfinder has a range of special events including:

• a Mother's Day concert in Mt Albert
• High Tea at the James Cook Hotel in Wellington
• Mother's Day Fun Run in Hamilton.

What about a mini-holiday?

A great way to cement the special relationship between parents and their children is to escape for a 'mini holiday' - even a single night away can create quality memories you treasure.

We've put together some ideas of places you both could stay, which all have at least two guest rooms, plus your own guest bathroom. Many of them are self-contained while others are home-hosted. We have plenty of retreat style hosted homes for an overnight get-away or choose several homes close to shopping malls and fabulous restaurants to chose from.

Go Gourmet! A retreat for 'foodies'!

Epitomising there's nothing nicer than sampling new fare! Some of our Look After Me hosts are 'self-confessed' foodies and would love to prepare a beautiful meal for you and your Mum/daughter. Or you could tag-team your gourmet fare, with a winery tour.

'Country Classic Cuisine' - Hastings, Hawke's Bay, from $125.

Epitomising the 'Look After Me' experience, Kay warmly invites you, your partner or a friend to share her beautiful semi-rural home. A lifestyle block with tennis court, swimming pool and luxurious home. Choice of two rooms offering a perfect retreat if you are coming to explore the wineries, walkways or cycle tracks - Kay loves cuisine and would be delighted to share meals and hospitality with you. Lifestyle, pure wholesome food, and stunning surroundings - it doesn't get better than this!

Go Garden! A retreat for gardeners!

If your Mum is crazy about her garden, imagine how she'd feel if you whisked her away (or if it's you that's mad about gardening, you strongly hinted that you'd love to be whisked away) to an absolutely fabulous garden retreat.

Here are a couple of our ideas:

Sandara Gardens, on the outskirts of Rotorua. From $75

Explore 4 acres of park-like gardens surrounded by restful countryside. With two beautiful guest rooms, one of them in 'lavendar themed' - and close to Waikite Valley Hotpools, this is a fabulous home-hosted experience. Your Mum will love chatting with John and Marion - very warm, social and engaging.

Maple Grove - Waipukurau, Hawke's Bay, from $130.

Tastefully renovated Character Homestead for up to six guests, offering your choice of three rooms. Maple Grove is set in three acres of beautiful gardens with maple, oak, totara, rimu and many flowering shrubs which add a colorful backdrop all year round. Tui, fantails and other native birds are regular guests.

The Reservation B&B in Gore, from $120

This Heartland Otago property is simply stunning, surrounded by 3 acres of gardens. Offering 3 guest rooms you can chose to join Mum for a memorable getaway she’ll relish for years to come. Priced from $120.

Go Deep - a retreat for peace and quiet

Okawa Bay Retreat, Rotorua, from $125.

Very 'mum friendly' - this perfect retreat is completely private and self-contained, located in the downstairs of a beautiful home, on the shores of Lake Rotoiti, Rotorua.  An absolute slice of a heaven for your busy Mum. A delicious meal upstairs with your welcoming hosts or casual dining at the nearby Okere Falls Café would round off the weekend off for Mum. Self-catered breakfast will ensure a sleep-in!

Starting from $125p.n. Meals additional and by arrangement.

Paradise Shores - Northland, from $150.

Get away from the city and chores; escape to Paradise Shores - our Wednesday Mother’s Day feature property. This modern executive home offering 3 luxury guest rooms is located in Ruakaka, an easy drive from the city and well worth the drive. Our hosts Rowan and Morgan are egger to share their love of the local history and culture. A delicious breakfast is included in the price (from $150) and evening meals can be arranged.

Go Gumboot - try a farmstay

Farmhouse Bed and Breakfast  Marlborough, From $55 per person

Get away from it all at this gorgeous farm cottage, explore nearby vineyards and rural New Zealand. Join Glennis and Stuart in their beautiful farmhouse setting between Nelson and Blenheim. Two well appointed rooms in a home with lovely rural views. Glennis will provide a cooked breakfast and an evening meal by arrangement. You can enjoy walking and cycling around the stunning countryside and enjoy the animals on this typical Kiwi farmstay.

Go gorgeous - our most exquisite property

Marina View Apartments in Gisborne, from $395

Fancy a waking to stunning sunrises, strolling to cafes, watching Marina life infold before your eyes from your covered balcony, well you can, visit Marina View Apartments in Gisborne for a relaxing treat away. This 7guest apartment with pool and secure car parking is priced from $395.