While everyone's heard of Yosemite and Yellowstone National Parks, the United States has even more to offer when it comes to wildlife and nature.

Patience and speed are key to photographing African wildlife, learns Sarah Marshall.

On a girls' week in Fiji, Shandelle Battersby goes on a cultural safari in Sigatoka, via jetboat.

Quiet, warm, friendly, relaxing. There's no television or wi-fi in the bures. Just the sound of blissful quiet or the soothing melody of ocean waters gently lapping.

Even being woefully underprepared for a river rafting trip didn't stop me from enjoying the five hours spent floating down the tranquil upper portion of the Navua River in Fiji.

It's Seaweek - what better excuse to get out to some of NZ's top snorkelling spots?

Julia gives the all clear and we drop over the side, following the white mooring line down to the comms tower on top of the bridge.

The Rangitikei town of Mangaweka, gateway to the water, charms Elisabeth Easther.

There exists, somewhere, a photo of a certain Travel Editor scaling the side of the Beehive in about 1994.

A morning spent exploring the Reptile Park at Ti Point is like being in a life-sized, reptile-themed game of "Where's Wally?".

Glamping agency Canopy Camping Escapes has recently opened Highfield Forest Retreat near Kaihu, on the Kauri Coast.

A visit to the Zealong Tea Estate is all things tea, including tea-based cocktails and mocktails. Just don't ask for a coffee!

Ruakuri's Cave and inhabitants at Waitomo's caves is enough to stun the kids into uncharacteristic silence.

Kelly Lynch soaks up the old-world feeling in Waipu's ancient caves.

This summer Auckland Council celebrates 50 years of parks, with a Big Campout.

Their careers over, the kids flown, older people are joining the backpacker trail. Joanna Mathers reports.

Elisabeth Easther straps on her helmet, hops on a mountain bike and lets gravity take its course.

If you want to branch out from Woodhill or Riverhead, try some closer to town.

Kiwi tells of cruise ship helping refugees in rubber dinghy.

Taupo is a great playground for thrillseekers, finds Shandelle Battersby.

First-timers are full of the joys of spring on the slopes of Happy Valley, writes Dionne Christian.

Sarah Marshall becomes a jungle animal herself on a walking safari in Zambia.

Sometimes work is just work ... even on a beach, with beautiful people, and never-ending surf, writes Elisabeth Easther.

As Disney unveils plans for two huge Star Wars theme parks alongside its existing sites in Florida and California, here are some other travel options for fans.

Auckland is proud of its heritage, and the city is dotted with specialised museums, finds Sarah Ell.

Donna McIntyre masters the geek chic Segway for a fun spin around Waiheke Island.

Non-stop excitement for children of all ages is the hallmark of a Rotorua holiday.

With his backside almost touching the ground, Andrew Louis pretends he's a racing driver.