Sarah Lawrence tries to break the winter rut by kicking off training for the annual Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge.

Mick Webb finds plenty to engage him on a stroll around the northern Portuguese city of Guimaraes.

Geoff Cumming learns what the fuss is about at the Queen's home.

The much-loved tea-carrier Cutty Sark has never looked better, writes Pamela Wade.

Dunedin writer Neville Peat warns Olympic Games visitors to always keep a close eye on their valuables. It's sound advice for any traveller anywhere.

Nick Jenkins takes the soothing waters of the Széchenyi baths before embarking on a melancholy tour of the Hungarian capital.

Flip Byrnes visits some lesser-known gems in Paris and Provence.

Chief sports writer David Leggat picks four of the more distinctive places for visitors to follow the Olympics action.

More than 100 years of tradition could be nearing an end but the New Zealand Rugby Union are refusing to confirm or deny a report that a sponsor's logo could be emblazoned on the famous black jersey.

Simon Winter reaches Finisterre on Spain's west coast... and starts thinking about his next adventure.

A piece of history brought back from the depth leaves Graham Reid in awe.

William Cook takes a wander around Luxembourg's beguiling capital.

Steve Richards discovers an unexpected partiality for steep hill climbs on a Croatian cycling holiday.

When this unique slice of Swedish real estate came to market some 200 bidders wanted to get their hands on it.

For most visitors, a trip to Jersey, the most southerly of the British Isles, is all about the landscape.

A brutal 15th-century game is still played in Florence. Rob McFarland joins its fans.