Lydia Jenkin drops the shops and experiences a Ladies' Weekend with a difference - caving, climbing and trekking in Tongariro National Park.

Paul Rush tackles foaming rapids on a six-day journey down the Whanganui River.

Cliff Taylor dodges missiles and fickle weather on the Tongariro Crossing.

A moonlit weekend gives Fraser Crichton an opportunity to find out more about Project Tongariro's high-tech Tongariro Alpine Crossing experience.

Only hours after Judy Bailey completed the Tongariro Crossing, the volcano awoke from its century-long slumber...

Interest in the Tongariro Alpine Crossing has gone "through the roof" since Mount Tongariro erupted on Monday night.

Locals have criticised the response to last night's Tongariro eruption as too slow but authorities have defended their procedures, saying they quickly established there was no immediate risk and put plans in place.

Rotoaira local David Bennett was concerned by the lack of communication between the authorities and National Park residents when Mt Tongariro erupted about 4km from his home last night.

Mt Tongariro is one of three major volcanos in the central North Island, sitting alongside mounts Ruapehu and Ngauruhoe.

Mt Tongariro erupted for the first time in over a century at 11.50pm on August 6, 2012, raining ash onto many Central North Island roads and homes.

News of Tongariro's eruption sparked a flurry of activity by Kiwis who have been awake into the early morning.

Edward Rooney discovers he could get used to the pleasures that come with being chairman of the board.

New Zealand's landscape is home to many active and dormant volcanoes.

Joanna Mathers finds plenty to keep her happy away from the slopes.