Carolyn Bergquist enjoys a short break on Waiheke, so near to Auckland, yet so far.

There's a track for every ability on two wheels, and great scenery too.

Jim Eagles discovers crazy heart-pumping, breath-taking thrills on historic rivers, mining tunnels and shafts on the West Coast.

Spending by tourists dropped to a five-year low in 2010, even as more people visited New Zealand, as the strong kiwi dollar sapped purchasing power.

Liz Light finds weka, seals and superb scenery at Cape Foulwind.

Shenagh Gleeson finds gorgeous beaches, fine art and good food on the northeastern Coromandel peninsula.

Make the most of fine late summer Sundays to explore Auckland's back yard and beyond.

A helicopter flight is the quickest way to get from crowded city to island vines, finds Danielle Wright.

For a day of fresh air and fun, golf can't be beat. Graham Hepburn visits Auckland's courses.

After digesting both sides of the debate, Jim Eagles believes there should be a uniform set of rules governing freedom camping.

A Devonport company offers an unusual way to see the highlights, writes Susan Edmunds.

So-called freedom campers could soon face hefty fines for setting up camp in areas without adequate toilet facilities.

Just 30 minutes west out of Auckland city and Alexia Santamaria was feeling like she'd left the stresses of the world well behind her.

There's a cold beer at the end of this tour, writes Victoria Clark.

Jacqui Madelin spots sheep and scores great views on a bike adventure in steep MacKenzie Country.

A nervous kayaker, Cate Foster found herself loving her day out on the tranquil waters of the Puhoi River.

Strolling, floating, or cruising, here are some laid-back ways to make the most of the city.

Bream Head's stunning landscape is just hours from Auckland, writes Andrew Stone.

Paul Lewis and Andrew Alderson pick some top spots to swing your clubs.

Scientists using underwater robots have discovered remnants of the Pink Terraces on the floor of Lake Rotomahana, near Rotorua.

Never mind Europe's easy weekend haunts, we have Waiheke Island, writes Kerri Jackson.

The Auckland Anniversary Day regatta has always been a family affair for yachting legend Penny Whiting - while she was being born, her father was on the Waitemata Harbour racing in the very same regatta.

The biggest signing of the Treaty of Waitangi was in the Hokianga. Liz Light visits the site that will host an alternative Waitangi celebration next month.

Auckland has a plethora of activities to whet your appetite this long weekend.

Awhitu Lighthouse, on a beautiful peninsula on the south-western shores of the Manukau Harbour, has remarkable views of the coast.

Follow the wildlife to Tawharanui Regional Park near Matakana, New Zealand's first integrated open sanctuary. It's not just for the birds, as Danielle Wright discovers.

After watching all those yachts on the harbour this weekend you might be itching to get among them. Diana Clement had a go at learning how to sail.

Nature, wildife, culture, history, gorgeous food and a dose of adrenalin - Cate Foster takes advantage of the pleasures of the Bay of Islands.

X marks the spot for eager youngsters in our treasure trove of fossil shellfish and dinosaur bones, writes Alex Tully.

Peter Calder takes a break from creature comforts - and city slickers.