Waitomo offers a surfeit of adrenalin-pumping action; glissading, slithering, squeezing and jumping into the pitch-black void of the subterranean labyrinth.

Hiking to a retracting ice river's face can be inspiring and nerve-racking.

Liz Light is left in no doubt about the passion of artists and artisans who pursue their dreams in this Northland seaside town.

Diana Clement wanders off a Wellington street and into New Zealand's tumultuous history at the National Archives.

A slow-paced bike tour lets you drink in the sights, says Margie Elley-Brown.

I thought the first of these books put out under the auspices of the AA, 101 Must-Dos for Kiwis, was great.

A recent addition to Queenstown's adventure activities, Ziptrek is a two-hour flying fox experience through the forest.

Ohau Ski Fields is a commercial field with a club feel, warm and friendly and totally unpretentious, writes Doug Sherring.

Horseplay at Wharekauhau is a breathtaking affair, says Diana Balham.

Tahi, once an old farm, is now a haven for endangered bird life, says Jim Eagles.

The Coromandel is promising cheap RWC accommodation rates that will undercut Auckland packages reaching into the thousands.

DoC restores an historic coal mine in the foothills of the Southern Alps as a heritage tourist attraction.

Once upon a time it seemed to me the Department of Conservation's basic aim was to lock up the vast areas under its control and throw away the key.

Paul Rush visits Queenstown and enjoys some mellow yellow adventures.

Grant Dyson gets to the bottom of the Waihi opencast mining operation.

Paul Rush takes a blissful stroll around Hamilton Gardens' glorious Paradise Collection.

Susan Buckland indulges in some fine food and wine at a stunning sculpture garden near Taupo.

They met "May-oris" wearing "butt flaps", posed with "horny beasts", and were confused about their geography.

Two rural and two seaside favourites make Paul Jobin's list of great North Island cafes.

Freedom camping could become anything but under proposals designed to stop tourists disrespecting their surroundings.

Milford serves up toil and pleasure in equal measure, writes Pamela Wade.

Cruise Invercargill by Harley and then thrive on the unexpected as you explore the diverse delights of Southland, writes Jacqui Madelin.

Nature's Wonders brings the Otago wildlife in close, writes Brett Atkinson.

Maritime Museum puts on a voyage of discovery, writes Chris Eagles.

Just down the Seabird Coast from where I have a bach is a long stretch of beach alongside which runs a well-worn vehicle track.

Great river town, super beach. Liz Light has free fun in Whakatane and Ohope.

A bid to set up a North Shore version of a Brazilian "love motel" has struck trouble after neighbouring businesses withdrew offers to hire out their carparking spaces on busy nights.

All is well until a salmon gobbles the hook, writes Sue Hoffart.

Jim Eagles rediscovers an era of highway robberies and religious battles.

Clearly there's something about train travel that exercises a particular charm over New Zealanders, writes Jim Eagles.