Jaqueline Smith put her hand up for a swim in Kelly Tarlton's Shark Cage and was relieved it wasn't bitten off.

A rural bed and breakfast near Queenstown has been named the best accommodation of its type in the South Pacific.

Explorer Abel Tasman missed out on a wonderful park, writes Jim Eagles.

Find inspiration from classic books such as Dracula and Where the Wild Things Are.

Kerri Jackson takes a walk through Auckland's expansive botanic gardens and discovers more than flora and fauna.

Sue Baxalle's family try out a 4-berth campervan for size.

Tuatapere has created a unique walking track with a difference, says Andrew Stone.

Greg Dixon takes a day trip to a treasured island and meets a variety of indigenous inhabitants going about their daily rituals.

Jacqui Madelin delves into the historic Riverton coast.

A Taranaki businessman's proposal to give away a historic 10-bedroom lodge on the slopes of Mt Taranaki has drawn almost 300 submissions from New Zealand and overseas.

Pamela Wade walks the new Hillary Trail in the Waitakeres.

Herald photographer Sarah Ivey recalls a trip to Lake Ellery in the deep south.

Air New Zealand is to increase the number of direct flights between Australia and Queenstown this winter.

The family of Sir Edmund Hillary yesterday marked the second anniversary of his death by walking a rugged seaside hill track which bears his name.

In the third of our series, Alanah May Eriksen recalls her family's flight from a storm-battered camping ground.

It could be something in the water or maybe it's the clean country air - but for whatever reason, Opunake has produced more than its fair share of high-achieving New Zealanders.

Incidents of tourists hiking in rugged terrain in Jandals and running out of food while out camping have led to the development of a NZ outdoors code.

Couples getting intimate in hallways and swimming pools, forgotten sex toys and even a misplaced nun's habit feature in a shocking hotel chain survey.

The zoo provides a home and rehabilitation for at-risk animals as well as chances for visitors to interact with the animals every day.

Phoebe Falconer checks out another great summer holiday place within an hour's drive of downtown Auckland.

Paul Rush goes on a journey of discovery and draws on his survival skills to become a castaway.

Phoebe Falconer suggests a series of great summer holiday destinations within an hour's drive of downtown Auckland.

Visitors to the Coromandel say a $40 fine for freedom campers will do little to deter those who choose to doss down in beach carparks.

Lava caves, lava fields, pillars and tunnels are all part of Rangitoto's landscape.

The Tongariro Crossing seems to agree with energetic children a lot more than weary adults, finds Helen van Berkel.

Liz Light explores the quiet villages of the Kaipara Harbour.