Herald Online reporter Paul Harper is making his way around the South Island by rail.

Danielle Wright goes bush with medical herbalist Helen Elscot to preview the Waiheke Walking Festival.

Justine Tyerman takes on the Routeburn Track.

Danielle Wright introduces her city kids to farm animals and the rural way of life in the Kaipara district.

Herald Online reporter Paul Harper is making his way around the South Island by rail over the course of a fortnight.

A five-day tramp on the West Coast gives photographer Greg Bowker ample chances to capture some wild beauty.

Herald Online reporter Paul Harper is making his way around the South Island by rail over the course of a fortnight. Here are some of the highlights of his trip so far.

The Domain and Grafton Bridge bring back student memories for Cate Foster.

A ramble through forest near Ohakune is a pleasant diversion for the whole family, finds Libby Nicholson-Moon.

Walking a spectacular coastal section of Te Araroa is a special New Zealand experience, writes Jim Eagles.

Younger kids are bound to get a kick out of a rail ex+cursion, writes Alexia Santamaria.

A five-day tramp on the West Coast gave Herald photographer Greg Bowker a chance to capture some wild beauty.

Catherine Smith dines out on superb views and on a clifftop walk in Mangawhai.

Some short walk ideas for those holidaying in this beautiful coastal Bay of Plenty spot.

Treasures tucked away in vacant lots are highlights of a Wellington art walk, says Isaac Davison.

Pamela Wade discovers Kiwi colonial heroes on the Hollyford Track.

Bevan Hurley tackles the stunning Hump Ridge Track in remote western Southland by night.

Braving the dark and cold, Elisabeth Easther, goes on a caving adventure and discovers more than one reason why Waitomo rocks.

Packages with 'the comforts of home' on New Zealand's Great Walks are gaining popularity.

Pamela Wade zigzags her way around Milford Track's textured bush, bright prairies and breathtaking views.

Paul Rush tramps the Great Walk around the fabled 'Sea of Rippling Waters'.

After a hard day's hike, there's nothing better than a gourmet meal.

Rika Milne shares the Abel Tasman Coast Track with a fascinating array of other walkers.

Fraser Crichton joins a Project Tongariro field trip kayaking at Waimarino Wetland Reserve on Lake Taupo.

Catherine Smith discovers the culinary delights of Hawkes Bay, soon to be revealed in a 10-day festival.

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

Waterfalls, a tramline and an exhilarating climb up a near-vertical staircase are all part of a Sunday walk for Danielle Wright in the Waitakere Ranges.

A fly-walk venture enables Deborah Telford to get close to our native bird.

As a child, Judy Bailey spent almost every holiday in Taupo. She returned to the area to revisit childhood memories - and seek out new ones.