Michael Burgess grapples with Outward Bound's tradition of testing mettle.

Great food and wine - and no rowdies - make the day for Sharon Lundy.

Fieldays is the highlight of the country calendar, as Helen Twose discovers.

Skiers will be praying for snow at Mt Ruapehu this week amid fears the Turoa ski area may not be able to open on Saturday as scheduled.

Alexia Santamaria finds that Whangarei is much more than just a rest stop.

John Parker gets a preview of a cycle trail that promises to be one of our finest.

Elizabeth Binning and her family encounter the great outdoors in the south.

Stewart Island is not completely predator free but compared with the mainland it is a paradise for our native birds, writes Jill Worrall.

A luxury New Zealand lodge has been judged as providing perfect service by an international travel magazine.

It's nearly time to get your skates on in the central city.

Don't let the cold weather keep you from the royal waves.

James Russell and some mates head to the 'Naki to hang 10 and tame the waves of the reefs.

Catherine Smith avoids her own garden by volunteering to help restore Rotoroa to a public green haven.

If you ever had any fear that birds dislike an urban environment, a walk through Epsom will dispel that notion.

Kauri are the kings of the New Zealand forest and these are some of the best places to see them ...

Danielle Wright and family take a tour bus to Cape Reinga and find themselves the main attraction.

Deb Faith bakes a picnic lunch and enjoys a gorgeous Anzac Day out.

Jim Eagles follows the footsteps of his colourful boyhood hero, Sir Francis Drake.

Little Barrier Island truly is New Zeland's last untouched natural sanctuary.

Great Barrier is regenerating after its destructive past, finds Cliff Taylor.

Dionne Christian is drawn to the charming characters of Hamilton Zoo.

Joanna Mathers uncovers disquieting stories of places where the former inhabitants just don't want to let go ...

Visiting Ruakuri Cave is a spiritual journey into a subterranean world where time stands still, writes Paul Rush.

Cycling enthusiast Catherine Smith is one of the first riders to try the Hauraki Rail Trail.

Jim Eagles is delighted to discover a hidden talent for carving.

Edward Rooney charts a course to the bottom of South Island and across to Australia on one of the busiest cruise ships afloat.

Great scenery and a dollop of sugary history; Liz Light takes an autumn walk in Chelsea Heritage Park.

There's plenty to do in Taupo for the whole family, writes Elisabeth Easther.

Estelle Sarney takes a Rotorua walk through history and a thermal field.

Jill Worrall takes a hike to one of her favourite South Island beaches.