Liz Light drops into a big black hole where trusting the ropes on the way down is one thing - and climbing back up is another.

Tired of taking the kids to the usual big museums during the school holidays? Virgil Evetts discovers Auckland contains many smaller collections worth a visit.

The autumn school holidays have started, and Easter is next weekend - make the most of the last of the warm weather by going somewhere you've never been.

An historic home gives a feel for Marlborough's past, says Don Donovan.

Driving round the main Chatham island you see weka everywhere - in fact, they're a pest, writes Jim Eagles.

The dreams of two men called James meld to create a gift for the public. Liz Light reports.

With so much to see and do in Thames Libby Nicholson-Moon vows to return soon to take it all in.

Mid-term and looking for a rest from routine, Danielle Wright gathered up her family and their gumboots, and headed for the hills.

Napier's Ahuriri district offers history with its coffee, says Matthew Wright.

Auckland has been waiting many years for a public transport system with a transfer ticket.

Peter Calder heads west of Nelson and wonders what took him so long to get there.

Waitomo is world famous for its subterranean wonders but, as Anna Jones writes, there are plenty of treasures above ground too.

Diana Clement heads to Mangere Bridge for a day of cycling and fresh air in a lovely rural-type setting.

Ophir's elegant O'Connell bridge was built to last, says Don Donovan.

Matakauri Lodge offers royal treatment in a laidback setting, writes Michele Hewitson.

Think long weekend, think great escape. Megan Singleton recommends four getaway destinations.

Kirsten Warner is captivated by the beauty and mystery of Great Barrier Island.

In a secret spot, restricted to visitors, Jim Eagles marvels at the elegant, isolated beauty of NZ's only flock of endangered white heron.

Cate Foster and daughter circle the north in a weekend road trip that takes in food, history, craft and culture.

NZ's freshest designers set up camp in Dunedin's historic quarters, writes Catherine Smith.

Supporting tourism in Canterbury will help Christchurch get through bad times.

A mini-break to Great Barrier Island can combine luxury, solitude and adventure - as well as breathtaking scenery.

You don't have to go far to get up close with creatures great and small, discovers Bronwyn Sell.

Susan Edmunds takes to the water with a surf school - and manages to do without Piha Rescue.

Novice canoeist Diana Clement satisfies a long-held ambition to paddle the mighty Whanganui River - and all in one easy weekend.

A hands-on cooking school is a delight from paddock to plate, writes Alexia Santamaria.

Ancient forests and waterfalls are all part of a short trek through the Waitakeres, writes Danielle Wright.

A weekend in Tauranga has a wet theme for Sarah Lawrence who goes kayaking, to a seafood festival, looks for dolphins and visits hot pools.

Jim Eagles discovers even our threatened species in sanctuary are not afraid to fight for territorial advantage.

Liz Light visits Westland's kotuku colony.