Sometimes work is just work ... even on a beach, with beautiful people, and never-ending surf, writes Elisabeth Easther.

As Disney unveils plans for two huge Star Wars theme parks alongside its existing sites in Florida and California, here are some other travel options for fans.

Auckland is proud of its heritage, and the city is dotted with specialised museums, finds Sarah Ell.

Donna McIntyre masters the geek chic Segway for a fun spin around Waiheke Island.

Non-stop excitement for children of all ages is the hallmark of a Rotorua holiday.

With his backside almost touching the ground, Andrew Louis pretends he's a racing driver.

James Russell is amazed during a trip to Queenstown to discover that since he last grasped poles, Kiwi skifields have lifted their game higher than the Matterhorn.

From castles to quaint ski villages, here's our list of places around the world where you'll find communities that make the most of the colours of the rainbow.

Andrew Louis gets a taste of life as a superhero with the help of a water-propelled jet pack.

Michael Brown and his family test-drive some of the city's 21st century attractions.

Kelly Lynch outlines what's happening at the largest ski resorts around the country.

Giovanna Dell'orto achieves a long-held goal of conquering a three-day Grand Canyon trail.

Fiona Knight and family opt for the serene style of the Scandinavian ski scene.

If perfect ski snow is your passion this is the Japanese destination for you, but don't count on admiring the scenery, writes David Lewis.

Lions and cheetahs roar and hippos bellow while Michele Crawshaw and her son try to sleep just metres away.

Paul Charman spent last week in the Auckland Islands, where only a few people get to go. DOC, the Navy and universities send people down a few times a year, while a few specialist technicians preform tasks such as eradicating pests, or fixing-up heritage buildings. Common mortals seeking a sub-Antarctic adventure must shell-out for a ticket aboard one of the few eco-tourist boats which ply the Southern Ocean.

Rosalie France explores National Park without snow.

Catherine Smith checks out waterfront activities celebrating the Volvo Ocean Race.

Lace up your hiking boots and discover north-east Spain by foot. P.K. Stowers pays homage to Catalonia.

New cruise line's winning formula puts creatures before home comforts, write Anne Z Cooke and Steve Haggerty.

A snowmobile is an unwieldy beast, with handling a far cry from his 250cc motorbike, finds Andrew Louis.

In the adventure sports world, dangerous and unsafe have different meanings, writes Diana Balham.

The Motu Trails are a dream for nature lovers and suitable for first-timers and old hands.

Smiles, spinnakers and hangovers prevail in the world's friendliest yacht race, writes Ian Lloyd Neubauer.

Leah McLennan looks at what's big and what's new on the Otago skifields.

Ian Henderson relished the chance to venture beyond the world of safe, scheduled travel. His wife was not so sure...

Paul Abercrombie gets to grips with Venice's watery warrens during a once-in-a-lifetime rowing lesson.

Head over heels for NSW waves, Duncan Gillies feels the fear but does it anyway.

A bird's eye view is your reward when you take to the skies above Waiheke, discovers Helen van Berkel.