If you get into trouble overseas, don't expect the Government to send in a helicopter.

Kieran Nash visited Queenstown before last week's dumping of snow, and still found plenty to keep him thrilled and chilled.

Sue Baxalle and family enjoy an adrenalin-packed weekend with a few hairy moments.

Not all survive Central Asia's hostile Kyzylkum Desert, writes Jim Eagles.

It's never too early for your children to become social climbers, writes Alex Tully.

Kirsten Warner's cycle trip in Bali takes in a volcano, the mysterious 'cat fox' and kopi luwak.

Efforts are rewarded on a group kayaking trip by gorgeous sights and a hearty lunch. Andy Kenworthy joins in.

Even bad jokes and -25C gusts couldn't keep Kieran Nash off the slopes at Winter Park in Colorado.

An action-packed trip to Hong Kong and Vietnam offers contrasting cultural lessons for mum, dad and the kids, write Grant Bradley and Estelle Sarney.

Cate Foster gets on her bike and enjoys the trails of Woodhill Forest - and the refreshment waiting at the end of her journey.

Speedboat ride recreates a famous James Bond chase scene, writes Rebecca Barry Hill.

Julie Symons and her fiancé take to the air in magnificent flying machines.

Liz French paddles beneath the Whanganui River's Bridge to Nowhere.

The Ruapehu region is a great place to get on your bike.

Having fallen into disuse once rail made life easier, the Central Plateau's Old Coach Rd is now being utilised by cyclists. Diana Clement got on her bike.

Budding astronauts love Auckland's Stardome, writes Alex Tully.

Who is that masked travel writer? Robin Esrock and he's down for the count.

Overcoming her fears was easier than Joelle Thomson imagined in her wildest downhill nightmares, thanks to a top Auckland ski instructor.

Susan Larter ran into "difficulties" while on a supervised snorkelling expedition, say police.

When you've paid $200,000 for a seat on a galactic flight, the last thing you want is to be served a dud beer.

Maritime New Zealand has launched an inquiry into the Fullers GreatSights Bay of Islands vessel Excitor III after several passengers were injured, including one woman who had to spend 12 weeks in a body brace.

More interested in play than pinot? The Murray River is still for you, writes Rob McFarland.

There's heaps to enjoy on the Melbourne to Sydney touring route, writes Rob McFarland.

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

Bolivia's infamous Death Road is an unlikely must-do for bike-riding gringos, writes Grant Dyson.

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.

Trekking through the Altai Mountains on horseback is a unique experience, finds Ian D. Robinson.

The Discovery Channel's wonderboy of survivor shows, Bear Grylls, has been in New Zealand.

Jim Eagles discovers crazy heart-pumping, breath-taking thrills on historic rivers, mining tunnels and shafts on the West Coast.