Canyoning with AWOL Adventures pushes you out of your comfort zone.

This working station is an escape from modern life, says Sally Rae.

Meandering goats, cow bells and jaw-droppingly beautiful views bemuse Herald cartoonist Rod Emmerson in the Swiss Alps.

A haunted scream park in Franklin is not for the faint-hearted, writes Jacqueline Smith.

Diana Clement and a friend took two long weekends away from men and children to discover the tracks of Tongariro National Park.

There are many parts of Auckland worth exploring at sea level, discovers Kirsten Warner.

The courses run by Tree Adventures at Woodhill Forest can prove just as much of a fun challenge for adults as for kids. Kirsten Warner gave it a try.

Jill Worrall explores the region that was home to the legendary bushman and prospector.

Rotorua has a host of new activities, making it even more of a destination for a weekend away. Anna Jones investigates.

"Ashgabat", our guide Dima said slowly, choosing his words carefully between mouthfuls of steaming meat pie, "is paradise".

Fast boats, helicopter views and thundering water - the central plateau provides adrenalin galore, writes Beck Vass.

Saddle up with a friend, your partner, or the kids these holidays. Some of these facilities also offer school holiday camps.

Fifty-seven years after Sir Edmund Hillary scaled Everest, Kiwi sailor Graeme Kendall has knocked another bastard off.

Get your blood pumping with these adventurous activities in and around Auckland.

The power of Krakatoa is awe-inspiring, writes Michael Travers.

The 51st Traverse team are treated to overwhelming hospitality as they journey through Tajikistan, writes Rob Gray.

Annika Kirsten, 23, was one of nine people to die in the skydiving plane crash at Fox Glacier on September 4.

James Russell heads south to the Waikato and a property which offers a range of activities to get the blood pumping.

Ancient caves, deadly snakes and hungry crocs - Pamela Wade experienced it all during a trip to Queensland's Capricorn Coast.

Matt Crook reports on a smack-you-in-the-face adventure.

On a pool table at a Fox Glacier pub, a variety of drinks were arranged alongside the words "RIP Boys", as locals remembered their friends killed in Saturday's plane crash.

Geoff Thomas shares infectious enthusiasm and fishing tales from a neighbouring island.

An island holiday can be more than lying on a beach, discovers a culturally enriched, exhilarated and exfoliated Andrew Stone.

Joelle Thomson has a day of adventure in Auckland's west - all the while managing to stay clean and dry, despite the dreary weather.

Shelley Bridgeman sits in on an Auckland tour group to see what visitors learn about our city and to see it through a fresh pair of eyes.