Paul Rush goes on a journey of discovery and draws on his survival skills to become a castaway.

Phoebe Falconer suggests a series of great summer holiday destinations within an hour's drive of downtown Auckland.

Visitors to the Coromandel say a $40 fine for freedom campers will do little to deter those who choose to doss down in beach carparks.

Lava caves, lava fields, pillars and tunnels are all part of Rangitoto's landscape.

The Tongariro Crossing seems to agree with energetic children a lot more than weary adults, finds Helen van Berkel.

Liz Light explores the quiet villages of the Kaipara Harbour.

Herald reporter Beck Vass explores Tongariro National Park, a World Heritage site.

Bored with flash hotels and lodges? Then plan to spend your holidays in a houseboat, or a teepee, or a barn.

Chocoholics rejoice, heaven has landed in the holiday destination of Mangawhai, a short drive from Auckland.

Pam Neville takes a different view of one of New Zealand's greatest beauty spots.

NZ's lush green pastures, snowy mountain peaks and clear lakes are turning the country into a "wedding photo tourism" hotspot.

Helen Van Berkel searches the Hauraki Gulf for those gentle giants - Bryde's whales

Campervanning with preschoolers is far more fun than it sounds, writes Steve Deane.

Herald Travel editor Jim Eagles on why a local vacation may turn out to be the most relaxing break you've ever had.

Timaru's Caroline Bay Carnival runs December 26 to January 10.

Paul Rush finds that a fun-filled family holiday around Taupo region can be enjoyed at minimal cost.

Australasian passport holders arriving in NZ now no longer need to be checked by a Customs official.

A leisurely ride through stunning Otago leads Joanna Sullivan to aesthetic heaven.

Jill Worrall makes the most of a rare clear West Coast morning with a flight over the Southern Alps.

Jill Worrall puts her new hip through its paces on a tour of Franz Josef Glacier.

When I find out we're going to be riding a 'trike', it's hard to stop my mind conjuring up images of a 3-wheeler kiddy toy.

A luxury lodge has finally opened in Pakiri after a storm of protest over its prominent position on the cliff top overlooking the iconic beach.

Once known as the Bath of the South, Te Aroha's charms are especially romantic.

The historic Kingston Flyer train, stations and railway line are being sold by receivers.

Monique Balvert O'Connor learns why thousands put cave rafting in their top 10.

Heather Ramsay rounds up the best of what's on around New Zealand.

Whale Watch Kaikoura has been named the supreme winner at this year's Responsible Tourism Awards in London.

Sue Baxalle finds out just how friendly the dolphins in Akaroa really are.