Cycling adventures show off the country's most exhilarating views, discovers Ellie Mitchell.

Detour through a town you always pass but never stop to visit, writes Elisabeth Easther.

Auckland, and Aucklanders, tend to get a lot of grief, but Rhonwyn Newson loves the City of Sails.

On a scenic flight in the south, Elizabeth Carlson gets into the pilot's seat.

A shelter of the steppes finds a place under the nikau, writes Monique Balvert-O'Connor.

Intrepid trampers or a bunch of softies? Pam Neville puts the case for guided walks.

Catherine Smith enjoys a city break in her hometown.

Winston Aldworth stays in a Mighty Deuce 2Y campervan in Waipara.

Pamela Wade finds the unspoiled beauty of New Zealand's southeast is wasted on some.

When you're sick of walking around the block or park with your kids, take them on a family tramping adventure and watch them come alive.

Elisabeth Easther followed her heart to Maungatautari in the hope that Sirocco, her kakapo friend, would recall their fleeting fling.

Bevan Hurley sees stars over millions of light years from one of only four dark-sky reserves on Earth, from Mt John Observatory, near Lake Tekapo.

Winston Aldworth overnights at a classic central city hotel.

Elisabeth Easther explores this picturesque town's rich history.

Earlier this year we sent Warriors fullback Sam Tomkins bungy jumping in Queenstown after asking readers for their tips on what he should do in New Zealand. Here are some of the other great suggestions that came in ...

In Wellington, bad weather means a chance to learn something, says Sharon Stephenson.

Eric Watson writes: Are there potentially a large number of Kiwis who feel aggrieved because our "most important" public holidays are Christian holy days?

Sarah Lang salivates over the delights to be found at Wellington on a Plate.

The road around Banks Peninsula is steeped in history, finds Wendy Dunlop.

Danielle Wright spends a rainy day in Waikato, in the company of the Incas' silent brothers — the llamas.

On the streets, in the parks and galleries, Auckland has a wealth of art treasures to seek out.

Tristram Clayton finds a warm welcome and cold craft beers at the foot of Mt Ruapehu.

Herald readers recommended a bunch of great Kiwi activities for Warriors fullback Sam Tomkins. We sent him to see the best of Queenstown with competition winner Dave Floyd.

Peter Feeney finds Dunedin is a supercity minus the sleaze.

Cold nights are lit up with fire breathers, tin lanterns and fluorescent faces, finds Catherine Smith.

Head to some of these local gems next time you're visiting the peninsula.

This old mining town is finding a new fortune in the beauty of its forests, writes Elisabeth Easther.

Paul Charman on the joys of a weekend driving around the Central Plateau.

In honour of Matariki, Danielle Wright rounds up activities that everyone can enjoy, from twilight bush walks to narrated waka sailings.

Drink in the gorgeous views on one of the many hikes, says Elisabeth Easther.