Herald Online reporter Paul Harper is making his way around the South Island by rail over the course of a fortnight.

A five-day tramp on the West Coast gives photographer Greg Bowker ample chances to capture some wild beauty.

Herald Online reporter Paul Harper is making his way around the South Island by rail over the course of a fortnight. Here are some of the highlights of his trip so far.

The Domain and Grafton Bridge bring back student memories for Cate Foster.

A ramble through forest near Ohakune is a pleasant diversion for the whole family, finds Libby Nicholson-Moon.

Lydia Jenkin drops the shops and experiences a Ladies' Weekend with a difference - caving, climbing and trekking in Tongariro National Park.

Paul Rush tackles foaming rapids on a six-day journey down the Whanganui River.

Walking a spectacular coastal section of Te Araroa is a special New Zealand experience, writes Jim Eagles.

Younger kids are bound to get a kick out of a rail ex+cursion, writes Alexia Santamaria.

Some short walk ideas for those holidaying in this beautiful coastal Bay of Plenty spot.

Treasures tucked away in vacant lots are highlights of a Wellington art walk, says Isaac Davison.

Pamela Wade discovers Kiwi colonial heroes on the Hollyford Track.

Bevan Hurley tackles the stunning Hump Ridge Track in remote western Southland by night.

Braving the dark and cold, Elisabeth Easther, goes on a caving adventure and discovers more than one reason why Waitomo rocks.

Seeing Auckland through the eyes of The Visitors From Hawkes Bay. By Mark Story.

Cliff Taylor dodges missiles and fickle weather on the Tongariro Crossing.

Packages with 'the comforts of home' on New Zealand's Great Walks are gaining popularity.

Pamela Wade zigzags her way around Milford Track's textured bush, bright prairies and breathtaking views.

After a hard day's hike, there's nothing better than a gourmet meal.

Rika Milne shares the Abel Tasman Coast Track with a fascinating array of other walkers.

Fraser Crichton joins a Project Tongariro field trip kayaking at Waimarino Wetland Reserve on Lake Taupo.

Catherine Smith discovers the culinary delights of Hawkes Bay, soon to be revealed in a 10-day festival.

A moonlit weekend gives Fraser Crichton an opportunity to find out more about Project Tongariro's high-tech Tongariro Alpine Crossing experience.

Waterfalls, a tramline and an exhilarating climb up a near-vertical staircase are all part of a Sunday walk for Danielle Wright in the Waitakere Ranges.

A fly-walk venture enables Deborah Telford to get close to our native bird.

As a child, Judy Bailey spent almost every holiday in Taupo. She returned to the area to revisit childhood memories - and seek out new ones.

Danielle Wright takes her family on the bike trail less travelled through the Riverhead Forest, 30 minutes drive from Auckland city.

At Waihi Beach, Elisabeth Easther discovered that it is possible for the busy minded to unwind, if placed in the right hands.

Pamela Wade finds different ways to explore the quake-hit city as it once was, as it is... and as it will be.