There's plenty to do on and off a cruise ship, finds Shandelle Battersby, and the attentive staff make cruising even better.

A retired mechanic has modified his car so he can tuck it under his bed.

Paul Rush dives below Raglan's surface to sample its many shore-based attractions.

Liz Light explores Westport; a town that owes its prosperity to the earth's bounty.

A set of "absolutely disgusting" toilets at the entrance to one of New Zealand's best short walks has drawn complaints that they are a blight on tourism.

Handing Department of Conservation campgrounds to private companies to run will turn them into "canvas subdivisions", says Labour's tourism spokesman Kelvin Davis.

Authentic Kiwi baches where you can escape without leaving the city boundaries.

The historic harbour settlement and fishing town of Mangonui is a gem of a place to visit writes John Durrant.

Goat Island proves the perfect base for a a bit of fun on a summer's day out, finds Cate Foster.

Accommodation website wotif.com has released its list of New Zealand's top 20 travel destinations, based on domestic bookings online.

I am starting to think that in this case we do need a national policy on freedom camping, so campers and locals know exactly what the rules are.

They're almost as rare as hen's teeth, but Jim Eagles finally lands his shark tooth in the Chathams.

Tawharanui a Garden of Eden for rare natives.

Liz Light finds Tutukaka living up to the high expectations of it.

Greedy campers are rorting the Department of Conservation online booking system to give themselves more room.

Nzherald.co.nz is celebrating the best things about New Zealand. Today surfer Daniel Kereopa shares his favourite NZ beaches. What do you think?

Nzherald.co.nz is celebrating the best things about New Zealand. Today opera singer Simon O’Neill shares his favourite beaches. What do you think?

With a tent and an airbed packed into his Mercedes-Benz, Jurgen Karl Ahrens made the New Zealand outdoors his home.

When rhododendron and world music festivals are the main drawcards to Taranaki, you could be forgiven for thinking the region has traded its wild west coast image for an altogether more hippy vibe.

A still summer night seems like the perfect time to just lie on your back gazing at the stars.

It's hard to resist comparisons to the movies when you're on a ship like the Sore Larsen, writes Bronwyn Sell.

Who are we really fighting for access to our beaches? Herald journalist Yvonne Tahana and photographer Richard Robinson took to the road to find out...

James Russell rounds up a few water sports you may want to get your teeth into this summer...

Trams are expected to run on Auckland's waterfront by August in an $8m project which saw the first modest section of tracks laid this week.

What is your favourite New Zealand beach and why? Has it changed much over the years you have been visiting? Send us Your Views.

In whispers, Far North residents tell one another they have the best beach in the country on their doorstep.