A nervous kayaker, Cate Foster found herself loving her day out on the tranquil waters of the Puhoi River.

Exercise, fresh air and new perspectives await those who venture on to Auckland's off-road cycleways, writes Kirsten Warner.

Haydn Shore - life as a bike park manager

After watching all those yachts on the harbour this weekend you might be itching to get among them. Diana Clement had a go at learning how to sail.

Nature, wildife, culture, history, gorgeous food and a dose of adrenalin - Cate Foster takes advantage of the pleasures of the Bay of Islands.

A balloon flight gives Graham Reid a new perspective on the urban sprawl.

'An Idiot Abroad' featuring Karl Pilkington, Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant is perfect for travel show-loving 'Office' fans.

Milking cows, riding dirt bikes, sliding in the mud ... The Farm's charm proves irresistible to families, discovers Diana Clement.

It's true that AJ Hackett rules the air-waves when it comes to bungy jumps in New Zealand, with four locations.

Kiwi mum Jacqui Thomas has taken a year out to backpack round the world - with her 7-year-old daughter.

Glacier-walking's blend of beauty and adrenalin leaves Liz Light spellbound.

Powerstops and wild spins provide quick fun on the water, writes Jim Eagles.

Safety in the wild comes down to a few simple rules, writes Mountain Safety Council chief executive Darryl Carpenter.

"Kiwi birds don't fly" - they cycle, for 20 months, alone, on a cheap bike, through dangerous countries just to get home ...

A new book by Shane Boocock features the best of adventure tourism in Auckland.

Fresh air, exercise, great scenery and dinner potentially waiting on the line. Diana Clement goes kayak fishing.

Shelley Bridgeman and her daughter discover Harry Potter's world has been recreated in sunny Florida.

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 Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge is a mammoth event. Phil Taylor shares his experience.