He may not have reached the peak of Mt Ruapehu but Winston Aldworth had fun trying.

Tim Walker takes a wander around the ever-vibrant Japanese capital.

Described as 'your worst nightmare underground' the newest ride at UK theme park Alton Towers is the first to have been rated by the British Board of Film Classification.

Modena has never been a tourist destination before: the hope is that a new museum at the former home of Enzo Ferrari will change that, writes Matthew Bell.

Beneath the Catlins mist lurks a wilderness so ancient, it’s like taking a gigantic step back to the Jurassic period, writes Julia Shallcrass.

This cluster of tropical islands may be the ideal enclave for all things quietly romantic.

The island lives up to its reputation as one of the Gulf's most magical spots, finds Catherine Smith.

Dreaming of an international break? Here are some World Travel Awards-inspired ideas.

Jo Burzynska heads to Western Australia and uncovers some pleasant surprises in the vineyards of the Margaret River and beyond.

Diana Clement seeks out the best from Auckland's Waitemata, Kairapa and Manukau harbours.

Shandelle Battersby finds herself propelled into a world of outlandish decor.

Planning well in advance helps to introduce children to the delights of Europe, writes Josie McNaught.

Bath butlers, shoe removers and fire stokers: tiny Bhutan treats its visitors like members of its royal family, Leah McLennan writes.

Craig McClelland is left floating after a magical experience in Central Anatolia.

Heading to the beach for a few days' camping is no longer enough, according to survey.

Visiting the El Tatio geysers is best at first light - in the sub-zero chill, writes Anna Leask.

Fast-food, cycling and fishing tick all the boxes for Donna McIntyre and family in their bid for a weekend of action.

Chris Pritchard hitches a ride on Sydney's last remaining riverboat postal service.

The ruins of the Temple of Apollo at Delphi still hold a strange power, writes Jim Eagles.

An evil squire, infamous prison and dark tales lure Jim Eagles to Dartmoor.

A blindfolded tour in Portugal opens a new sensory world for Robin Esrock.

The Herald on Sunday's new columnist, TVNZ's new US correspondent Jack Tame, reports from New York.

In Japan on one day a year 20-year-olds pull out all the stops for a big, noisy, colourful public party, notes Ian D. Robinson.

David Hill revels in an aristocratic experience at London's ritzy Ritz.

A night walk in Waipoua Forest and surfing Hokianga Harbour's sand dunes create a thrilling weekend.

On California's Highway 1, Hollywood is never far away, finds Ewan McDonald.

Dynastic infighting left its mark at ancient Mycenae. Today, the brooding mood remains, writes Jim Eagles.

Kevin Pilley looks on as the super-fit rise to the occasion.

Whisking your loved one to one of these romantic retreats will impress.

Incredibly, most of the half-million tourists who visit this Indian Ocean nation annually miss out on exploring its cute capital.