Chathams' history is as stirring as its winds, while the rugged shoreline of the bay looks like a place where dreams come to die, writes Jim Eagles.

In October the inaugural Bay of Islands Walking Weekend is happening. Here are some of the best walks on offer.

Mirages are not just seen in the desert, as Justine Tyerman discovers.

Josie Dale visits Macetown to recapture the atmosphere of the goldrush days.

The upside of living on the rim of fire is we have more than 100 natural hot springs in New Zealand, "gifts from the earth", so they say.

It's like a time-machine trip, writes Elisabeth Easther.

Danielle Wright experiences cross-country skiing at Wanaka.

Rangitoto reveals its mystique to Donna McIntyre.

Only minutes away in the Hauraki Gulf are plenty of sanctuaries for animals - and humans.

History was written here, writes Elisabeth Easther.

Justine Tyerman goes for a hoon up the Dart River.

Many of the landmarks of the fabled Dunedin Sound of the 1980s can be visited on a relatively short and intriguing walk.

Don Kavanagh falls in love with cross-country travel the way people used to do it.

Gore has more to offer than you may think, writes Elisabeth Easther.

Winston Aldworth suggests a one-day itinerary for seeing the City of Sails on a budget.

There are days and nights of plenty on a steamy weekend in New Zealand’s sunshine capital, writes Paul Rush.

Destinations Donna McIntyre has plenty to write home about after a weekend on the lake.

Paddle your way and around the City of Sails.

Elisabeth Easther finds a touch of Northland paradise.

The food on the Hauraki cycle trail was worth dismounting for, says Nadia Lim.

Liz Light visits Ruatahuna, deep in Te Urewera National Park.

Elisabeth Easther revisited her hometown for a refreshing outdoor experience.

Hamilton's river and gardens put you in the mood for wonderful walking It's a 45-minute walk around Hamilton Lake.

Hayden Donnell hops on a bicycle to explore the newest trails around Queenstown.

There are heart-stopping moments on a Rangitaiki River jet boat wave attack, writes Paul Rush.

Elisabeth Easther discovers good things in a small package.

Andy Pickering finds action and relaxation aplenty at Coromandel's Whitianga.

Donna McIntyre feels her fear of heights and does the Tongariro Crossing anyway.