You don't have to go far to get up close with creatures great and small, discovers Bronwyn Sell.

Novice canoeist Diana Clement satisfies a long-held ambition to paddle the mighty Whanganui River - and all in one easy weekend.

Susan Edmunds takes to the water with a surf school - and manages to do without Piha Rescue.

A hands-on cooking school is a delight from paddock to plate, writes Alexia Santamaria.

Ancient forests and waterfalls are all part of a short trek through the Waitakeres, writes Danielle Wright.

A weekend in Tauranga has a wet theme for Sarah Lawrence who goes kayaking, to a seafood festival, looks for dolphins and visits hot pools.

Jim Eagles discovers even our threatened species in sanctuary are not afraid to fight for territorial advantage.

Liz Light visits Westland's kotuku colony.

Carolyn Bergquist enjoys a short break on Waiheke, so near to Auckland, yet so far.

Spending by tourists dropped to a five-year low in 2010, even as more people visited New Zealand, as the strong kiwi dollar sapped purchasing power.

Liz Light finds weka, seals and superb scenery at Cape Foulwind.

Shenagh Gleeson finds gorgeous beaches, fine art and good food on the northeastern Coromandel peninsula.

Make the most of fine late summer Sundays to explore Auckland's back yard and beyond.

A helicopter flight is the quickest way to get from crowded city to island vines, finds Danielle Wright.

For a day of fresh air and fun, golf can't be beat. Graham Hepburn visits Auckland's courses.

Jill Worrall revisits a childhood haunt that has also inspired authors and film makers.

The East Cape makes for a great family holiday, writes Alex Tully.

After digesting both sides of the debate, Jim Eagles believes there should be a uniform set of rules governing freedom camping.

Just 30 minutes west out of Auckland city and Alexia Santamaria was feeling like she'd left the stresses of the world well behind her.

There's a cold beer at the end of this tour, writes Victoria Clark.

Jacqui Madelin spots sheep and scores great views on a bike adventure in steep MacKenzie Country.

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

Strolling, floating, or cruising, here are some laid-back ways to make the most of the city.

Bream Head's stunning landscape is just hours from Auckland, writes Andrew Stone.

Bronwyn Sell enjoys a girls' weekend away with a difference - a walk and wine in the Coromandel's Kauaeranga Valley.

New Zealand has placed third in the Top Country category of UK magazine Wanderlust's Travel Awards.

Paul Lewis and Andrew Alderson pick some top spots to swing your clubs.

Scientists using underwater robots have discovered remnants of the Pink Terraces on the floor of Lake Rotomahana, near Rotorua.

Never mind Europe's easy weekend haunts, we have Waiheke Island, writes Kerri Jackson.

The biggest signing of the Treaty of Waitangi was in the Hokianga. Liz Light visits the site that will host an alternative Waitangi celebration next month.