The Kiwi who invented zorbing is disgusted with the extreme activity's latest death and claims it could severely damage New Zealand's reputation as the world's adventure capital.

The New Zealand inventors of zorbing have described the death of a father-of-two at a Russian ski resort as "very troubling".

President Vladimir Putin says a draft bill banning US adoptions of Russian children is a legitimate response to a new US law that calls for sanctions on Russians deemed to be human rights violators. But he has not committed to signing it.

Here are some of the world's key doomsday destinations and other places marked by fear and fascination.

Former NZ diplomat Warren Searell called Damascus home until the Arab spring made life far too dangerous. This is his story.

St Petersburg's main street is one long, fabulous distraction, writes Susan Buckland.

St Petersburg is full of treasure amassed by royalty, finds Susan Buckland.