Eveline Harvey gets a buzz from sightseeing by helicopterThe helicopter: An Airbus H130. The darling of the helicopter tourism world, this single-engine craft has been designed with sightseeing in mind. The spacious cabin accommodates 7 people (including the pilot) and…

After driving the same route across the Southern Alps for more than 30 years, KiwiRail locomotive engineer Alfred Wilson still isn’t tired of the scenery.Alfred has been driving the TranzAlpine, which turns 30 in November, since its launch in 1987….

Alexander Bisley traverses the Mainland on the Tranzalpine route.“Has its moments. She’s a pretty good office,” the TranzAlpine train’s friendly driver Gary laughs. It’s a crystal-clear day and I’m upfront in the cab between Christchurch and Springfield. Ahead of us,…

After driving the same route across the Southern Alps for more than 30 years, KiwiRail locomotive engineer Alfred Wilson still isn’t tired of the scenery.Alfred has been driving the TranzAlpine, which turns 30 in November, since its launch in 1987….

Greta Umbers takes on the country’s most popular day hike.In the beginning there was darkness. Ranginui (Sky father) and Papatuanuku (Earth mother) held fast in a loving embrace so tight it kept their 70 sons smothered in a perpetual shadow….

Thrill-seekers are sorted in this playground, writes Shae McDonald.There’s something magical about shipwrecks. As a child I motored around Moreton Island’s famed wrecks in a dinghy, while my grandmother hung on for dear life, hoping I wouldn’t steer us into…

Jason Reeves checks into the Sudima Hotel, Rotorua.Getting there: A nice, easy, relaxing drive from Auckland via Matamata and the beautiful Fitzgerald Glade into Rotorua.Check-in experience: Fast, easy and very friendly.Room: 446.What’s in the neighbourhood? The Sudima is right by the…

Graeme Lay looks at sites related to Captain Cook that Kiwi history buffs should visitIt was Lieutenant James Cook RN who, from October 1769 until April 1770, put New Zealand on the map. Literally. Working mainly by running survey from…

Neil Porten and his teenage daughter, Orla, go black water rafting. Here are their accounts of the adventure.NEIL‘This year has been so wet it seemed pointless to spend another weekend swimming against the tide. Why not embrace it and just…

Whoever you’re going to Sydney with this summer, there’s much more than just beaches and shopping to keep you occupied, writes Jane Jurgens.3 things to do with the familyExplore Darling HarbourThere are enough options here to keep the whole family…