Action-packed experiences in and on the water | Stuff.co.nz

Water sports

With its vast coastline stretching from sub-tropical to sub-Antarctic, its inland lakes and spectacular rivers, gulfs and fiords, sounds and islands, Aotearoa is defined by its relationship to the water. You don't have to travel far to make the most of these incredible watery playgrounds.

Discover Australia's 10 best dive destinations

Discover Australia's 10 best dive destinations

Seven reasons to go scuba diving in NZ

Seven reasons to go scuba diving in NZ

McCaws on tour: Richie and Gemma explore the Bay of Plenty

McCaws on tour: Richie and Gemma explore the Bay of Plenty

For this celebrity sports couple, a holiday isn’t a holiday unless it involves a generous dose of physical activity.

Marlborough Sounds: Exhilarating and enchanting

Marlborough Sounds: Exhilarating and enchanting

A marine paradise, a filigree of broad waterways separated by forested peninsulas and islands – and a world of wonders for wilderness lovers.

Three of the best surfing beaches

Three of the best surfing beaches

Surf’s up at three of the best breaks in New Zealand.

These mates paddled 332km. What they found was spectacular

These mates paddled 332km. What they found was spectacular

Surfer's injury nearly cost him an eye

Surfer's injury nearly cost him an eye

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Escape to the laid-back Cook Islands at Muri Beach Club Hotel

Lake Dunstan Cycle Trail Adventure

Enjoy Lake Views at Holiday Inn Queenstown Frankton Road

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NZ's most spectacular bike ride has just opened

NZ's most spectacular bike ride has just opened

Feeling drained? Here are the best escapes to recharge

Feeling drained? Here are the best escapes to recharge

A gloriously adrenaline-free weekend away in Taupō

A gloriously adrenaline-free weekend away in Taupō

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Tongariro: Why you should visit NZ's first National Park

Tongariro: Why you should visit NZ's first National Park

Born from the extremes of a still-active volcanic history, Tongariro National Park is a year-round adventurers' destination.

Sea meditation and a giant slide: Auckland's new floating day retreat

Sea meditation and a giant slide: Auckland's new floating day retreat

Expect to sweat as you explore hidden islands of the Hauraki Gulf on an 81-foot motor yacht. And to act like you're 10 years old again.

Inside NZ's hidden mountain hot springs

Inside NZ's hidden mountain hot springs

Tucked among the snow-capped Southern Alps is a hot spring heaven that won't remain off the radar for long.

Three of the best things to do in Murchison

Three of the best things to do in Murchison

This tiny town at the top of the South Island isn’t known as the white water capital of Aotearoa for nothing

Why you should consider getting a bird's-eye view of the America's Cup

Why you should consider getting a bird's-eye view of the America's Cup

On a sunny day, with the sea a glamorous turquoise and the boats looking balletic, your 40-minute flight will be a properly memorable experience.

Couple quit jobs and use house deposit savings to buy a boat

Couple quit jobs and use house deposit savings to buy a boat

They have almost no sailing experience, but their plan is to sail around New Zealand - and eventually, the world.

Cardboard boats, wakas and Pacific beats: Events to keep kids occupied this weekend

Cardboard boats, wakas and Pacific beats: Events to keep kids occupied this weekend

As the school holidays begin to wind down, probably much to the relief of some parents, here are five events to keep the little darlings entertained.

Voyaging on Gisborne's Waka Hourua

Voyaging on Gisborne's Waka Hourua

Kiwis have the opportunity to share a taste of our ancestors’ sailing experience.

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