Our Travel

A celebration of Marlborough in full spring bloom, Garden Marlborough is New Zealand’s premier garden event, taking place from 6–9 November 2025.

Coming together to laugh, train, push boundaries and learn new skills might sound like a challenge, but the journey to the start line is often the most cherished aspect for those taking part in this female-only adventure race. 

Sometimes the most advanced outdoor gear isn’t high tech at all, it’s the stuff nature made. Fiona Bretherton explores a changing shift in outdoor apparel that is not only fit for purpose, but looks good too. 

With uninterrupted vistas over the Canterbury Plains, across braided riverbeds and skywards to the peaks of the Southern Alps, RockRidge is untamed beauty just waiting to be explored. 

A proud Manawatū local and participant in the Manawatū Gardens Festival, Angela Wilson, alongside her husband Scott, owns the award-winning Cross Hills Gardens. She shares an insight into her slice of paradise and how to maximise your time in this magical part of Aotearoa.

In the heart of Fiordland, a remarkable journey of conservation and connection unfolds through Pure Salt Charters. Founded by Maria Kuster and her partner Seán Ellis, this unique social enterprise transforms maritime tourism into a powerful platform for environmental stewardship and personal discovery.

Some of Alley Miller’s best moments in life have been behind bars. Today she is behind the bars of a seriously high-performance machine and sometimes in the company of hundreds of other women riders.

Some people choose to go on holiday, while others take journeys that change something within them. Visiting Africa falls firmly in the latter. African travel specialists Warrick Davey and Chené Wales-Baillie of Kutwelo believe Africa connects you to something elemental, something we don’t often experience in this modern world. It’s wild, but also grounding, inviting you to slow down, listen, and feel part of something bigger than yourself.

Catching the ferry to Rawene from nearby Kohukohu offers the most enchanting approach to the charming township of Rawene.

Marking the shortest day and longest night of the year, winter solstice (21 June) symbolises the turning point towards light and renewal, inviting reflection and rest during the colder months – helping us to slow down.

Winter is our time to reconnect with awe and wonder. On the rugged Banks Peninsula coastline, Canterbury creatives Wendy and Alex Keir have used their talents to create a place for their guests to truly reconnect with what’s important.

Fondly referred to as Alex Keir’s ‘first wife’ by his wife Wendy, this much-loved Kingswood ute is a treasured heirloom, brought out for special occasions and sunny-day family escapades.

Growing up in Ōtautahi Christchurch before slowly creeping south over the last 20 years, Katherine Mitchell now calls Te Anau home, spending her days sharing adventures with others where the mountains meet the ocean.

Bri Woolnough’s 1986 BJ71 Toyota Land Cruiser has led to an abundance of adventures, a crash course in mechanics, and a whole new world of possibilities.

Settled amongst Martinborough’s sprawling vineyards and lush country gardens, Parehua Resort is the ultimate retreat to stay, relax, revitalise and explore.

For Bron Kemp, the heart of Tairāwhiti lies in the deep connection to culture and community which you can experience through storytelling, local boutiques and cuisine.

Been toying with the idea of a cruise? Travel broker Suzie Wilson provides some insider hints and tips to ensure you get it right.

Two remote islands in Fiji’s Yasawa group show measurable benefits from harnessing tourism’s economic power to restore a vulnerable marine environment and support an equally vulnerable local population.

Life on the Road

Growing up in Rotorua, Kirianna Poole always dreamed of seeing the world, and now her whole life is one big adventure on the road.

An Unforgettable trail

Glentanner Station has been in the Ivey family for generations, with tourism entering the picture in 1978. Business was booming until Covid hit, when Helen and Ross Ivey were forced to pivot. The result was the development of one of the most magnificent short walks New Zealand has seen. Words & Photos Sarah Horrocks.

Paradise Awaits in the Philippines

The Philippines is a nation of more than 7,000 tropical islands, a destination for trend-setting travellers from all around the world … but it seems New Zealand has missed the memo!

Central Otago is a destination for every time of year. We talk to Arrowtown-based architect Anna-Marie Chin about her top places to go when exploring this beautiful slice of Aotearoa.

With a passion for heading out locally and a love for quality picnic accessories, Susie Jamieson shares an insight into her top picks for exploring your backyard in style!

Nepal has no shortage of adventures. There are countless trails in the himal (mountains) or pahad (hills), some suited to hikers, trekkers and expeditioners while others are accessible to curious wanderers, offering a charming blend of natural beauty and cultural immersion.

Hospice South Canterbury provides those with a terminal illness special care and support on their end-of-life journey; while at the same time supporting the wider family. One of their major annual fundraisers is the Caroline Bay Rock & Hop. We talk to Kim Rogers to find out more about this incredible event.

A trip to Britain is always a history lesson. Here, we visit some special and varied gems – from historic houses to the charming city of York, an Arts and Crafts architectural masterpiece and a wee Fife fishing village. If you want to experience where a queen slept, walk ancient city walls, or ‘decipher’ the Second World War, read on …

A beautiful haven of peace, tranquillity and calm, Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa is a destination for those seeking stillness and a connection with culture. A Rotorua retreat awaiting to embrace you in its magic.

Kirianna and Lachlan Poole have built a successful life on the road, travelling the length of New Zealand, Australia and even Japan in their van – with three kids in tow! We get some expert advice on what different campsites in Aotearoa offer to set you up for your summertime adventures.

Travelling 300 days a year, Geoffrey Kent is a veritable expert on the world’s top travel destinations. Here are his top picks to visit …

Third-generation property developer Caroline Cooper-Dixon is a firm believer in finding what you love, and making a living from it. She talks to us about her journey, her learnings and her latest project – Rolleston Fields.

To celebrate our second wedding anniversary and taking our business to another level with the purchase of NZ Life & Leisure, my husband and I celebrated with a bucket-list adventure by going up.

Escape to paradise: Samanvaya Sidemen Resort offers a tranquil reset

Guests of this luxe Balinese resort are encouraged to fill their days with as much — or as little — as they please.

Hiking the Hexa: Footsteps through France

Hiking the Hexa is a tale of ups, downs and of going the distance... in one way or another.