Our Travel

A backcountry photographer captures the raw, natural beauty of New Zealand’s third largest island in his book, Rakiura.

There’s nothing quite like a mosey through Marlborough’s majestic sea-drowned valleys on a gloriously sunny day.

Where the World Stands Still

Nestled between Akaroa and the sprawling hills of the Banks Peninsula lies Big Sky, French Farm – a hosted eco-stay offering heart-stopping scenery and sublime gastronomy.

The creative endeavours — goldwork, jewelry and flax-derived lace — of three Antipodean artisans shine brightly at Uzbekistan’s new folk-art festival.

An ordinary bike ride turns into an extraordinary lesson on living in the present.

Land of Glowing Skies – Rakiura Stewart Island

Rakiura Stewart Island is the ideal place to visit if you’re looking for adventure, scenery and serenity. Just make sure you take time to appreciate the island’s lifestyle and all that it has to offer.

On the Ice – Staveley Ice Skating and Curling Rinks

Tucked away snug against beautiful native bush, sits the Staveley Ice Skating and Curling Rinks . Established in 1951 by locals, the ice-skating rink has grown to include a pavilion, extensive parking, toilet block, lighting and music. There are now three rinks: two for skating and one for curling.

South Westland is epic in size and majestically beautiful. It’s also one of only three places on earth where tectonic plates collide above sea level.

Camping-mad Kiwis hit the road in all seasons. Wānaka-based Jay Smith says snow and adventure lure him and his family into their 1979 Oxford caravan even in the depths of winter.

Northern Queensland is the stage for an adventurous road trip between coastal treasures, a World Heritage rainforest and the cultural and geological wonders of the dry interior.

A new arts trail, weaving through three neighbouring regions — Taranaki, Whanganui and the Manawatū — offers a cross-district road trip full of colour, characters and inspiration.

Life of Luxury in Queenstown – The Carlin

A new high-end hotel in Queenstown is poised to be the go-to for the discerning traveller.

Seeing is Believing – Fiordland

Fiordland is a place where ancient and modern cultures collide. Where rugged pioneers left an indelible mark. Whether you are up for Great Walks, taking a sunset cruise along Lake Te Anau, or enjoying some proper Southern hospitality, Fiordland is truly a place so incredible you have to see it to believe it.

How to save a small rural town from decades of gradual decline? A cadre of art-world book-loving heavy-hitters are making a difference in Featherston.

On the Rangitīkei stretch of SH1— from the Manawatū and southwest to Horowhenua’s Foxton — rivers, lakes, wetlands and beaches create a vibrant ecosystem well worth a visit.

Passers-by can’t help but smile as they spot the wacky, oversized and oh-so-wonderful town statues erected around the country.

A Magical Way to Travel

Covering 223 kilometres and traversing the width of the South Island from Christchurch to Greymouth, the TranzAlpine is travel like no other.

Connect with nature’s healing powers in spaces as spiritual as ancient churches when visiting the country’s many open-to-view gardens.

A photographer wanders through Albert Park near his inner-city home, wondering when travels further afield might be allowed, and begins to reflect on connections close at hand.

The Allure of Waimate

Glorious days spent lakeside, picnics in the park with family, cocktails in the sun with friends, exploring the great outdoors ... however you like to spend your time, the Waimate District has something to offer everyone.

Step back in time to summers past when crowds were scarce and it seemed the biggest problem was what flavour ice cream to choose.

Like a mighty sperm whale, which should never be appreciated only from the water’s surface, it pays to explore this charming seaside town at greater depth.

Once Discovered, Never Forgotten

A 20-minute boat ride from Picton is Lochmara Lodge, a must-visit resort destination with everything to offer.

When a gaggle of gardeners get together to make something happen, an entire district can reverberate with the result for years.

Glamping With a View

While camping may not be high on the agenda for everyone during a South Island winter, you don’t have to rough it to feel at one with nature, as we discover at Valley Views Glamping .

One of a Kind – The George Hotel

For over 30 years The George hotel has stood proudly on the edge of Hagley Park, providing a beautiful, boutique offering for accommodation, dining and events.

Springtime in Selwyn

Whether you are heading to Selwyn for a day trip, an overnight escape or a family adventure, this is an area bursting with hidden gems – especially now!

Natural minerals in geothermal springs around the country have therapeutic properties ‒ and keep toes toasty.

A Gem of a Town – Kurow

Kurow is a town worth taking time to explore, and for those who enjoy exploring New Zealand’s byways, Kurow’s neighbour, the Hakataramea Valley is detour-worthy, particularly if you drive over the Hakataramea Pass.

Hitting the Selwyn Slopes

Offering small field support with big field fun, there is much to discover on the ski fields of Selwyn.

Rats, stoats, kea — and vistas few get to see — Mark Orbell takes visitors to his favourite part of the country, showing off Wānaka’s wildlife, including some he hopes to find neither alive nor kicking.

Wine, Wilderness and Sunshine in Marlborough Sounds

Warm welcomes, world-class wines, midwinter Marlborough Sounds cruises and even a boutique book festival, all under splendid winter sunshine – Marlborough has everything you need for a wonderful winter holiday.

The planting layout of the country’s national arboretum, Eastwoodhill, near Gisborne, is undergoing a reshuffle to a 100-year plan.

A writer/photographer takes a walking tour of the country’s capital, stopping for swirling sculptures, naked models and extremely good cake.