Heaven on earth
Having already spent a week on Rarotonga, Craig McLachlan decided to head to the tropical paradise of Aitutaki.
Life & Style
A return to island time
A return to island time
Craig McLachlan takes the third flight to Rarotonga after the Covid bubble opened, swapping chilly Queenstown temperatures for balmy Cook Island days.
New trails to explore at Cardrona
New trails to explore at Cardrona
Looking back on the surreal winter of 2020, Justine Tyerman gets excited about skiing new pistes in Wanaka this year.
Appy daze
Appy daze
Vaguely aware that her phone could be used for more than just selfies, Lisa Scott stumbled into the 21st century when she discovered something called an "app" while on holiday in Wellington.
Looking for adventure
45,500km of cycling tour from Arctic to Argentina
Adventurer Mark Watson has discovered the satisfaction of self-propelled long-distance journeys and is keen to complete unfinished business in South America. He talks to Marjorie Cook.
Wairarapa a gourmet's delight
Wairarapa a gourmet's delight
Wairarapa serves up the perfect pinot noir and has a foodie culture to match.
Islands of birds and unspoiled bush
Islands of birds and unspoiled bush
Lindy Davis visits Stewart Island and gets lost in its beauty.
A place above the plains
A place above the plains
Veteran Dunedin climber Pete Strang reflects on one of his favourite places, the Rock and Pillar Range, and efforts to resurrect Leaning Lodge Hut.
Short walks: Arrowtown
Short walks: Arrowtown
Gold was discovered in the Arrow River bed in 1862 by shearer Jack Tewa, and a shantytown was quickly established close to the river only to be washed away in a flood the following year.
Charismatic and compelling
Charismatic and compelling
Palmerston North has been unfairly scoffed at and derided by many a passing comedian. Mike Yardley was pleasantly surprised to explore a city groaning with eye-catching art and foodie finds.
A circuit beneath the Strath Taieri sky
A circuit beneath the Strath Taieri sky
Inland from Otago’s coast is a whole other world of rocks and barrenness. New Zealand’s only inland salt lake adds to the bizarre landscape. A walking track around it’s shores takes about an hour.
Bookings surge for Cook Islands after bubble announcement
Bookings surge for Cook Islands after bubble announcement
Kiwis are already rushing to snap up holiday packages and flights to the Cook Islands after a much-anticipated travel bubble was officially announced.
Taste of Central Otago by bike
Taste of Central Otago by bike
Dave and Pip Thomson are like kids waiting for Christmas.
Swapping in our new bubble
Swapping in our new bubble
‘‘Kiwiaussies’’ are celebrating on both sides of the Tasman as quarantine-free travel resumes between the two countries after an agonising 13-month pause, writes JustineTyerman.
Bike-packing trip a steep order
Bike-packing trip a steep order
Gravel gut-busters, pleasant valleys and one weird wallaby. For her first bike-packing trip, Lisa Scott attempts the Ti Kouka Traverse, a 195km South Canterbury route climbing into the Hunters Hills.
A piece of Africa across the Tasman
A piece of Africa across the Tasman
As New Zealand’s borders with Australia open up for quarantine-free travel, Sandip Hor recommends an Aussie holiday with an African flavour.
Spectacular scenery off the beaten track
Spectacular scenery off the beaten track
Often bypassed by busy visitors, this long valley running along the Waiau River from Te Anau to Tuatapere gives access to some of NZ's most impressive scenery.
Exploring a natural playground
Exploring a natural playground
Framing Manawatu’s eastern horizon, the towering spine of the Tararua and Ruahine ranges lord over the plains like a giant billboard for outdoor adventure, writes Mike Yardle.
Window on a harsh existence
Window on a harsh existence
Justine Tyerman revisits childhood haunts and learns the story behind the ruins where she used to play.
Peaceful walk at blue lagoon
Peaceful walk at blue lagoon
Half an hour’s drive from Dunedin is our own blue lagoon, Purakaunui Inlet.
