Star Lifestyle

A flying visit to Vietnam

Six flights, five cities and four hotels in eight days. Kate Preece dips her toes into a culture influenced by many, yet still very much its own entity.

A taste of Vietnam

From Saigon to Hanoi, the street food is extraordinary. But many restaurants will also leave you sated at $20 per head, writes Kate Preece.

Fine deer leather no longer 'viable'

Top bull . . . Highly-rated Connemara sire Hohepa. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Fine deer leather no longer 'viable'

A tougher international market place has led Timaru tannery, NZ Light Leathers of Washdyke, to phase out the manufacture of finished deer leather.

Redefining sustainable luxury

Rosie Herdman talks to Los Angeles-based Sophie Buhai about her new collection and redefining luxury in the fine jewellery sector.

Travels with my father

Pam Jones takes a trip through the Teviot Valley and down memory lane as she shares in a milestone birthday that reminds her of a simpler time.

Sarawak's rich river gateway

From a Kiwi perspective, it’s still an under-the-radar destination. Sarawak’s gateway city of Kuching is a quick hop from Singapore or Kuala Lumpur, loaded with heritage, culture and culinary...

The Routeburn Track spanning the Mt Aspiring and the Fiordland National Parks is one of the most popular Great Walks in New Zealand, writes Alina Suchanski, but few trampers take a diversion down the unmarked trail to the Valley of the Trolls.

Cabbage tree leaves: help, not hindrance

Cordyline australis. Photo: Christine O'Connor

Cabbage tree leaves: help, not hindrance

The root of a cabbage tree is sweeter than sugarcane. Its flowers are fragrant and bountiful and attract a vast array of birds and insects.

'Doryanthes' finally about to bloom

Doryanthes palmeri. Photo: Christine O'Connor

'Doryanthes' finally about to bloom

Patience is a virtue and one you will need when waiting for Doryanthes to flower. After 13 years, the wait is nearly over at Dunedin Botanic Garden.

To chit or not to chit?

Chitting potatoes - the process of laying seed potatoes out in a dry, airy place out of direct...

To chit or not to chit?

Depending on which spuds you like, sprouting them early may not be necessary, writes James Wong.

Hardy houseplants to handle hostile spaces

Monstera deliciosa. Photo: Peter McIntosh

Hardy houseplants to handle hostile spaces

Many people struggle to grow house plants, with extremes in temperature and light an issue.

Science-based diet

Science-based diet

As different diets get bandied about it is hard to work out what to believe, but now there are cookbooks out there based on the latest scientific knowledge.

Healthy recipes an instant hit

Bridget Davis was overweight, moody and having trouble sleeping - four months later she was 25kg lighter, had more energy, her skin was clear and she wanted to go out.

Healthy ways to help you deal with stress

Healthy ways to help you deal with stress

Deanna Copland shares a few tips to help you to develop better coping mechanisms when stressed.

Hokitika takes top toastie title

Joseph Walker with the Revell Street eatery's winning $10 'Detroit' toastie. Photo: Supplied

Hokitika takes top toastie title

The West Coast has been judged home to the country's best toastie after the Hokitika Sandwich Company won the inaugural Great New Zealand Toastie Takeover competition.