The Best Reasons to Visit Both of New Zealand’s Main Islands
New Zealand consists of two main islands, the North Island and the South Island, and whether you call yourself a nature lover, adrenaline junkie, foodie, wine or culture aficionado, you’ll find reasons to visit both. North IslandWhile New Zealand’s North Island is the smaller of the two islands, it has more people and the country’s major cosmopolitan cities, including the capital, Wellington, as well as Auckland. New Zealand’s famous wine scene is ripe on the North Island, and you don’t even have...
Take a Walk on New Zealand's Wild Side on a Multi-Day 'Great Walk'
New Zealand is opening again to international visitors at the beginning of May, 2022, and for outdoor travel lovers, it couldn't come at a better time. 2022 marks the 30th year of the country’s ‘Great Walks.’‘Great Walks’ are ‘great’ three times over: ·They aren’t afternoon strolls. These are walks of epic proportions - a network of ten, multi-day walks across the north and south islands of New Zealand. ·They are about conservation as much as being active outdoors. The network of ‘Great...
Wish Away the Worst of 2020, Give Thanks, and Plant Hope - Tourism New Zealand's Forest Initiative
When the sun rises on the New Year, New Zealand’s location on the globe makes it the first country in the world to welcome 2021.To get next year started on the right foot for the whole planet, Tourism New Zealand is launching a holiday initiative that generates hope, turns the disappointments of this year into something positive, and launches on Giving Tuesday, December 1st.For the month of December, Tourism New Zealand will be planting a ‘Forest of Hope’ for 2021. 2020...
Lie Flat Beds in Economy Class? This Airline Says, "Yes, You Can!"
An airline has cracked the code to providing some of the same comforts for economy class passengers as their fellow passengers in costlier business and first-class enjoy.After three years in development, Air New Zealand has revealed the prototype of an innovation that could forever change the way you look at long haul travel – even in coach!They’re calling it the Economy Skynest, and it’s a groundbreaking concept. A ‘nest’ of six, full-length, lie-flat sleep pods stacked on top of each other...
This treehouse is only a ferry ride and short drive from Auckland but feels like a true escape
This treehouse is only a ferry ride and short drive from Auckland but feels like a true escape. Maybe it’s the native birdsong, an enchanting soundtrack even if you wouldn’t know a morepork from a kererū. Catch up on your reading, soak in the spring water hot tub, or have lunch at nearby Man O’ War Vineyards—just your everyday winery on the beach. Photo: @sapanatravels
If you think these plants look happy in this light, wait until you see what it does for humans
If you think these plants look happy in this light, wait until you see what it does for humans. Superhosts Matt and Ron turned their penthouse loft into a re-energizing urban oasis. Not that the surrounding area is a desert—sprawling Victoria Park is a block away. When you’re hungry, keep the blooming theme going at Scarecrow, a unique combination florist-café. Photo: @mrcigar
Superhost Erin’s cottage is one of the world’s first—and best—places to greet the new day
Superhost Erin’s cottage is one of the world’s first—and best—places to greet the new day. Even if you sleep through the sunrise, you’re surrounded by classic Kiwi beauty, from rolling farmland to the white sands of Wainui Beach. When the sun goes down, head into “Gizzy” for a bite and a movie on beanbag chairs at Dome Cinema and Bar. Photo: @hinterland.retreat
Far from the tourist crowds, Superhost Vicky’s house gives you front-row seats on Lake Wakatipu
Far from the tourist crowds, Superhost Vicky’s house gives you front-row seats on Lake Wakatipu. After a day of kayaking, walk into town and hunker down at The Bunker for creative Kiwi cuisine by the fire. Photo: @virus1119
Learn to Haka on the All Blacks' Rugby Team's Home Ground
It's one of the most famous – and fearsome – pre-game rituals in the world. One that you can now learn for yourself in one of the world's most storied stadiums.Any global sports fan has heard of New Zealand's fabled All Blacks rugby team. The All Blacks are not just heroes of the country's national sport; in spite of New Zealand's tiny size, the All Blacks are considered the greatest team in global rugby history. They are consistently ranked at the...