TRAVELRAGS

New Zealand

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CitiesAuckland7Queenstown6Waitomo3Christchurch2Fiordland National Park2Glenorchy2Te Anau2Ōamaru2
Digest

See. Waiheke Catch a ferry to this island for scenic views and activities. Rangitoto Take a ferry to this volcanic island for hiking and views. Maungawhau/Mt Eden Hike this volcano for 360-degree views of Auckland. Fiordland National Park Kayak waterfalls and cliffs in Piopiotahi/Milford Sound.

Eat. Ponsonby Rd Auckland street known for fine dining experiences. Auckland’s weekly markets Sample Pacific cuisine and local treats.

Stay. Pihopa Retreat Highly rated hotel by Condé Nast Traveler readers. Park Hyatt Auckland Top hotel choice for a luxurious stay in Auckland. Cordis, Auckland Another highly-rated hotel option in Auckland. Aro Hā Wellness Retreat A top destination spa resort for wellness.

Lonely PlanetOct 14, 2026

11 of The Best Things to Do in Auckland

From Waiheke ferries and volcano hikes to black-sand beaches and Māori culture, here are the 11 best things to do in Auckland, New Zealand.

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Lonely PlanetOct 7

Guide to Ōamaru and Waitaki on New Zealand's South Island

Everything you need to know for a break in this stunning and under-explored region of New Zealand.

25 things in this story
  • PoshtelHotelŌamaru, New ZealandDecorated with vintage décor, rooms are tastefully themed.
  • Ōamaru Steampunk FestivalFestivalŌamaru, New ZealandHeld in June, features teapot racing and parasol duelling.
  • Ōamaru’s Victorian Heritage CelebrationsFestivalŌamaru, New ZealandHeld annually in November with races, parade, and garden parties.
  • Victorian WardrobePlaceŌamaru, New ZealandOffers costume hire for Victorian garb, starting from $40.
  • Alps 2 Ocean Cycle TrailTrailŌamaru, New ZealandFollows historic routes through Alps, alongside lakes, takes 5 days.
  • Cycle JourneysPlaceŌamaru, New ZealandOffers bike hire and support for the Alps 2 Ocean trail.
  • Adventure South NZPlaceŌamaru, New ZealandOffers organized tours for exploring the Waitaki Valley.
  • Oamaru BackpackersHostelŌamaru, New ZealandHighly reviewed with a huge, light-filled lounge room.
  • Clos OstlerPlaceŌamaru, New ZealandVineyard with three private villas for accommodation.
  • Ahuriri ValleySightŌmarama, New ZealandHigh-alpine tussock landscape, offers fly fishing, horseback riding, hiking.
  • The Lindis LodgeHotelŌmarama, New ZealandLuxury complex blending into high-alpine tussocks, award-winning.
  • DOC hutHotelŌmarama, New ZealandBudget accommodation in Ahuriri Valley for $15/night.
  • Harbour StreetNeighborhoodŌamaru, New ZealandPreserved historic warehouses and offices from the late 19th century.
  • Steampunk HQArts centreŌamaru, New ZealandWarehouse-style museum devoted to steampunk with interactive displays.
  • Waitaki Valley Wine RegionPlaceŌamaru, New ZealandKnown for pinot gris and pinot noir, with about nine vineyards.
  • Valli WinesRestaurantKurow, New ZealandOffers a high-end tasting experience in Kurow's former post office.
  • River-T EstateRestaurantŌamaru, New ZealandSip wine while looking out on the vineyards.
  • Te Kano EstateRestaurantŌamaru, New ZealandHas plans to open its own cellar door.
  • Hot Tubs ŌmaramaAttractionŌmarama, New ZealandPrivate tubs for up to six people with mountain views.
  • Clay CliffsSightŌmarama, New ZealandSharp pinnacles and ridges formed 20 million years ago.
  • Whitestone Waitaki GeoparkSightDuntroon, New ZealandNetwork of sites showing ancient sea floor history with fossils.
  • Vanished WorldMuseumDuntroon, New ZealandFeatures displays on geology and fossils, with hands-on activities.
  • Benmore Peninsula WalkTrailBenmore, New ZealandShort hike with impressive views above Lake Benmore.
  • Friendly BaySightŌamaru, New Zealand
  • Ōamaru penguinsSightŌamaru, New Zealand
Read the full piece at Lonely Planet →

Condé Nast TravelerOct 6

15 Best Hotels in Australia and New Zealand 2026: Readers’ Choice Awards

Condé Nast Traveler readers rate their top hotels in Australia and New Zealand.

14 hotels in this story
  • The Ritz-Carlton, MelbourneHotelMelbourne, AustraliaExperience the gold standard of luxury at The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne.
  • Capella SydneyHotelSydney, AustraliaCapella Sydney: Luxury 5 star hotel with bespoke service, fine dining, and world-class amenities in the heart of Sydney.
  • Roki CollectionHotelUnknown, New ZealandLuxury meets adrenaline in Queenstown, the Southern Hemisphere’s adventure capital.
  • Shangri-La SydneyHotelSydney, AustraliaLocated in the Rocks overlooking views of Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, Shangri-La Sydney offers…
  • The Tasman, a Luxury Collection Hotel, HobartHotelHobart, AustraliaTake your pick of rooms in three buildings of starkly different eras in a first-of-its-kind Hobart hotel that matches…
  • Park Hyatt AucklandHotelAuckland, New ZealandThe 2021-opened Park Hyatt Auckland looms like a glass palace beside Waitematā Harbor in Wynyard Quarter, the docklands…
  • Cordis, AucklandHotelAuckland, New ZealandThe Cordis Hotel, Auckland is a luxury hotel in Auckland, New Zealand.
  • Emporium HotelHotelUnknown, AustraliaFrom the fantastically funky red lobby to the zebra-print ironing boards, every trait of the Emporium is by design.
  • The Langham, SydneyHotelSydney, AustraliaFive-star retreat The Langham, Sydney occupies a quiet spot in historic quarter The Rocks, within walking distance of…
  • The Ritz-Carlton, PerthHotelPerth, Australia
  • W MelbourneHotelMelbourne, Australia
  • Pihopa RetreatHotelUnknown, New Zealand
  • The LouiseHotelUnknown, Australia
  • Lancemore Lindenderry Red HillHotelRed Hill, Australia
Read the full piece at Condé Nast Traveler →

Condé Nast TravelerOct 6

Top 20 Destination Spa Resorts in the World 2026: Readers’ Choice Awards

Condé Nast Traveler readers rate their top destination spa resorts across the world—from Austria to India and beyond.

14 hotels in this storyRead the full piece at Condé Nast Traveler →

Condé Nast TravelerOct 6

The Best Spas in the US & Around the World: 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards

Your manual for planning that next adventure around a top-rated spa resort.

19 things in this storyRead the full piece at Condé Nast Traveler →

Lonely PlanetOct 4

10 Best Things to Do in New Zealand

From otherworldly national parks to inspirational Māori cultural experiences to world-class pinot noir, you

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Lonely PlanetOct 1

New Zealand on a Budget: 11 Money-Saving Tips

Affordable travel in New Zealand is possible – if you plan carefully.

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Condé Nast TravelerSep 26

The Most Beautiful Mountains in the World—for Climbing to the Top or Admiring From Afar

From Ecuador's snowcapped Cotopaxi to Malaysia's lush Kinabalu, the most beautiful mountains in the world offer dramatic landscapes, biodiverse climates, and something for every kind of curious visitor.

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Condé Nast TravelerSep 25

In Heart of the Beast, New Zealand's South Island Makes a Compelling Dupe for Alaska

The survival thriller doubles as a heartwarming animal flick about the bond between human and dog.

17 things in this story
  • Earnslaw BurnSightGlenorchy, New ZealandValley and glacier filmmakers flew a plane over
  • Mount EarnslawSightGlenorchy, New ZealandFilmmakers flew a plane over this mountain
  • Lake WakatipuSightQueenstown, New ZealandMassive lake surrounded by mountains and glaciers
  • Chinaman's BluffSightGlenorchy, New ZealandStood in for the field where James plays with Odin
  • Dart RiverSightGlenorchy, New ZealandUsed as the meadow's riverbank
  • Jordan Creek ForestSightParadise, New ZealandThick, wooded area where James encounters a fellow traveler
  • Lake SylvanSightFiordland National Park, New ZealandInaccessible area used for aerial plates of plane's route
  • Lake GunnSightFiordland National Park, New ZealandBeach used for the plane crash site
  • Invincible SnowfieldsSightQueenstown, New ZealandPrivate ski resort used for bear encounter
  • Earnslaw Burn's peakSightGlenorchy, New ZealandClimbed along the edge during trek
  • Routeburn RiverSightFiordland National Park, New ZealandIt is a short stony river that flows for some 15 kilometres into the Dart River / Te Awa Whakatipu in the South Island.
  • Routeburn ValleySightFiordland National Park, New ZealandTrek through forests and mountains
  • Arahura RiverSightHokitika, New ZealandIn 1846, Brunner and Heaphy sketched and described a Māori settlement they called Araura [sic] (Arahura).
  • Paradise TrustSightParadise, New ZealandOverlook, field, and road connected for vantage point scenes
  • Kumeū Film StudiosPlaceAuckland, New ZealandBacklot used for military flashback scenes
  • Queenstown HillSightQueenstown, New ZealandUsed for Blackhawk helicopter scenes
  • Poutini's GorgeSightArahura River, New Zealand
Read the full piece at Condé Nast Traveler →

Condé Nast TravelerSep 25

11 Airbnbs Around the World That Are Practically Floating on Water

From overwater bungalows in Washington to hilltop hideaways in Greece, these Airbnbs are the ultimate blue escapes.

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Lonely PlanetSep 21

The Ultimate Weekend in Dunedin and Ōamaru

Plan your long weekend exploring in and around the South Island towns of Dunedin and Ōamaru with this itinerary.

25 things in this story
  • Bell Hill ApartmentsHotelDunedin, New ZealandImmaculate with an impressive book collection and whisky decanter.
  • Chapel ApartmentsHotelDunedin, New ZealandHoused within a 1863-era church, the city's oldest.
  • Ebb DunedinHotelDunedin, New ZealandModern with clean lines, calming hues, and contemporary artwork.
  • 858 George Street MotelMotelDunedin, New ZealandAward-winning motel near the university, feels upmarket.
  • The Old ConfectioneryHotelŌamaru, New ZealandHistoric building transformed into luxury accommodations.
  • PoshtelHotelŌamaru, New Zealand16 themed rooms paying homage to NZ's South Island.
  • Robbie Burns statueSightDunedin, New ZealandStatue of Scottish poet in Dunedin's main plaza.
  • NobleRestaurantDunedin, New ZealandLight and airy cafe serving reinterpretations of breakfast classics.
  • WhittakersPlaceDunedin, New ZealandIconic New Zealand chocolate brand.
  • Dunedin Street Art TrailTrailDunedin, New ZealandMap to explore some of the city's best street art.
  • Dunedin's historic railway stationSightDunedin, New ZealandFilming location for Netflix's East of Eden adaptation.
  • Buster GreensCaféDunedin, New ZealandRestaurant on George Street for lunch.
  • Museum of Natural MysteryMuseumDunedin, New ZealandPrivate collection of oddities and curiosities in a Victorian villa.
  • Baldwin StSightDunedin, New ZealandSaid to be the world's steepest street.
  • Tunnel BeachSightDunedin, New ZealandSecret cove accessed by a hand-dug tunnel through limestone.
  • Ocho Chocolate FactoryPlaceDunedin, New ZealandFactory hosting tastings of chocolate with native ingredients.
  • Woof!CaféDunedin, New ZealandPopular student hang-out for pre-dinner drinks and specials.
  • The SwanRestaurantDunedin, New ZealandSlightly more upmarket bar for sharing plates.
  • PequeñoBarDunedin, New ZealandSpeakeasy-style bar with expert mixologists.
  • Commons EateryRestaurantDunedin, New ZealandServes black pudding and Doris Plum French toast.
  • Tales from Darkest DunedinPlaceDunedin, New ZealandGuided cemetery walks sharing stories of early Dunedin residents.
  • Otago PeninsulaMotelDunedin, New ZealandScenic farmland curving north parallel to Dunedin's coastline.
  • Larnach CastleSightDunedin, New ZealandBuilt in 1871, offers high tea and guided historical tours.
  • Pukekura/Taiaroa HeadSightDunedin, New ZealandMainland nesting colony for northern royal albatross.
  • Dunedin Craft DistillersRestaurantDunedin, New Zealand
Read the full piece at Lonely Planet →

Lonely PlanetSep 21

Top LGBTQ+ Destinations Around the World

Discover the most progressive, inclusive and accepting LGBTQ+ destinations around the world.

24 things in this story
  • Herring Cove BeachSightProvincetown, United StatesOfficial websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
  • West VillageNeighborhoodNew York City, United StatesSite of the 1969 Stonewall uprising, birthplace of the gay rights movement.
  • A-HousePlaceProvincetown, United StatesKnown for riotous parties in Provincetown.
  • SohoSuburbLondon, United KingdomLondon's West End epicenter of queer life and LGBTQ+ bars.
  • Admiral DuncanPubLondon, United KingdomGay pub in Soho, site of a 1999 bombing, now a symbol of resilience.
  • Karangahape RoadNeighborhoodAuckland, New ZealandAuckland's LGBTQ+ nightlife hub, also known as 'K Road'.
  • The EagleBarAuckland, New ZealandUnpretentious Auckland watering hole welcoming the LGBTQ+ community.
  • Family BarBarAuckland, New ZealandAuckland club with a dance floor and weekly drag shows.
  • Emiliano ZapataNeighborhoodPuerto Vallarta, MexicoPuerto Vallarta's queer nightlife center, also called Old Town.
  • Almar ResortHotelPuerto Vallarta, MexicoAn LGBTQ-exclusive hotel in Puerto Vallarta.
  • Mr FlamingoBarPuerto Vallarta, MexicoBeachy, indoor/outdoor spot for socializing in Puerto Vallarta.
  • Blondies Loft + SlushbarRestaurantPuerto Vallarta, MexicoComic book-inspired bar in Puerto Vallarta.
  • La NocheBarPuerto Vallarta, MexicoSleek and trendy bar in Puerto Vallarta.
  • Playa de los MuertosSightPuerto Vallarta, MexicoKnown as PV's 'gay beach'.
  • L'EixampleNeighborhoodBarcelona, SpainBarcelona's 'Gaixample', one of Europe's biggest LGBTQ+ boroughs.
  • Platja de la Mar BellaSightBarcelona, SpainBarcelona's premier gay beach, clothing-optional.
  • Arena ClassicRestaurantBarcelona, SpainPopular lesbian bar and staple in Barcelona.
  • Candy DarlingBarBarcelona, SpainWarhol-inspired club in Barcelona with nightly dancing.
  • Stonewall InnBarNew York City, United StatesSite of the 1969 uprising.
  • Hell's KitchenNeighborhoodNew York City, United StatesManhattan neighborhood packed with LGBTQ+-owned restaurants and bars.
  • Industry barBarNew York City, United StatesWildly popular nightlife spot in Hell's Kitchen.
  • Bear WeekFestivalProvincetown, United States
  • Girl SplashFestivalProvincetown, United States
  • TransWeekFestivalProvincetown, United States
Read the full piece at Lonely Planet →

Lonely PlanetSep 14

A Guide to New Zealand’s Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park

Everything you need to know about visiting Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park – when to go, how to get there and all the packing essentials.

10 things in this story
  • Hooker Valley TrackTrail10km out-and-back trail with views of Mueller Glacier and Aoraki/Mount Cook.
  • Haupapa/Tasman GlacierSightNew Zealand’s longest glacier, feeding Tasman Lake with calving icebergs.
  • Glacier ExplorersPlaceOffers a glacial boat tour on Tasman Lake among floating icebergs.
  • Glacier Kayaking TourPlaceKayak tour beneath the glacier-clad Southern Alps on Tasman Lake.
  • Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine CentreMuseumDiscover mountaineering legacy, climbing history, and Sir Edmund Hillary's adventures.
  • Sir Edmund Hillary Gallery CafeRestaurantCafe with spectacular alpine views through floor-to-ceiling windows.
  • Mueller Hut hikeTrailChallenging hike with stunning 360° alpine views, overnight stays recommended.
  • Mount OllivierSightIt is a peak in the Sealy Range, about 2.5 km (1.6 mi) west of Mount Cook Village.
  • Alpine GuidesPlaceOffers heli-skiing for experienced skiers and snowboarders in the Southern Alps.
  • Red Tarns TrackTrailSteep 4km return climb with sweeping valley views to Aoraki/Mount Cook.
Read the full piece at Lonely Planet →

Lonely PlanetSep 11

10 Best Places to Visit in September

The great shoulder season of travel promises prime conditions at big-name destinations – find your spot among the top 10 places to go in September.

22 things in this story
  • ÖlüdenizSightFethiye, Turkeytop choice for paragliding on the Turquoise Coast
  • PataraAttractionKaş, Turkeybirthplace of St Nicholas, combine sand with history
  • ÇıralıNeighborhoodKemer, Turkeyprotected area where sea turtles nest
  • Turquoise CoastNeighborhoodAntalya, TurkeyMediterranean shore, quieter in September with balmy water
  • KızkalesiAttractionErdemli, Turkeyseaside resort with beaches and a 12th-century castle
  • Etosha National ParkSightOkaukuejo, Namibiaexcellent for spotting big game at water sources
  • Kaieteur FallsSightGeorgetown, Guyanaplummets 226m into the depths of the rainforest
  • IwokramaPlaceGeorgetown, Guyanarainforest area with canopy walkway and wildlife
  • RupununiHotelLethem, Guyanaarea known for giant otters
  • Dadanawa RanchPlaceLethem, Guyanavast ranch known for cowboys
  • Dublin CastleAttractionDublin, Irelandcontains the Chester Beatty Library
  • Chester Beatty LibraryMuseumDublin, Irelandone of Europe's finest libraries
  • Dublin Fringe FestivalFestivalDublin, Irelandhundreds of arts performances during two weeks
  • Altai MountainsNeighborhoodUlgii, Mongolialocation for eagle hunting festivals
  • Altai Tavan Bogd National ParkSightUlgii, Mongoliaideal for hiking between waterfalls and lakes
  • Bay of FundySightSaint John, Canadasource of succulent scallops
  • Domaine de Grand PréRestaurantWolfville, CanadaFine Nova Scotia wines.
  • Benjamin BridgeRestaurantWolfville, Canadaproduces acclaimed fizz in the Gaspereau Valley
  • Cedar PrideSightAqaba, Jordanshipwreck dive site at 7-25m depth
  • Northern ExplorerPlaceAuckland, New Zealandscenic train connecting Auckland and Wellington
  • Coastal PacificPlacePicton, New Zealandscenic train tracing shoreline from Picton to Christchurch
  • TranzAlpinePlaceChristchurch, New Zealandscenic train crossing Canterbury Plains and Southern Alps
Read the full piece at Lonely Planet →

Condé Nast TravelerSep 3

The 17 Most Beautiful National Parks in the World, From Yellowstone to the Serengeti

These diverse landscapes serve as a beautiful reminder of why our planet is worth protecting.

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Condé Nast TravelerSep 1

Asanas at Sea? The Best Places for Yoga Around the World Are Also the Most Unconventional

From a rocky mountainside to the middle of the ocean, explore these singular places to practice your suryanamaskars.

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National GeographicAug 31

We Took Our Kid to the Ends of the Earth. Here’s What It Taught Us.

A travel writer who’s taken her son everywhere, from a Zambian safari at age four to Antarctica at seven, shares the lessons that actually hold up.

6 things in this storyRead the full piece at National Geographic →

Condé Nast TravelerAug 28

9 Hotels on Working Farms Where You Can Berry Pick, Hang Out With Animals, and Eat Fresh From the Field

Put your clogs on and become one with the land at these farm stays around the world.

14 things in this story
  • ThistlePlaceGardiner, United StatesExcellent spa with treatments using farm ingredients.
  • The NewtAttractionSomerset, United KingdomOffers harvest suppers, cider tastings, and composting workshops.
  • The Botanical RoomsRestaurantSomerset, United KingdomCombines greenhouse brightness with gentleman's club elegance.
  • Southall Farm & InnHotelFranklin, United StatesOffers special farm suppers and Sunday farmers market.
  • BabylonstorenHotelFranschhoek, South AfricaFeatures daily garden tours, wine tastings, and Soetmelksvlei experience.
  • SoetmelksvleiSightFranschhoek, South AfricaInteractive museum exhibit with craftspeople and farm activities.
  • Wildflower Farms, Auberge CollectionHotelGardiner, United StatesOffers take-home harvests, animal feedings, and apiary tours.
  • ClayRestaurantGardiner, United StatesProgressive New American restaurant using farm-supplied ingredients.
  • Rosewood Cape KidnappersHotelTe Awanga, New ZealandOffers bird watching, shepherding experience, and garden workshops.
  • Cape SanctuarySightTe Awanga, New ZealandNew Zealand's largest privately owned 'mainland island' conservation project.
  • São Lourenço do BarrocalHotelAlentejo, PortugalFeatures ethnobotanical walks, wool-to-yarn workshops, olive harvests.
  • Son Vell MenorcaHotelMenorca, SpainOffers farm-to-table dining, organic gardens, and horse rides.
  • El PretextoHotelCayey, Puerto RicoOffers long table dinners, cooking classes, and garden tours.
  • VermejoHotelRaton, United StatesOffers conservation efforts, bison expeditions, and greenhouse tours.
Read the full piece at Condé Nast Traveler →

Atlas ObscuraAug 17

15 Best Places to Experience Bioluminescence

The humble glow worm is, in fact, a catchall term for numerous glowing creatures, from gnat larvae to fire flys to algae, that can be found all over the world. These tiny critters illuminate the night through bioluminescence, a process in which light is emitted by internal chemical reactions. Bioluminescence has evolved independently in over 90 different species, first emerging some 540 million…

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Atlas ObscuraAug 7

Mirror Lakes in Te Anau, New Zealand

A great spot to take a short break and take in the reflected view of the Earl Mountains. Mirror Lakes is located about halfway between Te Anau and Milford Sound. This is an easy walk suited to all ages and accessible to wheelchairs, with a small boardwalk right next to the road and a 400 meter looped circuit. On a calm day, you can enjoy the beautiful reflections of the mountain scenery. Waterf…

1 sight in this story
  • Mirror LakesSightReflects the Earl Mountains, located between Te Anau and Milford Sound.
Read the full piece at Atlas Obscura →

Atlas ObscuraAug 4

Atlas Obscura’s Guide to Unique Romantic Getaways

You’ve decided to go somewhere together. Maybe you just got married and you’re planning a honeymoon. Maybe you’re marking a decade together with an anniversary trip that actually means something. Maybe you don’t need an occasion at all, save for a wish to get out of ordinary life for a while and remember why you chose each other. Everyone expects you to go somewhere with an overwater bungalow a…

22 things in this story
  • Saihō-jiPlace of worshipKyoto, JapanMoss Temple with over 120 varieties of moss carpeting garden.
  • Fushimi-Inari-TaishaSightKyoto, JapanShrine with thousands of vermillion torii gates up a mountain.
  • Fes el-BaliGuest houseFes, MoroccoWorld's largest car-free urban zone, unchanged since middle ages.
  • Bou Inania MadrasaAttractionFes, Morocco14th-century theological college with carved cedar ornamentation.
  • Chouara Leather TannerySightFes, MoroccoWatch leather dyed in vats from a rooftop terrace.
  • MellahNeighborhoodFes, MoroccoOld Jewish quarter with brass-workers in tiny ateliers.
  • Merenid TombsSightFes, MoroccoClimb above the city for evening views as call to prayer echoes.
  • Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts and CraftsMuseumFes, Morocco18th-century caravanserai with a rooftop café overlooking medina.
  • Mangapohue Natural BridgeTrailWaitomo, New ZealandMassive limestone arch over a stream with ancient oyster fossils.
  • Ruakuri Cave tourSightWaitomo, New ZealandLonger cave tour with spiral entrance and glowworm boat ride.
  • Philosopher’s PathTrailKyoto, JapanWalk along the canal in the early morning light.
  • Ōtoyo ShrinePlace of worshipKyoto, JapanSmall shrine protected by cat statues.
  • TawarayaRestaurantKyoto, JapanTraditional ryokan in Higashiyama with futons and kaiseki dinner.
  • Nishiki MarketMarketKyoto, JapanCovered shopping street known as 'Kyoto's Kitchen'.
  • Kurodani TempleSightKyoto, Japan12th-century Tendai temple where monks practice chanting.
  • TrælanípaTrailVágar, Faroe IslandsHike to see a lake that appears to float above the ocean.
  • EnnibergSightFugloy, Faroe IslandsHighest sea cliff in the Faroese islands, 270 meters above Atlantic.
  • Hotel FøroyarHotelTórshavn, Faroe IslandsHotel above Tórshavn with scenic views and turf roof.
  • Riad LaaroussaGuest houseFes, Morocco
  • Dar RoumanaGuest houseFes, Morocco
  • Te Tiro AccommodationHotelWaikato, New Zealand
  • Golden Ridge RetreatHotelWaikato, New Zealand
Read the full piece at Atlas Obscura →

Lonely PlanetAug 4

23 of the best destinations for fall travel in 2026

Fall smacks of leaf peeping, road tripping, the last bits of swimming and so much more. These destinations offer the best for fall travel across the globe.

20 things in this story
  • Fes el-BaliGuest houseFez, Moroccooldest section of the walled medina
  • ÖlüdenizSightFethiye, Turkeylagoon-side town great for paragliding
  • PataraAttractionKaş, Turkeytown with endless swathes of golden sand
  • ÇıralıNeighborhoodKemer, Turkeyprotected area where sea turtles nest
  • Nara ParkParkNara, Japanhome to over 1000 sika deer
  • Tōdai-jiMuseumNara, Japantemple with one of the largest bronze Buddha images
  • Alta Via 1TrailCortina d'Ampezzo, Italyclassic trek through the Dolomites
  • Lake TaupoSightTaupo, New Zealandarea with hot-spring complexes
  • Kerosene CreekSightRotorua, New Zealandwild-and-free thermal pool with hot waterfall
  • HobbitonSightMatamata, New Zealandfilm set
  • Waipoua ForestSightDargaville, New Zealandforest with towering kauri trees
  • Taos PuebloSightTaos, United States1000-year-old Native American site
  • Sangre de Cristos mountainsSightSanta Fe, United Statesmountain range in northern New Mexico
  • Albuquerque International Balloon FiestaFestivalAlbuquerque, United Statesiconic balloon festival
  • Bocas del ToroNeighborhoodBocas Town, Panamaarchipelago with beaches and watersports
  • Samburu National ReserveSightMaralal, Kenyareserve with kopje-studded plains and acacia hills
  • Maó (Mahón)NeighborhoodMaó, Spaincharismatic capital with Anglo-Spanish heritage
  • CiutadellaNeighborhoodCiutadella de Menorca, Spainformer chief settlement with Anglo-Spanish heritage
  • Camí de CavallsTrailMaó, Spain185km coastal circuit for hiking or biking
  • SeychellesNeighborhoodVictoria, Seychellesarchipelago with palm trees and white-sand beaches
Read the full piece at Lonely Planet →

National GeographicJul 11

10 "Great Walks" of New Zealand: Beaches, Forest, and Mountains By Foot

Whether you are looking for an hour-long hike or a multiday trek, these pristine trails will satisfy any level of adventure.

18 things in this story
  • Paparoa RangeTrailIt was the first New Zealand land seen by a European – Abel Tasman in 1642.
  • RouteburnTrailThe track can be done in either direction, starting on the Queenstown side of the Southern Alps, at the northern end of…
  • Milford TrackTrailForested mountains, stunning waterfalls, high rainfall
  • Sutherland FallsSightThe falls are located 13.5nm southwest of Chao Pass.
  • Abel TasmanViewpointAbel Janszoon Tasman was a Dutch seafarer and explorer, best known for his voyages of 1642 and 1644 in the service of…
  • Te AnauNeighborhoodIn Māori, Te-Anau means the Place of the Swirling Waters.
  • Whanganui National ParkSightEstablished in 1986, it covers an area of 742 km2 bordering the Whanganui River.
  • Whanganui JourneyTrailRiver trek, canoe or kayak through national park
  • Paparoa TrackTrailTraversed by hike or bike, offers panoramic views
  • Routeburn TrackTrailThe track can be done in either direction, starting on the Queenstown side of the Southern Alps, at the northern end of…
  • Rakiura TrackTrailLocated on Stewart Island, known for beaches and kiwis
  • Heaphy TrackTrailLongest Great Walk, winds through tussocks and palm forests
  • Abel Tasman Coast TrackTrailHugs dramatic coastline with boulder formations and beaches
  • Kepler TrackTrailThe track passes through many landscapes of the Fiordland National Park such as rocky mountain ridges, tall mossy…
  • Lake WaikaremoanaTrailFollows shoreline past remote beaches
  • Tongariro Northern CircuitTrailThe Tongariro Northern Circuit, one of the New Zealand Great Walks, offers a three- to four-day tramp through Tongariro…
  • Stewart IslandTrail
  • HeaphyTrail
Read the full piece at National Geographic →

National GeographicJul 7

In search of New Zealand's most mysterious penguin

The bush-dwelling penguins of New Zealand’s South Island offer Jamie Lafferty an insight into the species’ evolution and migration across the seas.

15 things in this story
  • Fiordland National ParkSightPark with myths, home to Tawaki penguins
  • Wilderness Lodge Lake MoerakiHotelOffers tours to secret beach via forest path
  • TawakiPlaceForest-dwelling penguin named after god of lightning
  • KeaPlaceAbout 48 cm (19 in) long, it is mostly olive-green, with brilliant orange under its wings, and has a large, narrow,…
  • KākāPlaceThe New Zealand kākā is a large species of parrot of the family Strigopidae found in New Zealand's native forests…
  • South IslandNeighborhoodWith a population of 1,256,700 as of June 2025, the South Island is home to 24% of New Zealand's 5.3 million…
  • kiwisHostelDunedin accommodation options at extremely affordable rates.
  • PacificSightSPP productions have scored major wins, taking home a Gold and a Bronze Tower at the annual Storytellers gala on…
  • MāoriPlace
  • KiwiPlace
  • Hine-nui-te-pōPlace
  • Gerry McSweeneyPlace
  • keasPlace
  • kākāsPlace
  • Fiordland penguinsPlace
Read the full piece at National Geographic →

The GuardianMay 9

Do look up: stargazing in New Zealand’s first dark sky community

It took 10 years for Naseby to achieve its DarkSky International certification. Now, a night out in the tiny Otago town is like ‘a tour through the history of the universe’ As the last strip of pink on the horizon fades to indigo on the Maniototo Plain in Otago, every word I speak arrives in a puff of condensation. Six hundred metres above sea level, in winter the temperature here can drop to -…

9 things in this storyRead the full piece at The Guardian →

OutsideApr 9

The Seven Wonders of the Trail Running World

These epic routes belong on every runner’s bucket list

15 things in this storyRead the full piece at Outside →

Atlas ObscuraFeb 3

National Transport & Toy Museum in Wanaka, New Zealand

A massive variety of cars, planes, fire engines, farm equipment, engines, household goods, and toys call this place home. While navigating the museum's property can sometimes feel like wandering through a series of overstuffed garages, the condition and diversity of everything present is impressive and utterly unique. It's impossible to describe everything that's here: cars spanning the Morris…

9 things in this storyRead the full piece at Atlas Obscura →

Condé Nast TravelerJan 31

Eight Seasons Into Bare Feet, Mickela Mallozzi Finds There's More of the World to Dance Through

The new season of the PBS travel show takes viewers to the beaches of Cuba, the mountains of Taiwan, and the heart of New Zealand’s Māori communities.

7 things in this story
  • Bare Feet with Mickela MallozziPlacePBS travel series about dance
  • PBSPlaceJoin Emmy® Award-winning travel host, producer and dancer Mickela Mallozzi.
  • Amazon PrimePlaceJoin Emmy Award-winning host and professional dancer Mickela Mallozzi on her travel adventures as she experiences the…
  • Like a CubanPlaceBoutique travel agency
  • HavanaNeighborhoodFeatures Chinese Cuban community history
  • BaladyRestaurantOffers food from Arab countries
  • Bay RidgeNeighborhood
Read the full piece at Condé Nast Traveler →

Condé Nast TravelerDec 15, 2025

The Gold List 2026: The Top Hotels and Resorts in Australia and Oceania

Our global editors across four continents share their favorite places to stay.

10 things in this storyRead the full piece at Condé Nast Traveler →

AfarNov 4, 2025

Onsen Soaks in Japan, Poutine in Canada, and Fondue in Switzerland—This Is Après-Ski Around the World

Après-ski is a French term that means “after ski(ing)”. The phrase was made popular in the Alps during the rise of commercial skiing in the 1950s, and today, après-ski is an umbrella term for popular ...

25 things in this story
  • Whistler VillageNeighborhoodWhistler, Canadawalkable, shoppable, and safely stumble-able après-ski scene
  • High West DistilleryPubPark City, United Stateslocated in Park City, home to the Sundance Film Festival
  • Badrutt’s Palace HotelHotelSt. Moritz, SwitzerlandFerraris are usually parked out front
  • MooserWirtPubSt. Anton, Austriacalls itself the "world's baddest" après bar
  • Kulm HotelHotelSt. Moritz, Switzerlandcredited as the birthplace of modern winter sports
  • Bus Stop BarBarGrindelwald, Switzerland1960s bus-turned-bar serving Gingerbombs
  • South TyrolNeighborhoodSan Cassiano, Italyvillage for some of the area's best restaurants and hotels
  • FergburgerFast foodQueenstown, New Zealandserves its namesake burger made from prime New Zealand beef
  • YonderCaféQueenstown, New Zealandcoffee-to-closing-time spot delivering live music and comedy
  • Minus 5º Ice BarSightQueenstown, New Zealandice bar where guests are fitted with warm gear
  • Cardrona Alpine Resort’s Vista BarRestaurantCardrona, New Zealandserves champagne and craft beer until 3:30 p.m.
  • Cardrona HotelHotelCardrona, New Zealand161-year-old hotel with a firepit scene
  • FreddiesRestaurantNiseko, Japanrowdy, American-style bar for shots and dancing on tables
  • Niseko TaproomRestaurantNiseko, Japancozy spot for craft beer
  • Hilton Niseko VillageHotelNiseko, Japanoffers an onsen for a Japanese après-ski experience
  • RakuichiRestaurantNiseko, Japanserves hearty soba noodles, advance reservations required
  • Bar Gyu+BarNiseko, Japandubbed 'the fridge door bar' for its unique entrance
  • Pickle Barrel nightclubPlaceKillington, United Statesraucous night out in Killington
  • Après LoungePlaceDeer Valley, United Stateswooden yurt housing at Montage Deer Valley for champagne and caviar
  • Hotel JeromeHotelAspen, United StatesIt is a brick structure built in the 1880s that is often described as one of the city's major landmarks, its "crown…
  • Mangy MooseRestaurantJackson Hole, United Stateslocal watering hole and live music hot spot since 1967
  • Azul Latin KitchenRestaurantSouth Lake Tahoe, United Statesoffers live music and margaritas in South Lake Tahoe
  • TōstRestaurantNorthstar, United Statesoffers après-ski champagne in the snow at Northstar
  • the Little NellHotelAspen, United States
  • the St. RegisHotelAspen, United States
Read the full piece at Afar →
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