Activities & Itineraries

These are the best festivals hitting Aotearoa this summer. 

It's official—Onehunga is one of Auckland's most hip albeit underrated suburbs. Studded with historic buildings and delightful villas, this charming neighbourhood has really amped things up in recent years on the eating-out front, with a host of top-notch bars, restaurants and cafés coming to the fore.

Does your romance feel a little less shiny than you’d like it to be? Maybe life’s so hectic right now that you’re missing out on those magical moments with your special someone. A romantic getaway could be just what you need to reignite the flame and connect at a deeper level than ever before. 

Arts and culture capital of Aotearoa, Te Whanganui-a-Tara is packed with an epic lineup of things to do.

Let’s be honest, Mother Nature is one amazing lady. She’s the mastermind behind some of life’s finest things: beaches, waterfalls, mountains, forests…the list goes on. 

Walking is one of the best ways to make the most of the City of Sails. So grab some sturdy shoes, make use of the kauri dieback wash stations and get amongst the beautiful coastlines, stunning waterfalls, urban strolls and native bush.

As the saying goes, you can’t beat Wellington on a good day.

Escape on an island adventure to the majestic yet mysterious, Rakiura Stewart Island. 

A bunch of workshops have popped up all over Auckland with every kind of class imaginable.

Kiwi summers are incomplete without heading out to the wild exploring the beautiful nature the land has to offer. Read on to learn about the five spots in Hamilton to relax this summer. 

There are some excellent pet-friendly campgrounds scattered around New Zealand that are happy to welcome both you and your furry ones.

Whether you love getting amongst the arts or prefer to eat your way around town, Ōtautahi’s got something for you. Here are the best events happening in Christchurch in 2024.

Battling with guy ropes, losing pegs and trying to figure out where you should even position the damn thing makes tenting not a walk in the park. But never fear—fallouts and deflating air beds will become a thing of the past when you get your glamping pants on. 

It’s time to double-whammy that precious downtime the same way you “write minutes” for meetings that really could’ve been an email. Our trick? Hybrid venues and sleek multi-purpose experiences. Sure, cocktails and burgers are great, but paired with a raging film club or arcade game? That’s where the good stuff's at. 

This week, and every week henceforth, we encourage you to go beyond learning how to order your coffee in Māori in exchange for a free brew at work, and do something to create a lasting impact for yourself and te reo Māori.

Calling all snow homies, holiday heroes, music-mad, and just plain festy frothers—epic destination festival, Snow Machine is next week. And. You. Don’t. Want. To. Miss. Out. 

Father’s Day is just around the corner (1 September if you’re wondering) and while not all of us have a father we almost certainly all have someone who’s unabashedly cracked dad jokes with reckless abandon.

Summer, winter, autumn or spring, Queenstown is a beauty to behold.

Whether you want to enjoy a picnic alfresco, go for a walk, watch the sunrise or sunset or just get away from it all, here are the top suggestions for reconnecting with nature and filling your wellness cup.

Dig out your swimmers and wrangle your travel buddy, because we’ve done the digging and found a bunch of truly epic travel packages to Fiji this winter. 

A secluded collection of islands stretching across the western side of Fiji, the enchanting Yasawa Islands have a reputation for filling camera rolls with shots of sun-drenched sandy beaches and sparkling turquoise waters.

Here are eight epic day trips from Auckland for you to tick off one by one.

As the adage goes, if the zombie apocalypse comes after leg day, the ‘fittest’ will be the first ones to go. That said, when your survival odds rest on your ability to head for the hills (and actually make it there), it makes sense to put the leg work in today.

Here are 52 things to do in Auckland this winter that will (almost) distract you from missing summer.

Since jetting off to the tropics isn't even an option this summer, why not take some time to wander through the Abel Tasman and explore one of Aotearoa’s best landscapes. Grab your boots and your tramping buddy, and try out 10 of the best day tramps the Abel Tasman has to offer.

Want to challenge your taste buds? Read on as we shine a spotlight on dining in the dark. 

Commissioned by Auckland Transport, pockets of Māori mahi toi (art) are woven through the city centre. What starts as a functional project—say revamping infrastructure—becomes a powerful art project. 

We love wining and dining in Ponsonby at the best of times—but throw in some one-off creations, tasting menus, and special prices, and we really don’t need our arm further twisted. So grab your planner and round up your foodie friends, here are all the best events you need to devour this year at Eat Drink Love Ponsonby 2024:

Forget what you know about the Southern Lights. Aurora Australis? Please…we have something much more exciting for you! Come Queen’s Birthday weekend, Queenstown’s waterfront is set to transform into a magical forest wonderland, lit up with interactive light sculptures and illuminated art installations.

Ponsonby Central has long been renowned as a vibrant precinct. Its eclectic restaurants and bars serve up everything from Cambodian to Korean and feel-good American fare. 

At long last, women’s sport is taking centre stage and we are here. for. it. As we head into the cooler months, all eyes are on our Black Ferns and their highly-anticipated 2024 test calendar. 

Run clubs are gaining popularity and for good reason. Fitspo is dead—and real, authentic, cool breeze, crisp air, blood pumping, good-for-you activity is in. 

Piper-Heidsieck is throwing its support behind the Australian Open by hosting a sip-and-play pop-up at M Social in Auckland's Waterfront.

Need a hand navigating your local eats? We’ve teamed up with BNZ to ask local chef Kia Kanuta about his holy grail locations.

From turquoise-hued waters to secluded beaches and lakes where you can try your luck at fishing, here are our picks of the best camping spots in Tauranga and the surrounding areas. Don’t forget your tent and sunscreen—jandals optional.

Hello, holiday season! If you’re anything like us, you’re looking forward to some much-needed R&R, a decent dose of adventure, and, of course, delicious fare. Don’t fork out on tickets around the globe or find yourself stuck in holiday traffic, a refreshing summer getaway awaits you right here in Auckland.

If you’re looking to squash that nervous energy this year we’ve compiled five cat cafes around New Zealand so you can catch up on some much needed cuddles.

One of the best things about Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland is the fact that writing a list of the best beaches within a region is absolutely possible.

Summer is here and good times are just around the corner, which means it's the perfect time to switch off, uncover new places and rediscover beloved gems on a chilled-out staycation.

So, you’ve put up the tree, locked in the menu for the big day, and sorted an outfit for the work party. Wondering what else to add to your Christmas bucket list this year? If a series of holiday markets hosted by the city's premier shopping destination sounds like your cup of festive tea—then listen up.

So if you don’t know your drop kick from your dropout, don’t worry, you can still get some skin in the game.

Get your boots on, carbohydrates packed and bring a positive headspace because you’ll need it—here’s everything you need to know before tackling the summit of Mount Taranaki.

A town in the shadow of an incredible picture-perfect volcano, and with a mix of art and adventure on offer, New Plymouth makes for a great weekend getaway.

Invercargill may get a bad rap but once you start exploring this southern extreme of New Zealand, you soon realise just how much there is to love. 

Friends are great. Always there to listen and advise, help you pick out killer outfits and approve romantic partners.

Explore the volcanic heart of the Tongariro National Park on an epic one-day tramping adventure.

Explore the volcanic heart of the Tongariro National Park on an epic three to four-day tramping adventure.

We want to help you live the dream in WA, so we asked the passionate locals who call it home to share all their must-visit experiences across this stunning state. Dive into our guides to the best places to play, eat and stay, steeped with local knowledge and all the tools you need to plan the trip of a lifetime.

We’ve got the buzz on the best luxury hotels around the country, so you can be drinking champagne in a spa pool as soon as physically possible. Start packing those bags.

When the mercury rises, post-hibernation spring soirées begin to sprout—and we're here for it. To celebrate, we've teamed up with Johnnie Walker Scotch Whisky to help you craft a few new cocktails and knock the socks off your next event. 

There’s nothing better than strolling through a buzzing market with a coffee in-hand and a basket jam-packed with fresh produce and quirky finds. Total bliss, right?

The FIFA Women’s World Cup has kicked off in New Zealand. Held every four years, the event showcases talent from 32 countries—making it the largest women’s sporting event in the world. 

Quirky urban cool, natural wonders, arty happenings and more than a few places to quench your thirst, Dunedin is full of contrasts and curiosities.

Take yourself on a journey of unparalleled luxury and gastronomic delight. 

Could Devonport be Auckland's most charming suburb? Its old-fashioned villas, picturesque gardens and character buildings are straight out of a storybook, while it also happens to be located right beside the sea and beneath the watchful eye of not one, but two volcanic mountains. 

Matariki a.k.a. Māori New Year is just around the corner (Friday 14 July to be exact). A time of reflection and new beginnings, Tāmaki Makaurau is busting out all the stops with a treasure trove of ways to celebrate.

If you’re anything like us, your resolution to get fit may seem like an uphill battle—literally. But here in the City of Sails, we’re lucky enough to be sitting on a whopping 53 volcanoes, and they all offer striking views of our wonderful city. 

Rid yourself of life's stresses at this tranquil oasis. 

Want to experience a ‘true’ winter this year? Luckily you don’t have to venture far to experience the gleeful joy of gliding on ice.

Ōtautahi is an absolute gem of a city—there’s not a lot it doesn’t have. Beaches? Yes. Arts and culture? Absolutely. Outdoor excursions? You bet. A bunch more fun stuff? By the bucket load! So go get out there and explore it with our list of 50 of the best things to do in Christchurch. 

To make running even more of a breeze for you,  we’ve also put together a list of the best accessories to help take your running game to the next level—from head to toe.

The Queen Charlotte Track is a three-to-five-day tramping and mountain biking track that traverses the beautiful Marlborough Sounds.

There are few places more scenic than New Zealand’s rugged coastlines, crystal-clear lakes and luscious forests—and there’s no more peaceful time of day to enjoy them than first thing in the morning before the droves of crowds and tourists soak up all the serenity.

If you’ve got kids in tow, Wynyard Quarter has a multitude of experiences the whole family can enjoy. Whether it’s scoping out the hottest playgrounds, getting cultured with diverse artworks, or enjoying a leisurely weekend picnic, there’s plenty to see and do.

You’ll be surprised at how far you can go without your own four wheels. Here's a list of trips from Auckland you can take when you don’t have a car

A hub for arts and culture, Nelson isn’t short on delicious cafes, eateries and breweries either.

If you’re in the mood for a little (or a lot of) amazing animal action, we’ve got you covered. Here are 15 of the most amazing places to see animals in Auckland. 

Did you think Auckland’s impressive lineup of events was winding down as we farewelled the summer sun? Turns out that was just the opening act.

If you need a weekend escape, the most vibrant eateries, best experiences and luxury stays are all just a beat away in the heart of central Auckland. 

The Bay of Plenty boasts some of the best sun, sea and sand that New Zealand has to offer. Tucked away along the coveted coastline is Tauranga, home to the iconic Mauao volcano and dreamy Mount Maunganui beach. Affectionately termed “the Mount” by locals, this seaside gem offers watersports for the adventurous, festivals for the free-spirited and mouth-watering eats for the foodies.

Let’s face it, us Kiwis are an intrepid bunch. We love travelling to the far corners of Mother Earth in search of beauty and adventure. But the grass is not always greener—New Zealand is filled with natural wonders that will take your breath away.

New Zealand is renowned for its stunning scenery, natural beauty, wondrous escapes and being one of the best places to look at the Southern Lights.

Found: A cringe-free, wholesome and fun Valentine’s Day date idea they'll actually love. 

With the region booming, there are loads of killer hospo jobs on offer in this beautiful part of the world, too. Still not convinced? Read on to find out why we reckon you should consider a seachange to Perth to score a great job and lifestyle at once.

We're spilling our secrets on all the best tours you need to get amongst to make the most of your time in Auckland. 

The countdown to Christmas is officially on, and we've found the ultimate spot for all your gift giving this season. 

Give your loved one an adventurous experience this Christmas. The thoughtful gesture allows them to try something new, create a new memory, and—the best part—explore this incredible country of ours. 

We’ve rounded up all the best things to do in the Coromandel this summer. Consider it your summer bucket list.

Between free bottomless popcorn, in-film snack deliveries and a Tarantino-approved space, we’ve found the very best of Auckland’s bustling boutique cinema scene. 

With three new flavours to choose from, the Magnum crew have taken your favourite classic flavours and worked them, flipped them and reversed them to create supercharged remixes you need to try.

Ready to get adventuring? Here are the best free camping spots in New Zealand.

Celebrate New Zealand's playground of secluded beaches, vibrant festivals, rewarding hikes, and some of the world’s best vistas with a refreshing Ultra Low Car Steinglager. 

What’s up, long weekend? Big thanks for gracing us with your presence—it’s been a while. There’s no better way to welcome three days of no work than with a cheeky roadie. Lucky for us Aucklanders, some seriously beautiful spots are just a couple of hours drive away.

Activate relaxation mode. 

Dubbed The Tron, Hamilton is a vibrant city with countless experiences to uncover. From adventurous activities and epic eats to natural wonders and zen retreats, there’s something for locals and visitors alike. Here are all the best things to do in Hamilton.

Whoever said romance was dead has obviously never visited Christchurch. From delightful pastries and gelato to share to gorgeous accommodation options and everything in between, we’ve done the research and found the most romantic things to do in Christchurch.

Everyone who’s anyone knows New Zealand will deliver when it comes to walking tracks and the heart of Canterbury is certainly no exception. From your 30-minute morning run before work to a Sunday spent adventuring the outdoors, Christchurch has it all. With spectacular views and plenty to get the blood pumping, we’re here to share the best walking tracks and trails of our suitably titled Garden City.

Whether you're a total novice or expert-level skier, Queenstown has you covered for an epic ski season. This winter wonderland ticks all of the boxes, from gear hire to transportation, lessons and the all-important après-ski scene. 

Whether you’re planning the ultimate staff do, a creative girls' night out, or your little one’s birthday bash, bowling is a time-tested way to get a party started.

The chilly weather brings the perfect excuse to hunker down at Auckland’s vibrant restaurants, bars and eateries while seeking comfort in innovative dishes and drinks. 

adidas is inviting runners of all levels to crush the kilometres to help end plastic waste in our oceans. 

There's nothing we love more than scoping out the latest creative displays. Plus, when it's paired with the chance to pick up epic prizes, you can count us in. 

Is there anything more calming than falling leaves in autumn? Yes, they’re technically dead leafy corpses but they’re still Insta-worthy AF.

Each year, countries all around the world unite together for Earth Hour, one of the largest global movements where millions of people pledge to become more earth-conscious by partaking in an electricity-free hour. On 26 March at 8:30pm we’re turning off the lights, the electricity and even our phones (you can do it!) for one hour all in the name of sustainability. 

Here are eight of the best things to do in the South Island this summer.

If there’s one thing we love about summer, it’s the stacked social cal. And after this year, throwing on your party threads never felt so good. Whether it’s balmy beachside picnics, classy evening soirées or just a good old festive dinner—summer is where the socialising is at.   

Sometimes things get a little tight…the washing machine breaks down the same week as the car does, and then the dog gets sick. And, let’s face it, as much as we love the City of Sails, it’s bloody expensive to live here. But this doesn’t mean you need to be bored—with a little creativity and a whole lot of thriftiness, we’ve found the best free things to do in Auckland. You’re welcome.

If you haven’t heard of Rotoroa Island, you better catch up, stat, because you’re definitely missing out.

We sought the help of some of our favourite travel bloggers to clue us in on the places that don’t get the love they deserve and boy, did they deliver.

Artweek is just around the corner and 2020 marks a massive ten years for the week-long festival. Once again, it's time to celebrate all the dynamic, abstract and awe-inspiring pieces right here in the City of Sails. We’ve narrowed down our top picks for some of the best events this year's programme has to offer, so come along to appreciate all the wonderful art that has flourished while the city has been in lockdown. 

Grab your tent and round up your posse, we’ve found the very best camping spots in Auckland. 

Discover some of the natural spots in Rotorua that are great to take a breath or two in and simply reconnect with nature and yourself. 

It’s no secret that we live in the most beautiful country on earth. From our sweeping coastlines, rugged mountain ranges, ferny forests and open plains, New Zealand has everything you could ever want and so much more. With so much beauty on offer, it would be a shame for you to miss any of it, so we’ve rounded up nine of New Zealand’s most beautiful spots that you might not even know existed.

Are you gaga about a good bottomless brunch? Well then, how about brunch AND Lady Gaga?

Interesting Places: The Subterranean Sessions is set to be an absolutely awesome series of musical matinee shows, as part of Elemental AKL, featuring performances by the best musicians in town. 

We Kiwis absolutely love our coffee. In fact, NZ is one of the top coffee consumers globally. But how many of us actually know how to brew our own coffee, or master the art of the barista?

Ditch the booze and bust some moves at this epic morning rave. 

Calling all people with small ones in tow—winter school holidays (Saturday 10th-Sunday 25th July) are looking realll good this year with a multitude of activities and events around Auckland to keep the littlies entertained, no matter what the weather.

Fact; winter is actually the best time to holiday in New Zealand. Hear us out: it’s the season for cosy cocktails by the fire, ‘Gram-worthy hot tubs under the stars and mouth-watering comfort food. Honestly, what could be better? 

From the team that gave you the creeps at the Federation Square’s mind-bending SEANCE shipping containers experience comes Darkfield Radio Knot, a completely immersive and lockdown friendly audio event.

Fortunately for us, scenic drives are plentiful in this part of the world. As well as views for Africa, we’re graced with plenty to do along the way. From discovering cute little settlements, to ultimate picnic spots and places to stop off for a dip in the lake.

Ah, winter. That delightful season when jammies and slippers become a fashion statement, social outings become rarer than a blood supermoon, and Netflix and chill takes on a whole new meaning. To help combat the winter blues and lure you out of hibernation, St John’s Bar and Restaurant are bringing back their ultra 'Gram-worthy pop-up igloos for a limited time.

When it comes to delivering a multi-sensory retail experience, Comvita has raised the bar with the launch of the new Comvita Wellness Lab right at the heart of the city. What used to be a traditional retail store for its deliciously golden honey, has now expanded into a beautiful space inspired by everything that goes into the art of honey making.

Start digging out your gear, tuning your ski and snowboard and booking flights to Queenstown this winter because the NZ ski season starts this June. 

Whether you love a good photo op or simply have an appreciation for the arts—the enchanting Night Lights at MOTAT will be right up your street. From Friday 25 to Sunday 27 June, MOTAT will be coming alive at Matariki with light installations, live music, fire performances and much more. 

The Hawke’s Bay Food and Wine Classic (F.A.W.C for those in the know) is back for another year offering people a taste of the region’s delectable eats.  

We’ve rounded up the best workouts in the Garden City for you to try out and get hooked on. Why not push yourself to a whole new level by switching up your workout and get that glow going. 

After taking some time out in 2020, the luxurious, two-hatted Hippopotamus Restaurant and Cocktail Bar is back in full swing and ready to treat you to a fabulously chic culinary experience.

The nights are drawing in and there’s a chill in the air, so what better time than to check out this epic new pop-up ice rink right by the beach? The good folk at Auckland Council have set up a fully enclosed space measuring 10 by 25 metres courtesy of the legends at Paradice events which makes it a perfect activity in any moody weather.

To celebrate the launch of their latest Chita Single Grain Whisky, for five nights only, Tommy’s Champagne Parlour in Seafarers building will be hosting a masterclass to take you on a journey of Suntory’s rich whisky distilleries with a highlight on The Chita.