New Zealand

There’s no need to jet off to Europe for a culture fix. Instead, set your sights on Auckland (aka Tāmaki Makaurau) just a short plane ride away. New Zealand’s largest city turns it on over the summer months with a vibrant event line-up encompassing music, art, culture, and all things inspiring.

Dust off your passport—Urban List Vacays has arrived. 

The flight across the ditch takes just over three hours, making Auckland an ideal destination for your next long weekend away. You can understand the street signs, and banter with locals, all while trying local cuisine and breathing new, fresh air.

Auckland never ceases to amaze. Vibrant eateries, exciting experiences and luxury stays are all just a beat away in the heart of Auckland. Look no further, at just over a 3-hour flight, it's perfect for a weekend escape. 

With a massive NZ sale going on right now at Flight Centre, there’s no excuse not to get your diaries out and start organising your next unforgettable adventure.  

It’s Flight Centre’s 40th birthday and they want to celebrate by shouting 40 holidays. 

There's unparalleled magic that comes with exploring New Zealand's South Island region. You'll find a pocket of wonder around every corner; glistening lakes, snow-capped mountain ranges and incredibly mesmerising fiords. 

From hidden speakeasies to secret swimming holes and neon lighthouses, we’re bringing you all the under-the-radar experiences you need to hit up before they flood your feed.

From sun-drenched seaside towns to the idyllic countryside and islands dedicated entirely to wine, these five dreamy destinations are your answer to beating burnout. 

Wanderlusters take note, here’s everything you need to eat, see and do in the dreamy town of Wanaka.

Hand in your annual leave now, a dreamy food festival is hitting the Sunshine Coast and it’s the perfect excuse for your next luxury escape.

Secret’s out, the world’s best winter holiday is only a short flight away. Just over the Tasman you’ll find fresh powder to shred, idyllic hot pools, gourmet eats and luxury retreats. 

New Zealand truly is an amazing spot for hot springs due to a mass amount of volcanic activity, especially in the Taupo and Rotorua regions. The geothermal energy radiating from these places often make for the best sightseeing and relaxation spots. There’s something about visiting a natural geothermal area that leaves you feeling cleansed, refreshed and connected to the earth again. Whether it’s witnessing the healing mineral waters, steaming blue and orange waters, exploding geysers, or boiling hot mud pools, it’s pretty marvellous.

Twenty five words. That's how many words it takes to get yourself a once in a lifetime travel opportunity in a seriously unique competition currently running over at Microsoft Surface. Move over cheap flights to Bali—this series of ‘Anything But Ordinary’ experiences is going to have you packing your bag quick smart.

Grime institution Eskimo Dance has just announced they’ll be hitting our side of the globe and we are ready.

Did someone say illuminated night kayaking on Moreton Island? Let's get on it. 

It's something everyone needs to put on their bucket list. Here’s a list of where to go hot air ballooning in New Zealand!

It’s already mid-year people. We know, we know—it feels like only yesterday we set our out of offices for the Christmas break and now it’s EOFY, and we’re officially ready for a holiday. Chances are you are too, so if you can relate to any of the below, we suggest booking a holiday, stat.

As winter creeps closer and the days get shorter, we could all do with a little brightening up. And we’ve just received word of a little something that could do the trick! Introducing Light Nelson to your radar, the dazzling light festival that will take your breath away.

A holiday wouldn’t be a holiday without a decent dose of culture. We mean, you can’t just sit in your hotel room binge-watching Netflix! We’re all about embracing things with open arms.

Let’s be honest, Bali is sooo 2017. There’s another island getaway calling your name this year. Picture this: towering volcanoes, untouched wilderness, crystal-clear waters and an abundance of vineyards thrown in for good measure.

New Zealand’s North Island is like one big playground, filled with places to swim, things to eat, mountains to climb, and adventures to be had. Here’s 10 fabulous things to do in the North Island.

Your favourite emoji (aka the window into your soul), can tell us a heck of a lot about you. In fact, these teeny tiny graphics are all you need to decide your next adventure. 

New Zealand has got it all. Amazing landscapes? Exhilarating activities? The friendliest people you’ve ever met? Check, check, check! When you think of going backpacking you may daydream about hiking through Peru or getting lost in the Greek Islands but trust us when we say New Zealand is where it’s at! 

If you’re anything like us, any getaway must (must!) involve delicious food and drink alongside a decent dose of culture. Luckily, there’s no need to jet off to the other side of the globe or fork out zillions of dollars to have your perfect holiday. 

Let’s hear it for Auckland—she’s the food and wine haven that has been whetting our appetite for years with local and international culinary delights.

Crack open your diary and make room for one of these epic trips in 2018

Because a trip across the ditch might be exactly what you need. 

Do you ever feel you just want to get away from it all? Take a load off and breathe in the fresh air away from the hustle and bustle of the city?

We’ve all been there: scrolling through Instagram and coming across travel picture after perfectly staged travel picture from our more photo-savvy friends. We double-tap and give them a begrudging heart, turning to stare accusingly at our travel companions who just don’t get how to capture our best angle. 

Like the best things in life, it comes as no surprise that the world’s most insane bars come in all shapes and sizes.

Holidays are often seen as a luxury. And we get it, we really do—those things are expensive. But, here at The Urban List we are super thrifty, and we’ve managed to hack our way to two international holidays a year…without sacrificing UberEats and plenty of vino along the way.

Fire up the group chat stat!

So, you’re thinking doing a spot of solo travel. Excellent idea! As someone who’s spent most of the year as a globetrotting backpacker, I can promise you that it will be an adventure of a lifetime. Like travelling with your mates, fam bam or SO, solo travel comes with its own unique challenges, many of which you don’t realise exist until you’re actually on the road.

If there’s anyone who deserves a holiday, it’s you. But there’s no need to chew through your annual leave and jet off to the other side of the world for a much-needed va-cay. Nope, the ultimate short break is just a short plane ride away.