New Zealand Travel Stories

Jan 21, 2015 • 4 min read

With a shed load of rural settlements and a penchant for a cold pint, it’s no wonder New Zealand does a great line in country pubs.

Sep 2, 2014 • 5 min read

It’s one of the coldest days of the year in the New Zealand capital, but I’m in a Wellington brew pub busily zesting a summery selection of plump oranges,…

Feb 4, 2014 • 6 min read

Sixteen countries now allow same-sex marriage, as do 17 US states and the District of Columbia. Now LGBT couples can tie the knot beside a volcano, atop a…

Jan 3, 2014 • 5 min read

Queenstown in New Zealand is renowned internationally as an adventure tourism hotspot, but there are also less adrenaline-fuelled activities to be enjoyed…

Nov 15, 2013 • 5 min read

From night hikes to cave-rafts to midnight munchies, there’s lots to do in New Zealand when the lights go out...

Oct 28, 2013 • 8 min read

Need inspiration for your travels in 2014? These 10 regions have captivated our travel experts with their natural beauty and cultural riches.

Oct 28, 2013 • 8 min read

After feverish debate, the results are finally in. Discover our travel experts' final cut of the most essential travel experiences and destinations on our…

Oct 28, 2013 • 6 min read

This is the time to shoot for the moon: travel further, stay longer, eat more and bring home a lifetime’s worth of romantic memories.

Oct 18, 2013 • 6 min read

To mark Lonely Planet’s sponsorship of the iconic 1917 Curtiss JN-4 ‘Flying Jenny’ Biplane’s commemorative air tour this summer we’re exploring aviation's…

Oct 16, 2013 • 7 min read

Stretch your legs over hours or days, without leaving some of the world’s biggest cities. This article is adapted from Lonely Planet's 1000 Ultimate…

Sep 11, 2013 • 6 min read

It sounds too good to be true – but these top-class experiences wonʼt cost you a penny. From bike trips to walking tours and tasting tea in Istanbul's…

Sep 2, 2013 • 7 min read

As we’ve learned from Lonely Planet authors in our earlier article, travel-writer mishaps can result in pearls of wisdom for readers. Here we continue…

Aug 21, 2013 • 5 min read

Rather than dreaming about the sometimes stunning, often gritty destinations in your favourite flick, why not get off the sofa and experience it yourself?

Aug 13, 2013 • 6 min read

Set your pulse racing with the wildest animal adventures around the world. This article is adapted from Lonely Planet's 1000 Ultimate Adventures.

May 20, 2013 • 4 min read

Learning about the culture and customs of other people is one of the great experiences of travel. Explore the planet's diversity with one of these locally…

May 13, 2013 • 7 min read

You don’t have to travel far to realise that pale lagers are the beer of choice for the majority of the world. In fact, beers like Foster’s, Carling,…

Apr 25, 2013 • 5 min read

The best – and tastiest – way to fast-track your understanding of a city's cuisine is to embark on a guided walking tour that includes sampling the local…

Apr 15, 2013 • 6 min read

Have you ever wanted to get way, way - and perhaps even one extra 'way' - off the beaten path? The vast Pacific ocean presents no shortage of…

Apr 10, 2013 • 5 min read

The world’s most iconic travel experiences don’t usually come cheap – but sometimes there are real alternatives. Here are some ideas for the budget…

Feb 26, 2013 • 5 min read

Who can resist the urge to hit the open (and almost empty) road in New Zealand? Certainly not us...but don't forget that the country has urban adventures…

Jan 25, 2013 • 4 min read

Mountains, lakes and glaciers all conspire to make the South Island of New Zealand a superbly scenic stage for active adventure, but once you’ve bungy…

Nov 28, 2012 • 4 min read

Love trekking but suffer from altitude sickness? Or do you just want to want to enjoy a good trek without worrying about acclimatising? Altitude sickness,…