Travel writer, NZ Herald
We are your advocate, Aotearoa. Uncovering stories that matter, asking hard-hitting questions of those in power, live-blogging sport events, monitoring the highs and lows of the NZX and providing Premium expert opinion and analysis. Bringing you distinctive, quality journalism and breaking news from across New Zealand and around the world. With specialists working together to create indepth reads, engaging video, and unmissable podcasts.
Copenhagen: Legendary Danish amusement park
Eli Orzessek finds fun on one of the world's oldest running wooden roller coasters.
Queensland: Going North
With our weather getting cooler, turn your thoughts to Tropical North Queensland
Child-free escapes: Better times two
Choose one of these destinations for a child-free escape, writes Eli Orzessek.
Russell: Bay dreaming
Eli Orzessek enjoys the new romantic charms of the Pacific's former trouble spot.
Best destinations for a cycling holiday
Eli Orzessek picks the best destinations for a cycling holiday.
Three for the kids: Barcelona
Catalonia's cultural capital has plenty to entertain the youngsters, says Eli Orzessek.
Three for the kids: Port Douglas
They'll be wild about the options in Tropical North Queensland, writes Eli Orzessek.
Ask Away: When, how and why to wear compression socks
Eli Orzessek answers your travel questions.
Thailand: There's an island with your name on it
Eli Orzessek recommends the best Thai islands, whatever you need from a holiday.
New Plymouth: Beauty of the buffet
There's no such thing as moderation when the brandy snaps and ambrosia are on offer.
Los Angeles: Oh, such a perfect day ...
Eli Orzessek discovers his hidden athletic side at Hermosa Beach.
Three for the kids: Singapore
Eli Orzessek has a few suggestions for keeping the youngsters busy in the city state.
Ask Away: Think like a business traveller
To get Business Class deals, think like a business traveller - but then do the opposite.
Waitangi: Why all New Zealanders should visit
Visiting Waitangi is a rich historical experience that should be essential for all Kiwis.
Switzerland: Last night a DJ saved my life
Eli Orzessek goes off piste on an art-lover's trek from Switzerland to Germany and back.
Four cruise ships to get excited about in 2019
The cruise world will get even bigger this year, with ships launching over the next year.
Seeing the sights of Sydney on $200 a day
How to spend an action-packed day in Sydney without breaking the budget.
Had enough of Christmas already?
Plan ahead so next year you can escape it, writes Eli Orzessek.
Three for the kids: Lapland
Encourage them to be nice next year with a trip to the home of Father Christmas.
Spreading 'be happy' across the world
These global festivals are worth putting on your wish list for 2019, writes Eli Orzessek.
Three movie locations you can visit
The Park Hyatt in Tokyo was the setting for Sofia Coppola's Lost in Translation.
Three for the kids: Hong Kong
The attractions for the young are many and varied, writes Eli Orzessek.
Ask Away: Travelling with peanut allergies
Eli Orzessek finds the answers to your travel questions.
Ask Away: Unique destinations for solo travellers
Eli Orzessek finds the answers to your travel questions.
Switzerland: Eating Zurich
A culinary tour of the nation's biggest city brings surprises, writes Eli Orzessek.
Asia's most eye-opening celebrations
Eli Orzessek looks at some of Asia's most eye-opening celebrations.
Lie detector tests at airports? They're coming
Travellers will soon face AI-run lie detector tests at some European airports.
Air NZ safety videos from best to worst
With the release of a new Air NZ safety video, we've ranked them all from best to worst.
Dive into the world's best pools
The world's best pools come with bling, views, cocktails, tranquillity and wildlife.
The royal itinerary: How did it rate?
As the royal tour wraps up, how did the visit deliver as an advertisement for New Zealand?
Ask Away: You'll be right, in old New York
Eli Orzessek finds the answers to your travel questions.
France: New day, new destination
Travelling by river is a perfect way to see France. Here's where to jump ship and explore.
Life's a beach on these resorts
Eli Orzessek discovers resorts where even the waves lap in luxury.
Review: Sony WH-1000XM2 Headphones
You never realise how loud a jet engine is until you have a decent pair of headphones.
Queen of the skies: Why 747s are so cool
To celebrate our jumbo edition of Travel, we take a look at the beauty of the Boeing 747.
'An utterly awful experience': Hawaiian hotel strike continues
A Kiwi tourist says protests of hotel staff have escalated, with no warning from Marriott.
Crying while flying: Why air travel makes us emotional
Brought to tears by a bad in-flight movie? Don't be embarrassed, you're not the only one.
Comment: Lime scooters an accident waiting to happen
In the US, shared scooters have caused a number of accidents - and even fatalities.
Bird of the Year: Best places to see kererū
Here's where to spot our "clumsy, drunk, gluttonous and glamorous" Bird of the Year.
US entry fee rip-off revealed
One woman paid $180 to get a visa waiver to the US. The actual price is $14.
Passing the time on the world's longest flights
The new longest flight in the world has been announced - here's how to get through it.
Ask Away: Keeping warm in a European winter
Eli Orzessek finds the answers to your travel questions.
Ask Away: Learn about your travel insurance
Eli Orzessek finds the answers to your travel questions.
Room check: The Marktgasse Hotel
Eli Orzessek checks in to the Marktgasse Hotel in Zurich, Switzerland.
Slobs in the sky: Should airlines enforce a dress code?
As air travel becomes more accessible, are we using it as an excuse to dress like slobs?
Why tattoos are stigmatised in Japan
Ahead of the Rugby World Cup, Japan's attitude towards tattoos is in the spotlight.
Ask Away: Confusing conversions
When using credit cards overseas, is it best to pay in local currency or NZD?
Beer festivals around the world
The 185th Munich Oktoberfest kicks off on Saturday, writes Eli Orzessek.
Ask Away: Auckland bush walks to enjoy
Eli Orzessek finds the answers to your travel questions.
'Creepy' Denver airport embraces the conspiracies
Conspiracy has long surrounded Denver's airport, believed to be a base for the Illuminati.
Dark tourism: The ethical argument for disaster destinations
The controversial trend has been explored in David Farrier's Netflix series Dark Tourist.
Room check: Uprising Beach Resort
Eli Orzessek stays at Uprising Beach Resort, Pacific Harbour, Fiji.
Ask Away: Should we pay for family seats?
Eli Orzessek finds the answers to your travel questions.
Texas: Only in America
Eli Orzessek also takes a look at other weird and wonderful events around the USA.
Insure your mental health when travelling
Eli Orzessek finds the answers to your travel questions.