Sarah Pollok, Multimedia Journalist at New Zealand’s Herald, specialises in covering stories on travel and tourism, travelling as close as Waiheke and far as Ecuador for work.
I first fell in love with journalism in 2016 after discovering the world of long-form lifestyle features in Herald's Canvas. Auckland's 3-month lockdown was an unusual time to join the New Zealand Herald as a Travel Journalist but sure enough, the world opened up again and I've been able to travel to places as close as Waiheke and as far as the Galapagos Islands for work.
Drastic change in numbers flying away this Easter long weekend
Flight data reveals whether the number of Kiwis jetting off shot up or plummeted.
Travel makes Kiwis more attractive as partners, study claims
Half of Kiwis say they'd pursue someone if they were into travel.
Airbnb announces shock change to privacy policy
The change will affect hosts and guests around the world.
Is it safe to fly Boeing? What to know about the recent freak accident
Travellers may wonder how safe it is to fly following recent issues.
Report reveals countries with best mental wellbeing. Where does NZ rank?
The top countries all have three things in common, researchers state.
One pilot took a nap during a flight. Then, his co-pilot fell asleep too
The plane gradually veered off course as the pilots soundly slept.
Why this Auckland flight will be staffed entirely by women
Prepare for some fierce female energy on this Auckland flight.
I skied at this insanely lavish luxury resort, and regret it. Here’s why.
Does a $ 500-day pass to this US resort live up to expectations?
St Paul's Cathedral has a secret library and you can stay the night for $14 if you do this one thing
Few may know about the London attraction's hidden room.
Road cones, public toilets and coffee: Tourists reveal what shocked them about NZ
More than 650 foreigners shared what took them by surprise.
Why I'm obsessed with this Melbourne hotel's unusual bathroom feature
It was a simple thing but it made the room so much better.
These 10 places are the cheapest to visit in 2024, study claims
Go further for less in these 10 countries.
Men vs. Women: NZ study reveals which group travels more
A lot of things aren’t equal between men and women, including travel, one study suggests.
This hotel will refund your room if it rains during your stay
Given the destination has 171 rainy days a year, it's not a bad gamble.
Air travel could become easier for wheelchair users in the US
Damaging or delaying a wheelchair would be considered a federal offence.
Jetstar announces massive change for all employees
The airline's staff will look very different by the end of 2024.
A new hotel just opened off K Rd and it may be the coolest in the city
This new spot is cool, cheap and central.
Exclusive restaurant publishes list of 10 things that will get you kicked out
The list includes one controversial ban which will disappoint influencers.
Queensland cities welcome Kiwis looking for luxury travel experiences
An expert explains the significant rise in Kiwi visitors.
NZ has the 8th most-searched visa in the world. Where does Australia rank?
The study reveals the 10 most-searched-for visas across 193 countries.
Husband praised for ditching wife at transit airport and flying without her
One detail meant the public quickly labelled the wife as 'selfish' and 'childish'.
American Airlines Auckland to Dallas Forth Worth flight review
The flight between Auckland and Dallas Fort Worth can take up to 15.5 hours.
Mother unable to give away Taylor Swift tickets despite suffering shock stroke
The woman is unfit to fly to Sydney but is not allowed to on-sell her ticket.
‘Better than Bali’: The tiny, tourist-free island everyone must visit
Step aside Bali, this spot is just as beautiful and off the beaten track.
Fury over 'woke' changes to London's beloved Tube Line map
Politicians have lashed out at the $16.45 million rebrand.
British tourist baffled by ‘cult’ signs that even Kiwis were confused by
The woman took to social media to find answers to the mystery.
Airbnb host sent security footage of guest with woman to his wife, lawsuit claims
Things turned nasty after the guest refused to pay $1570 in extra fees.
Woman allegedly kicked off plane for using bathroom too often
The public are divided over whether she deserves sympathy.
Thousands track Taylor Swift’s flight into Melbourne for Eras Tour
The luxury private jet quickly became the world’s most-tracked flight.
This Kiwi airport is the most expensive to catch an Uber from
You may want to check the bus schedule when arriving in this city.
I've travelled to the US seven times. These money rules always trip me up
OPINION: Currency isn't the only foreign thing about the American approach to money.
Kiwis' top 'bucket list' destinations and activities revealed
Have your dream cities and activities made the list?
Love abroad: Young Kiwis more eager to find love abroad than Aussies, study reveals
Alone this Valentine's Day? Make like a Gen Z Kiwi and find love abroad.
Sore back? Five tips to ease lower back pain on a plane
A chiropractor shares tips for pain-free travel.
Aussie woman furious over $123 fine for "bizarre" parking rule
Are you aware of this parking rule?
Want to be an eco-friendly flier? Do these four things
Auckland Airport has revealed four ways one can lighten their flight footprint.
How much did Tourism NZ spend on social media influencers in 2023?
They were paid to create and post content about NZ.
Jetstar's latest move in transtasman flight battle
The 'significant' update will bring more Kiwis cheap flights, says Jetstar.
Would you let an Icelandic horse write your out-of-office email? We give it a try.
The 'revolutionary service' claims to help travellers fully unplug from work.
How Taylor Swift could time travel to make the Superbowl
Obsessed Swifties have cracked how the star could defy time and make the game.
This may be the easiest way to plan a cheap holiday overseas
International travel can be expensive but this tool can help cut costs.
Visiting Morocco? Make sure you know these 10 things
From fake markets to dress codes, here are 10 insider facts to know.
'Hellhole': The popular tourist city named one of world's most overrated destinations
Thousands of Kiwis visit every year, but it's now been labelled a 'complete dump'.
Whistleblowers reveal shocking fact about Alaska Airlines incident
Two whistleblowers have come forward with damning claims.
Flight diverted after passenger passes excessive gas
The man was removed from the aircraft once it returned to the gate.
Do you drink tea and coffee the British way or the American way?
Where you place your spoon says everything, according to an etiquette coach.
Why climate change will make your Greek holiday more expensive this year
The highest tier of the tax will be more than double the previous cost.
Aussie's savage video lists 'overrated' Europe spots to avoid
'It was the trashiest, most disgusting place I have ever been,' said the traveller.
Great Wine Capital of the World to throw major food festival in NZ
What to know about this epic annual event.
Why do so many people Google 'Is New Zealand real?'
Yes, people do ask the question, surprisingly often.
IPhone that fell 5km from a plane without a scratch had this brand of case
The brand called it 'the drop test of the decade'.
Washington Post named this street the 'most interesting' spot in Auckland
The feature calls out five spots to check out.
Passengers furious over Emirates compensation following 'flight from hell'
Travellers stuck on the aircraft for five hours in Auckland say the credits are worthless.
I almost fell for this dangerous tourist trap in Morocco
Days later I learned it was a common technique used to mug tourists.
'Biohazard': Kiwi couple's urine-soaked nightmare flight
They later found a pair of underwear under the seat in front.
Model reveals unexpected 's word' you should never say in regional Australia
Locals went friendly to frosty the second she said the word.
Kiwis held on plane for 5 hours during 'traumatic' flight drama
Passengers claim the five-hour delay was only the beginning.
NZ makes The New York Times' famous travel list, but you have to travel in this vehicle
No, it isn't a car or campervan.
Man finds iPhone that dropped 5km from Alaska Airlines plane
A video reveals how the phone fared after falling 5km.
Is this the return of the 'golden era' of cheap flights? Air NZ runs major sale
Flights to Australia are as low as $197, proving 2024 flight predictions correct.
Where is Jacinda Ardern getting married? These five spots are frontrunners
We ask the experts which vineyards are frontrunners.
The surprising reason this bridge was built with a 30cm gap in the middle
There's a heartwarming story behind the apparent design failure.
Gen Z American confused by bizarre Kiwi question
This everyday phrase can cause confusion for foreign travellers.
From safes to cellphones: 13 travel mistakes even experts make
Even seasoned travellers make silly mistakes. Learn from us so you don't have to.
American flies to wrong Sydney in unbelievable travel fail
The man was excited to find such a cheap flight to Australia.
Air NZ pilot reveals real reason you must ‘return to your allocated seat’
No, it's not so crew know where you are sitting in case of emergency.
Woman accidentally catches partner cheating on cruise ship security camera
He said he was getting food - but he had other things on his mind.
Mind your manners: Kiwis explain six things tourists should never do
Locals were all too happy to tell the American tourist what *not* to do.
Watch: Auckland Airport marriage proposal catches girlfriend off guard
A video captured the man's bold gesture and her response.
American expat amazed by everyday kitchen item in NZ
“We need these in America,” wrote the young expat.
Man banned from flying for 10 years because of his name
The man was told he could not fly for one bizarre reason.
Travel hacks to speed through AKL Airport
Get from your plane to the exit faster with these tricks.
AKL Airport reveals busiest day to fly this summer and how to prepare
Auckland Airport has hired extra staff to assist travellers.
This was the most watched movie on Air NZ flights in 2023
Travellers watched one film 176,000 times this year.
I went behind the scenes at Auckland Airport. This one thing totally surprised me
One can pass through an airport dozens of times without seeing these details.
'Still risk': MFAT issues warning to Kiwis heading abroad this summer
MFAT has urged Kiwis to take several steps before boarding a flight abroad.
Santa’s real home is a stunning Mediterranean town tourists often miss
That’s right, Santa isn’t really from the North Pole.