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Williams has plenty of cowboy-themed action. Photo / dconvertini

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USA: Grand tour of the canyon

24 May, 2018 10:00am
7 minutes to read

Gunfire and cowboys don't stop Shandelle Battersby reaching the canyon.

An Air New Zealand 777-200. Photo / Winston Aldworth

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Flight check: Apia to Auckland

2 Mar, 2018 5:00am
3 minutes to read

Shandelle Battersby flies Air New Zealand flight NZ295 from Apia to Auckland.

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Adventures in Eastern Canada

25 Oct, 2017 3:00pm
7 minutes to read

Too much to choose from? Shandelle Battersby offers 10 stellar options.

A Jetstar Airbus A320. Photo / Mark Mitchell

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Flight check: Auckland to Wellington

25 Oct, 2017 7:00am
3 minutes to read

Shandelle Battersby books a seat on JQ257 for a last-minute trip to the capital.

Quakes survivor the Heritage Christchurch in Cathedral Square.

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Room check: Heritage Christchurch

20 Oct, 2017 5:00am
4 minutes to read

Shandelle Battersby checks into an impressive Cathedral Square hotel.

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Room check: Royal Sea Cliff Kona by Outrigger

12 Oct, 2017 5:00am
3 minutes to read

Shandelle Battersby checks into the Royal Sea Cliff Kona by Outrigger, Hawaii Island.

Graeme Cowley from Auntsfield winery. Photo / Shandelle Battersby

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Marlborough: Dear Aunt

22 Sep, 2017 5:00am
7 minutes to read

Emirates embraces heritage wine, writes Shandelle Battersby

Elfreth's Alley in Philadelphia is a national historic landmark. it dates back to 1702. Photo / 123RF

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The streets of Philadelphia

20 Sep, 2017 4:00pm
6 minutes to read

Shandelle Battersby walks in the footsteps of the USA's Founding Fathers.

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Heritage Collection Akaroa Cottages

15 Sep, 2017 2:00pm
3 minutes to read

Shandelle Battersby checks into a one-bedroom Seaview Cottage, overlooking the harbour.

Distinction Palmerston North Hotel and Conference Centre.

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Room check: Distinction Palmerston North Hotel

31 Aug, 2017 9:25am
2 minutes to read

Shandelle Battersby checks into Distinction Palmerston North Hotel and Conference Centre.

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Wharekauhau Country Estate

25 Aug, 2017 9:00am
6 minutes to read

Shandelle Battersby sees how the other half live during a luxury stay in the Wairarapa.

Picturesque Akaroa Harbour. Photo / Shandelle Battersby

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Akaroa: Harbouring life

24 Aug, 2017 10:00am
7 minutes to read

Shandelle Battersby gets up close to some of our rarer creatures on Banks Peninsula.

Better Call Saul was one of the free offerings on Air NZ.

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Less can be as good as more

9 Aug, 2017 5:00am
3 minutes to read

Shandelle Battersby does it hard and learns to love the seat + bag option.

Debrett's at night. Photo / Destination Great Lake Taupo

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Taking a break in Taupo

3 Aug, 2017 10:00am
4 minutes to read

It's a great place to break your journey, as Shandelle Battersby discovers.

The Ritz-Carlton Residences in Honolulu is home to the highest infinity pool in Waikiki. Photo / Supplied

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The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Honolulu

3 Jul, 2017 5:00am
4 minutes to read

Shandelle Battersby checks into a near-new luxury resort near Waikiki Beach.

Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, Fiji. Photo / JMCR

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Fiji: Lushly luxe

25 Jun, 2017 1:00pm
4 minutes to read

Pleasure abounds at this Vanua Levu eco-resort, writes Shandelle Battersby.

Kevin-Michael Moore is one of the lively, knowledgeable guides on a Portland Underground Tour.

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Portland: Beards, booze & broads

23 Jun, 2017 6:00am
4 minutes to read

Today it's uber-cool but Portland had a seedy past, discovers Shandelle Battersby.

Poolside at The Reef Resort in Taupo. Photo / Shandelle Battersby

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The Reef Resort, Taupo

19 Jun, 2017 5:00am
3 minutes to read

Shandelle Battersby checks into a Heritage Collection hotel on Taupo's lakefront.

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A culinary world at your fingertips

8 Jun, 2017 4:30pm
3 minutes to read

Global cuisines are going nowhere fast in Portland, writes Shandelle Battersby.

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The Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo, Hawaii

19 May, 2017 9:30am
3 minutes to read

Shandelle Battersby checks into a newly-renovated property with views of Hilo Bay.

Heritage Collection Anchorage Resort, Great Lake Taupo.

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Anchorage Resort, Taupo

12 May, 2017 11:00am
3 minutes to read

Shandelle Battersby checks into a family-friendly spot with great pool and spa facilities.

Opening of the Okaihau-Horeke leg of Pou Herenga Tai / Twin Coast Cycle Trail at Horeke. Photo / Peter de Graaf

Twin Coast Cycle Trail: Coast to coast

4 Apr, 2017 5:00am
5 minutes to read

Shandelle Battersby samples the cycle way from the Bay of Islands to the Hokianga Harbour.

The Air NZ A320 at Wellington Airport. Photo / elisfkc

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Flight check: Auckland to Wellington

25 Jan, 2017 1:00pm
2 minutes to read

Shandelle Battersby flies NZ417 to the capital.

The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon is filmed in New York.

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10 free things to do in New York City

8 Jan, 2017 1:00pm
7 minutes to read

Having fun in the Big Apple on a budget? It's easy, writes Shandelle Battersby.

Sydney's Royal Botanic Gardens. Photo / Destination NSW

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Ten free things to do in Sydney

2 Jan, 2017 12:00pm
5 minutes to read

A hop over the ditch doesn't need to break the budget, writes Shandelle Battersby.

Las Vegas, Nevada. Photo / Shandelle Battersby

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What happens on the way to Vegas

29 Nov, 2016 5:00am
7 minutes to read

Along with half of California, Shandelle Battersby hits the road for Sin City.

King and Queen Hotel Suites in New Plymouth. Photo / Supplied

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King and Queen Hotel Suites, New Plymouth

17 Nov, 2016 9:30am
3 minutes to read

Shandelle Battersby checks into a boutique hotel in the heart of the city.

Shandelle Battersby inherited her love of flying from family friend Chris Amon. Photo / 123RF

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Shandelle Battersby: Love at first flight

3 Nov, 2016 9:30am
3 minutes to read

COMMENT: Shandelle Battersby remembers how a famous NZ racing driver sparked her love of flying.

On a hot July afternoon we were more interested in finding beers than bears. Photo / 123RF

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Bar/fly: The Big Bear Brewery, California

3 Nov, 2016 7:00am
3 minutes to read

Shandelle Battersby goes beer hunting northeast of Los Angeles.

Ibis Styles hotel, Charles de Gaulle Airport, Paris.

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Room check: Ibis Styles, Paris

14 Oct, 2016 5:30am
3 minutes to read

Shandelle Battersby checks in to Ibis Styles, Charles de Gaulle Airport, Paris, and is very impressed.

The S.S. Legacy on Snake River, Washington.

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US river cruise: Wines with a tale to tell

12 Oct, 2016 2:00pm
9 minutes to read

Shandelle Battersby discovers the winemakers and their tipple alongside the Columbia and Snake Rivers.

Wellington's Bolton Hotel has a sophisticated lobby and a collection of Rita Angus portraits.

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The Bolton Hotel, Wellington

12 Oct, 2016 5:00am
4 minutes to read

Shandelle Battersby checks into a hotel that celebrates the story of NZ's early settlers.

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Bar/fly: Aboard the UnCruise, Pacific Nothwest

6 Oct, 2016 3:00pm
4 minutes to read

On a river cruise steeped in history, Shandelle Battersby learns about the liquor of times gone by.

I was on a Works ticket so got full service. I had chicken and noodles, plus a bloody Mary. Photo / Mark Mitchell

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Flight check: Auckland to Rarotonga

26 Sep, 2016 5:30am
2 minutes to read

Shandelle Battersby flies from New Zealand to a tropical holiday in the Cook Island abroad flight NZ748.

The Palace is where notices of work were posted, mineral claims were bought and sold, and political business was carried out. Photo / Creative Commons image by Flickr user Jenni Konrad

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Bar/fly: The Palace, Arizona

15 Sep, 2016 3:00pm
3 minutes to read

Shandelle Battersby meets a mule - and some Trump fans - in Whiskey Row.

An Air New Zealand A320 at Queenstown Airport. Photo / Aero Icarus

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Flight Check: Auckland to Queenstown

15 Sep, 2016 9:30am
3 minutes to read

Shandelle Battersby flies Air New Zealand NZ643 from Auckland to Queenstown.

The Hollywood Roosevelt hotelin California.

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Room check: The Hollywood Roosevelt in Los Angeles

14 Sep, 2016 3:00pm
4 minutes to read

Former resident Marilyn Monroe lived for two years in one of the poolside cabanas, which has been named and designed in her honour with 1950s-inspired decor.

The fireside lobby in the Hotel Monaco Portland. Photo / Kimpton Hotels

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Room check: Hotel Monaco in Portland, Oregon

12 Sep, 2016 1:00pm
5 minutes to read

Shandelle Battersby checks into an historic boutique hotel in the heart of Portland and never wants to leave.

The Greenwich Market, London. Photo / 123RF

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Hotspots in London: Food for thought

12 Sep, 2016 9:00am
2 minutes to read

Morito Hackney Rd is the third restaurant from chef owners Sam and Sam Clark, who already run two very successful venues in Exmouth, Moro and Morito.

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Great places to eat and drink in Port Vila

1 Sep, 2016 12:00pm
3 minutes to read

Whether you want to live it up, chow down, take the heat or just chill, Port Vila has what you want, writes Shandelle Battersby.

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Flight check: Auckland to Port Vila

22 Aug, 2016 4:00pm
2 minutes to read

Shandelle Battersby flies to Vanuatu.

Head to London's Palm Tree for a yarn with publican Alf and 'the best salt and vinegar crisps in the world'. Image / NZ Herald graphic

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Bar/fly: Palm Tree, London

11 Aug, 2016 3:00pm
4 minutes to read

Shandelle Battersby finds the Palm Tree a haven from London's summer sun.

I never thought I would do hand-washing in hotel rooms, but there you go. Photo / Getty Images

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The difference a decade makes

4 Aug, 2016 8:30am
3 minutes to read

Ten years since her first major taste of international travel, Shandelle Battersby is back on the road.

Many of the stunning beaches along the Tutukaka Coast are safe for kids. Photo / Kate Taylor

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Kid-friendly fun in our northernmost city

3 Aug, 2016 12:30pm
4 minutes to read

Shandelle Battersby finds plenty of activities for families in and around Whangarei.

Snorkelling in the lagoon. Photo / Supplied

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Snorkelling in an emerald lagoon

2 Aug, 2016 1:00pm
4 minutes to read

Shandelle Battersby enjoys a day of thrilling adventures on - and under - the water.

The apartment's decor was simple and contemporary, with a bee motif running throughout. Photo / Supplied

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Room check: Staycity Aparthotels, Greenwich

22 Jul, 2016 3:00pm
3 minutes to read

Shandelle Battersby gets a taste of big city living in a contemporary London apartment.

As well as offering a good range of cocktails, Finn's bar is a prime spot to watch the sunset. Image / NZ Herald graphic

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Bar/fly: Finn's Beach Club, Bali

21 Jul, 2016 3:00pm
3 minutes to read

Shandelle Battersby enjoys the people watching and the setting sun in Canggu.

Exploring Vanuatu's back roads and beaches by buggy is a great way to see the sights - but not if you're a timid driver. Photo / Getty Images

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Vanuatu: Ride the wild side

21 Jul, 2016 10:00am
4 minutes to read

Shandelle Battersby gets down and dirty on Vanuatu's main island and has a fabulous time.

Some of the rooms at Sunset Resort in Rarotonga overlook the lagoon. Photo / Supplied

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Room check: Sunset Resort, Rarotonga

14 Jul, 2016 1:00pm
3 minutes to read

Shandelle Battersby takes refuge from Raro's heat at a secluded beachfront spot.

Iririki Island Resort just offshore from the Vanuatu capital of Port Vila. Photo / Supplied

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Room check: Iririki Island Resort

30 Jun, 2016 12:00pm
3 minutes to read

Shandelle Battersby checks in to Iririki Island Resort and Spa, Port Vila, Vanuatu.

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Flight Check: Queenstown to Auckland on Air NZ

21 Jun, 2016 3:00pm
Quick Read

Shandelle Battersby flies Air New Zealand NZ646 from Queenstown to Auckland.

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Five great places to eat in Queenstown

8 Jun, 2016 11:00am
3 minutes to read

Amisfield is one of Queenstown's best-known wineries, and its bistro was started as a way to showcase and support its unique wine in 2005.

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Wellington: No strings attached

6 Jun, 2016 7:00pm
4 minutes to read

Doohickeys, dingles, greebles, wotsits, whosits, dooferies, doofernannies, squiggles, widgets.

The World of Wearable Art event originated in Nelson in 1987 and has grown so much it's now a huge event on Wellington's calendar. File photo / NZME.

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Nelson's treasures abound

3 Jun, 2016 3:00pm
2 minutes to read

You can see more than 30 winning entries at the World of Wearable Art and Classic Cars Museum on the outskirts of Nelson's CBD for $24 (adult).

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Room check: Sofitel Central Brisbane

1 Jun, 2016 1:00pm
3 minutes to read

As the name suggests, this five-star hotel is slap-bang in the middle of Brissy, and connected to Central Station.

The first bathhouse was built in Hanmer Springs in 1883.

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Hanmer Springs: Sink, soak and soothe

26 May, 2016 12:00pm
4 minutes to read

An autumnal visit to relaxing Hanmer Springs is just what the doctor ordered.

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Room Check: Novotel Rotorua Lakeside

18 May, 2016 10:00am
3 minutes to read

It's not the prettiest hotel from the outside but it makes up for it once you step inside.

Mt Madeline reflected off the water at Lake Alabaster north of Pyke Lodge. Photo / Ngai Tahu Tourism Holdings

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Hollyford Track: Valley girl

17 May, 2016 9:00am
10 minutes to read

Shandelle Battersby gets a taste of tramping through the bush, with the luxury of home.

Air New Zealand's Christopher Luxon. Photo / Nick Reed

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Shandelle Battersby: Tourism at home

17 May, 2016 7:00am
2 minutes to read

Last week I was lucky enough to attend our biggest, most important annual tourism showcase in one of our top destinations, Rotorua.

The Heritage Hanmer Springs has existed in some form or another since 1897.

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Room Check: Heritage Hanmer Springs

6 May, 2016 7:00am
3 minutes to read

You're not in Auckland anymore Toto - the temperature drop was noticeable the moment we stepped out of our Jucy 4WD rental car.

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Island Time: The real taste of Fiji

4 May, 2016 7:00am
3 minutes to read

With three keen foodies along for the ride it's not surprising that much of our girls' week exploring Fiji revolved around eating and drinking.

Koka Lagoon Cruises host entertaining cruises around the Muri Beach Lagoon. Photo / Cook Islands Tourism

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Cook Islands: Having a Muri time

21 Apr, 2016 3:00pm
3 minutes to read

I'd only been snorkelling in Rarotonga's Muri Beach lagoon for a few minutes when something whacked my foot with so much force it felt like an electric shock.