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Food from Nest Kitchen and Bar at Queenstown's Kamana Lakehouse. Photo / Supplied

TRAVEL

Queenstown: Southern stars

21 Apr, 2019 10:00am
3 minutes to read

If you're heading to Queenstown, make time to eat at one of these great new restaurants.

Kamana Lakehouse, Queenstown. Photo / Supplied

TRAVEL

Room Check: Queenstown's Kamana Lakehouse

16 Apr, 2019 8:29am
3 minutes to read

Stephanie Holmes checks into Queenstown's Kamana Lakehouse.

Rotorua has a range of energetic experiences, on land and lake.

TRAVEL

Rotorua: High-octane excitement

14 Apr, 2019 1:00pm
4 minutes to read

Rotorua has more than its share of thrills for the adventurous visitor.

A United Airlines plane at Houston's George Bush airport. Photo / Getty Images

TRAVEL

Flight Check: Houston to San Jose

9 Apr, 2019 9:00am
2 minutes to read

Stephanie Holmes flies United Airlines UA1565 Houston to San Jose, Costa Rica.

Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. Photo / Supplied

TRAVEL

Sri Lanka: Revolutionary roads

2 Apr, 2019 11:00am
10 minutes to read

Stephanie Holmes takes in Sri Lanka's smaller details to find a true sense of place.

Funyaking with Dart River Adventures in the Rockburn Chasm.

TRAVEL

Queenstown: Fun and games down South

25 Mar, 2019 12:00pm
6 minutes to read

Stephanie Holmes is better with two wheels than two paddles.

Not far from the hustle and bustle of downtown Sri Lanka is the peaceful Barefoot Café. Photo / Getty Images

LIFESTYLE

Destination Dining: Barefoot Cafe

25 Mar, 2019 7:00am
3 minutes to read

Two beers, pork curry and wedges for $23? The Barefoot Café is certainly worth the trek.

At the summit of Conical Hill on the Routeburn Track. Photo / Stephanie Holmes

TRAVEL

Routeburn Track: Taking the luxury route

19 Mar, 2019 2:00pm
8 minutes to read

Perfect blue skies and fine food greet Stephanie Holmes along the Routeburn Track.

Hotel Arenal Manoa, La Fortuna, Costa Rica. Photo / Supplied

TRAVEL

Room Check: Arenal Manoa Hotel

19 Mar, 2019 9:00am
3 minutes to read

Stephanie Holmes checks into Arenal Manoa Hotel, in La Fortuna, Costa Rica.

TRAVEL

Houston: Eight hours to take off

18 Mar, 2019 11:00am
5 minutes to read

Stephanie Holmes steps out of the airport and into outer space

Malaysia Airlines crew. Photo / Supplied

TRAVEL

Flight Check: Auckland to Kuala Lumpur

27 Feb, 2019 2:00pm
4 minutes to read

Stephanie Holmes flies Malaysia Airlines MH130 from Auckland to Kuala Lumpur.

Stephanie Holmes at the Painted Hills, Oregon. Photo / Supplied

TRAVEL

Oregon: Bend in the road

26 Feb, 2019 2:00pm
10 minutes to read

Stephanie Holmes takes the roundabout route to experience the delights of Central Oregon.

TRAVEL

USA: Portland three ways

26 Feb, 2019 9:00am
7 minutes to read

A tour guide can extend horizons for a solo traveller, writes Stephanie Holmes.

Swimmers run into the surf at Natadola Beach. Photo / Mark Tantrum

TRAVEL

Fiji: Just keep swimming

19 Feb, 2019 1:00pm
11 minutes to read

Stephanie Holmes completes her first ocean swim with a heart full of pride.

TRAVEL

Flight Check: San Jose to Houston

19 Feb, 2019 9:00am
2 minutes to read

Stephanie Holmes flies United Airlines UA1097 San Jose, Costa Rica to Houston.

Barefoot Manta Resort, Yasawas. Photo / Supplied

TRAVEL

Room Check: Barefoot Manta

19 Feb, 2019 8:34am
2 minutes to read

Stephanie Holmes checks into Barefoot Manta in Fiji's Yasawa Islands.

TRAVEL

Flight Check: Los Angeles to Auckland

14 Feb, 2019 7:00am
2 minutes to read

Stephanie Holmes flies American Airlines from Los Angeles to Auckland.

Phil Keoghan, on top of Haystack Mountain in Ashland, Maine. Photo / National Geographic

TRAVEL

Not ready to stop exploring

10 Feb, 2019 10:00am
5 minutes to read

Phil Keoghan has already been to 130 countries but he's not ready to stop exploring.

Historic Balch Hotel, Oregon. Photo / Supplied

TRAVEL

Room check: Historic Balch Hotel, Oregon

4 Feb, 2019 7:00am
4 minutes to read

Stephanie Holmes checks into Dufur's Historic Balch Hotel, in Oregon.

Wild Rose in Oregon is serving up an authentic Northern Thai menu, not any toned-down tourist versions of the cuisine. Photo / Instagram

LIFESTYLE

Destination Dining: Wild Rose, Bend, Oregon

4 Feb, 2019 6:00am
2 minutes to read

This week for Destination Dining we visit one of Oregon's most hyped Thai restaurants.

Jupiter Next Hotel, in Portland, Oregon. Photo / Supplied

TRAVEL

Room Check: The Jupiter Next hotel, Portland

22 Jan, 2019 3:30pm
4 minutes to read

Stephanie Holmes checks into the Jupiter Next hotel, in Portland, Oregon.

TRAVEL

Flight Check: Redmond to Los Angeles

22 Jan, 2019 11:00am
3 minutes to read

Stephanie Holmes flies aboard United Express UA5644, from Redmond, Oregon to Los Angeles.

The Duck Stack from Canard in Portland is a must-try dish. Photo / supplied

TRAVEL

Destination Dining: Canard, Portland

21 Jan, 2019 10:23am
2 minutes to read

We check out one of Portland's most talked-about new restaurants.

A Chestnut-mandibled toucan in the rainforest of Costa Rica. Photo / Getty Images

TRAVEL

Costa Rica: If Toucan, you can

20 Jan, 2019 10:00am
8 minutes to read

The colourful toucans of Costa Rica soar and dip and on a wellness break.

The Hi-So bar has the best view in town. Photo / Stephanie Holmes

TRAVEL

Room Check: So/Auckland

15 Jan, 2019 12:00pm
4 minutes to read

Stephanie Holmes checks into the country's newest five-star hotel, So/Auckland.

Cathay Pacific's Hong Kong lounge, The Bridge. Photo / Supplied

TRAVEL

Flight Check: Hong Kong to Auckland

15 Jan, 2019 10:00am
4 minutes to read

Stephanie Holmes flies with Cathay Pacific from Hong Kong to Auckland.

Chureito pagoda, Fuji Five lakes, Japan. Photo / Getty Images

TRAVEL

Best places for Kiwis to travel to in 2019

30 Dec, 2018 10:00am
9 minutes to read

Experts give advice on sorting the best from the rest for travel in 2019.

Auckland chef Michael Meredith. Photo / Nick Reed

TRAVEL

Flight check: Auckland to Hong Kong

11 Dec, 2018 8:00am
3 minutes to read

Stephanie Holmes flies Cathay Pacific CX7402 Auckland to Hong Kong, operated by Air NZ.

Kaikoura is set for a tourism comeback in 2019. Photo / Getty Images

TRAVEL

Kaikōura trending for travellers in 2019

4 Dec, 2018 3:00am
2 minutes to read

New data shows Kaikōura is most desirable destination for world travellers in 2019.

TRAVEL

Flight check: Auckland to Fiji

27 Nov, 2018 8:00am
3 minutes to read

Stephanie Holmes flies from Auckland to Fiji on board Fiji Airways FJ410.

Beach Front Villas have their own plunge pools on Matamanoa Island Resort in Fiji's Mamanuca Islands. Photo / Supplied

TRAVEL

Fiji: Escape from reality

25 Nov, 2018 12:00pm
4 minutes to read

Stephanie Holmes finds there's only one feature missing.

Chicago's Wrigley Building Photo / Stephanie Holmes

TRAVEL

Chicago: The time of your life

25 Nov, 2018 7:00am
9 minutes to read

Don't miss these must-sees on a visit to Chicago, writes Stephanie Holmes.

Polaris Class aboard a United 777. Photo / Supplied

TRAVEL

Flight check: Auckland to San Francisco

20 Nov, 2018 12:00pm
4 minutes to read

Stephanie Holmes flies on United Airlines' flight UA916, from Auckland to San Francisco.

The Royal Eleganza. Photo / Ben McNamara, Peregrine Adventures

TRAVEL

Sailing on the Royal Eleganza with Peregrine

20 Nov, 2018 7:00am
4 minutes to read

Stephanie Holmes sails on the Royal Eleganza with Peregrine Adventures.

The Bar at United Polaris lounge at SFO. Photo / Supplied

TRAVEL

Lounge check: Polaris Lounge at San Francisco International Airport

15 Nov, 2018 7:00am
3 minutes to read

Stephanie Holmes visits United Airlines' Polaris Lounge

A Cathay Pacific cabin crew member. Photo / Supplied

TRAVEL

Flight check: Bangkok to Hong Kong

8 Nov, 2018 8:00am
3 minutes to read

Stephanie Holmes flies CX712, Bangkok to Hong Kong with Cathay Pacific.

The Koru Lounge inside Auckland's international terminal. Photo / Supplied

TRAVEL

Lounge check: Koru Lounge, Auckland Airport

6 Nov, 2018 9:00am
3 minutes to read

Stephanie Holmes finds space in the Koru Lounge at Auckland Airport.

Patreksfjordur, in Iceland's rugged west. Photo / Supplied

TRAVEL

Cruising uncharted waters

25 Oct, 2018 4:00pm
8 minutes to read

Step away from the popular cruise ports and visit some of these destinations instead.

A religious procession makes its way down the streets in Ubud. Photo / Supplied

TRAVEL

Bali: Chaos in perfect harmony

25 Oct, 2018 3:00pm
6 minutes to read

The natural energy of the jungle intertwines with the spirit on the streets of Ubud.

TRAVEL

Dip your toes in the water

21 Oct, 2018 5:00pm
8 minutes to read

New Zealanders are spoiled for choice when it comes to great swimming locations.

Make this holiday the best one yet. Photo / Supplied

TRAVEL

We're all going on a summer holiday

21 Oct, 2018 7:00am
8 minutes to read

Get prepared now so this break is your best yet, writes Stephanie Holmes.

Barefoot Kuata is a relaxed tropical paradise. Photo / Getty Images

TRAVEL

Room check: Barefoot Kuata, Fiji

17 Oct, 2018 7:00am
3 minutes to read

Stephanie Holmes checks into Barefoot Kuata in Fiji's Yasawa Islands.

TRAVEL

Three non-foodie things to do in New York

14 Oct, 2018 11:00am
2 minutes to read

Not hungry? Stephanie Holmes finds three great non-foodie things to do in New York.

TRAVEL

Room check: Smugglers Cove Resort, Nadi

12 Oct, 2018 8:00am
3 minutes to read

Stephanie Holmes checks into Smugglers Cove Resort, Nadi, Fiji.

Fujifilm's instax Square SQ6 in Blush Gold, RRP $199. Photo / Supplied

TRAVEL

Travel review: Fujifilm Instax Square SQ6

11 Oct, 2018 12:00pm
3 minutes to read

Most of us are guilty of taking photos only on phones these days.

Fiji Airways new lounge in Nadi. Photo / Supplied

TRAVEL

Lounge check: Nadi International Airport

9 Oct, 2018 8:00am
4 minutes to read

Stephanie Holmes visits the Fiji Airways Premier Lounge, Nadi International Airport.

A sunset dip at Mantaray Island. Photo / Supplied

TRAVEL

Room check: Mantaray Island, Fiji

2 Oct, 2018 3:00pm
3 minutes to read

Stephanie Holmes checks into Mantaray Island, in Fiji's Yasawa Islands.

Kankowan, owner of Porwa spa in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Photo / Supplied

TRAVEL

Chiang Mai: Empowering Experiences

25 Sep, 2018 11:00am
8 minutes to read

Sharing passions unlocks economic opportunities for all, writes Stephanie Holmes.

A Bangkok Airways plane at Chiang Mai airport. Photo / Stephanie Holmes

TRAVEL

Flight check: Bangkok to Chiang Mai

20 Sep, 2018 5:00am
3 minutes to read

Stephanie Holmes flies from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, on Bangkok Airways.

Joanna Lumley and Jennifer Saunders grape picking in the Champagne region of France. Photo / Supplied

TRAVEL

Jennifer Saunders: Champagne and the joys of life

17 Sep, 2018 1:00pm
3 minutes to read

Jennifer Saunders gives the lowdown on champagne, Joanna Lumley and trips of a lifetime.

Counter food at Woo Chiang Mai. Photo / Stephanie Holmes

TRAVEL

Chiang Mai's trendy influences

16 Sep, 2018 9:00am
5 minutes to read

Traditional and trendy influences marry well, writes Stephanie Holmes.

Adina Apartment Hotel, Auckland Britomart.

TRAVEL

Room check: Adina Apartment Hotel Britomart

11 Sep, 2018 5:00am
3 minutes to read

Stephanie Holmes checks into Adina Apartment Hotel Britomart.

TRAVEL

Russell: Eclectic came to stay

9 Sep, 2018 11:00am
5 minutes to read

The views are wide open, writes Stephanie Holmes.

Private pool deck in one of 12 penthouses at COMO Uma Canggu, a luxury resort in Bali.

TRAVEL

Room check: Como Uma Canggu

7 Sep, 2018 5:00am
3 minutes to read

Stephanie Holmes checks into Como Uma Canggu, at Bali's Echo Beach.

Healthy yet hearty food at Escape Haven, a luxury retreat in Bali.

TRAVEL

Bali: In pursuit of joyfulness

4 Sep, 2018 5:00am
11 minutes to read

A glowing Stephanie Holmes stays at a luxury women-only spa and wellness retreat in Bali.

TRAVEL

Plan ahead and leave your fears

2 Sep, 2018 2:00pm
9 minutes to read

Stephanie Holmes enlists some experts to help you have a carefree long-haul holiday.

Rob Brydon and Steve Coogan in The Trip to Spain (2017). Photo / Supplied

TRAVEL

Flight check: Dubai to Barcelona

28 Aug, 2018 2:00pm
2 minutes to read

Stephanie Holmes flies from Dubai to Barcelona onboard Emirates EK185.

The Strata Lounge at Auckland Internatioanl Airport.

TRAVEL

Lounge check: The Strata Lounge

21 Aug, 2018 8:00am
3 minutes to read

Stephanie Holmes enters the Strata Lounge, at Auckland International Airport.

An Air New Zealand Boeing 777-300 aircraft. Photo / Richard Robinson

TRAVEL

Flight check: Los Angeles to Auckland

14 Aug, 2018 9:26am
3 minutes to read

Stephanie Holmes flies from Los Angeles to Auckland aboard Air New Zealand's NZ1.

Beachfront Safari Tent at Barefoot Manta Resort, Yasawas.

TRAVEL

Island escape for full immersion therapy

5 Aug, 2018 5:00am
7 minutes to read

A rustic escape from the mundane is an eye-opener, writes Stephanie Holmes.

Hyatt Regency Hotel, Downtown Denver, Colorado USA.

TRAVEL

Room check: The Hyatt Regency Denver

2 Aug, 2018 11:00am
3 minutes to read

Stephanie Holmes checks into the Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center.

Bangkok Airport. Photo / Stephanie Holmes

TRAVEL

Flight check: Chiang Mai to Bangkok

2 Aug, 2018 7:00am
3 minutes to read

Stephanie Holmes flies from Chiang Mai to Bangkok, Thailand on Bangkok Airways' PG224.