Stephanie Holmes, Lifestyle and Travel Editor, Premium, for New Zealand's Herald, works as an editor, writer, and editorial leader, and as a presenter of videos and podcasts.
Stephanie Holmes has worked at New Zealand’s Herald since 2016, specialising in Travel and, more recently, Lifestyle and Entertainment, with her entire journalism career dedicated to these subjects. Under her editorship, the Herald’s weekly Travel magazine won the 2020 Voyager Media Award for Best Newspaper Magazine – a remarkable achievement considering New Zealand’s borders were closed due to the Coronavirus pandemic and Kiwis were unable to travel. In 2022, she was a finalist for the Voyagers’ Editorial Leader of the Year award. Born and raised in the UK, Holmes graduated with a BA (Hons) in Communication Studies from Anglia Ruskin University, followed by a post-graduate journalism diploma. She arrived in New Zealand in 2003 and has lived in Auckland ever since.

Is this the best guided tour experience in the world? We think so
A motorbike-riding dog is just one of the highlights of a visit to Cape Town.

Face to face with a killer: The luxury safari better than winning the lottery
Between lion sightings and luxury suites, Sabi Sabi is the safari dream.

History, Game of Thrones, and cheese: The best reasons to visit Malta and Corsica
These Mediterranean gems are off the beaten track but well worth a visit.

Air NZ's luggage tracker vs Apple Airtag: Which should you use?
The national carrier rolled out its new luggage tracking service. But is it any good?

Should you upgrade your flight to Premium Economy? Comparing cabins on Singapore Airlines
Two cabin classes, one airline, and a long journey to South Africa.

Wander Waiheke's breathtaking trails, then dine in style – the ultimate island treat
Waiheke's hospitality takes any challenge head-on.

Celebrity Treasure Island Stars share their top camping tips
Matilda Green, Jayden Daniels, Eli Matthewson and more share their tent tips.

Want to find paradise without leaving Auckland? Try this island escape
And no, it's not Waiheke.

Review: Salerno's treasure - stay in an Airbnb built on 2nd century Roman ruins
The perfect base to explore Italy's southern region.

Oceania Vista: An insider's guide to the world's newest cruise ship
Creative cocktails to fine dining, to dancefloors and libraries, this ship has it all.

Something old, something new: An inside look at a freshly reopened Melbourne hotel
With restaurant, rooftop pool and luxe rooms, you should make a date with this hotel.

The luxury of alone time: Why you should stay in a grand lodge as a solo traveller
An opulent lodge isn't just for couples - you can enjoy it solo, too.

An inside look at Rome's newest luxury hotel, where old meets new
With gorgeous rooftop bar and luxurious Roman bath, Six Senses Rome is worth the splurge.

This hotel has the best views of Positano on the Amalfi Coast
Casa Angelina is a high-end stay, but is it worth the price tag?

To infinity, and beyond: What it's like to stay at the luxury hotel with the best pool in Sydney
See and be seen at this luxurious skyscraper at Barangaroo.

Exclusive: What it's like on board the world's newest cruise ship
The launch featured luxury of epic proportions.

The Gold Coast's surprise Timaru connection
Some of the hottest spots in the GC to fuel up and refresh.

Great Walk, better bunks: Routeburn's luxury route
Perfect blue skies and fine food greet Stephanie Holmes along the Routeburn Track.

Scenic surprises: The hidden gems to be found on the Gold Coast
This is the Gold Coast, but not as you might know it.

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.

QT on the GC: What it's like staying at a hip hotel in Surfers Paradise
What's it really like to stay at the QT Gold Coast?

Hidden gems with hot tubs, for a weekend escape in North Canterbury
Heading to Hurunui? Here are the lesser-known spots to check out.

8 reasons why there’s a cruise ship for everyone, including you
If you think you're not a cruiser, you just haven't found the right ship yet.

You get what you pay for with this low-cost airline
Herald's Travel editor reveals what it's like flying to Sydney on this budget carrier.

The Langham Gold Coast, a luxury beachside break
Modern skyscraper on the outside, classic elegance on the inside.

What it's like flying from Auckland International Airport after the floods
The international terminal saw chaos in the recent floods. But what's it like now?

Hotel review: Whales, walks, wines - why Kaikōura should be more than a pitstop
With a beachfront location and luxurious facilities, it's worth lingering longer.

New Zealand's best beaches, according to Liz from The Beths
Liz Stokes picks her favourite Kiwi beaches. Find out how to vote for yours.

Tourism Minister Stuart Nash on NZ’s best beaches - and his ultimate summer pick
From the East Coast to the top of the South, Nash says we're spoiled for choice.

Best Beach 2023: Bree Tomasel and Jayden Daniels' favourite summer spots
The Celebrity Treasure Island hosts share their most-loved Kiwi beaches.

Very Impressive, Perth: Eleven ways to find luxury on a Western Australian city break
From fancy hotels to fine-dining, Perth has luxury in spades.

Fiji holidays: Is this the world's best infinity pool?
This luxury island has something for everyone, whatever kind of holiday you're after.

Which beach is the best in the whole of New Zealand? Nominations are open now
The search for New Zealand's best beach returns - and we need your nominations.

Michael Palin on lockdown inspiration; travel to North Korea, Iraq
The Monty Python star talks to Herald Travel about his new book Into Iraq.

Natural beauty: An inside look at one of NZ's most exclusive luxury lodges
A weekend at The Lindis is a wonderful way to escape the real world, if only for a moment.