Varsha Anjali is an Auckland-based multimedia journalist at the New Zealand Herald, specialising in travel.
Varsha Anjali started her role as a journalist at the New Zealand Herald in 2024, covering travel news, destinations and tourism. She is also a keen consumer of the arts and has reported on theatre and culture. Varsha completed a Bachelor of Arts in Politics and Spanish at the University of Auckland. Before joining the Herald, she was working in communications in London. She can be contacted at varsha.anjali@nzme.co.nz.
Why Aoraki Mt Cook is doubling as Everest in Tenzing biopic
'It’s an iconic setting for an incredible story.'
What social media travel posts reveal about each generation
OPINION: Gen Z ironic ambiguity, millennial normcore, and boomer cheese. We dive in.
'Extraordinary honour': NZ restaurant named in world’s top 100
It's the first time a NZ restaurant has been recognised on the global list.
‘Big, bad city’: Why Suva should be top of your Fiji to-do list
It's worth stepping away from the deserted beaches.
Doco on Kiwi man Peter Beckett’s murder trial nominated at Canadian awards
He was acquitted after nine years in prison, having been convicted of murdering his wife.
Watch: Trailer released for documentary about former PM Jacinda Ardern
The film will be released in US theatres next month.
'Scared to death': Former Auck teacher running Cook Islands tour accused of risking lives
A Herald investigation has found allegations of unsafe practices against a tour operator.
On The Up: Skyline hits 100m luge rides milestone - the secret to the Kiwi invention's lasting appeal
The son of Skyline's founder says the Luge is 'more than just an exhilarating ride'.
How to not miss out on booking a popular NZ Great Walk
Popular huts book out fast. Here's how not to miss out when bookings open this week.
The complex emotions surrounding Mother's Day for many Kiwis
The second Sunday of May is painful for many. Here's how some cope.
Why we need to travel differently in Fiji
'If you make your garden nice, the butterfly will come'.
'I was trapped': Man's harrowing escape from floodwaters
He thought it was a small puddle. Then his engine died.
Put down your cocktail, this is the side of Fiji you don’t know
I thought I knew this island. I was wrong.
Air NZ uniform: How the public reacted to Emilia Wickstead’s designs
'Elegant and well-cut, with drape-neck details ... this uniform is a future classic.'
Watch: Air NZ unveils new uniform designed by Emilia Wickstead
'Pleasing everybody has kept me up all night,' the Kiwi designer said.
A Kiwi packed a chainsaw in her bag and the airline destroyed it – were the rules broken?
The chainsaw was packed as a gift for the woman's uncle in Nadi, Fiji.
Why this eco lodge is Fiji’s best-kept travel secret
Want to see 100 dolphins up close? This place is your best chance.
‘Virtuoso talent’: Early Charles Goldie painting heads to auction
The painting is considered one of Goldie's earliest works.
‘Time is right’: Are direct flights from NZ to India coming soon?
Christopher Luxon sees potential for direct NZ-India flights amid rising demand.
Dog joining your beach walk? What you need to know
How to protect wildlife from your dog (and keep them safe too).
From $40: Jetstar launches massive sale on one-way fares
Club Jetstar members have exclusive access for 12 hours before it's open for everyone.
Revealed: Most frequently left behind items at Auckland Airport
If it fails to be reunited with its owner, what then?
Mafs couple debate sex success: ‘There was a bit of an awkwardness’
OPINION: It was passionate for him. It couldn't have been further from the truth for her.
Revealed: Airline introduces world-class menu from top Kiwi chef
Well-known local ingredients are showcased in the menu.
‘Wouldn’t be where I am today without NZ’: Broke Boy Taco opens new store
He was once homeless in the US. Now his food is a Kiwi cult favourite.
PM auctions off ‘fashion crime’ T-shirt after getting roasted online
Christopher Luxon was ridiculed for his fashion choices by menswear guru Derek Guy.
‘Buckle up’: Tāmati Coffey and husband expecting another baby
The couple and surrogate mother are committed to sharing the journey online.
MAFS ep 4 recap: ‘Petite, blonde’ - Groom brutally criticises wife’s looks
OPINION: Nice Guy Tim assumes the liberty to tell his wife what he thinks of her looks.
Move over Fiji: Why more Kiwis are choosing this island destination for their holidays
A record number of Kiwis visited the island paradise in 2024.
Air NZ flights to Seoul to end
The airline said there are ongoing challenges with engine availability.
‘We need to humanise the role’: Ardern doco wins award at Sundance
'There’s a very rare opportunity ... to share what it looks to be in leadership.'
‘Wasn’t that difficult’: Man attempts world record at Auckland Airport
'It was just a bit of a laugh over a long weekend,' Robinson said.
Wind shear forces Air New Zealand flight to divert to Hamilton
Air NZ confirmed no other services are impacted.
Jetstar announces huge sale on domestic flights - and it ends tonight
The Friday Fare Frenzy ends at 8pm tonight.
‘Horrified’: Duped Kiwi couple book hotel for Xmas holiday, end up at a mall
'I was horrified that this happened to us and of all days on Christmas Eve'
US traveller ‘shocked’ at hearing derogatory word in NZ
'Does that make me want to move here? Absolutely not.'
Kiwis in Tibet urged to register online following deadly quake
MFAT urges Kiwis currently overseas to register on SafeTravel following quake in Tibet.
Air NZ launches sale on international and domestic fares
It's one of the airline's biggest-ever sales.
Are you adventurous or just running away from problems?
I became suspicious of everyone's motivations for long-term travel.
Blake Lively sues It Ends With Us director
She has accused Justin Baldoni of sexual harassment and retaliation.
The top 5 Christmas songs for 2024
From guilty pleasures and delicious classics to modern bangers.
Varsha Anjali: What's so bad about Auckland, anyway?
OPINION: As hordes leave Auckland for the holidays, is the city as bad as some say?
'Don't ever do that': Hilary Barry reveals alarming hotel toilet moment with mystery man
She went to the loo thinking she was alone. She wasn't.
Air NZ reveals busiest travel day, most popular summer holiday spots
Which destinations are luring Kiwis the most this summer?
Christmas wrapper: Air New Zealand reveals new festive lolly
'The new flavour tastes just like a Christmas candy cane.'
Cruise line bans upside-down pineapples as swingers seek meet-ups
Company announces ban on door decorations with hidden meaning.
Airline refuses refund after doctor gives up business class seat for sick passenger
'You should not even have to ask,' commented a social media user.
Watch: Fan who 'woke from coma' to Coldplay songs joins band on Auckland stage
Magic moment: A fan enjoyed a special stage appearance last night.
We go behind the scenes of the LOTR musical and meet the team behind the magic
Why did Paul Hart’s revival in Chicago succeed - and will it do so again in Auckland?
Passenger's apparent attempt to open emergency exit door during flight
Korean Air: "Zero-tolerance for safety threats"; passenger restrained, flight lands.
Does Air New Zealand stock emergency period products?
A Herald investigation reveals what airlines provide menstrual products for travellers.
'Gobsmacked': Cockroaches on planes delay passengers for hours
'How did the cockroaches get on there?'
Australian taxpayers may have to pay accused killer cop’s legal bill
Beau Lamarre-Condon is expected to enter pleas on Monday.
'Vicious': Passenger beats sleeping man on flight to Washington DC
The US man is now facing criminal charges.
5 haunted places in NZ you can actually visit
Aotearoa has several scary haunts. Whether you should check them out is another question.
'Like horror movie': Passenger killed after 9m waves hit cruise ship, more than 100 injured
'It was like a horror movie outside with the waves going up so high,' one passenger said.
New doco to air on former Napier councillor acquitted of murdering wife
A new docuseries explores the high-profile murder trial of Hawke's Bay man Peter Beckett.
'Poor Roger': Hilary Barry’s brutal rejection of classmate’s proposal
Eight-year-old Barry was savage as newly discovered letter reveals.
Watch: Canadian news anchor's hilarious attempt to say name of NZ town
Newsreader stumbles over Dunedin Airport’s name after its hug rule goes viral.
Passenger charged with assaulting Air NZ staff ‘can’t remember’ what happened
The young man appeared in court on Thursday.
Woman falls overboard on Taylor Swift-themed cruise
A search is under way for the 66-year-old passenger.
Aviation industry blames student loan restrictions for looming pilot shortage
'Only those with financial support from families can afford to train.'
Watch: Disruptive passenger forces Air NZ flight to divert
The 'disruptive passenger' was met by police at Melbourne Airport.
New lawsuit claims Diddy drugged and raped 13-year-old girl
The suit alleges other celebrities were present during the assault.
'Crimes against humanity': Man's smelly act on plane appals internet
'No-fly list, immediately.'
Air NZ slashes international travel fares – for a limited time
Air NZ has announced a mega sale on international fares – and it's only for a few hours.
'Devastating': Reality star's tearful plea to find late mum's ring
'This is literally all I have left of my mum,' says the reality star.
10 flights disrupted over 48 hours after receiving hoax bomb threats
The bomb threats were made via social media platform X.
'High action, high adventure': Inside the building of a cruise ship
Hybrid roller coaster and waterslide at sea, anyone?
Regional airline busier as Air NZ reduces capacity
Regional flight services are booming, says Barrier Air chief executive.
'Horrified': Woman warns travellers after receiving 'creepy' text at airport
The stranger saw her number on her luggage tag.
Diddy’s private jet leaves Auckland after mysterious visit
The private jet was sighted in Auckland yesterday – now it's gone.
'We work hard': Air NZ voted the best airline in top travel awards
National carrier credits staff for achievement.
Sean 'Diddy' Combs' private jet spotted at Auckland Airport, following new sex crime charges
The music mogul is currently detained in the US. What is his jet doing in Auckland?
'Unusual smell': Qantas flight bound for Wellington turns around
A cabin crew member was taken to hospital as a precaution.
Air NZ reduces capacity on three regional routes
The airline says it has to ensure its operations are financially sustainable.
'Absolutely amazing': Pilot's act of kindness shocks passengers
'It was a beautiful sight'.