/lifestyle/travel/rss 九一星空无限 Sat, 19 Apr 2025 14:03:35 Z en /lifestyle/travel/mike-yardley-waltzing-vienna-with-trafalgar/ /lifestyle/travel/mike-yardley-waltzing-vienna-with-trafalgar/ You could spill vast rivers of blue Danube ink try to encapsulate the enduring brilliance of Vienna and all that it has lavished on the world. It’s the city that vaulted Mozart, Beethoven, Haydn, Strauss and his waltz into the world’s consciousness. The city that unleashed the genius of Freud, published the world’s first newspaper, conceived the delicious Torte, and was the powerbase for the imperial Hapsburgs. Vienna remains a city of culture, class and beauty; of churches, castles and concert halls.   I recently returned to the Austrian capital as part of Trafalgar’s 10 day Imperial Europe tour, which serves up a superbly curated string of authentic encounters in some seriously decorated destinations. As my Trafalgar travel director Kate remarked, “Vienna elevated coffee onto the highest pedestal.” And as a major caffeine fiend, Vienna’s revered coffee houses pleasingly loomed large on the agenda.   It’s ironic that the rampaging Ottoman Turks, who desperately tried to seize strategically important Vienna, inadvertently sowed the seeds for one of its great legacies. Defeated Turkish forces left behind many bags of coffee beans, giving rise to the great cafe society. Although as I discovered in Vienna, the locals who discovered the bags weren’t exactly sure what to do with them. At first, they thought the beans should be added to soup. It was only after they pumped some imprisoned Turkish soldiers for knowledge, that Vienna’s long love affair with coffee was first unleashed.   Four centuries later, the classic coffee houses, resplendent with plush velvet seats, Thonet chairs, and marble tables remain crucial to the city’s soul and social pulse. Add to that, the more than 2000 ‘modern’ cafes in Vienna. During our Trafalgar walkabout, local specialist guide Claudia mentioned the city centre still boasts a whopping 100 coffee houses. And we ventured to Cafe Demel. Located a stone’s throw from the creamy curved splendour of Hofburg Palace and the constant clop-clop-clop of the horse and carriage trade, this Kohlmarkt café is widely considered by Vienna’s coffee and cake connoisseurs as an institution.    Kaiserschmarrn at Cafe Demel. Photo / Supplied The old-school pastry shop and confectioner was established in 1786 and still bears the title of a Purveyor to the Imperial and Royal Court. The café you see today, decorated in Rococo style and complemented by Regency furnishings, was established a century later, shortly after Franz Josef I pulled down the city walls and developed the famous Ring Strasse, which circles the heart of the city, edged by showpiece architecture like the Austrian Parliament, inspired by the Parthenon in Athens.   Café Demel is staffed by efficient white-aproned waitresses, order up a Wiener Melange, which is an expresso with steamed milk and foam. Or go full fancy with a Fiaker Coffee – large espresso with cherry schnapps & whipped cream.  A local sweet treat at Demel that I quickly succumbed to was buchtein: fluffy yeast dumplings stuffed with apricot jam and served with hot vanilla sauce. They’re also a go-to for Kaiserschmarrn with stewed plums. Kaiserschmarrn is best described as fluffy shredded pancakes, which takes its name from the Hapsburg emperor Franz Joseph I, who was very fond of them. Claudia mentioned that Vienna's oldest coffee house is Cafe Frauenhuber, which celebrated its 200th birthday last year.   Originally a restaurant from the 18th century, it is claimed that Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Ludwig van Beethoven performed table music here. Café Central is another venerable establishment, fawned over by poets and philosophers since the 1870s. I also opted for the more contemporary Viennese offering at Café Aida, bedecked in a Barbie pink glow. I ordered up an Einspanner – large espresso with whipped cream in the glass. The counter cabinet titillates with the most dazzling display of tortes, including the famous Sacher Torte (filled with apricot jam), which was conceived in the nearby Sacher Hotel. But I opted to gorge myself on a large bowl of apple strudel bathed in hot vanilla sauce. It was decadently, indecently good.   Cabinet temptations at Cafe Aida. Photo / Mike Yardley More signature bites? The runaway icon is Wiener Schnitzel, which traditionally, is a cutlet of veal pounded thin by a meat tenderiser, then dipped in flour, egg and breadcrumbs, and fried until golden. If a restaurant sells Wiener Schnitzel made from some other meat than veal, then they have to say so. Veal is from young calves, an incredibly tender meat and milder than beef. Given its exorbitant price, the cheaper alternative is pork, beef or chicken schnitzel. Don’t be surprised to get a near pizza-sized piece of Schnitzel deposited on your plate with the only vegetable in sight a sprig of parsley as a garnish.  Most locals will order a side dish of potato salad. Just behind St Stephen’s Cathedral, in the maze of old town lanes, stake out the 120 year old Figlmuller Restaurant, which bills itself as the home of the original Wiener Schnitzel – although they didn’t create it. They also do a pork version, Figlmuller Schniztel, which is so big, it will protrude over your dinner plate. The quintessential street food to wrap your lips around is leberkase, which is kind of like a slice of meatloaf inside a crusty bun. The meat is typically a combination of finely chopped pork, bacon and beef. Wild boar is popular at Christmas. But resembling a pinkish pate, it is remarkably tasty and best served heated.   Wiener Schnitzel at Figlmuller. Photo / Supplied Shopping, noshing and lingering is a most alluring pursuit in Kohlmarkt, which is Vienna’s luxury retail row. A slew of high-end stores flank the pedestrianised cobblestones – and not just the usual suspects like Gucci and Prada, but one-off speciality stores. From Kohlmarkt, head to the golden retail sweep of Karntner Strasse. Heavily pedestrianised, the only notable rivals to the frenetic foot traffic is the clop-clop-clop of the horse and carriage brigade. Vienna’s abiding affection with this romantic form of transport stretches back many centuries, and the fiaker (as the locals call a carriage-rider) is a very prestigious job.   The central terminus for the horse and carriage trade is situated outside Vienna’s august Gothic cathedral, St. Stephen’s. Dating back to the 13th century, the cathedral’s soaring spires dominate the skyline. “The Steffl” as it’s informally called, was severely damaged by bombing raids during World War II, and its rebuilding was a potent symbol of hope as Austria emerged from the ashes of conflict. Claudia also pointed out a sublime perch over the city centre, the Sky Garden which adorns the roof top of Steffl department store. The panoramic glass elevator ride up to the roof is worth the visit alone.  Carriage rides by the Hofburg. Photo / Mike Yardley  At the southern end of Karntner Strasse, the Vienna State Opera House is unquestionably one of the world’s most acclaimed concert halls. The masterworks of Mozart, Beethoven and company continue to be performed every week at the opera house, which also offers daily tours. The Renaissance-style opera house has a busy roster of magical evenings of stirring classical music. The city swells with music but it’s a notable year for Strauss fans because Vienna is lustily celebrating the 200th birthday of Johann Strauss II, the King of Waltz.   His most famous piece is the Blue Danube and there’s a year-long roster of celebration concerts and events in Vienna. He was the Harry Styles of his day, a wildly idolised popstar, and quite the womaniser. Some historians claim he was engaged 13 times. Alongside the Mozart statue in the Royal Gardens, definitely check-out the freshly spruced-up golden statue of Strauss in Stadtpark, just off the Ring Strasse, where regular open-air concerts will be staged.  John Strauss monument. Photo / Mike Yardley  With a mix of art exhibitions, palatial interiors, striking sculpture and manicured lawns, the Belvedere Palace remains my favourite regal spot in Vienna. Constructed by Prince Eugen to celebrate the defeat of the invading Ottoman Turks in 1683, it is now one of Vienna’s most popular weekend haunts. The locals love flocking here to kick-back. The French-style formal gardens are replete with fountains and topiary, however it’s the classic statuary, complete with Greek mythological figures, that are particularly eye-catching. The Belvedere also houses the world’s largest collection of oil paintings by the renowned Austrian painter, Gustav Klimt, culminating with his most acclaimed work, The Kiss, which is a major crowd-puller.   The former Imperial Palace of the Hapsburgs, the Hofburg, is still home base for the Vienna Boys’ Choir in the Royal Chapel, and the Spanish Riding School. The elegant white Lipizzaner stallions of the Spanish Riding School were regularly used by the Hapsburgs for military equestrian pursuits, imperial celebrations and entertainment. They been a Viennese staple for over 400 years.   Probably most famous boys’ choir in the world, which now also includes girls, the choir has been going strong for over 500 years. On Sundays, the choir performs as part of traditional mass at the Hofburg Chapel, which is the easiest way of experiencing them in Vienna. Although you’ll only hear them during the mass, following the service, they appear in front of the altar to perform a small number of works for the public. An optional tour with Trafalgar gave us preferential access upon opening to Schonbrunn Palace. Inspired by Versailles, this bling-bling behemoth served as the Habsburg emperors' summer residence, with elaborate gardens and a staggering 1400 rooms.   Getting a jump on the queues, particularly at Austria’s most-visited attraction, is an undeniable advantage travelling with Trafalgar delivers. The city is ringed by the Vienna Woods on three sides and another superb optional tour with Trafalgar zips you up to Kahlenberg Mountain in the Vienna Woods, which was the epic site of the Battle of Vienna. The city had been besieged by the Ottoman Empire for two months, but the Hapsburg Empire, aided by many fellow Christian rulers, finally defeated the invading Turks here in 1683, abruptly ending their march across Europe. The wooded hills have been preserved for centuries and are credited for maintaining Vienna’s stature as having Europe’s best urban air quality.   For some cheap thrills to top off your waltz through Vienna, make a date with Prater, one of the oldest amusement parks in the world. Ever since 1766 when Prater first opened to the public, it has been a nursery for many of the world’s formative carnival rides, including the world’s first ghost train. Its enduring landmark attraction is the Riesenrad (Giant Ferris wheel), which was built in 1897 to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Emperor Franz Josef I. Still considered the oldest operating ferris wheel in the world, it was severely damaged in WWII, destroying half of the cabins. Just as James Bond did in The Living Daylights, take a ride in one of the 15 meticulously restored cabins for more enchanting rooftop views and fairground fun. No martinis, included.  The Reisenrad ferris wheel at Prater Park. Photo / Mike Yardley  Another notable feature of my Trafalgar experience was the distinctive accommodation. Vienna was a star specimen, where we stayed at the Imperial Riding School, which is now part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection. Magnificently refreshed as a hotel, Emperor Franz Joseph I established the property as his military equestrian school in the 19th century, close to Belvedere Palace. His regal impact can still be felt in the vaulted ceilings and striking archways that pervade the surviving majestic front building. You’ll discover all manner of nods to its heritage, from the stable-inspired floors to the plethora of apple delights, plucked from the orchard that is in the same spot as the apple trees that Franz Joseph I famously loved. It’s a stirring hotel experience.  Tour Differently. Travelling with Trafalgar means you won’t just see the world – but you’ll experience it with authenticity at the forefront. Tour adventurously, from the must-sees to hidden secrets, and tour locally with those priceless encounters with the locals. Trafalgar’s 10 day Imperial Europe tour has a starting price of $4,422 per person, twin share and includes a savings of up to $600 per person. Valid on select travel dates June, July and August 2025. Subject to availability. Call 0800 484 333, visit www.trafalgar.com, or see your local Travel Agent.  Cathay Pacific is spreading its wings in Europe, launching direct flights to Munich in June and Brussels in August, which will increase its reach into Europe by flying to 11 destinations. Cathay Pacific’s Munich flights will be operated by advanced A350-900s, as they do between Auckland and Hong Kong. The aircraft offer fully flat beds in Business, spacious seats in Premium Economy and comfort in Economy. The cabin air quality is decidedly better on A350s, and you’ll notice how much quieter these big birds are. The seatback entertainment system kept me suitably engaged with a head swirl of premium movie and TV selections, live news channels - all in vivid 4K, plus in-flight WiFi is available. www.cathaypacific.com Mike Yardley is our resident traveller and can be heard every Saturday with Jack Tame on 九一星空无限talk ZB.  Fri, 18 Apr 2025 21:29:36 Z /lifestyle/travel/mike-yardley-headline-experiences-in-munich/ /lifestyle/travel/mike-yardley-headline-experiences-in-munich/ As spring began to bud and bloom in Munich, I embraced the season of renewal by joining Trafalgar on their riveting 10 day Imperial Europe guided coach tour, which strings together a necklace of enchanting destinations. It’s a cracking introduction to the richness of Central Europe – kind of like a glorified greatest hits tour. Introducing our ebullient travel director Kate, who was a seasoned pro at bringing destinations alive with extraordinary story-telling and a wickedly dry, irreverent sense of humour. She rightly suggested we approach the tour like a lavish buffet, with the opportunity to dabble with a variety of treats.   In addition to the excellent included sightseeing, there’s plenty of free time allowing you the flexibility to explore at your own place. It’s a winning balance. Starting and ending in Munich, the irresistible highlights reel includes Prague, Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest and Salzburg. Our convivial band of travellers from the USA, Canda, Australia and Singapore gelled faster than the casing of a bratwurst, as we strolled the sophisticated streets of the Bavarian capital on an introductory walking tour.   Kate acquainted us with a swag of intriguing, storied and simply sensational landmarks and attractions, including Marienplatz, the heart of the old town since the city was founded nearly 1000 years ago. Yes, we admired the glockenspiel and its cherished puppetry performance. Additional highlights included one of the world’s most celebrated opera houses, the Bayerische Staatsoper (Bavarian State Opera) - steeped in 350 years of history. In a city teeming with palaces and museums, the Residenz Palace is still a compelling and imposing site, formerly the Bavarian royalty’s seat of power, edged by the lovely, leafy Hofgarten.   Marienplatz and travel director Kate with Traflgar group. Photo / Mike Yardley Kate remarked that Residenz hosts Munich’s best Christmas market, with the adjoining streets garlanded in crystal chandeliers. For a view over the city’s red-tiled rooftops, head to St. Peter's Church, located just behind Marienplatz. I like to get my fill of old churches and Kate implored me to experience a true hidden treasure, Asamkirche on Sendlinger Strasse, where “your jaw will drop to the floor.” She wasn’t wrong. This masterpiece 18th century rococo church is a dazzler, a jewel box of frescoes, sculptures and extravagant stuccowork that was created by two brothers as a private chapel. It was so good they were forced to make it a public church.   Further afield, it was a thrill to see the old Olympic Park and Allianz Stadium, home to Bayern Munich.  The massive stadium’s white outer shell is made of air cushions that are illuminated in splashy red during Bayern home games. Another hot haunt in the warmer months is the Isar River, where the Bavarian birthday suit brigade flocks in their thousands to sunbathe and swim. You have been warned!  We especially loved the old town’s "Platzl" neighbourhood, where the magnificent town houses and cobblestones create a cozy, timeless ambience. Platzl is also home to the world-famous Hofbrauhaus, a powerhouse of Munich's beer tradition since 1589. It’s readily apparent how many Munchners are Bavarians first and Germans second. This rich and powerful state was of course once its own kingdom, only becoming part of Germany a century ago, and it zealously retains an independent state of mind. Within the eye-catching neo-Renaissance building, there were no shortage of locals dressed in traditional Bavarian attire. Hello, lederhosen!   Hofbrauhaus beer hall in Munich. Photo / Supplied Our Trafalgar group also ventured to Zum Franziskaner, for an included dinner, feasting on port knuckle and beef roulade, plus savouring a classic Bavarian lager, Lowenbrau. This is a quintessential Helles lager and Lowenbrau has been brewing since 1383! The Reinbold family transformed a small tavern into this powerhouse traditional venue nearly 60 years ago and it’s a hospitality beacon. This buzzing beer hall pulls a huge crowd of locals – so you know it’s going to be good.   Kate also pointed out a variety of sites, intricately linked to the rise of Adolf Hitler, in the birthplace city of the Nazi Party. Munich was also the headquarters, and command centre of the Third Reich. As she soberly noted, the city’s soul is still troubled by its Nazi legacy and struggles to cleanse itself completely. Hitler’s imprint lingers. Only recently, an eternal flame to the victims of Nazi persecution was established, because of sustained local resistance. Pointedly, the Documentation Centre which focuses on all things related to the Nazi Party and its shameful rise in Munich was deliberately located next to Hitler’s offices, the former “Fuhrer Building.” This is where the infamous Munich Agreement in 1938 was signed by the UK’s Neville Chamberlain.   Fuhrer Building in Munich. Photo / TripAdvisor From the reality-defying decadence of fairy-tale castles to the horror and solemnity of one of Europe’s most notorious concentration camps, there are two stand-out daytrips that should be added on to a Munich stay, if you have time. Just an hour out of Munich by train, Neuschwanstein Castle is a bucket-lister. Commissioned by King Ludwig II, this fairy tale castle overlooks the picturesque Hohenschwangau valley and was the inspiration for Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle. Construction began in 1869, but given the exact tastes of King Ludwig II, progress was painfully slow. For example, it took 14 carpenters four and a half years just to complete the woodwork in Ludwig's bedroom.   The King was an immense devotee of Richard Wagner, even going as far as naming the castle after a character in one of Wagner's operas—the Swan Knight.  Tapestries depicting scenes from Wagner's opera festoon many interiors of this whimsical pleasure palace.  Construction was halted on the castle and Ludwig II was removed by power due to intrigue within his own cabinet. The King himself was rarely concerned with matters of state and was sometimes thought to suffer from hallucinations. However, what frightened the cabinet were the rumours of their possible removal. Under Bavarian law, a King could be removed from power if he were found unfit to rule, so his cabinet deposed him.    Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria. Photo / Supplied However, Ludwig's mysterious death—ruled a suicide at the time—suggests that the cabinet was not content to merely remove him from power. This jigsaw piece of mystery endures, adding to the atmosphere of intrigue at Neuschwanstein. Only fourteen rooms were finished before Ludwig's death and my absolute favourite is the throne room, the supreme picture of opulence, with intricate frescos of angels decorating the walls. There is no throne, only a raised dais, due to Ludwig II’s removal before a throne could be built. This amazing landmark was bathed in snow on my recent visit, however, whatever time of year you plan a visit, Neuschwanstein is unfailingly spectacular.   For a complete change of scenery, take the short 20 minute train trip from Munich to Dachau, and the poignant memorial site of the Dachau Concentration Camp, the first and longest running Nazi concentration camp. The vast gallery of photographic displays, the spartan cell blocks, bunk beds, crematorium and gas chamber all add to the powerful sense of emotion, when visiting this camp.   Front gate of Dachau Camp. Photo / Supplied More than 41,000 of the 200,000-plus prisoners lost their lives here. The former camp has become more than just a grisly memorial: it's now a place where people of all nations meet to reflect upon the egregious sins of the past and its enduring impact on the world. What I found particularly striking on my last trip to Dachau, was the overwhelming number of young visitors exploring the site of so much horror.  Tour Differently. Travelling with Trafalgar means you won’t just see the world – but you’ll experience it with authenticity at the forefront. Tour adventurously, from the must-sees to hidden secrets, and tour locally with those priceless encounters with the locals. Trafalgar’s 10 day Imperial Europe tour has a starting price of $4,422 per person, twin share and includes a savings of up to $600 per person. Valid on select travel dates June, July and August 2025. Subject to availability. Call 0800 484 333, visit www.trafalgar.com or see your local Travel Agent.  Cathay Pacific is spreading its wings in Europe, launching direct flights to Munich in June and Brussels in August, which will increase its reach into Europe by flying to 11 destinations. Cathay Pacific’s Munich flights will be operated by advanced A350-900s, as they do between Auckland and Hong Kong. The aircraft offer fully flat beds in Business, spacious seats in Premium Economy and comfort in Economy. The cabin air quality is decidedly better on A350s, and you’ll notice how much quieter these big birds are. The seatback entertainment system kept me suitably engaged with a head swirl of premium movie and TV selections, live news channels - all in vivid 4K, plus in-flight WiFi is available. www.cathaypacific.com   Mike Yardley is our resident traveller and can be heard every Saturday with Jack Tame on 九一星空无限talk ZB.  Sat, 12 Apr 2025 00:33:04 Z /lifestyle/travel/air-new-zealand-unveils-new-uniform-by-kiwi-designer-emilia-wickstead/ /lifestyle/travel/air-new-zealand-unveils-new-uniform-by-kiwi-designer-emilia-wickstead/ London-based New Zealand fashion designer Emilia Wickstead tells Varsha Anjali what it was like designing the new Air New Zealand uniform, which makes its public debut today.  World-renowned Kiwi fashion designer Emilia Wickstead unveiled her new uniform design for Air New Zealand today – 14 years after the airline’s last uniform update.  Wickstead, known for her sophisticated and empowering designs, was announced as Air NZ’s uniform designer in November 2023. While she has dressed several high-profile clients, including the Princess of Wales, designing for thousands of Air New Zealand cabin crew, pilots, ground staff and managers came with its unique pain points.  “Pleasing everybody has kept me up all night,” the London-based designer, who was in Auckland for the launch, tells the Herald.  World-renowned Kiwi designer Emilia Wickstead is based in London.  “I’ve been brought on board to design for 6000 people and to make them feel comfortable and the best versions of themselves,” Wickstead says.  “That is a huge responsibility and I take it very, very seriously ... but I hope that from having listened to everybody, understanding what their likes and their dislikes are... that they’re wearing the uniform as opposed to the uniform wearing them.  “I feel like I’ve ticked those boxes and hopefully it’s gonna be a grand success.”  A blouse and skirt from Air NZ's new uniform collection, designed by Emilia Wickstead.  Remarkably, Wickstead didn’t suffer from much of a creative block during the process. “I had probably too many ideas, and that was a little bit problematic,” she says.  “I had lots of different colours and little tweaks and ideas, and it was hard actually, because you want to represent so many things and ... this is your one moment to shine on a global scale for New Zealand.  A kākā feather print waistcoat replaces the current 'Kiwiana' design.  While working with purple was a non-negotiable, given its status as the national carrier’s signature colour, the designer shared the thoughtful reasoning behind her choice of that particular shade.  “It felt like a shade of purple that I feel passionate about, that I love, that felt strong and impactful, that felt ... almost like quite a responsible purple, very strong.”  Key pieces in the collection include “The Fine Print – Dress", featuring an intricate kōwhai print, and “The Collective Thread – Shirt", adorned with feather patterns. There is a bold pinstripe suit for pilots and Pasifika team members will also trial an Ie Faitaga.  From 2026, the new uniform will be rolled out across the airline’s network.  Each garment showcases intricate patterns rich in stories, designed to empower and reflect New Zealand’s identity. For instance, Matariki stars are stitched on shirt sleeves, and managers have a distinctive huia feather design.  Some features are only visible to the person wearing the garment - the cabin crew jackets, for example, are lined with a detailed print of purple kākā feather, while the ones for pilots are lined with white kiwi feather.  “There was that idea that they were ... putting on their cloak, their role of responsibility and carrying that weight on their shoulder - and it was for them,” an emotional Wickstead explained at an exclusive first-look event on Thursday night.  “As you walk, it’s bringing that mana back to how we dress and how our spiritual kind of self should represent.”  In an Air New Zealand press release, chief executive Greg Foran said the uniform represents the best of Air NZ and Aotearoa.  “For us, this is more than just a uniform. It is a celebration of our people, our culture, and our values. Air NZ has never been about standing still or blending in. We have a tradition of being bold, showcasing what makes us unique, and celebrating our team members.  “Our new uniform encapsulates everything we stand for – a combination of innovation, rich cultural heritage, and a deep sense of pride and belonging.”  A collaboration of two powerhouses: Emilia Wickstead and Te Rangitu Netana.  Collaborating with Wickstead is Bristol-based tā moko artist Te Rangitu Netana (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Wai and Te Arawa), whose hand-drawn print designs used in the uniforms are a “reflection of the land, the sea and the connections that bind us all as Kiwi”, he said.  Wickstead describes her collaboration with Netana as a valuable experience, saying she has “learned a lot” from him. She refers to him as a “teacher”, a “great storyteller” and a “talented artist”.  “I’m not Māori. I’m Polynesian, New Zealand, Italian,” she tells the Herald.  Air New Zealand's new pilot uniform.  “So it was really, really important for me to do everything correctly, and it was really important for me as well to collaborate and to learn – and that’s exactly what we did.  On what legacy she hoped the uniform would bring, Wickstead says, “I hope that we stand like loud and proud through those airports and everybody knows it and loves it just as much as we do ... that we are noticed for so many meanings behind this uniform.”  Air NZ said an onboard wearer trial will begin in May, before a period of testing and feedback from staff members. From 2026, the new uniform will be rolled out across the airline’s network.  The airline’s current uniform was designed by Trelise Cooper, who first launched the iconic yet polarising collection in 2011. Before that, from 2005, the staff wore a collection designed by Zambesi.  The collection in a snapshot  The Fine Print – Dress: Includes a tui knot neckline, featuring the iconic kōwhai print, inspired by Māori heritage and the story of Ngatoro-i-Rangi, symbolising protection, responsibility, and belonging.  The Collective Thread – Shirt: A versatile, inclusive design with bold prints and a tui knot neckline, designed to be worn by any crew or ground staff member.  The Wrap Around – Trench: Features a purple pinstripe, offering both craftsmanship and comfort.  The Woven One – Ie Faitaga: A cultural garment to be trialled by Pacific people celebrating the rich heritage of the Pacific community.  The Runway Cut – Waistcoat: A new waistcoat for male crew members and ground staff, cloaking the wearer in mana and authority.  Varsha Anjali is a journalist in the NZ Herald Lifestyle team. Based in Auckland, she covers culture, travel and more.  Thu, 10 Apr 2025 19:12:38 Z /lifestyle/travel/emirates-business-class-vs-economy-nz-to-dubai-what-does-each-class-offer-and-how-do-they-compare/ /lifestyle/travel/emirates-business-class-vs-economy-nz-to-dubai-what-does-each-class-offer-and-how-do-they-compare/ How does Emirates’ economy compare to its swanky business-class offering? Jenni Mortimer flies Auckland to Dubai return to find out. Flying 16 hours in economy is no easy feat and glancing up at those in business class, green with envy, can leave you wondering if you should have married for money, not love. While your inflatable neck pillow slowly deflates and your flight socks grip tighter than skinny jeans in 2008, those lucky sods ask the cabin crew to make up their lie-flat bed while slipping on bamboo cotton pyjamas in a spacious bathroom. But when push comes to shove, is the upgrade actually worth the extra cash? What does the extra money buy you and does economy hold its own in a cabin-class version of David vs. Goliath? I fly 16 hours from Auckland to Dubai economy on an Emirates A380 and return on the same plane in business to find out exactly how the classes compare. Price For Auckland to Dubai, business class will set you back around three to four times more than economy for the return journey. Economy: Around $2,369 return Business: Around $10,329 return Before you fly Economy: Customers travelling in economy don’t get lounge access or priority boarding and board based on row. I was able to select a standard seat on the app prior to boarding, but selecting a seat in a prime spot or with extra legroom or recline was an additional cost. Customers can also note dietary requirements for special meals at least 24 hours before their flight. Business: Business class customers get access to the Emirates lounge before flying where I was able to relax and enjoy a hot meal and complimentary beverages before takeoff. They also have shower facilities and rooms for those needing to work in peace. As a business passenger, I had priority boarding and was able to board right from the Emirates Lounge in Dubai. Business class customers can pre-select any seat for free as well as make early meal selections online. Food and drink Economy: I was pleasantly surprised to be offered a hot towel shortly after takeoff as well as a menu to make selections from. The food was fresh, healthy, generously portioned and came with stainless steel cutlery. I had a brown rice salad for an entree – mushy but palatable – followed by a delicious main of pan-fried salmon with steamed greens and couscous. Dessert was lemon crumble cake and a small chocolate. It’s worth noting that time between main meals, 12 hours, did feel too long and I was starving by the time breakfast arrived two hours before landing. I wolfed down scrambled eggs with mushrooms and spinach with a side of fruit and coffee. The economy food offering on Emirates Auckland to Dubai. Photo / NZ Herald The menu on my economy journey from Auckland to Dubai. Photo / NZ Herald Business: The food service is where business class really shines and once onboard I was offered a glass of champagne before take-off and a hot towel while I perused their extensive cocktail menu before ordering hot nuts and a martini. For my appetiser I opted for a mezze platter, which came immaculately presented before an entree of king salmon, followed by a prawn and rice dish. For breakfast it was pancakes with blueberries and fresh fruit and a section of pastries. My seat also came with drinks and snacks already stocked in a cubby within easy reach. The business class appetiser on Emirates Auckland to Dubai. Photo / NZ Herald The salmon entree on Emirates business class. Photo / NZ Herald The iconic Emirates Sky Lounge flying bar at the back of the cabin was busy and full of people taking a break from their seats. It felt a bit like a bar in any bustling business district on a Friday afternoon with a great vibe and made the business class experience feel truly special. Comfort/seat and sleep Economy: While I was lucky to get a row to myself, enabling me to lie almost flat for the journey, the seats were pretty roomy and comfortable with a pitch of 81-86cm and 44.45 width. If I didn’t strike the jackpot with an empty row I imagine I wouldn’t have got quite such a good stretch of sleep – seven hours – but the sleep I got was generally pretty comfortable as I stacked up three tiny pillows to make it work. When I woke up I was offered a hot towel to refresh. Business: The lie-flat seats, as expected, were much more luxurious with ample legroom when seated and a cubby for your legs to tuck into. When I was ready for bed a member of the aircrew kindly assisted in making up my bed, complete with mattress topper, duvet and pillow while I slipped into the complimentary bamboo cotton PJs in the bathroom. At 5ft 10 I was basically the exact length of the lie-flat’s capacity. I was able to get about seven to eight hours of sleep during the flight but enjoyed being able to stay in a flat position and watch movies and munch on seat snacks for the rest of the journey. The Bvlgari amenities kit and ample legroom on Emirates business class. Photo / NZ Herald Amenities Economy: In a truly rare economy experience, passengers were given an amenity kit containing toothbrush, toothpaste, earplugs, an eye mask and socks. The bathroom had White Company hand soap and lotions as well as a communal perfume and cologne. The toilet was huge for economy standards, with a full-length mirror, lovely finishes and a decent-sized sink. Business: Shortly after takeoff I was given a super luxe Bvlgari bag and amenity kit containing Bvlgari face lotion, hand lotion, perfume and lip balm. The kit also contained Rexona deodorant, tissues, a dental kit, a brush/comb, a hair tie, mirror and earplugs. Toilets came stocked with Bvlgari amenities in Emirates signature scent. The toilet was large, though not much more so than economy, with an extensive stock of spare amenities. Within my seat I was also given bamboo cotton PJs, a matching eye mask and slippers. The extensive amenity kit in business class. Photo / NZ Herald Entertainment: Economy: Emirates’ Ice entertainment system was complimentary and came with everything you would need. Basic headphones were provided but I opted for my own noise-cancelling ones. Wifi was available through paid and complimentary options. Business: Business has the same entertainment system with the same decent selection of recent releases and classic movies. My seat came with a 23-inch HD TV alongside noise-cancelling headphones and complimentary Wifi. Service Economy: My trip in economy was made memorable by some of the best service I’ve ever experienced on long-haul. Richard, the flight manager, was a true Kiwi legend and made sure I was well taken care of. The entire cabin crew were friendly and constantly checking in on passengers to ensure their needs were met. Business: Business class crew were also friendly, immaculately presented and offered a few extras like coat check and took their time to familiarise themselves with passengers – a luxury economy staff don’t always have. The service felt worthy of the price of business and passengers were made to feel they were getting what they paid for. Warm nuts and a martini were a great way to start a 16-hour flight. Photo / NZ Herald Verdict Ultimately both experiences left me impressed, with economy class coming with much more than I expected for the price. The small touches like warm towels, amenity kits and menus made me feel like I was getting more than a “cattle class” experience. In business class, everything is of a finer calibre and they don’t miss a beat when it comes to service, comfort and culinary delights. If you’ve got the cash and looking to fly in total comfort it’s well spent on this experience. But for me and my pocket, if I were to do it again, I would be booking myself into economy and hoping I got Richard and his crew as it was their service that made 16 hours in economy an uncharacteristically charming experience. Jenni Mortimer is the New Zealand Herald’s chief lifestyle and entertainment reporter. Jenni started at the Herald in 2017 and has worked as their lifestyle, entertainment and travel editor. She’s also mum to a 5-year-old son who she loves taking on adventures across the globe. Wed, 26 Mar 2025 01:28:09 Z /lifestyle/travel/what-you-need-to-know-about-travel-insurance-trip-notes/ /lifestyle/travel/what-you-need-to-know-about-travel-insurance-trip-notes/ It’s something that we like to think we’ll never need - and in most cases, probably never will - but Kiwis are still being urged to book travel insurance as soon as they book their holidays. On this week’s episode of Trip Notes, the Herald’s travel podcast, David Wallace, Sales Director at Allianz Partners, joined host Lorna Riley to discuss what you need to know when it comes to this holiday essential. He said that while people may associate travel insurance with things like missing luggage or broken phones, you never know when things could go wrong. “Travel insurance is there for the big times when things go wrong, “[For example], one of our customers was hit in the head by the propeller of a boat whilst snorkelling in Fiji. Whilst the iPhone replacement is important, having critical care both in Fiji [and] bringing them back to New Zealand, having experts there throughout that journey, they’re the moments of truth for us and critical things to think about when considering whether travel insurance is important for you.” There are two main types of travel insurance that people can look to get. " So there’s a comprehensive policy that will cover nearly everything and provide you quite a high level of cover. I suppose it’s almost the Rolls Royce type cover so that if something goes wrong, you know you’re well and truly covered. “And then there’ll be a more essentials or a basic type policy that will cover some of the core things, but maybe not to the same value that it might be with a more comprehensive policy. “As well as that, for those that are regular travellers, you can also get a multi trip policy or a frequent flyer policy, which will cover you for a whole 12 months. So if you’d like to go and visit the family in Australia and see them a few times a year, then it might be worthwhile getting a policy that keeps you covered and saves you having to go in every time you book a new trip.” Wallace said that a third of claims coming in at the moment are coming from people cancelling a trip before they get to the airport, which highlights the need to get this booked early. He cited Cyclone Alfred that hit Australia recently, and how people rushed to get insurance once they saw that it was coming and might disrupt their trip - but no coverage would take place due to the event already taking place. And while you may think that you don’t need to get insurance for your family trip around New Zealand, Wallace said that those same costs can come up here. “People going to their favorite holiday park down in Taupo or catching a ferry across to the South Island, it may seem like it’s reasonably small outlay compared to a big European trip, but all of those costs are costs on a household. “Not being able to take that trip due to cancelling it due to your own medical reasons, weather impacting the ferry sailings, or something else going wrong, would mean that you can at least get that, that money back through a claim and, uh, enjoy that trip sometime later.” The same goes for Australia, even though New Zealand has a reciprocal agreement to cover most healthcare. “So whilst we’re not paying American style medical bills in Australia, just the cost of a few hundred dollars out of pocket for an ambulance might be unplanned. “Similarly, if you’ve got delays and cancellations due to weather, you want to know that you’re not losing that money if it’s something that the airline’s not going to refund you for.” Listen to the full episode for more on what you need to know about travel insurance. Trip Notes is an NZ Herald podcast hosted by Lorna Riley, a keen travel writer and enthusiast and host of Coast Days. New episodes are available every Tuesday. This season of Trip Notes is sponsored by AA Travel Insurance. You can follow the podcast at iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Tue, 25 Mar 2025 01:25:57 Z /lifestyle/travel/mike-yardley-wild-about-wellington/ /lifestyle/travel/mike-yardley-wild-about-wellington/ One of life’s great pleasures is basking in the sparkling azure splendour of the Wellington waterfront, on a sunny and calm day. On my recent visit to the Capital, the latter was a particularly unexpected pleasure, because the harbour was so flat it looked like a gleaming millpond. Drinking in the spectacle at Chaffers Marina, the thick forest of sails stood sentinel-like, backed by the tall towers of the city’s commercial forest.  It’s the high-density, cheek-by-jowl nature of Wellington’s compact layout that anchors its verve and vitality. I began my leisurely sortie by first heading to Switched on Bikes, just across from Clyde Quay. This locally owned electric bike hire and guided tour company is the go-to for rentals and expertise. All rentals include a helmet, lock and a map. It was on a visit to Welly five years ago that Switched on Bikes introduced me to the revolutionary riding brilliance of e-bikes.   Switched On Bikes. Photo / WellingtonNZ They’re super easy to ride. Flick the power mode to sport or turbo and hey presto - you’ve got a sinfully effortless ride. Whether you’re navigating a head wind, a steep hill, or both – turbo makes very light work of that! Kitted out by Ryan and the team, it was hard to pull myself away from the world-class waterfront, richly embellished with eye-grabbing artworks and sublime vistas. Gazing across the glassy waters to glittery Oriental Bay, it’s that radiant sweep of brightly painted boatsheds that exemplifies Wellington’s perky, playful personality. So do the waterfront artworks.   Yes, there’s the typical stone statues exuding stately formality and tradition, like the majestic Kupe monument, but a few steps on, your inner child is titillated by the whimsy of the Water Whirler sculpture and further down the water’s edge, the striking Solace in the Wind sculpture and the Well_ngton sign. There’s an edgy, playfulness to so much public art. After all, this is city that proudly boasts the Bucket Fountain, that still cheekily drenches the unsuspecting and inattentive in Cuba Street.   Photo / Mike Yardley  What absolutely staggered me is how far you ride in such a short space of time, including an easy summit of Mount Victoria.  Setting off on the Great Harbour Way shared path, which ultimately will encompass 70km of waterfront, I was soon gazing nostalgically at my old flat in Evans Bay. At Miramar, I jaunted down Shelly Bay Road to the delightfully named Chocolate Fish Café, for a well-deserved recharge, with Kiwiana vibes. This casual, quirky outpost serves delicious seafood sandwiches, burgers & salads.   Back in town, after some indulgent downtime at QT Hotel, I took a transfixing escape to the awe-inspiring sanctuary of Zealandia. I’ve previously enjoyed daytime and twilight tours within this soothing valley haven – the world’s first fully fenced urban ecosanctuary. On my latest visit, I joined a night tour, with an astonishing number of international visitors, where the starring attraction is the chance to see foraging kiwi at night. Over 100 little spotted kiwi call the valley home, so your prospects of a close encounter sighting are pretty good.   Aerial view of Zealandia. Photo / WellingtonNZ Zealandia is home to the only wild population of little spotted kiwi, on the mainland. Lady luck was on our side, because our group savoured the sight of five kiwi, up-close. The evening birdsong was headlined by the piercing calls of kiwi, singing out to their partners, while the unmistakable call of the morepork was a thrill to hear. Kaka, who should be tucked up in bed, continued to make a racket at will, cart-wheeling above us and enjoying a night-time raid from the bird feeders. They are such clownish, charismatic birds. It was also a thrill to see so many tuatara, booming in population in the sanctuary.   The glow worms spangling the hillsides turned on a radiant light show to rival the Wellington Cable Car. Our torchlight tour was adeptly led by passionate, authoritative and intuitive volunteer guides, who clearly treasure Zealandia as an extension of their home. Testament to Zealandia’s sterling endeavours is the halo effect, whereby, tui, bellbirds and kaka are now pervasive in many Wellingtonian’s backyards.  Kaka at Zealandia. Photo / WellingtonNZ For an absorbing encounter with more of Wellington’s natural wonders and rugged south coast, make a date with the Seal Coast Safari. This three and half hour guided tour is an eye-opener, travelling in a luxury 4WD Mercedes van. My driver-guide was Blue, who was previously a TVNZ cameraman for many decades, with a deep and infectious passion for the natural environment.   Before heading to the coast, Blue took us to Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush, the only botanic garden in New Zealand dedicated solely to native plants. This sublime sanctuary and forest reserve consists of 100 hectares of native forest and five hectares of plant collections. I felt embarrassed that I had never been here before, despite living in Wellington 30 years ago.   Following European colonisation, some of the large trees were removed for timber and others were burnt off for farmland. One of the early landowners, Job Wilton, had the foresight to preserve seven hectares of the original forest which became a scenic reserve in 1906. Twenty years later, it was complemented by the Ōtari Open Air Native Plant Museum, established by Dr Leonard Cockayne and JG McKenzie. Their vision continues today as Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush, with original and regenerating podocarp broadleaf forest. Blue led us to the large conifers such as rimu, totara, miro and matai which can be viewed from the Canopy Walkway or on the Nature Trail.  This place is a revelation in suburban Wellington.  Podocarp forest at Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush. Photo / Mike Yardley From there, we headed to the South Coast, which entailed a stunning drive through private farmland on the historic Terawhiti Station. Established in 1843, this is one of our nation’s oldest and biggest sheep stations which has seen plenty of changes, including the recent re-introduction of kiwi to the hills surrounding the 4800-hectare property. 850 cows and some 2000 Wiltshire sheep also graze alongside the regenerating bush. The kiwi have been reintroduced to the farm under the Capital Kiwi Project – one hundred years after they last called these hills home.  The farm is also home to West Wind, the world’s third most productive wind farm, according to Meridian. One turbine produces another power for 1000 houses and the hills are studded with over 60 turbines. The funnelling effect of Cook Strait means the site has strong and consistent wind speeds. The weather was at its sparkling best, albeit breezy, as lip-smacking views of the Cook Strait, South Island and Kaikoura Ranges, shuffled into focus. The farm spills out from Sinclair Head onto Red Rocks Reserve, on the gnarly, rocky South Coast, lashed with enormous waves and home to a vast colony of New Zealand fur seals.   West Wind Farm on the South Coast. Photo / Mike Yardley They tend to be bachelor males, either juveniles or elderly seals, who are waiting their time to mate, or are past mating, with the female seals who hang out at Cape Palliser. Blue served afternoon tea as the bachelors kept us enthralled, snoozing, sunbathing and splashing about in the waves. It’s a banger of a trip, blending nature, wildlife, history and some soft adventure. https://sealcoastsafari.nz/   I rocked my way around the Wellington region in a trusty hybrid Ford Puma, courtesy of Ezi Car Rental. I thoroughly enjoyed the Ezi experience, where excellent vehicles, super sharp prices and fast & friendly service are all part of the package. Ezi Car Rental operates an extensive network from 24 locations across the country. They’re everywhere you want to be with vehicles to suit your specific needs. Head to www.ezicarrental.co.nz   Treat yourself to a wild, energising autumn getaway in Wellington. Make your first port of call the official website, with constantly updated trip inspiration. www.wellingtonnz.com   Mike Yardley is 九一星空无限talk ZB’s resident traveller and can be heard every week on Saturday Mornings with Jack Tame.  Mon, 24 Mar 2025 22:14:26 Z /lifestyle/travel/mike-yardley-gorging-yourself-on-wellington/ /lifestyle/travel/mike-yardley-gorging-yourself-on-wellington/ As much as hospitality can be a fluid and fickle industry with a lot of churn, it’s fair to say that Wellington has been buffeted by some tough times lately. Business closures have been tough on the capital’s self-confidence over the past 12 months, particularly when some legendary establishments have also ended up closing their doors.  But I was encouraged to detect a clear upswing in morale amongst a swag of bar and restaurant operators, as I struck out on an urban food safari recently. With over 400 restaurants competing for your affection, the treasury of culinary temptations is phenomenal.  A great starting point is to let someone else curate your grazing list. The Big Foody Food Tours is a cracking introduction to great eats in Wellington, blending culinary insights with a side serving of city history and sightseeing on foot. Over the course of three hours, my ebullient guide Tor passionately shared some of her favourite haunts with our small group, which consisted of a lovely couple from Toronto Janice and Donald, and yours truly. www.thebigfoody.com   Go hungry because we stuffed ourselves stupid on a stomach-stretching odyssey, over the course of five stops. First up, brunch at Karaka Café. This convivial waterfront eatery, complete with lawn and bean bags, is owned and operated by the Retimanu whānau of Māori and Pacifica heritage, with a bilingual menu that accentuates indigenous kai. I happily devoured a Hāngī Hash, topped with pork & watercress sausage and served with a revitalising Taha tonic of Mānuka, kawakawa and ginger.    Mike with Donald and Janice at Karaka Cafe. Photo / Mike Yardley You may have heard that Wellington has an insatiable obsession with cheese scones and a go-to for some of the city’s finest is Pickle & Pie. This perky café does a very good buttermilk scone with a pickle on the side. It’s a strangely stunning mix. We took a wander down Hannahs Laneway, home to the Wellington Chocolate Factory, which pumps out over 6000 bars a week.   Another unmissable in the laneway is Golding’s Free Dive. This whimsical little craft beer bar is largely decorated from recycled materials, with plastic buckets for lampshades and awnings made from old skis. Golding's Free Dive is a free house - meaning they aren’t beholden to any brewery, and they constantly showcase a range of fresh brews.  True to the collaborative spirit of this laneway, you can also order pizza from Pizza Pomodoro (across the courtyard) who will deliver it to your table. Nice!  From there, we stumbled into one of the capital’s hidden gems, which many locals vow and declare serves up the city’s best dumplings. You could be forgiven for ambling right past this non-descript shop on Cuba St, but Rams Crazy Dumplings Restaurant is a revelation. Order up 12 dumplings for $17 and it may well be the best meal you’ve savoured in months. Served in pool of homemade chilli oil, order the pork with chives dumplings, with a sweet vinegary kick that only enhances these hand-folded pockets of deliciousness.  A bowl of dumplings at Rams. Photo / Mike Yardley The climactic closer to our fabulous tour was a few doors down at Scopa Pizzeria. Opened by the Breslin brothers nearly 10 years ago, we feasted on the finest melt-in-your-mouth calamari and classic Italian wood-fired pizza. Best of all, Scopa’s legendary Italian hot chocolate – thick, rich and unctuous like custard. They’re so thick you can eat them with a spoon.  Another Cuba St crowd-favourite to add to your bingo card is Ombra. Styled on an informal back-street Venetian bacaro, the intimate, old-school romanticism instantly impresses, from the period curtained windows to the shelves stacked with Campari bottles. Nearly 50 small dishes are featured on the menu, like Baccala Mantecato (whipped salted cod on crusty bread.) Don’t miss the slow-cooked duck risotto with mascarpone.  For a complete palette switch in the heart of Cuba St, make tracks to Kisa, which proudly champions the best of New Zealand produce through a Middle Eastern menu. The mezze plates are so divine, anchored by lip-smacking kebabs, whether your choice of meat is wapiti, tahr or lamb. Dessert is a triumph. I still dream about their Rosewater muhallebi custard. This almond milk-based pudding is enriched with pomegranate syrup, sour cherries and saffron pashmak.   The mezze platter at Kisa. Photo / Mike Yardley Fun with steamed buns? It’s got to be Mr. Go's! Located in colourful little Eva St, Mr Go’s crafts exquisite Asian hawker-style street food with a Kiwi twist, using seasonal New Zealand ingredients.  With a galaxy of drool-worthy options on the menu, decision-making is formidable, but I highly recommend starting with a twice-cooked pork belly bao, with hoisin, pickled cucumber and spring onions. Complement that with a couple of sides, like cream cheese wontons and mushroom dumplings. It’s a flavour-throbbing street food fiesta.    Sticking with the Asian vibes, Dragonfly is a dreamy little haven for a cheeky nightcap or two, tucked away in an atmospheric bamboo courtyard, off Courtney Place. Their crafted contemporary Asian cocktails draw quite the crowd.  Wine time? I’m a big fan of Noble Rot, an edgy and inventive venue established nearly ten years ago by an incredibly talented group of sommeliers and restaurateurs, eager to imbue the capital with a specialist wine bar. With the wonderful wine regions of Marlborough and Wairarapa sandwiching Wellington, why not?  You’ll find Noble Rot in Swan Lane, jutting off Cuba Street. Firmly focused on using locally sourced seasonal produce, it’s all about shared food and small plates, in addition to raw bar awash with oh-so fresh seafood and charcuterie to pair with every drop. The extensive wine list understandably showcases New Zealand product, with a special selection of European wines.    Noble Rot Wine Bar. Photo / WellingtonNZ Where to stay? Check into the wow-factor property that was ingeniously shifted to clear the way for Te Papa, and continues to sparkle with its art-filled distinctiveness. QT Wellington Hotel continues to capture the world’s imagination for its wondrous collection of artworks, opulent décor, distinctively designed guestrooms, celebrated hospitality and award-winning cuisine at Hippopotamus restaurant, with the most extravagant selection of gins in Wellington. More than just a hotel, QT Wellington is an unabashed cultural playground, underpinned by its eccentric and ever-expansive art collection. The lobby alone boasts New Zealand's largest privately owned art collection, sporting wondrous works by the likes of Dick Frizzell, Seraphine Pick, Liz Maw and BMD.  With art and design at the core of the hotel’s identity, 19 Kiwi artists unleashed their artistic genius across the entire fourth floor, in all 25 guestrooms, with bespoke artwork gracing the walls, balconies and ceilings. The ever-evolving hotel is committed to continuing to grow its own art collection, staying true to the hotel’s history with the accent on eclectic and immersive art. A QT Wellington stay is the chance to luxuriously bask in the lap of creative brilliance, with all the frills and creature comforts the hotel is legendary for. Push the boat out and bag a QT Gallery Harbourview King, with a private balcony facing out to dreamy watery embrace of Wellington Harbour. Another heroic capital canvas! Truly distinctive hotels are what great breaks are all about and QT Wellington is in a class of its own. Make a date with all that art and effervescent hospitality! www.qthotels.com   Eye-catching art at QT Hotel. Photo / Mike Yardley  I rocked my way around the Wellington region in a trusty hybrid Ford Puma, courtesy of Ezi Car Rental. I thoroughly enjoyed the Ezi experience, where excellent vehicles, super sharp prices and fast & friendly service are all part of the package. Ezi Car Rental operates an extensive network from 24 locations across the country. They’re everywhere you want to be with vehicles to suit your specific needs. Head to www.ezicarrental.co.nz   To stay up to date with everything hip and happening in the Capital of Cool, head to www.wellingtonnz.com   Mike Yardley is 九一星空无限talk ZB’s resident traveller and can be heard every week on Saturday Mornings with Jack Tame.  Sat, 22 Mar 2025 00:01:17 Z /lifestyle/travel/huka-lodge-reopens-after-25m-renovation-a-stunning-new-era-of-luxury-in-taup%C5%8D/ /lifestyle/travel/huka-lodge-reopens-after-25m-renovation-a-stunning-new-era-of-luxury-in-taup%C5%8D/ Huka Lodge has reopened this month after a $25 million renovation, enhancing its grand spaces and renowned interiors while staying true to its timeless charm For a renovation that spanned nearly a year, the changes at Taupō’s Huka Lodge feel remarkably seamless. Owner Bailie Lodges might be dismayed to hear this after such a significant investment, but it’s meant as the highest compliment – every upgrade is so thoughtfully executed that returning guests will find the essence of the lodge beautifully preserved. Located 300 metres upriver from the mighty Huka Falls, the lodge now enjoys an even stronger connection to its greatest asset: the emerald blue Waikato River flowing past. Originally founded as a fishing camp by Alan Pye in 1924, Huka Lodge transitioned into a luxury retreat in 1984 under legacy owner Alex Van Heeran. Over the years, it has become known as the ‘grande dame of luxury lodges’ in New Zealand, drawing royalty and discerning travellers from around the world. Now under Baillie Lodges – whose portfolio includes elite destinations like Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island and Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge in Canada – it was time for a transformation. Timed to coincide with the lodge’s centenary, the extensive renovation was scheduled from April to December 2024. However, as with many ambitious projects, delays arose, and the reopening was pushed to early March 2025 to allow for meticulous craftsmanship. Huka Lodge is located on the banks of the Waikato River. Photos / George Apostolidis Guests arriving during opening week (March 1-7) were the first to experience the reimagined lodge. Notable upgrades include a new entry, reception, and gift shop; an expanded dining room that has doubled in size; a spacious outdoor terrace; and a redesigned River Room, now even closer to the water, framed by expansive windows that showcase the ever-changing landscape. A brand-new “wellness grounds” has also been introduced, featuring a state-of-the-art gym, sauna, and spa. The redesign was led by Baillie Lodges founder James Baillie in collaboration with Auckland-based Christian Anderson Architects. Renowned interior designer Virginia Fisher, who originally worked on Huka Lodge under Alex Van Heeran in 1984, returned to blend the past with the present. Drawing inspiration from the 1920s and 30s – the era in which the lodge was founded – her approach was both nostalgic and forward-thinking. “Looking back to when I was first commissioned to work on Huka Lodge, it struck me as being small and intimate. It was very simple. And its scale was quite charming. It felt like a home,” says Virginia. “Now, I see Huka Lodge becoming almost truer to its original self. We’re much closer to the water. We’ve still got some strong, intense colours. Again, it still feels very homely.” The River Room with its central double-sided fireplace and abundance of windows. Photos / George Apostolidis If one space encapsulates the lodge’s transformation, it’s the new River Room. Previously a snug living area with dark, low ceilings, it has been reimagined as a grand yet inviting lounge where guests are encouraged to gather, read, relax and enjoy nightly pre-dinner cocktails and canapes. Huka Lodge’s general manager of 11 years, Kerry Molloy, says this area used to be “standing room only” when the lodge was full, but now there’s space for everyone. “The new designs offer more reason for guests to spend time enjoying these beautiful spaces; dining, drinking or relaxing with a book and the view,” he says. The River Room’s striking centrepiece is a double-sided fireplace clad in aged brass, with curved leather club fenders inviting guests to linger. The space is arranged into intimate seating areas, including a restored green sofa – a guest favourite – next to a sleek new bar, designed by Virginia with marble countertops, aged brass cabinets and mirrored shelving that can be folded away behind sliding doors. Custom black-stained wood flooring blends seamlessly with the original lacquered flooring, and emerald-green lounge chairs echo the iconic “Huka green” colour palette. Closest to the river, the ceiling has been raised to create an airy banquet seating area with large windows perfectly framing the view. Soft furnishings in shades of green, blue and gold echo the surrounding river and native bush, while clusters of oversized copper and brass pendant lights, reclaimed from ships, add warmth and character. Outside, the terrace has been significantly expanded, extending closer to the river’s edge. Glass pergolas provide shelter, while a double-sided open fire ensures warmth on crisp evenings. Custom-designed furniture by Fisher and brought to life by local furniture maker Devon add a bespoke touch. Huka means foam or white snow in te reo Māori, and the mist created from the river bestows the lodge with an array of moods depending on the time of day. Whether sitting inside or out, these new spaces make the most of the swirling, ever-changing show. The new dining room. Photos / George Apostolidis Impeccable food and wine are key to Huka Lodge’s offering, with the kitchen led by head chef Ryan Ward. His four-course dinner menu changes daily and is included in the rate, designed around local New Zealand produce, where possible. A recent menu included seared scallops with corn, yuzu and marigold; Cambridge duck with bitter leaves, fresh cherry and baby beetroot, and a Hawke’s Bay plum tart with manjari chocolate made by pastry chef Sittha Boonphoapichart. Dinner service is a well-oiled machine and staff (dressed in custom Rodd & Gunn in Huka Lodge emerald blue), work hard to provide a spectacular experience. The main dining room has undergone one of the most dramatic transformations, doubling in both floor size and ceiling height. Gone are the blue tartan carpet and navy walls, replaced with light timber and floor-to-ceiling windows that open to the terrace. It’s now bathed in light and warmed by an open fire. The original dining tables and chairs have been recovered in tan fabric and the hardwood floors covered in a Source Mondial rug designed by Fisher. Built-in banquettes and gilt-framed art add to the sense of grandeur. While it’s a lovely space, guests have the option of one “signature dining experience” which sees a table set up in private areas of the grounds, including the River Deck, orchard or the wine cellar. Upstairs, what was once the Trophy Room, complete with taxidermy animals, is now The Loft, a gorgeous space for dining with antiques and artwork curated by Fisher. Lodge Suites have had furnishings updated. Photos / George Apostolidis Post-renovation, the capacity of the lodge remains the same, with 20 two-person Lodge Suites and two ultra-luxury owner’s residences, the Alan Pye Cottage and the Alex Van Heeran cottage. The lodge suites fan out along the river’s edge for optimal privacy and views, and while the floor plans remain the same, updates have been made to the furnishings, which were becoming tired. There are brand new Bailie king beds, made in New Zealand to Bailie Lodge specifications including wool-blend mattresses, draped in custom-made Bemboka throws embellished with Huka Lodge’s trout motif. Enclosing the bed is a new wrought iron canopy draped in a dreamy gauze fabric. A moss-coloured chaise longue piled with pillows is perfectly positioned to take in the view while guests enjoy a beverage from the fully stocked complimentary mini-bar. Plus, there’s no better spot to contemplate than in the full-sized bath beneath a bay window framed with lush ferns. The wellness area, with gardens by Suzanne Turley. Photos / George Apostolidis Tucked away from the main lodge behind a stand of hedges and trees and accessed via pebble-covered steps, the brand-new spa, sauna and gym is a series of neat wooden structures housing state-of-the-art equipment. These tranquil grounds have been visualised by respected landscape gardener Suzanne Turley (who was first appointed to work on Huka Lodge’s gardens in 2000), and are a hit with fantails and tūī. Stone pavers wind their way through a private garden bordered with native tree ferns and flowering Amelanchier trees. At the spa, two spacious treatment rooms painted in calming shades of white and grey offer guests facials, massages and tailored packages using Verite Skincare. Just beyond the spa is a plunge pool set among the trees with cold water bucket showers for immersion therapy. “While everyone is expecting the changes to the main lodge to be dramatic”, says Molloy, and they are, “the addition of the wellness area is a major sea change for Huka Lodge”. Reflecting on the journey, he adds, “We closed the doors on May 1 and reopened them March 1, so it’s been a really exciting time for us. I haven’t met anyone in the past couple of days who hasn’t been completely awestruck by the place.” The writer was hosted at Huka Lodge by Baillie Lodges. Checklist Taupō, New Zealand GETTING THERE Taupō is a three-hour drive from Auckland. DETAILS www.hukalodge.com Sat, 15 Mar 2025 20:36:36 Z /lifestyle/travel/mike-yardley-destination-dining-in-rotorua/ /lifestyle/travel/mike-yardley-destination-dining-in-rotorua/ In a city awash with world-class hiking and biking trails, plus geothermal spectacles, it doesn’t take long to work up an appetite amid the sizzle of Rotorua. There are dining temptations aplenty, but here’s some tried-and-true belly-pleasers that I’d strongly suggest you reserve some stomach room for.  At the southern end of Eat Streat, the Pig and Whistle Historic Pub, which was formerly the city’s police station remains a firm favourite. I ventured there for lunch, which happened to coincide with the NFL Super Bowl, beaming live on the big screen TVs. It was stunning to see so many American diners proudly stand and clasp their chests as the US Anthem rang out. Many devotees passionately claim the Pig and Whistle serves up New Zealand’s best pigtail fries. I pleasingly put that to the test, accompanied with some scrumptious chicken tacos. Bonus points for their Kiwiana cocktails like the Kiwi Bach. Hello, holiday in a glass.   Pig & Whistle Pub exterior. Photo / Mike Yardley  I had the pleasure of savouring the culinary excellence and homely hospitality of Ani’s Gin Bar & Tapas, for the first time. This Amohau Street venue is a charmer – a Māori-owned eatery that exclusively showcases New Zealand-based produce and beverages. Lorisse Vincent-Amor founded the restaurant in honour of her late mother, Annette. The contemporary Aotearoa cuisine is inspired by a touch of nostalgia, with nods to the kai of her childhood, blended with the culinary flair she has cultivated over decades as a chef.   The flavourful tapas-based menu is all-embracing, whether you’re wishing to snack or feast. My picks include Cream Paua and Pancetta Raviolo; and the Smoked Kahawai Croquettes served with wakame seaweed and house-made tartare sauce.  Set aside room for dessert and sink into Ani’s Caramello Mousse, topped with fresh berries and chantilly cream. The cocktail menu is a celebratory hymn to New Zealand craft distillers. Whistle up a Passionfruit Gin Mojito. Ani’s is a masterclass in manaakitanga and lovingly-crafted kai.   Tapas and drinks at Ani's Gin Bar & Tapas. Photo / Mike Yardley  No matter the time of day, a central city mainstay is Capers Café & Store. Sitting pretty in flower-draped Eruera St, the salivating all-day menu bursts into life at 7am, whether you’re after a full cooked breakfast, smashed avocado bagels or grazing on their gourmet salads. Lunch? The pork belly bao buns and fish tacos are hot-sellers, while the store shelves at Capers are also loaded with gourmet take-home goodies. It’s playful dining-hall atmos and perky staff make this is a winning venue.  Ever since Rotorua stamped its mark as the heartland of Māori tourism, a cultural dinner and performance experience has been a staple on the tourist check-list. Raising the bar is Rotorua's Te Pā Tū, which occupies the woodland Pa site, formerly known as the Tamaki Māori Village. Without question, Te Pā Tū is the most absorbing and authentic Māori cultural performance & feasting experience I have ever encountered. Spanning four hours of celebration and kai, this artfully presented and immersive cultural experience may well be the highlight of your holiday. The local, seasonal kai is plentiful and delicious, from the canapes on arrival to the sumptuous three-course dinner. Kai horotai (appetisers) include pork and apple wrapped in kawakawa leaves, abalone, pickled pikopiko (native fern frond), smoked salmon, ceviche, and cold kawakawa tea. Within the forest-formed amphitheatre, story-telling is theatrically shared through haka, music, and drama, before lanterns light the way to the three-course outdoor feast. Hāngi is the hero, alongside lesser known Māori delicacies, prepared fusion style, like watercress chimichurri, taro grain and even kumara ice-cream! It’s a lavish evening of cultural and culinary excellence.  Te Pā Tū dining. Photo / Rotorua NZ Where to stay? My Rotorua basecamp was the Sudima Lake Rotorua, which has all the facilities and features you’d expect from a Qualmark 4-star hotel, including a geothermally-heated pool and kid zone, plus a particularly lavish buffet breakfast. It’s the lakefront location that really impressed me, just east of the Polynesian Spa, so it’s in a quiet lakefront enclave, but still just five minutes’ walk away from the CBD. It’s the best of both worlds. Right across the road, the milky and steamy expanse of Sulphur Bay. I would welcome the new day by stepping out on the boardwalk, following the trail around the lakeshore, where you’ll notice how starkly milky the water becomes.   This unique ecological zone is where plant and bird life has adapted to the harsh sulphur-laden environment. Because of this, there is little food for birds so they leave the area each day to feed, before returning to roost and nest around the bay. Sometimes the acidic water dissolves the webs between birds’ toes! Back in the welcoming embrace of the hotel, the Sudima staff are so outgoing, cheerfully greeting you and always willing to help you with every whim.  Well-appointed with a home-away-from-home vibe and ample off-street parking, guest accommodations come in a variety of configurations, whether you’re travelling alone, as a couple or bringing the whole family – all with ensuites.  Joggers at Sulphur Bay. Photo / RotoruaNZ My spacious Deluxe Suite was luxuriously furnished and generously equipped with a cloud-comfortable bed, separate lounge and dining area, work desk, individually controlled air conditioning & heating, tea and coffee-making facilities, TV, free WiFi and fridge. Set yourself up for the day with Ōkāreka Restaurant’s excellent breakfast buffet from 6am. A delectable all-day menu is available from 10am, ahead of the nightly dinner service. Ōkāreka is also a great spot to kick back and drink in the view, with a convivial bar. As the sun sets over Lake Rotorua and Sulphur Bay, it would be rude not to raise your glass!  If you’re looking for a stylish, comfortable, good-value hotel stay and a peaceful night’s sleep, Sudima Lake Rotorua handsomely delivers. www.sudimahotels.com   From geothermal wonders, hot pools and Māori culture to world-beating mountain biking, historic draws and creative dining, Rotorua is power-packed with memorable adventures. For more trip inspiration and destination insights, jump to www.rotoruanz.com  I rocked my way around wonderful Rotorua in a trusty hybrid Ford Puma, courtesy of Ezi Car Rental. I thoroughly enjoyed the Ezi experience, where excellent vehicles, super sharp prices and fast & friendly service are all part of the package. Ezi Car Rental operates an extensive network from 24 locations across the country. They’re everywhere you want to be with vehicles to suit your specific needs. Head to www.ezicarrental.co.nz   Mike Yardley is 九一星空无限talk ZB’s resident traveller and can be heard every week on Jack Tame Saturday Mornings.  Fri, 14 Mar 2025 23:25:31 Z /lifestyle/travel/mike-yardley-dreamy-steamy-in-rotorua/ /lifestyle/travel/mike-yardley-dreamy-steamy-in-rotorua/ If it has been a while since you last visited Rotorua, particularly around the foreshore, you’re in for a trail of treats. Rotorua’s foreshore developments and lakefront boardwalk have added some stirringly good additions to the city’s arsenal. The boardwalk is a soulful spot for a stroll at daybreak, as the morning mist ethereally dances on the gleaming body of water. The boardwalk’s trove of art installations and evocative design touches are masterstrokes, like the lookalike silica terraces that cascade down to the water’s edge. Your kids will be enchanted with the colossal new playground, too.  Also adorning the lakefront, Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa. This iwi-led, luxury spa burst onto the scene less than two years ago, but they’ve fast cemented themselves as a signature Rotorua experience. Built on the legacy of Māori culture and Ngāti Whakaue healing practices, this is quite simply New Zealand’s premium cultural and wellness centre. Rather than just a quick soak in a hot pool, Wai Ariki has developed a far more immersive, multi-sensory approach to its healing waters experience, housed within an architecturally captivating complex.   Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa Pool. Photo / RotoruaNZ Your two hour-long Restorative Journey wellness experience comprises five distinct experiences that complement each other, moving you from the extremities of heat to cool, mud to water, and air to steam – all aimed at maximising the therapeutic geothermal benefits. I passed through the Waterfall Showers, where the soft streams of cold water stimulate the body, before lounging in the Tongariro Fire & Ice Caves. This entails sauna time before throwing ice flakes over your body to improve your vigour. It’s shockingly invigorating. Next up, the gorgeous Geothermal Pools, spanning a range of temperatures from 12C to 41C, with a ringside view across Lake Rotorua.  Once again, it’s all geared at revitalising the body with that stark contrast of soaking in piping hot herbal, hydrotherapy and mineral pools - and then bravely submitting to the bracing, body-tingling plunge pool. Rinse and repeat! From there, I unleashed my inner-child in the Geothermal Mud Lounge, slathering my skin in the runny, nourishing mud. It’s great for your complexion! Your final stop is in the Steam Room, where you recline on heated stones in a misty cave-like room to wash away the mud. It’s a transformative two hours – my body felt rebooted from tip to toe. Wai Ariki has dramatically raised the bar on delivering a luxury wellness experience, steeped in cultural authenticity and a proud sense of place.  www.wai-ariki.co.nz  The following morning, I ventured north of the city centre to ride up the slopes of Mt. Ngongotaha on the Skyline Gondola.  Alighting from my gondola cabin after the 900-metre long ascent, it’s the soul-rinsing views across the city and Lake Rotorua that I sweetly savoured. Bobbing on the horizon, storied Mokoia Island and its long association with Pokarekare Ana. Some versions of the love song refer to Lake Rotorua and the story of Hinemoa swimming across the lake to her forbidden lover, Tūtānekai, on Mokoia Island. Then a touch of forest-bathing, stepping out on the hour-long Skyline nature walk, at the top of the mountain, draped in 15,000 native trees. Information boards are scattered along the path offering cultural and historical information about the region. Local iwi believe fairy-like people live in this forest and on the misty mountain tops of Ngongotaha – not unlike the forest-dwellers of the Ureweras. For some adrenalin-raising frolics, there’s a wealth of attractions including the Skyswing, zipline, mountain biking (on the world-class downhill track recently used for Crankworx) and the gravity-fuelled thrill of the luge. It was quite the place to lose my luge virginity, on the newly designed luge tracks, winding through over 12,000 native trees, LED-lit tunnels and a plethora of twists and turns. Part go-kart/part toboggan, these specially-designed luge carts have a novel braking and steering system, whereby you pull back on the handle bars to slow, and release to accelerate. It really is fast-paced freedom on the 7kms of curvaceous tracks, including the world’s longest. I’m hooked!  Skyline Nature Walk at Mt Ngongotaha. Photo / Mike Yardley For a change of pace, I headed to the Okere Falls Scenic Reserve, a splendid spot for basking in the finery of native forest, slashed by the fast-flowing rapids of the Kaituna River and its sequence of four spectacular falls. From the main lookout platform near Hinemoa's Steps, my jaw repeatedly dropped as I watched whitewater rafters and kayakers plummet over the 7-metre high, Tutea Falls. Tutea lays claim to being the highest commercially-used waterfall in the world, amongst rafters. The first 11km of this section of the Kaituna River is also referred to the Okere River which fittingly means "the place of drifting.” As the name suggests, Kaituna refers to its traditional importance as a food source, namely eels. Before the first road bridge over the river was built in 1872, local Māori operated a ferry across the inlet, connecting travellers connecting Tauranga with Rotorua.  After taking in the gushing waterworks, I joined the enormous conga line of parked cars on SH6, across the road from Lake Rotoiti, to get my fill of the insatiably popular Okere Falls Store. With a charming vintage-rustic vibe and homely atmosphere, there’s a variety of seating areas, although their cranking backyard beer garden is best if the weather’s behaving. It’s a mix of general store, deli, café and beer garden. Alongside their decorated toasties, the burgers, bratwurst and nachos are perennial belly-pleasers. And they do a great all-day breakfast menu. I plumped for the Turkish poached eggs, accompanied with yoghurt & lemon feta dip, harissa relish and charred butter sourdough. Wash it all down with a Sunshine smoothie, consisting of frozen mango, pineapple, lime, coconut and cardamom.  Tutea Falls at Okere Falls Scenic Reserve. Photo / Mike Yardley In a region replete with geothermal glories, settling on what to explore can be like asking to choose your favourite child. On my latest visit, I reacquainted myself with Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland. It’s well-named, because the wonders in this geothermal park pulsate with raw power and vivid colour. It’s an enthralling showcase of geothermal eye-candy, including the Lady Knox Geyser, which blows its top every day at 10.15am. Nature’s force gets a helping hand from some detergent, and a constructed ‘blow hole’ that funnels all the steam into an impressive display.  Sculptured out of volcanic activity and thousands of years in the making, headline features at Wai-O-Tapu include New Zealand’s largest mud pool. I gazed in awe at the gloopy, gurgling mass of mud, as if it was a living, burping organism. Artist's Palette lookout provides a panoramic overview of the bizarre landscape, pockmarked with variously coloured rust-red, orange or yellow springs, many of which are boiling at extreme temperatures. If ever there is a place where you need to stick to the boardwalks – this is it! A starring attraction is the Champagne Pool, New Zealand’s largest hot springs, reaching a depth of 62 metres.   Wai-O-Tapu Champagne Pool. Photo / RotoruaNZ The champagne colour denotes the abundance of CO2 in the pool, while other chemical compounds conspire to create the bright orange edges which offset the alluring aquamarine centre. Devil’s Bath is another cracking spectacle, an electric green sulphur lake which looks cartoonish in colour, if not radioactive! Another surreal sight is the collapsed Rua Owhanga Crater where starlings and swallows will happily nest in the walls of the crater which doubles as a useful incubator to heat their eggs before hatching. What a way to be welcomed to the world! Wai-O-Tapu is a gob-stopper.   From geothermal wonders, hot pools and Māori culture to world-beating mountain biking, historic draws and creative dining, Rotorua is power-packed for adventure-seekers. For more trip inspiration and constantly updated destination insights, jump to www.rotoruanz.com   I rocked my way around wonderful Rotorua in a trusty hybrid Ford Puma, courtesy of Ezi Car Rental. I thoroughly enjoyed the Ezi experience, where excellent vehicles, super sharp prices and fast & friendly service are all part of the package. Ezi Car Rental operates an extensive network from 24 locations across the country. They’re everywhere you want to be with vehicles to suit your specific needs. Head to www.ezicarrental.co.nz   Mike Yardley is 九一星空无限talk ZB’s resident traveller and can be heard every week on Jack Tame Saturday Mornings.  Fri, 14 Mar 2025 01:52:24 Z /lifestyle/travel/hiking-mt-agung-tourist-deported-after-hiking-without-a-guide/ /lifestyle/travel/hiking-mt-agung-tourist-deported-after-hiking-without-a-guide/ Hiking up Bali’s Mt Agung or Mt Batur are popular tourist bucket-list items, offering challenging trails with spectacular island views. There’s just one catch; unlike the trails in New Zealand, it is illegal for visitors to attempt these climbs without a registered local guide. A tourist has been deported from Bali after he attempted to hike Mt Agung without a guide and deceived officials about the plan. The Singaraja Immigration Office put the 41-year-old Norwegian man on a flight to Kuala Lumpur on Thursday, February 20, the Bali Sun reported. Hendra Setiawan, head of Singaraja Immigration Office, told local media the man, identified only by the initials BG had been deported due to his actions. “The person concerned will be subject to administrative immigration action in the form of deportation and deterrence.” BG had entered Indonesia on February 2 and was eligible to stay on a visitor visa until March 3 but the trip was cut short and his visa revoked after he was caught climbing the sacred Mt Agung without a guide on February 15. “The foreign citizen was secured by the Singaraja Immigration enforcement officers based on a report from the local authorities,” Setiawan said. “After receiving the report, we immediately sent a team to the location and secured the foreigner concerned for further questioning at the office.” Hikers can only embark on the trails with a registered local guide but BG reportedly ignored advice from the Mt Agung climbing manager and set off solo. “BG deceived local officers. He even managed to document the prohibition banner, but still ignored it,” Setiawan added. Rules created for safety, officials say Just one month earlier another tourist faced the same consequences for the very same action. On January 22, a German national was also deported from Bali and put on a flight to Kuala Lumpur after authorities found him hiking Mt Agung alone. The individual also attempted to deceive hiking officers, saying he only wished to visit Pasar Agung Temple. Last month Bali’s head of the Bali Provincial Forestry and Environment Agency, Made Rentin, said the rules were to keep people safe. Mt Agung, Mt Batur, Mt Batukaru and Mt Abang are all challenging hikes made especially dangerous during the monsoon season. As a result, it is illegal to hike any of them without a registered local guide. “Climbers are advised not to climb Mt Agung during extreme weather for safety. If the weather is stable, climbing can be done using the services of experienced local guides who understand the route and environmental conditions,” Retin told the Bali Sun. Rather than a slap on the wrist or a hefty fine, Bali has taken a hard-line approach to visitors who break the rules and those caught hiking alone are swiftly deported. Thu, 06 Mar 2025 01:29:41 Z /lifestyle/travel/behind-the-scenes-at-auckland-airport-what-happens-to-unclaimed-lost-property/ /lifestyle/travel/behind-the-scenes-at-auckland-airport-what-happens-to-unclaimed-lost-property/ With more than 50,000 travellers passing through daily, it’s no surprise that countless items are left behind at Auckland Airport’s terminals. But what happens to lost property that - despite best efforts - fails to be reunited with its owner? Several shelves, each labelled by a month, were full of bags. One contained a children’s soft toy and different kinds of hats. On the floor was a row of prams. These were some of the unclaimed items kept in Auckland Airport’s lost property, as revealed today in a new behind-the-scenes video showcasing how the airport manages lost property. Around 9000kg worth of unclaimed goods are repurposed and delivered to new homes every year through ME Family Services (Mefs), a government social service organisation, the airport said. “At Auckland Airport, we have a team who work hard to reconnect lost property with customers,” said Auckland Airport chief operations officer Chloe Surridge. “However, there are times when we can’t match items left behind in our terminals with owners, so it’s great to give them a useful second life in our local community.” Auckland Airport’s chief operations officer Chloe Surridge. Photo / NZ Herald Surridge said that Mefs does an “amazing job” organising the goods, which involves washing or sanitising the items and matching them with new owners. “There are toys, shoes, clothes, homewares – even the empty suitcases themselves once all the goods have been cleared out – all high-quality items which can continue being useful for someone new.“ It’s also a more sustainable move for the airport. “We don’t want to see these items ending up in landfill or gathering dust at the terminal, it’s so much better they are re-homed for good,” Surridge added. “As a business, we are working towards a target of reducing waste to landfill by 20% by 2030 compared to 2019. We’re currently tracking to 15% below 2019.” More than 200 prams were left behind at Auckland Airport last financial year - making it the most frequently forgotten item, along with clothing. All of it was donated to Mefs, which started working with the airport on a small scale 8 years ago and now supports around 800 families yearly. Unclaimed lost property collected from the terminals is mainly used to stock the airport’s resource room onsite in Māngere, which acts like a shop, but all goods are free for those in need. According to Mefs chief executive Carole Tana-Tepania, repurposing lost property items from the airport has helped create a safe space for those in need of essential items. “It’s all about giving back and it’s so fulfilling. We see families walking away with bags full of items they need and could otherwise not afford,” she said. Carole Tana-Tepania, ME Family Services chief executive. Photo / Greg Bowker “The most popular items people tend to need are children’s clothes, baby gear and often equipment for extra curricular activities – like sports or school camps. Also, warm gear for winter is very popular and any books we receive get collected quickly – we’ve had 50 books from the airport go in a single day." In what Tana-Tepania calls a “whole community approach”, volunteers also help out with lost property pick ups in exchange for donated goods. “We’re even seeing people bring their past donated goods back to us because they’ve outgrown them but they are still good quality. They’ll recycle them again and then walk away with new items,” said Tana-Tepania. “We work hard to match up the right items with the right whanau. We recently had a mum walking her four children everywhere. We sorted two prams for her, making sure they were the right size. “There was one for her to push and one for her older child to push, so she can get everyone to school and daycare more easily.” Mefs supports children, families and individuals in Māngere and Ōtāhuhu in Auckland and works with local schools and organisations ranging from housing and health providers to women’s refuge and migrant and refugee communities. Some of the donated items in FY24 Bags Beds, bedding and mattresses (from the airport hotels) Blankets Books Car parts such as shock absorbers Car seats Chilly bin Clothes Crutches Guitar Hats Highchair Pillows Prams Shoes Skateboards Sleeping bags Shows Snow boards Surf boards Speakers Sports equipment (including tennis rackets) Suitcases Toys Umbrellas Walkers and walking sticks Wheelchairs Lost something at Auckland Airport? Here’s what you should do If you lose something at Auckland Airport, it usually ends up at the lost property offices located in the international terminal by Door 1, regardless of which terminal you initially lost the item in. The airport recommends that customers contact the lost property team by phone or email as soon as possible. Any found goods will be held between one to three months (depending on the item) before they are re-homed through Mefs. If items are left behind on the aircraft or luggage is mishandled, the process is slightly different. In this case, the airport said that customers should contact their airline as soon as possible. Tue, 04 Mar 2025 01:37:29 Z /lifestyle/travel/tribunal-orders-airline-to-pay-couple-700-after-boarding-pass-confusion-leads-to-missed-flight/ /lifestyle/travel/tribunal-orders-airline-to-pay-couple-700-after-boarding-pass-confusion-leads-to-missed-flight/ A couple were refused permission to board after arriving an hour before departure with only carry-on luggage and having checked in online. The Disputes Tribunal found the airline’s terms unclear, awarding the couple $700 compensation to cover the cost of new flights. The tribunal also noted the couple’s late arrival contributed to the situation. A couple who arrived at the airport for an international flight an hour before departure, but with only carry-on luggage, were unable to board despite having checked in online. They were told they had to present printed boarding passes, but the check-in counter was closed, and no one would print them a pass. They had to spend $1200 more on new flights, accommodation for the night and meals, after missing their flight. They have now partially succeeded in their claim against the airline after the Disputes Tribunal was satisfied that the terms and conditions on the ticket and the boarding passes were not sufficiently clear. However, tribunal referee Shaurya Malaviya said the couple’s late arrival at the airport was a contributing factor. According to the decision, the problem arose on the couple’s return flight last July from an unnamed destination. They arrived at the airport at 3pm for the flight scheduled to depart at 4pm, and went straight to the security check but were told that they had to print their boarding passes. They discovered the check-in counter closed but a few minutes later two staff members arrived who the applicants said refused to print their boarding passes. The couple were then told that the online check-in facility was not available in the country where they were and that all passengers were required to be at the airport before the check-in counter closed. Because they had not arrived in time, they were unable to fly. The woman provided information that was contrary to what they were told. The tribunal found the ticket stated that passengers could check in via the airline’s mobile app, or by clicking on a link in the online check-in email sent to them, but the final check-in time applied even if passengers only had carry-on luggage. The couple called the airline’s customer services and were told that they had to rebook their flights. They rebooked a return flight for the following day and then lodged a claim for $1237.90 from the airline as compensation for two one-way flight tickets that cost $834.90, plus one night’s accommodation and meals at $403. They claimed that they had complied with all travel instructions regarding online check-in and the airline had not clarified why it had not let them board their flight. The airline’s dispute resolution specialist responded that luggage and check-in kiosks both closed 90 minutes before departure for international travel. On this occasion, the kiosk was open until 60 minutes before departure and the couple had arrived at the kiosk at about 3.20pm by which time it was too late to print the boarding passes as the boarding gates were about to close. She highlighted the information on the boarding pass obtained online which said passengers needed to present their passports to an airline representative in the check-in area for validation, while the kiosk was still open. The airline representative said that “a prudent passenger” must know that they need to arrive at the airport well before the check-in closed to ensure all pre-boarding steps can be completed. Malaviya agreed that the couple should have known they needed to arrive earlier than they did, “I note the purpose of this is to ensure a passenger has sufficient time to complete the check-in and luggage drop formalities.” In this case, because the woman had checked in online, and did not have any luggage to check in, she formed a genuine expectation that she would be able to proceed straight to the boarding gate through security and customs without the need for any check-in formalities. The tribunal found the airline’s terms and conditions “ambiguous” as it had not clarified what was expected of a passenger in the couple’s situation. “That is, a passenger who has already checked in online, has a boarding pass and no luggage to check in,” Malaviya said. He said in ordering the airline to pay the applications $700 compensation to partially cover the cost of the return flights, that it fell upon the airline to display accurate and clear information to passengers, so they had clarity around expectations. He also found that the couple had to accept some liability for their decision to arrive about an hour before departure for an international flight where the recommended time was two to three hours before departure. He did not order costs for the meals and accommodation. Tracy Neal is a Nelson-based Open Justice reporter at 九一星空无限. She was previously RNZ’s regional reporter in Nelson-Marlborough and has covered general news, including court and local government for the Nelson Mail. Mon, 03 Mar 2025 07:46:04 Z /lifestyle/travel/watch-the-white-lotus-book-trip-repeat/ /lifestyle/travel/watch-the-white-lotus-book-trip-repeat/ At the Four Seasons Koh Samui, Jasjit “JJ” Assi was preparing for another day in paradise. He knew his guests were waking up refreshed after a night on a legendary Four Seasons mattress. They would soon be arriving at the lavish breakfast buffet where they could choose between European classics – croissants, eggs florentine – or dishes more reminiscent of their surroundings: a Thai omelette, dim sum. Afterwards, they’d want to settle by the pool, re-creating moments from the newly released season of the HBO hit show The White Lotus, which was shot at the hotel, among other photogenic destinations in Thailand. Weather threatened the evening’s programming, a barbecue on the beach with fire dancers and live music, but the rain held off. The White Lotus was shot at the Four Seasons Koh Samui, among other photogenic destinations in Thailand. Photo / Supplied “As a general manager, I cannot ask for a better day than this,” said Assi, who has been with the Four Seasons brand for more than 17 years. The White Lotus is the poster child of the “set-jetting” trend that drives people to plan trips to filming locations. The trend has sent Yellowstone diehards to Montana and Outlander fans to Scotland. And if the legend of the “White Lotus effect” is true, the Four Seasons Koh Samui may soon be impossible to book. Four Seasons Koh Samui is bracing for the boom. Photo / Supplied The show is said to inspire so much interest in the hotels where it takes place that rooms sell out for months despite average daily rates exceeding US$1000 (NZ$1733). The effect can also trickle into the community beyond the hotels. Business owners in Italy say The White Lotus season two, which was set in Taormina, Sicily, brought a wave of new customers to the entire island. That wasn’t the case for Maui, the backdrop of season one, where tourism has struggled to return after pandemic closures and the island’s deadly wildfire in 2023. Millions of viewers have already tuned in for season three and fans of the show and tourism insiders alike are watching to see how the effect plays out in Thailand. Assi says that the hotel hasn’t sold out yet, but he’s bracing for the boom. “It’s only going to get busier,” he said. The allure of the Pineapple Suite The world looked a lot different when The White Lotus debuted in the summer of 2021. Countries were beginning to reopen their borders for tourism as coronavirus vaccines became more widespread. But the surging Delta variant still kept many travellers on edge. The new HBO show provided a sexy distraction and wanderlust to the woes of the time. With it came an interest in the hotel where it took place: the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea. The Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea. Photo / Getty Images During that first season, the resort saw a 425% year-over-year increase in website visits and a 386% increase in availability checks. “That was very much attributed to The White Lotus,” said Ben Shank, the general manager of the famous property who has been with the Four Seasons brand for 23 years. The website traffic did not translate to an outpouring of tourism on Maui. A week after the season one finale aired, Covid cases were so high again that the governor asked travellers to reduce non-essential travel to the state through October 2021. Then came the devastating wildfires of August 2023 that killed more than 100 people and displaced thousands on both Maui and the Big Island. Non-essential travel to the island was discouraged by local tourism officials and hospitality businesses, including the Four Seasons. Today, Maui is still in a rebuilding process, but “the island continues to welcome visitors”, Leanne Pletcher, a spokeswoman for the Maui Visitors and Convention Bureau, said in an email. Visitor arrivals and expenditures were up compared with a year ago, but were still down about 20% compared with 2023, before the wildfires, Pletcher said. Eighty-five per cent of jobs on Maui depend on visitor spending, she said. (Visitor numbers to all the Hawaiian islands for 2024 have yet to be released.) “Many restaurants, businesses and activities in Lahaina have restored operations and need support,” Pletcher said. The White Lotus may still have some pull. More than three years after the show’s debut, Shank says people continue to request to book the Pineapple Suite, a fictional room from the show that does exist in real life, but with a different name (and does not have a plunge pool). “It’s actually the Lokelani presidential suite,” Shank said of the three-bedroom accommodation that costs about $30,000 (NZ$52,369) a night. ‘They get to see the Sicily that we Italians love’ The impact of The White Lotus was difficult to quantify in Hawaii, a destination familiar to an American audience. Not so much for Sicily. By the time the second season aired, the show was an international sensation and businesses say they could draw a direct connection to their boost in sales. Luxury travel agency Virtuoso had a 424% spike in sales to Sicily after season two of The White Lotus. Photo / 123rf Misty Belles, vice-president of public relations at the luxury travel agency Virtuoso, said the company had a 424% spike in sales to Sicily after the season two release. Italy was already immensely popular for travellers – and has been a top travel destination for Americans for years – “but Sicily wasn’t on the forefront”, Belles said. Hotels.com said recently that after the San Domenico Palace was announced as the season two “White Lotus hotel”, it was fully booked for six months. “We certainly got a real bump in interest in Sicily for the first year,” said Elizabeth Minchilli, an author and food tour operator who lives in Rome and leads tours around the country, including Sicily. Minchilli believes the show put the island on Americans’ radars in a new, glamorous way that challenged old stereotypes. “I think that people sort of thought: ‘Sicily is maybe a little bit rustic. It’s maybe a little bit scary',” she said. “But no, it looks great according to White Lotus … and when they were looking for tours in Sicily, they found ours.” Simone Amorico, CEO of the private tour operator Access Italy, says once Sicily’s season aired, “everybody wanted to go to the Four Seasons Taormina”. “Then it cooled down a bit … but cooled down meaning that it’s still very busy … but it’s not as crazy.” Amorico says the show may have inspired trips to Italy, but the hotel was never the only item on travellers’ itineraries. Customers booked trips to spend a few days in Taormina, then move on to other parts of the island. They explored its cities, volcano, beaches; they learned about the island’s ancient traditions. Ultimately, “they [got] to see the Sicily that we Italians love”, he said. The infinity pool at the Four Seasons, San Domenico Palace, Taormina, Sicily. Photo / Supplied What’s next for Thailand? In season three, The White Lotus is set in Thailand, a destination that is already a big draw for American tourists. It was among the first countries in Asia to reopen after pandemic closures and has long been popular for generations of travellers past. “We are seeing a lot of Thailand [bookings]. That’s true. We always do, though. But I think it’ll be a lot more,” said Catherine Heald, chief executive of the Asia-focused luxury tour operator Remote Lands who has an office in Bangkok. The new season’s storyline will feature more of its host destination than the others past. The characters travel between Koh Samui, Bangkok and Phuket. Tourism insiders predict that will mean Thailand will have a renaissance that rivals Sicily’s, rather than the quieter Maui ripple. Four Seasons Koh Samui. Photo / Supplied Belles says it helps that the show portrays hotels and their destinations beautifully and works as a “stamp of approval”. Once Thailand was announced for season three, “it immediately piqued interest” for clients, she said. The company has seen an increase in sales for Thailand bookings since. Assi, the Four Seasons Koh Samui’s general manager, is leaning into the excitement. The property aired the show’s premiere on a big screen and is serving show-themed cocktails at the tiki bar. Assi prepared for guest questions by asking the show’s creator, Mike White, why he chose the Four Seasons over other luxury hotels in the region. His answer: “It was love at first sight.” Not all guests are aware of the show, but he’s seen some posing for photos in areas featured in the first episode. Other travel companies are ready to ride the wave. Zicasso created a “12-Day The White Lotus Season 3-Inspired Thailand Tour”, which starts at US$9100 (NZ$15,886) per person, designed with the show’s latest spiritual theme. The Unforgettable Travel Company launched a seven-day customisable trip for fans to “indulge in the pinnacle of hospitality with 6-star accommodations” starting at US$7962 (NZ$13,899). Graham Carter, Unforgettable’s co-founder and chief commercial officer, says the company has already had a 55% boost in web traffic for Thailand in the past six months and it anticipates much more. Their “set-jetting” itineraries usually have increases in bookings halfway through a series or after it ends, “so the traffic we’re currently seeing is a wonderful head start on the additional bookings we’re likely to see in just a few months”, Carter said in an email. Chompu Marusachot, director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) New York, says they’re expecting a 5% increase in American tourists compared with 2024. To accommodate the influx, they built a dedicated website for visiting filming locations for the show as well as learning more about their hidden gems that aren’t featured – like Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park and Bangkok’s best markets. Four Seasons Koh Samui. Photo / Supplied No matter how the White Lotus effect plays out, Marusachot says the production of the show alone has “already had a positive economic impact, with direct spending, employment opportunities for Thai cast and crew, and business for hundreds of local vendors throughout the filming process”, she said in an email. Visitors who can afford to follow in the characters’ footsteps will not be disappointed – although they might be disappointed there are no monkeys at the Four Seasons Koh Samui. There’s no dramatic boat arrival to the property either. Still, “it’s absolutely gorgeous”, Heald said. The hotel was already in demand for her clients, particularly during the “festive season” around the winter holidays, which is also high season in Thailand. “If you want to get the perfect room that you want, then you need to book that well in advance,” Heald said. “Otherwise, you just have to take what you get.” What you get is a tropical oasis nestled between layers of tropical jungle and a gemstone-coloured Gulf of Thailand. You get the symphony of cicadas and fresh guava juice. And you get bragging rights for staying at The White Lotus. Tue, 25 Feb 2025 01:36:15 Z /lifestyle/travel/mike-yardley-the-spirit-of-santa-monica/ /lifestyle/travel/mike-yardley-the-spirit-of-santa-monica/ Sandwiched by mountains on one side and the sprawling white-sands beach on the other, the urban jungle of Los Angeles seems to melt away on arrival in Santa Monica. This beloved beachside city bursts with personality, offering quintessential encounters with the Southern California coastal lifestyle. To get your bearings and for soul-rinsing perspectives, head to Palisades Park on Ocean Ave. This bluff-top park is a dreamy spot for sunsets, flavourful snacks from the nightly food vendors and its elevation affords long-range views down to Santa Monica Pier. Another swell perch is Tongva Park, just south of the Pier. What was previously a non-descript parking lot has been reborn as an oceanside oasis of green, named in honour of the area’s indigenous people. This well-designed verdant space features waterfalls, walking paths, meadows and a pair of conch-like, wireframe lookouts to the Pacific. Tongva Park lookout. Photo / Mike Yardley  Home to a slew of different contemporary and fine art galleries, Bergamot Station was formerly a public trolley bus station. Now a depot for intriguing art, the century-old industrial facades house more than 20 art galleries, spanning all genres, from sombre to lurid. If the art doesn’t do it you, the edgy architecture will, plus the stylish café, housed in an old heater factory, that serves meatloaf and mint lemonade. A four-block pedestrianised stretch, Third Street Promenade is a pleasant open-air plaza, lined with jacaranda trees and ivy-topiary dinosaur sculptures. The promenade still hasn’t regained its pre-Covid buzz, but it’s still a great spot for window shopping and noshing at the adjacent farmers’ market on Arizona Ave. The promenade is backed by the swanky, revamped shopping centre Santa Monica Place, packed with upscale boutiques from brands like Coach and Louis Vuitton. But Santa Monica State Beach is the biggest tractor-beam, for locals and visitors alike. The weekend crowds can be insatiable, as Angelenos descend en masse to decompress and soak up the sands. Not to be confused with its showier Venice sibling, it’s also home to the original Muscle Beach. This workout playground for grown-ups has given Santa Monica’s biggest and burliest somewhere to sweat and strut their stuff for a century. On weekends, you’ll see some amazing gymnasts tackle the parallel bars, uneven bars and rings. It’s a stunning spectacle. Muscle Beach at Santa Monica. Photo / Mike Yardley Known to locals as “The Strand,” the Marvin Braude bike trail is the legendary Santa Monica bike path that stretches along the Pacific Coast from Pacific Palisades all the way south to Marina del ray and on to Torrance, packing in 35kms of sun-splashed, palm-tree cooling coastal scenery. There are numerous bike rental outlets, so hit the pedals and revel in the passing parade of SoCal beach life. I biked down to Venice Beach, 5km away from Santa Monica, which seemed to be an even kookier, crazier cornucopia of life’s rich tapestry than I recalled from past visits. That being said, as a sucker for binge-buying cheap souvenir T-shirts, Venice Beach is where the best bargains are to be found. There are also some great guided cycling tours in Santa Monica, which include stops outside some famous residences, previously home to the likes of Charlie Chaplin and Jim Morrison. You’ll also see Frank Gehry’s home on 22nd Street, a wild mash-up of styles from one of America’s most famous architects, including Walt Disney Concert Hall. As a history hound, I was fascinated to learn that Santa Monica is considered the birthplace of skateboarding and 2-a-side beach volleyball, which helps explain why the broad beach is studded with so many free-to-use beach volleyball nets. As an aside, Santa Monica will host the beach volleyball during the 2028 Olympics. Colour of Venice Beach. Photo / Mike Yardley Beyond the natural elements and fitness opportunities, I have always adored Santa Monica Pier, crowned with its own amusement park, including the world’s only solar-powered Ferris Wheel, adorned with 160,000 dazzling LED lights. Now that really serves up epic coastal views! At the entrance to the pier, check out a vintage gem, the Looff Hippodrome, home to the pier's trademark 46-horse carousel. It was built in 1922, has featured in countless movies and is still going strong. After posing for your selfie below the End of the Trail Route 66 sign, soak up the atmosphere inside MariaSol, a fun-loving Baha cantina at the far end of Santa Monica Pier. The crowds flock to fawn over the fajitas, while sipping oversize margaritas. Just south of the pier, don’t miss the “Singing Beach Chairs,” a charismatic piece of public art. These whimsically large chairs are equipped with stainless steel tubes that produce musical tones as the ocean breeze blows. Take a seat and enjoy the melodic sounds nature creates through art.  MariaSol at Santa Monica Pier. Photo / Supplied Chez Jay on Ocean Avenue, just a block south of the pier, has been a celebrated celebrity hang out for decades. Beginning as a dive bar in 1959, and now a steak and seafood eatery, this landmark venue was founded by adventurer and bon-vivant, Jay Fiondella. His life was packed with unlikely adventure. For example, he convinced astronaut Alan Shepard to transport one of the bar's peanuts into space on the Apollo 14 mission. Several years later, Steve McQueen nearly inadvertently ate it. The venue’s eclectic history is lustily charted on its walls, including photographs of circus elephants trumpeting at the bar.   Another quirky haunt is The Galley. 90 years old, Santa Monica's oldest restaurant is decorated with vast props from the 1935 Mutiny on the Bounty film. This nautical themed local hang out was once a very popular watering hole for Hollywood's A List. Pop in for a clam chowder.  Also check out Dogtown Coffee, the birthplace of modern skateboarding. The café pays homage to the business that previously operated from its premises, Zephyr Productions, who are credited with popularising modern skateboarding, with its surf-oriented style. The surf-mad Zephyr team developed more aggressive skateboards, appealing to surfers who wanted to ride on dry land when the waves were small.  Dogtown Coffee. Photo / Supplied Where to stay? For laidback luxury in the heart of the action, the Sandbourne is just steps from Santa Monica Pier, elegantly melding urban living with chic beachside bliss. This artful coastal oasis brims with treats, from a welcome drink upon check-in, morning coffee in the lobby and generous usage of beach chairs, sun umbrellas and rental bikes. The heated outdoor pool, Sunset Lounge, patio with fire pits, cabanas and daybeds all create a pampered, tranquil setting for basking in the salt-sprayed elements. The on-site Marelle restaurant and bar offers Californian cuisine and all-day dining by chef Raphel Lunetta. Savour their signature cocktail, La Vie En Rosé, which features tequila, guava, lime, and Aperol, and is presented with a pair of pink sunglasses. As you do.    Every Saturday, the Artist-In-Residency programme offers a poolside ceramics class for guests to create a one-of-a-kind keepsake to take home. That’s cute and novel. The supreme sense of space is what defines the Sandbourne’s accommodations. Inviting, oversized rooms feature dedicated sitting areas, plush bedding and thoughtful amenities to unwind in comfort. Bag a guestroom with a private balcony to lap up those picturesque ocean views. The Sandbourne has stamped its mark on Santa Monica since opening last year. It’s quite the escape. sandbournesantamonica.com   Coastal vibes at the Sandbourne Santa Monica. Photo / Supplied Santa Monica is an irresistible LA playground, celebrating the best of the Southern California beach lifestyle. For more trip planning and in-the-know insights, check out santamonica.com   Explore the world with the trusted name in travel insurance, Cover-More Travel Insurance, which has you covered with added safeguards, over and above the typical travel cover, for the likes of medical treatment. In addition to single-trip cover, multi-trip annual cover is another great option, wherever you want to go. Check out the full range of protections and tailor the level of cover to your requirements. Cover-More’s 24 hour global assistance centre is just a phone call away. covermore.co.nz  Mike Yardley is our resident traveller on Jack Tame Saturday Mornings. Fri, 14 Feb 2025 21:45:54 Z /lifestyle/travel/two-planes-collide-in-arizona-at-least-1-dead/ /lifestyle/travel/two-planes-collide-in-arizona-at-least-1-dead/ At least one person is dead and several are injured after a private jet collided with a plane on a runway at an airport in Maricopa County, Arizona. The US Federal Aviation Association (FAA) said a Learjet 35A veered off the runway after landing and crashed into a Gulfstream 200 business jet on the ramp at Scottdale Municipal Airport in Arizona about 2.45pm local time on Monday. “We do not know how many people were on board. The FAA is temporarily pausing flights into the airport,” it said. Scottdale fire department’s Captain Dave Folio said: “We have five souls, one [dead on arrival], two immediate that have been transported to local trauma centres, one delayed stable to a local hospital, and this is still an active scene.” The incident occurred on runway 21, according to an X post shared by Scottsdale Airport. “An accident occurred upon arrival to runway 21. Fire Department is on scene assessing the situation. Scottsdale Airport’s runway is currently closed,” the post reads. “We are still working on extricating one soul out of one of the airplanes,” Folio said. The crash comes after several recent aviation disasters in the US. On Thursday, a Bering Air flight went missing while flying over Alaska. The aircraft was found the next day with all 10 people on board dead. On January 31, a medical plane carrying six Mexican citizens crashed into a busy Philadelphia neighbourhood. On January 29, a passenger aircraft operated by an American Airlines subsidiary collided with a Black Hawk helicopter, marking it the deadliest US air disaster in more than 20 years. American Airlines flight 5342 had 64 people on board, with a further three in the helicopter. All of them were killed in the tragedy. Tue, 11 Feb 2025 01:49:42 Z /lifestyle/travel/mike-yardley-return-to-malibu/ /lifestyle/travel/mike-yardley-return-to-malibu/ January’s horrific wildfires in Los Angeles County have understandably raised questions about whether it’s appropriate to visit destinations close to the fire grounds and the Pacific Coast Highway. But the clarion call from LA’s tourism leaders is to remind the world, ‘we are open and would love to see you”. Over a million of the city’s jobs rely on tourism. It’s also worth bearing in mind that, while devastating, the wildfires have impacted less than 2% of Los Angeles County. Late last year, I tripped the LA coastline, lapping up the scenic beach scene in Malibu, nicknamed “Bu” by the locals and stretching across 40km of coastline. Eastern Malibu, particularly the stretch directly below Pacific Palisades, felt the force of the wildfires, with hundreds of beachfront homes reduced to ashes (Central and Western Malibu weren’t affected).  A third of Eastern Malibu’s beachfront homes and numerous businesses were razed in the fire, across a three-mile stretch, from Topanga Beach to Duke’s Malibu restaurant. The sister eatery to Duke’s Waikiki was incredibly lucky to survive the inferno, with its neighbouring buildings destroyed. Also lost, Moonshadows, a legendary Malibu restaurant dramatically perched over the Pacific Ocean and known for its chic covered patio and seafood dishes. It had been a local landmark for 60 years. While in Malibu late last year, I enjoyed a quick brunch at the fuss-free seafood shack, Reel Inn, wolfing down local shrimps and mahi-mahi. This beloved 36-year-old roadside eatery was also destroyed in the fires.    Reel Inn, prior to the fires. Photo / Supplied Just down the road, I also paid a visit to the remarkable Getty Villa, a slice of ancient Rome nestled in Pacific Palisades, just above Pacific Coast Highway. (PCH). Inspired by Italy’s Villa dei Papiri in Herculaneum, which was buried by the Vesuvius eruption, this replica villa houses a staggering 44,000 Greek, Roman, and Etruscan antiquities, including the famed Victorious Youth statue. The villa narrowly escaped destruction as the Palisades Fire raged dangerously close to its hallowed grounds.   Years of prioritising fire mitigation efforts, clearing nearby brush as well as installing an on-site water tank, proved crucial in keeping the US$10 billion collection safe from harm. As flames encroached upon the villa’s landscaping, the museum’s billion-dollar fire prevention systems sprang into action, saving the buildings and its priceless artifacts. Currently closed but likely to reopen in about a month, the Getty Villa is a one-of-a-kind destination offering ancient Greek and Roman art, tranquil gardens, reflecting pools, colonnaded walkways and ocean breezes. Admission is free but secure a timed-entry reservation in advance. www.getty.edu   Ancient sculptures inside Getty Villa. Photo / Mike Yardley PCH from just north of Santa Monica to Malibu Pier currently remains closed to general traffic for debris removal and gas line leak repairs. But thankfully you can access Malibu Pier and everywhere west of the Pier, by taking the inland 101 route from Los Angeles, via Calabasas. Malibu Pier is one of the coast’s great glories, a magnet for leisure seekers, from near and far. It’s bracketed by Carbon Beach on one side and Surfrider Beach on the other. The Pier was first built 120 years ago, becoming publicly accessible 90 years ago. The cape Cod-style twin towered buildings at the end, housing a bait and tackle shop and an eatery were added in the 1940s – which now houses the Malibu Farm Café. Farm fresh, local & organic ingredients are to the fore here, whether you want to grab and go from the counter, or soak up the seascape at First Point, on the reclaimed wooden picnic benches.   It’s hard to choose who is having more fun frolicking in the breakers – the surfers or the dolphins. Café picks? You can’t go wrong with their cauliflower pizza and lobster rolls. Fishing is a huge pastime here. Chatting to the locals, they were busy reeling in halibut, corbina & mackerel. Rod rental is available at the end of the pier. At the entrance to the pier, Malibu Farm Restaurant & Bar is a fancier affair, with a whitewashed dining room and oceanside patio bar. Their freshly squeezed juice cocktails are particularly good.  Malibu Pier. Photo / Mike Yardley West of Malibu Pier, there’s the long expanse of Zuma Beach and a rocky foray at El Matador Beach. Breathtaking boulders and picturesque rock arches framing waves crashing onto golden shores have made El Matador hot property for commercial shoots, especially at sunset. Whether it's soaking up ocean views, exploring caves or observing hummingbirds, El Matador is a cracker.  For a hefty dose of history, check out Adamson House. The site was originally populated by the area's Chumash Indians until the late 19th century, when it was taken over by the Rindge family, who purchased a whopping 20 miles of coastline. This is the family that over the generations lit the fuse on Malibu becoming the celebrity bolthole of today. In 1929, the family commissioned a Spanish Colonial Revival-inspired home (Adamson House), which occupies one of the most beautiful beach locations in Southern California, in the heart of Malibu.   Peacock Fountain at Adamson House. Photo / Supplied  It was dubbed the "Taj Mahal of Tiles" due to the incredibly extensive use of decorative ceramic tiles that lavishly adorn the exterior and interior of the mansion. There’s even an 18-metre-long imitation Persian carpet, all made of tiles.  The Rindge family also operated the famed Malibu tilework factory, so many older homes in the area feature ceramic flourishes crafted from the same factory. Malibu Pier’s frontage also has some decorative tiles. Adamson House is now a public museum, which not only offers insights into the family, but does a great job charting the heritage of the Chumash Indians.  For a change of scenery, Malibu Country Mart, a high-end shopping plaza, is like paparazzi catnip, given the hordes of A-listers who shop and nosh here. Marmalade Café is a favourite for brunching, while Lucky's Steakhouse consistently has diners raving. Then there’s Café Habana (run by Cindy Crawford's husband). Its Cuban/Mexican fare gets mixed reviews, but it’s a fun spot for cocktails.  By the way, if spotting stars is high on your to-do list, I’d suggest a sure-bet haunt is Nobu Malibu. Close to Malibu Pier, and back open after the fires, this elegant Japanese restaurant is a celebrity favourite. Co-founded by Robert De Niro, Clooney, DiCaprio and Bieber are regulars at the oceanside eatery. Don’t go past the Rock Shrimp Tempura with Ponzu Sauce (A lovely tart citrus-based sauce). Dinner reservations are highly recommended, but walk-ins are best for lunch on weekdays. When I noshed at Nobu, the only diner I recognised was Jimmy Fallon. But hey, it’s luck of the draw. Lady luck has certainly made her mark and left her scars on Malibu this year. Visit the beach city to shop and nosh, to help with the monumental recovery effort.  Nobu, Malibu. Photo / Supplied Mike Yardley is our resident traveller on Jack Tame Saturday Mornings.  Fri, 07 Feb 2025 23:30:37 Z /lifestyle/travel/mike-yardley-walks-and-wings-in-marlborough/ /lifestyle/travel/mike-yardley-walks-and-wings-in-marlborough/ Far from being just a port town, Picton has blossomed into a fully-fledged holiday gem.  Wrapped in forest-clad hills, the Picton foreshore is studded with a swag of hospo spots and heritage treasures like the Edwin Fox, in addition to being an alluring launch-pad for savouring Queen Charlotte Sound.  At daybreak, the glossy deep blue water surrounding Picton Marina gleamed like a photoshoot-ready aquatic jewel. Picton had dawned bright, brilliant and perky as early-risers exercised on the velvety grass waterfront, while the horse-shoe curve of swanky cafes edging the harbour were humming with trade. A great head-clearer to start your day is to cross the marina’s coathanger bridge around to Shelley Beach and take the walking trail to Bob’s Bay. This short and sweet hillside stroll on the harbour edge, offers a stirring vantage point to watch the ferries pulling out of Picton. There’s a stack of salivating trails lacing Picton.   Picton Marina in the morning sun. Photo / MarlboroughNZ Another perennial favourite is Snout Track. The full walk is 12km return, moderately challenging, as it climbs its way through bush. But it’s the marque views of Queen Charlotte Sound, all the way to the head of the peninsula, which makes this walk the gift that keeps on giving. If you’re short on time, drive through Victoria Domain to the Queen Charlotte viewpoint carpark, overlooking Titokai Bay (where the ferry grounded last year) and Karaka Bay. Viewissimo! The remainder of the track to “The Snout” is just 40 minutes, each way from the car park. And I also love the Picton-Waikawa track, which also meanders through Victoria Domain. It’s a doddle of a walk, ringing with birdsong, zipping you to the serene sights of Waikawa Bay.   Back in Picton, prior to boarding my scenic cruise on Queen Charlotte Sound, I headed to the hip waterfront venue, Toastie Lords, which continues turning heads and seducing passers-by, with its gourmet sourdough toasted sandwiches, all made with their in-house four cheese blend. I ordered up an Ivan, consisting of pastrami, sauerkraut and pickle. Delish! Another hot seller is their Pete toastie, which combines salmon with caper cream cheese and pickles. As an aside for lunch or dinner, for swanky Mediterranean-style dining, I definitely recommend pulling up a seat at Cortado. Their tapas and small plates menu is particularly good, spanning Spanish meatballs to Lamb tostada. Cortado is owned by a Mark Yardley, so it’s got be good, right?   Toastie Lords in Picton. Photo / MarlboroughNZ Plump for a day trip with one of the region’s oldest tourist operators, Beachcomber Cruises. If you’re keen to combine cruising with a spot of walking on the Queen Charlotte Track, my recommended magical day out whisks you to Ship Cove, before re-boarding the vessel for the homerun from Furneaux Lodge or Punga Cove.   At Ship Cove, I dabbled in the creek where Captain Cook made home brew for his crew before surveying the magnificent Cook monument commemorating his visits to the area. He hoisted the Union Jack and proclaimed sovereignty of the South Island in 1770, at Motuara Island. Throughout the 1770s, Ship Cove provided safe anchorage, food, water and timber for Cook and his crew on five separate occasions, marking some of the earliest sustained contact between Māori and Europeans. Cook loved Ship Cove.  The information panels chart the rich history, but what grabbed my attention is one of the original cannons from Endeavour, that adorns the monument. The cannon was salvaged from North Queensland, after the Endeavour ran aground on a reef and the crew had to throw numerous equipment overboard, to free the ship. A gorgeous carved pou whenua vividly illustrates the wonderful legend of Kupe and the giant octopus he chased in these waters. Ship Cove is a heart-stealer.  Cook Monument at Ship Cove. Photo / MarlboroughNZ I’m a bit of a twitcher, so if birding is your bag, another winning option is to take a half-day jaunt to Motuara Island. Just offshore from Ship Cove, Beachcomber Cruises operates a stunning excursion to the bird island sanctuary between October and the end of April. Arriving at this fabulous little island, you’ll be serenaded by a chorus of birdsong from the local inhabitants. The one-way track threading around the hill serves up several lookout points, including a cracking perch across to the North Island at the Cook Strait lookout.   Motuara Island attracts bird lovers from around the world. A clutch of eagle-eyed British birders joined me on my excursion. All introduced pests were removed from the island over 30 years ago and it’s a thriving haven. Highlights included spotting the Grey Warbler, South Island Saddleback, the yellow-crowned Parakeet (kakariki), the South Island Robin and the Marlborough Green Gecko. After some wondrous island time, Beachcomber zipped us over to Ship Cove for a brief sojourn, before cruising back to Picton. www.beachcombercruises.co.nz  A South Island Robin on Motuara Island. Photo / MarlboroughNZ For a complete change of scenery, swap the feathers for wings, down the road in Blenheim. the vintage aircraft displays at Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre are spectacular. The exhibition halls dramatically showcase classic aircraft from the two world wars. The original Great War exhibition, Knights of the Sky, features Sir Peter Jackson’s personal collection of WWI aircraft and artifacts, vividly brought to life in sensational sets crafted by the creative wizards at WingNut Films and Weta Workshop.  The magnificently theatrical dioramas and captivating scenes depict the aircraft in compelling context – some recreate actual incidents, like the plane that crash-landed into the only tree standing on Flanders. Then there’s Dangerous Skies, the WWII exhibition, exploring the stories of both male and female aviators and their tales of valour from the forests of Germany to the steaming jungles of the South Pacific. Iconic warbirds on display include a flyable Spitfire Mk.14. One of my favourite displays is illustrated by the mannequin of a Kiwi pilot, James Hayter, who was shot down over England and parachuted to safety, dropping down in the middle of a garden party, swooned over by the assembled lovelies.   Displays at Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre. Photo / Mike Yardley  The collection of magnificent flying machines is indeed magnificent, but the personalised human dimension packs a poignant punch. It’s the real magic behind Omaka, warranting its reputation as a place you’ll want to visit, again and again. Scenic flights in vintage aircraft are available. But for next-level aviation exuberance, nothing beats an air show. Av-fans rejoice! The next Classic Fighters Airshow is just weeks away at Omaka Aerodrome. The 3-day celebration of aviation takes place over Easter weekend, kicking off on April 18. The line-up of aircraft is staggering, from the pioneer (pre-WWI) era 'flivvers' to fighter and bomber aircraft from both world wars, glamorous art-deco machines from the 'Golden Age' of aviation between the wars, military trainers from throughout aviation history, and post-war machines leading through to the jet age.   At Classic Fighters, locally-based aircraft will be joined by multiple machines from around New Zealand and beyond. ‘Putting on the Ritz' is the theme for this year’s airshow, and I got a sneak peek at some of the deft touches being created by the army of volunteers, which will raise the glamour stakes and set the Marlborough skies a dazzle. For a vintage fun-filled weekend of fantastic flying, classic cars, fireworks, food and entertainment, get your tickets online now for the Marlborough Lines Classic Fighters Airshow! www.classicfighters.co.nz  Classic Fighters Airshow. Photo / MarlboroughNZ From the sensory natural pleasures of the Marlborough Sounds to the wings and wines of Blenheim, make your first port of call, the region’s official website. https://marlboroughnz.com  Mike Yardley is our resident traveller on Jack Tame Saturday Mornings.  Fri, 31 Jan 2025 23:45:54 Z /lifestyle/travel/po-australia-says-cruise-staff-dressed-as-snow-cones-not-ku-klux-klan-in-viral-video/ /lifestyle/travel/po-australia-says-cruise-staff-dressed-as-snow-cones-not-ku-klux-klan-in-viral-video/ Cruise ship staff clad in pointed white hoods for an Australian costume party were “snow cones” not the Ku Klux Klan, a company spokesperson said on Wednesday. Video of the fancy dress faux pas showed staff strolling across the deck of an Australian cruise liner in all-white jumpsuits and cone-shaped hats. The costumes evoked the distinctive white robes and masked hoods worn by the racist Ku Klux Klan in the United States. But P&O Cruises Australia said the staff were actually dressed as “snow cones” for a Christmas-themed family fun day. “Several crew members dressed up as snow cones for a Christmas family event, not understanding how their costumes could be misconstrued,” a company spokesperson said in a statement. “They were only in public view for a short time before management acted quickly and had them remove the costumes. “The crew members were horrified and extremely apologetic when they learned of the distress their outfits could cause.” P&O Australia communications director Lynne Scrivens said it was an innocent case of improvisation gone awry. “They live and work on the cruise ship, and they have to make do with what they’ve got,” she told Sydney radio station 2GB. “They are wearing their cleaning uniforms, and they’ve got something on their head that looks like an upside-down snow cone. “They had no idea, they were horrified when management said to them, ‘please take those outfits off’.” Scrivens said 2000 guests were onboard the Pacific Explorer for the Christmas party in December, and that none of them had complained at the time. - Agence France-Presse Wed, 22 Jan 2025 08:21:32 Z /lifestyle/travel/why-some-travellers-refuse-to-buy-flights-on-a-phone/ /lifestyle/travel/why-some-travellers-refuse-to-buy-flights-on-a-phone/ In the modern age of travel, the vast majority of people book their flights online. But how, exactly, keeps evolving. Some fliers use computers. Others scroll on their phone or tablet. According to social media, which one you use falls along a generational divide. Booking on your phone? A millennial would never. With 5G internet and mobile-first design, shopping on your mobile device has never been easier. Data provided by airlines shows many consumers are making the switch. But several people told us in interviews they are still reluctant to make big purchases on a small screen. Does booking on your laptop mean you’ve crossed over into no-show sock territory? The data says “no”. A fear of typos United Airlines said more than eight million customers booked through the United app last year, a 15% increase compared with 2023. The airline said that about a third of United’s millennial customers booked flights on the app in 2024. Kim Cisek, vice-president of customer experience for American Airlines said that both millennial and Gen Z travellers tend to book travel slightly more on their mobile app than Gen X or baby boomers. Experts say well-designed apps generally protect your security and privacy just as well as a website, although they do come with their own risks. For some users, perception is still catching up to reality. “I trust the security on my laptop more for big purchases,” said travel writer Jason Frye, 47. Scott Keyes, founder of the cheap-flight service Going, said he uses a computer to book flights 90% of the time. “It’s frankly just a little fear of typos,” said Keyes, 38. “A typo when you’re booking a flight can be a big deal.” Spell your name wrong or punch in the wrong date, and you won’t be boarding. The bigger the device, the more likely you may spot an error. The larger the keyboard, the less likely you are to make one. “You’ve got a lot less screen real estate on a phone than on a computer,” he said. For others, it’s psychological. Your phone is for scrolling on the toilet, not making three-figure transportation decisions. In an informal poll conducted on Instagram, I asked travellers about their booking preferences. Dozens of responders favoured computers over phones. Their overwhelming sentiment: Big purchases call for big screens. “Booking something as serious as a flight on a PHONE is unimaginable to me. Criminal,” said Allison Chin, 32, who lives in Los Angeles. Improved apps push users to phones When it comes to booking on a computer, members of Gen Z seem more like-minded on the issue than their elders think. I surveyed more than 30 travellers born between 1998 and 2007. Only five were adamant about exclusively using their phones to book flights. Most said they prefer laptops, referencing the “big screen, big purchase” adage. “I just find it easier, I guess, with [a] bigger screen,” said Will Hunt, 17, who’s recently been using his laptop to shop for cheap flights for an upcoming boarding school break. “Easier to compare options.” Plenty said they do both, mirroring a wider trend: After years of being clunky and unnecessary, airline apps are finally good and people are keen on using them - for shopping, booking or changing a flight, planning your layover meals, or begging an AI chatbot for frequent flier miles to compensate for a delay. For many travel tasks, the user experience feels smoother on a phone. Even booking sites without apps, like Google Flights, are much more pleasant on mobile than ever before, enabling easier online shopping. But with so many data points involved in airfare - connections, seat preferences - it’s understandable that some shoppers still want a keyboard and mouse. No difference in airfare Combine the dynamic pricing of airfare with the instant access of online shopping and you’ve got a recipe for paranoia. So I went to the founders of two companies that specialise in booking cheap flights - Keyes of Going and Aktarer Zaman of Skiplagged - to ask whether the device you use to book leads to better or worse prices. “I don’t think there’s much of a difference,” said Zaman, 32, who primarily books his flights through his phone. “I can’t speak for every company whether they do any fishy business, but we don’t,” he said. “For example, if you use our website on your desktop or you use our app on your phone, it’s the same exact price.” Keyes agreed neither is better for bargain hunting. Ahead of our call, he also compared prices for the same flight on Google Flights, Expedia, and Delta, both on his computer and on his phone, and got the same results. He has not seen any truth to the rumour that the higher quality the device, the higher prices you’ll get in a search: “So if you have the newest iPhone model, the airline is more likely to show you a higher price than if you’re booking on like a 2015 Dell desktop,” Keyes said. “I can understand why that could happen,” he added. “I’ve just never actually seen evidence that it happened in reality.” The same is true for the myth that your internet history affects your airfare. Keyes says no, airlines are not tracking your searches - phone or desktop - and raising the price to pressure you into booking. “For the folks who are convinced that this theoretical argument is actually true … they mistake the inherent volatility of airfare with a sort of Truman Show ‘they are watching me and trying to squeeze every dollar out of me,’” he said. You very well may see prices rise each time you search for flights, “but that’s not because of your phone versus your computer. That’s because airfare is constantly changing,” he said. Tue, 21 Jan 2025 02:19:59 Z /lifestyle/travel/turkish-airlines-eyeing-auckland-istanbul-flights-report/ /lifestyle/travel/turkish-airlines-eyeing-auckland-istanbul-flights-report/ Turkish Airlines — one of the world’s biggest carriers — is eyeing New Zealand for flights, according to a report from Turkey. The fast-growing airline last year started fights between Australia and Istanbul (via Singapore) and its chairman this weekend has been reported as saying Auckland would be among new destinations. Chairman Ahmet Bolat announced plans to launch services to Minneapolis in April or May this year and also to Auckland, Turkish website Turizm ekonomi reported. The Auckland flight would also stop in Singapore. He said that with the flight, Turkish Airlines would have the biggest flight network in the world and there has been speculation earlier the airline was eyeing New Zealand. The announcement came during the Turkish Airlines Management Summit 2025 in Antalya. Under a 2010 air services agreement, New Zealand airlines can serve any point in Turkey, via any intermediate point, and beyond to any other point. Turkish airlines have reciprocal rights. Turkish started flying in 1933 and now services 350 destinations in about 130 countries. As of June 2024, Turkish had a fleet comprising 125 twin-aisle, 307 single-aisle passenger aircraft and 25 cargo aircraft. It had a total workforce of 56,000. Half owned by Turkey’s sovereign wealth fund, in the 2023 financial year it had revenue of US$21 billion ($37b). Services between Istanbul and Melbourne are initially operating three times a week via Singapore, with reports stating non-stop flights are planned when new long-haul aircraft arrive. It will use Boeing 777s, 787-9s and Airbus A350s on the Melbourne route. The airline started four times-a-week flights to Sydney in December. It could use A350-1000s — the same planes as Qantas will use on its Project Sunrise flights to London and New York — for non-stop flights to Australia, and possibly New Zealand. Australia’s Executive Traveller last year described the airline’s business class as bringing ‘’fresh five-star style to the skies‘’. Auckland Airport has been courting airlines in the Middle East and has been asked for comment on the possibility of Turkish flying here. It would be a coup for the airport and add much-needed long-—haul capacity to and from New Zealand. Grant Bradley has been working at the Herald since 1993. He is the Business Herald’s deputy editor and covers aviation and tourism. Mon, 20 Jan 2025 02:24:02 Z