Best Beach 2025: Lorna Riley, Matt Gibb and Eli Matthewson share their picks

Best Beach is back for 2025, presented by Fruju. New Trip Notes host Lorna Riley is joined by comedian Eli Matthewson (new show Heaven's Devil) and Find My Country House New Zealand host Matt Gibb to discuss their picks for the best family-friendly, city, surf, hidden gem and camping beach in the c…

Best Beach 2024: Who will triumph in this year's vote?

In this special bonus episode of Trip Notes, the Herald Travel team is once again looking for New Zealand's Best Beach - this time with support from Fruju, NZ's favourite ice block. To get the ideas ball rolling, NZ Herald Lifestyle and Travel editor Stephanie Holmes is joined by Celebrity Treasur…

What is New Zealand's Best Beach? Here's how you can have your say

It’s been a while since you’ve heard from us here at Trip Notes, but we are back for a special bonus episode thanks to New Zealand’s favourite ice cream Tip Top in order to celebrate New Zealand’s Best Beach! But we need your help – we want you to tell us your favourite beaches around Aotearoa as p…

NZ Herald Travel presents Detour: Antarctica

Trip Notes is proud to present the first episode of the new travel podcast miniseries from NZH Travel's Thomas Bywater. In the first episode of this seven-part series, Bywater explores the mysteries of Antarctica while stuck on a cruise ship at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. You can find all…

The meaning of travel writing in a Covid world

How do you run a travel magazine when you can't travel? Somehow, despite the world being shut off for the last 18 months, the NZ Herald Travel magazine has been able to not only survive, but also thrive and become an award-winning magazine. But we're not going to lie - it's been a tough road. …

Actor Michelle Langstone's tips for visiting the magnificence of Milford Sound

"I came back to Milford Sound because I couldn't get the shape of the landscape out of my head; those glacier-carved mountains plunging toward deep green water, the lichen and moss hugging the faces of giants who seemed to lean in and admire their faces in the deep stillness." Actor and writer Mic…

Top tips for family holidays: How to survive the classic Kiwi road trip

What do you remember about family holidays growing up? From being piled in to clunky old cars, to what felt like endless hours on the road, family road trips can make up some of our strongest childhood memories. Join NZ Herald Travel Editor Stephanie Holmes and writers Juliette Sivertsen and Ka…

How to prepare for active adventure holidays

How do you prepare for an adventure holiday? From skiing getaways and hiking trips to intense Coast to Coast multi sport adventure tours, adventure travel is as much of a mental battle as it is a physical challenge. In this episode of Trip Notes, join NZ Herald Travel Editor Stephanie Holmes and…

What defines luxury travel?

What makes a luxury holiday so... luxurious? Be it a city hotel or remote lodge, staying in luxury accommodation is often about bespoke service as well as exquisite amenities and fine dining. In this week’s episode of Trip Notes, NZ Herald Travel Editor Stephanie Holmes is joined by writers Jul…

Splendid isolation: Why we love remote holidays

Ever wish you could just get away from it all? The Travel team loves going to truly remote places, and this week, we're covering our favourites. Listen to Maggie Wicks' story about 'podhopping' her way around the South Island, staying in the truly remote PurePods in Kaikoura, Waipara Valley and t…