https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/rss NZME Read the latest lifestyle news at Newstalk ZB. We have the latest in reviews, competitions, events, home & garden, motoring and more.     Fri, 17 Apr 2026 00:25:37 Z en https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/travel/mike-yardley-a-milestone-year-for-america-s-mother-road-route-66/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/travel/mike-yardley-a-milestone-year-for-america-s-mother-road-route-66/ I’ve lost count of how many road trips I’ve clocked up in the United States, but it’s a form of free-roaming travel adventure that remains an abiding personal passion. From navigating the mighty interstate highways to losing yourself on the forgotten backroads, where big skies, lonely landscapes and totems to the past are all part of the experience. But there’s one classic American touring route that holds the unique distinction of capturing the hearts and minds of tens of millions of international travellers, every year. Adding to its allure, 2026 marks its centenary. Yes, Route 66. The Mother Road. The Main Street of America.   Wed, 15 Apr 2026 01:15:53 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/tranzalpine-railway-named-among-world-s-most-beautiful-train-routes/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/tranzalpine-railway-named-among-world-s-most-beautiful-train-routes/ A scenic New Zealand rail route has been named among the world’s most beautiful train journeys. Mon, 13 Apr 2026 02:06:58 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/technology/hp-smart-tank-7605-easing-the-biggest-printer-pain-point-of-all/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/technology/hp-smart-tank-7605-easing-the-biggest-printer-pain-point-of-all/ Printer frustration. After arguments between colleagues about what temperature the office air-con should be set at, surely getting the printer to do what it's supposed to is cause for more workplace stress than any other issue. Mon, 13 Apr 2026 00:44:10 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/bay-of-plenty-couple-ken-and-frances-elphick-celebrate-75-years-of-marriage/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/bay-of-plenty-couple-ken-and-frances-elphick-celebrate-75-years-of-marriage/ Bay of Plenty couple Ken and Frances Elphick will celebrate 75 years of marriage on Tuesday. Still living independently in their 90s, they attribute their long lives and marriage to their faith in God and living off the land. Mon, 13 Apr 2026 00:31:27 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/travel/mike-yardey-centenary-kicks-on-arizona-s-route-66/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/travel/mike-yardey-centenary-kicks-on-arizona-s-route-66/ If you’re keen to savour a bite-sized sampler of America’s Mother Road, Arizona’s Route 66 is a bumper section, tightly packed with time-honoured attractions and kitschy Americana curios. A century on from its launch as the nation’s first cross-continental route, the pioneering highway endures as a metaphor for the pursuit of new possibilities. Route 66 was officially decommissioned forty years ago by the multi-laned march of the I-40, but the evocative, retro-wreathed, roadside towns remain.  Sat, 11 Apr 2026 01:17:17 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/travel/mike-yardley-blissed-out-at-four-seasons-las-vegas/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/travel/mike-yardley-blissed-out-at-four-seasons-las-vegas/ If you’re planning a getaway to the bright lights and big dreams of Las Vegas yet covet staying at a hotel that is close to the action but beckons as a restorative oasis from the sensory overload, Four Seasons Las Vegas is the dream destination. With all of the bling-bling titillation surrounding the Las Vegas Strip, a luxury hotel that seamlessly spirits you away from the hustle into a haven of calm, is really the best of both worlds. But with its easy access at the southern end of the Strip, I also made the hotel my base for wider forays with Nevada’s many nuggets. Best of all, Allegiant Stadium is just a short stroll away from the hotel.  Fri, 10 Apr 2026 02:08:07 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/technology/jbl-endurance-pace-and-jbl-endurance-zone-im-open-to-it/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/technology/jbl-endurance-pace-and-jbl-endurance-zone-im-open-to-it/ If I've said it once, I've said it a thousand times; when it comes to earbuds, it's all about the fit. Thu, 09 Apr 2026 23:23:51 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/cloud-nine-travel-hairdryer-recall-check-model-xdm-3600-now-after-warning-of-overheating/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/cloud-nine-travel-hairdryer-recall-check-model-xdm-3600-now-after-warning-of-overheating/ Cloud Nine has recalled a hair dryer because of a potential safety issue. Wed, 08 Apr 2026 03:28:44 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/travel/mike-yardley-frasers-house-a-luxury-collection-hotel-singapore/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/travel/mike-yardley-frasers-house-a-luxury-collection-hotel-singapore/ It’s been a luxury hotel landmark in Singapore’s characterful Bugis district for 30 years. Formerly known as the InterContinental Singapore, the gorgeous five-star property has been freshly branded this year as Frasers House, a Luxury Collection Hotel.   Wed, 08 Apr 2026 01:03:30 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/technology/oppo-find-n6-meet-the-new-leader-in-foldable-flagships/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/technology/oppo-find-n6-meet-the-new-leader-in-foldable-flagships/ Over the last year I've been able to trial quite a selection of folding phones that for the first time, really feel like polished, fully finished products - rather than the next step in something experimental that may or may not actually be going somewhere. Wed, 08 Apr 2026 00:44:10 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/travel/mike-yardley-the-latest-and-the-greatest-in-las-vegas/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/travel/mike-yardley-the-latest-and-the-greatest-in-las-vegas/ One of life’s great truths is that Las Vegas never rests on its laurels. It is constantly in a state of evolution and reinvention, unfurling ever brighter and more ambitious embellishments to enrich its entertainment arsenal. With Robotaxis on the march in the USA, Las Vegas is home to Zoox. It’s not a car, more like an autonomous glossy rectangular cabin on wheels that will zip you all over Sin City with precision. Its symmetrical body design allows it to move in either direction, eliminating the concept of a traditional front or rear. You can hail a Zoox for a free ride during the testing period this year. They seemed to be everywhere, when I was in town.  Fri, 03 Apr 2026 23:19:15 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/technology/horl-3-sharpening-for-dummies/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/technology/horl-3-sharpening-for-dummies/ So here's the scenario; It's Christmas Day. We're hosting. It's been a long morning (and early afternoon) of present opening, eating, drinking and general merriment. Tue, 31 Mar 2026 00:10:15 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/english-village-mystified-by-public-dumping-of-private-bin-nz-sauvignon-blanc-bottles/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/english-village-mystified-by-public-dumping-of-private-bin-nz-sauvignon-blanc-bottles/ Sauvignon Blanc put Marlborough on the world map. Mon, 30 Mar 2026 02:41:05 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/travel/mike-yardley-the-rise-and-rise-of-fiji-airways/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/travel/mike-yardley-the-rise-and-rise-of-fiji-airways/ There’s no denying that Fiji Airways is on a roll, busy spreading its wings across the world. Fiji’s plucky and ambitious national carrier is now a serious, highly competitive airline player in the Pacific, directly connecting Nadi with over 25 international destinations in 15 countries and territories. Its international route network is nearly as comprehensive as Air New Zealand’s, who fly to 29 international destinations in 16 countries.   Sat, 28 Mar 2026 01:00:47 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/technology/blink-outdoor-2kplus-small-upgrades-big-value/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/technology/blink-outdoor-2kplus-small-upgrades-big-value/ If  you've ever read any of my home security camera reviews, you'll know there are two things I come across all too often that really get my goat; Thu, 26 Mar 2026 23:29:20 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/travel/mike-yardley-a-trail-of-treats-in-taup%C5%8D/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/travel/mike-yardley-a-trail-of-treats-in-taup%C5%8D/ In a town so richly blessed with inviting trails, the Great Lake Walkway is a 4km-long pathway of elemental pleasure. Wrapped around Taupō’s gleaming lakefront, the trail was my regular go-to for early morning and sundowner strolls, while staying at Suncourt Hotel. Enjoy a cheeky daybreak dip at Hot Water Beach, pose in front of the emblematic #LOVETAUPŌ sign and take your chances with the lake’s Hole in One challenge. Get the hole-in-one and win the ultimate prize of $10,000 cash from the red hole. Alas, I had no luck.  Thu, 26 Mar 2026 00:40:07 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/technology/apple-iphone-17e-try-to-find-a-reason-not-to-buy-this-one/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/technology/apple-iphone-17e-try-to-find-a-reason-not-to-buy-this-one/ Don't you just love it when a tech brand brings out a cheaper version of their flagship product that essentially does all the same things? Wed, 25 Mar 2026 22:03:45 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/technology/dyson-spot-plus-scrub-ai-dyson-does-me-dirty/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/technology/dyson-spot-plus-scrub-ai-dyson-does-me-dirty/ Robot vacuums seem to be the "it" appliance right now - and it's hardly surprising. Tue, 24 Mar 2026 22:23:49 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/technology/samsung-galaxy-buds4-pro-heading-towards-the-earwear-singularity/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/technology/samsung-galaxy-buds4-pro-heading-towards-the-earwear-singularity/  Are you tired of my earbud mantra yet? Mon, 23 Mar 2026 21:27:17 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/travel/mike-yardley-water-and-wheels-in-wonderful-taup%C5%8D/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/travel/mike-yardley-water-and-wheels-in-wonderful-taup%C5%8D/ The weather could not have been a more idyllic. I was basking in the brilliance of Lake Taupō aboard the glorious replica steamboat, Ernest Kemp, as were several dozen guests from all over the world. Cruising the great lake for over 40 years, this gorgeous little vessel that accommodates 50 guests, began life in Kerikeri, named in honour of the last member of the Kemp family to live at Kemp House. A massive and damaging flood in the Kerikeri Inlet in 1981 prompted the sale of this shallow draught vessel, and Ernest Kemp began a new life feeling the lake’s freshwater on its hull, a year later.   Fri, 20 Mar 2026 23:22:04 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/technology/ecovacs-deebot-t90-pro-omni-so-fast-so-pro/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/technology/ecovacs-deebot-t90-pro-omni-so-fast-so-pro/ I've said it before but I still hold to it; robot vacuums are about the cleverest things ever invented. Thu, 19 Mar 2026 23:41:36 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/technology/samsung-galaxy-s26-ultra-and-samsung-galaxy-a17-5g-one-of-these-things-is-definitely-not-like-the-other/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/technology/samsung-galaxy-s26-ultra-and-samsung-galaxy-a17-5g-one-of-these-things-is-definitely-not-like-the-other/ My many years of tech reviewing has left me in the privileged position of being able to use most of the latest and greatest smartphones, pretty much from the moment they're launched - sometimes even before. Thu, 19 Mar 2026 01:06:51 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/prince-harry-and-meghan-markle-netflix-deal-at-risk-after-ratings-slump/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/prince-harry-and-meghan-markle-netflix-deal-at-risk-after-ratings-slump/ Streaming giant Netflix is reportedly “done” with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, with insiders claiming the couple’s ratings have been “lacklustre”. Wed, 18 Mar 2026 07:53:11 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/technology/lg-ultragear-gx870a-32-inch-dual-mode-oled-gaming-monitor-big-beautiful-end-of-story/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/technology/lg-ultragear-gx870a-32-inch-dual-mode-oled-gaming-monitor-big-beautiful-end-of-story/ These days when discussing tech, we often ask ourselves the question, “Have we reached peak… (insert gadget name here)?” Tue, 17 Mar 2026 22:58:23 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/technology/earshots-magfit3-staying-put/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/technology/earshots-magfit3-staying-put/ When it comes to high-end wireless earbuds, there's not much to separate the options available. Sun, 15 Mar 2026 21:24:26 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/travel/mike-yardley-sights-and-bites-in-transforming-tauranga/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/travel/mike-yardley-sights-and-bites-in-transforming-tauranga/ It’s been three years since I was last in Tauranga and it’s so uplifting to see cranes in the sky, the glossy sheen of brand-new buildings, and the civic centre’s sure-footed makeover taking shape. Fresh and inviting public spaces are continuing to unfurl across the Te Papa peninsula and waterfront. After paying my regards to the delightful Hairy Maclary and friends sculptures adorning the fabulously enticing children’s playground on Tauranga’s waterfront in a story book setting, I checked out The Strand Reserve and waterfront boardwalk. It has immeasurably enhanced the city centre’s sense of connection with Tauranga Harbour. There’s a great new sense of art-filled vitality sprouting in the city centre. A starring specimen in Red Square is the stunning public sculpture called Rauhea.  Fri, 13 Mar 2026 22:55:10 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/dr-lance-o-sullivan-splits-from-wife-dr-rose-harris-less-than-a-year-after-warriors-proposal-las-vegas-wedding/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/dr-lance-o-sullivan-splits-from-wife-dr-rose-harris-less-than-a-year-after-warriors-proposal-las-vegas-wedding/ A prominent Kiwi doctor who publicly proposed at a Warriors game and got married in Las Vegas has split with his wife less than a year after the wedding.  Fri, 13 Mar 2026 19:26:10 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/technology/philips-hue-twilight-sleep-and-wake-up-light-the-bedside-lamp-of-your-dreams/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/technology/philips-hue-twilight-sleep-and-wake-up-light-the-bedside-lamp-of-your-dreams/ So after reviewing, buying and installing my fair share of smart lighting solutions over the years, I can confidently say Philips Hue deserves its position as the most well regarded of them all. Tue, 10 Mar 2026 01:27:52 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/meghan-markle-splits-from-netflix-to-take-full-control-of-as-ever-jam-brand/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/meghan-markle-splits-from-netflix-to-take-full-control-of-as-ever-jam-brand/ Meghan Markle has parted ways with Netflix and will reportedly now assume total control of her jam and flower sprinkles business As Ever. Sat, 07 Mar 2026 20:08:19 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/travel/mike-yardley-tucking-into-the-flavours-of-plenty/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/travel/mike-yardley-tucking-into-the-flavours-of-plenty/ The Bay of Plenty. Is there a more aptly named province in New Zealand? From the Kiwifruit Capital of the World to New Zealand’s Avocado Capital, the region’s sheer abundance of world-class fresh produce is quite exceptional. All the more reason to celebrate its plentiful produce, the enterprising growers and the stellar culinary verve coursing through the region. Introducing Flavours of Plenty, the region’s headline foodie festival which roars back into life over eighteen delicious days, kicking off on April 16th. This year’s bash marks its fifth outing, and the festival has fast cemented its credentials as one of New Zealand’s very best festivals on the culinary calendar. Strung right across Coastal Bay of Plenty, from Waihi Beach to Whakatāne, there’s a stack of lip-smacking events to sink your teeth into. On a recent visit to the region, I enjoyed a taster of the festival, which included some superb encounters with some of the region’s growers.  Fri, 06 Mar 2026 22:48:24 Z