https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/travel/rss NZME Mon, 27 Apr 2026 10:14:31 Z en https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/travel/koh-chang-to-koh-kood-how-to-island-hop-thailand-s-east-coast/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/travel/koh-chang-to-koh-kood-how-to-island-hop-thailand-s-east-coast/ Contrary to popular belief, Thailand island hopping isn’t solely for backpackers. Take the languid, calmer approach by exploring the quieter east coast, writes Ron Emmons. Mon, 27 Apr 2026 02:08:12 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/travel/mike-yardley-main-street-delights-in-grapevine-texas/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/travel/mike-yardley-main-street-delights-in-grapevine-texas/ The pint-sized Texan city of Grapevine certainly struck it lucky with the location Gods. Bounded by the sprawling immensity of Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), its mighty aviation neighbour prevents the threat of urban sprawl swallowing up Grapevine into the metroplex. DFW, with its seven runways, encompasses a greater area of land than Manhattan Island. This plucky little city remains safeguarded in its own compact bubble, like a world apart, while offering transit passengers at DFW the chance to enjoy an indelible dabble with the delights of Grapevine. TEXRail runs trains every 30 minutes to and from the airport, which is ideal for day-trippers. But once you get here, you’ll soon realise that Grapevine deserves so much more than just killing a few hours between flights. The place is a revelation.  Sat, 25 Apr 2026 01:57:23 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/travel/mike-yardley-style-and-splendour-in-scottsdale-arizona/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/travel/mike-yardley-style-and-splendour-in-scottsdale-arizona/ After taking in the retro charms of Route 66’s on a romp across northern Arizona, the desert was calling. I pointed the car south, driving through the achingly gorgeous Oak Creek Canyon route to Sedona, bound for Scottsdale. Towering red sandstone cliffs and an undulating quilt of ponderosa pine create a riveting scenic medley. Situated on the eastern flank of the sprawling Phoenix metroplex, Scottsdale has been dubbed “the Beverly Hills of the Southwest” and “a desert version of Miami’s South Beach.” It’s desert chic, unmistakably stylish and manicured, but it’s also stimulating, creative, and rugged. The singular beauty of the landscape is sublime, inspiring Frank Lloyd Wright to set up shop here, ninety years ago. It’s the same reason artists have been swooning over Scottsdale ever since – drawing inspiration from rugged nature and the soft light. And all of that derives from the Sonoran Desert, one of the world’s most diverse ecosystems.  Sat, 18 Apr 2026 01:41:19 Z 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/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/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/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/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/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/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/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/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 https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/travel/middle-east-airspace-closures-ground-auckland-flights-kiwis-stuck-amid-conflict-not-covered-by-travel-insurance/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/travel/middle-east-airspace-closures-ground-auckland-flights-kiwis-stuck-amid-conflict-not-covered-by-travel-insurance/ Planes have been grounded at Auckland Airport while airspace across the Middle East remains shut amid escalating conflict between Iran and the United States, Israel and their allies. Mon, 02 Mar 2026 02:05:03 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/travel/mike-yardley-town-and-country-delights-in-waikato/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/travel/mike-yardley-town-and-country-delights-in-waikato/ Beyond the bright lights, city buzz and gorgeous gardens of Hamilton, the mighty Waikato is pitch-perfect for leisurely roadies. It’s a province generously endowed with so many enticements, from Middle-earth in Matamata to wonderland underground in Waitomo. But it’s also the fact that so many of Waikato’s towns are drive-to, not drive-through destinations. Fri, 27 Feb 2026 21:46:42 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/travel/mike-yardley-happening-in-hamilton/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/travel/mike-yardley-happening-in-hamilton/ There’s an unmistakeable spring in the step on the streets and laneways of Hamilton. Waikato’s powerhouse city boasts a growing arsenal of headline sights and experiences, spanning outdoorsy delights, a cranking hospitality scene and cultural riches. The annual Hamilton Arts Festival bursts into life this weekend, with a spree of spectacles being staged across the city. Adding to its artsy credentials, and sparked by the closure of Founders Theatre, the city’s grand stage is back with the opening of BNZ Theatre Hamilton in late January. The 1300-seat auditorium across three levels is quite the head-turner, taking pride of place on Victoria Street, wrapped in the century-old façade of the Hamilton Hotel. The $80m state-of-the-art performance space has been worth the wait and there’s some striking design touches. The wooden panelling inside the auditorium represents the curvature of the Waikato River.   Fri, 20 Feb 2026 22:46:40 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/travel/elderly-tourist-charged-after-alleged-assault-on-gay-man-during-nz-cruise/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/travel/elderly-tourist-charged-after-alleged-assault-on-gay-man-during-nz-cruise/ An elderly tourist has been arrested in Australia after allegedly assaulting a gay man during a two-week cruise around New Zealand. Thu, 12 Feb 2026 07:44:49 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/travel/mike-yardley-outdoorsy-treats-in-mid-canterbury/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/travel/mike-yardley-outdoorsy-treats-in-mid-canterbury/ If you’re planning a road-trip in the South Island in the coming months, tack on a scenic foray with the Mid-Canterbury heartland. Easily reached within an hour from Christchurch, it’s an understated, uncrowded region that handsomely rewards the eager explorer, headlined by its spectacular scenic high country and blissful sense of escapism. Fanning out from Ashburton and bounded by the silvery braids of the Rakaia and Rangitata rivers, Mid-Canterbury spans the extremes, from pancake-flat plains to serrated, sky-piercing peaks. The mountains rise up to meet you remarkably quickly, after driving west from Ashburton. Here’s a round-up of some sure-fire favourites to add to your leisurely road- trip.  Fri, 06 Feb 2026 23:55:34 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/travel/thai-airways-to-resume-direct-flights-between-auckland-and-bangkok-in-late-2026/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/travel/thai-airways-to-resume-direct-flights-between-auckland-and-bangkok-in-late-2026/ Travellers itching to get to Thailand will soon be able to travel there faster, with Thai Airways confirming the return of its non-stop flight route from Auckland to Bangkok in the second half of 2026. Tue, 03 Feb 2026 02:42:11 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/travel/mike-yardley-a-stayover-in-style-on-sentosa-island/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/travel/mike-yardley-a-stayover-in-style-on-sentosa-island/ For Kiwis heading to Asia or onwards to Europe, Singapore can feel like the gateway to the world. But rather than just transiting at Changi Airport, breaking up long-haul flights with a restorative layover in the Lion City is one of my tried and trusted ways to minimise the insidious scourge of travel fatigue. For Kiwi families travelling with children, I strongly recommend threading a stopover on Sentosa Island into your long-haul plans to combat jetlag. It’s like a holiday within a holiday, a destination within a destination. Some of the youngest members of my wider family recently enjoyed a wondrous time on Sentosa – and it far exceeded their expectations.   Fri, 30 Jan 2026 23:14:17 Z