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Auckland

Piha Beach near Auckland.

It’s no Bondi, but this dark, wild beach is startlingly beautiful

If Bondi Beach is Barbie, New Zealand’s Piha Beach is Wuthering Heights’ Heathcliff. Brooding, wild, unpredictable.

  • Jane Richards
The entrance to the new lounge.

Qantas’ new lounge ‘best on the network’ – but it’s not in Australia

Ten years after first being discussed, new lounge is ready to open and will give passengers heading to New York a place to freshen up before the long haul.

  • Emma Stanford
It’s possible to walk for hours without seeing any sign of human habitation.

The hidden side to one of NZ’s most popular islands

Only a 40-minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland, Waiheke Island receives an avalanche of visitors every summer. But it’s not hard to get away from them.

  • Rob McFarland
The refreshed Holiday Inn and its bar.

I didn’t want to stay in this budget airport hotel, but I loved it

Get over your Holiday Inn preconceptions – this airport hotel is fun and funky, with surprising tropical-resort vibes.

  • Katrina Lobley
The 15ht hole - Pirate’s Plank - at Cape Kidnappers.

The ultimate luxury lodge stay in New Zealand

The exclusive Kiwi lodge scene is looking even rosier with the entry of the luxury Rosewood group.

  • Jane Reddy
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Auckland’s Queens Wharf terminal.

Port guide: Auckland, New Zealand

The cruise terminal could hardly be better located to explore New Zealand’s breezy, sea-gazing capital, so get walking.

  • Brian Johnston
Silver Muse tra11-cruisefood

Australian passengers have one major complaint about cruises. This ship solves it

On behalf of a nation of espresso-sipping extremists, Silversea’s Silver Muse is doing god’s work in the caffeinating department.

  • Anthony Dennis
Auckland city by night.

Best short-haul destinations: Auckland, New Zealand

New Zealand’s biggest city has been utterly transformed by the dramatic redevelopment of its once no-go waterfront as well as a quality food scene.

  • Anthony Dennis
Sixteen hours in economy is always going to be brutal.

Airline review: 16-hour Qantas economy long haul leaves a bad taste

Top marks Qantas for a fast and convenient flight, but economy passengers deserve more than this.

  • Ellen Connolly
Air New Zealand Boeing 787-9 Premium Economy.

Airline review: This premium economy has one of the world’s cosiest sky-cradles

This long-haul is nearly 16 hours, but I managed to sleep for six of them and wake up in time for breakfast.

  • Kylie McLaughlin