NZ Herald - Plus Feature November 2025

THE TRAVEL

Travellersincreasinglywanttoescape theordinaryratherthantickoffthe samedestinations.Somuchsothat “EscapetheOrdinary”isapromisefor travellerswhojoinAATKingstours,saysBen Hall,AATKingsCEO.

“Travellerswanttofeelsomething,learn something,andreturnhomechangedforthe better,”saysHall.

It’sallabouticonicsightsmadeeasy.From landmarksseenthroughafreshlenstolocal experiencesyouwouldn’tdiscoveronyour own.“They’rericherwhenyou’reguided bysomeonewhoknowstheirstories,and thelocalsbehindthem,”saysHall.Itmakes bucket-listmomentseffortless.

Smallgroups:Intimate,immersive, elevated

Smallgrouptoursaretakingoffas travellersseekmoreintimateexperiences, saysHall.“Withamaximumof24guests,but oftentravellingwithasfewas16,smallgroup toursallowformoreflexibility,personal connection,andaccesstoremoteorlesserknownregions.”

Tasmaniaisastandoutexample. IncreasinglypopularwithKiwitravellers,it’s wherenature,culture,andflavourcollide, saysHall.“Guestscanstrollthefragrant lavenderfieldsofBridestoweLavender Estate,cruisetheturquoisewatersof WineglassBay,andexploreHobart’sart, history,andfoodscene.”

OnAATKing’sTasmania&FlindersIsland Explorer.“Travellersflybyprivatecharterto FlindersIsland,anuntouchedsanctuaryof crystal-clearwaters,dramaticcoastlines,and someofthefreshestseafoodimaginable,” saysHall.“Sharingoystersandlocalwine withlocalsfeelslikebeingwelcomedintoa community,notjustvisitingit.”

Anotherfavouriteforexperiencesis WesternAustralia,whereguestsenjoya guidednocturnalwildlifetourunderthe stars.

Changingperceptionsofcoachtouring Travellersoftenwishthey’dtriedaguided holidaysooner,saysHall.“It’snowsocial, flexible,comfortable,andcuratedforcurious travellerswhovalueexperienceandease.You travelwithlike-mindedpeople,enjoystressfreedays,stayinqualityaccommodation, andseemoreinlesstime.It’smodern, uplifting,andincrediblyrewarding.”

AATKingstoursarebuiltaroundfour distincttravelstyles,Authentically, Purposefully,Immersively,andEffortlessly, eachdesignedtodeepenconnection,from meetinglocalstorytellersandtastingregional flavourstoexploringmeaningfulplacesand enjoyingseamlesstravel.

HiddengemsinAustralia&NewZealand Travellersareincreasinglyseekingplaces thatfeeluntouchedandpersonal.Standouts include:TheRedCentrebeyondUluru, KingsCanyonatsunrise,andIndigenous-led culturalexperiencesthatshiftperspectives.In outbackSouthAustralia,travellersvisitvast saltplains,star-ladenskiesandcharacterfilledtowns.

WhychooseAATKingsoverself-drive holidays

Choosingatourremovesthestress,says Hall.“Self-driveholidayscanbewonderful, buttheyrequiresignificantplanning, navigation,andcompromiseonwhatyoucan realisticallysee.”WithAATKings,guestsenjoy seamlesstransport,curatedstays,priority accesstokeyattractions,andtheexpertiseof traveldirectorswhobringeachdestination tolife.“Insteadofworryingaboutlogistics, parking,weather,orwhattodonext,our guestsimmersethemselves,connecting withlocalstories,people,food,andculture inawaythat’sverydifficulttoreplicate independently.”

Why Guided Tours Are Back in Vogue

Foryears,independenttravelwasthedream, thinkbackpacks,spontaneousdetours,and freedomfromfixeditineraries.

Buttheguidedtourisenjoyingawellearnedrenaissance Travellersofallages arerediscoveringthebenefitsofhaving someoneelsehandlethelogistics,whilestill gettinganimmersive,meaningfulexperience

Fromsmall-groupculturaljourneysthrough EuropetoluxurycoachtoursinAustraliaor escortedrailadventuresacrossJapan,guided travelisprovingthatstructureandspontaneity canhappilyco-exist AndforNewZealanders whowanttoseetheworldwithoutthestress, it’soneoftheeasiestwaystogo

Thenewguidedexperience

Forgettheoldstereotypeofbusloadsof camera-totingtouristsfollowingaflag Today’s guidedtoursarecurated,comfortable,and oftendeeplypersonal Operatorshavemoved awayfromone-size-fits-allitinerariesandnow focusonsmallergroups,localencounters,and authenticexperiences

Moderntravellerswanttomeetthe cheesemaker,notjusttastethecheeseand thebesttourcompaniesknowthat They arrangeprivatemuseumvisits,farm-to-table lunches,andbehind-the-scenesexperiences thatarehardtoreplicatewhentravelling independently

Technologyhasplayeditsparttoo Many toursnowincludetranslationapps,GPS-linked commentary,andflexibleschedulesthatallow youtochoosebetweenactivityoptionseach day Andwithaccommodation,transportand luggagehandlingallincluded,guidedtouring isincreasinglyappealingtothosewhowantto travelsmart,nothard

Stress-freetravel

Perhapsthebiggestperkofaguided tourispeaceofmind Flights,transfers, accommodationandsightseeingareprearranged,leavingyoufreetofocusonenjoying yourself That’sparticularlyvaluablein regionswherelanguagebarriers,visarulesor unfamiliarinfrastructurecanbedaunting

Expertinsight

Localguidesarethesecretingredient Theirstories,humourandinsiderknowledge addcontextandcolourthatnoguidebook canmatch Whetherit’sahistorianinAthens, ageologistintheGrandCanyon,oraMāori culturalguideonaSouthIslandnaturetour, havinganexpertonhandelevatestheentire experience

Camaraderieandcommunity Forsolotravellersorcouples,joininga groupoffersinstantcompanionship Many lifelongfriendships,andevenromances,have begunoncoachtoursandrivercruises Groups

oftenattractlike-mindedpeoplewithshared interests,whetherthat’sart,history,foodor photography

Valueformoney

Guidedtourscandeliverexceptionalvalue, particularlywhenyoufactorininclusionslike meals,sightseeingandtransport Travellers alsobenefitfromgroupratesandpriority accessatmajorattractions-nomorequeuing forticketsat7am!

Safetyandsupport

Havingatourmanageronhandmeans helpisneverfarawayifplanschange,luggage islost,ormedicalcareisneeded Forolder travellers,thatreassuranceispriceless Choosingatourandhowtobook

MostNewZealandtravelagencies,including HouseofTravel,FlightCentre,andTravel Associates,havededicatedescortedtour specialists Theycanhelpmatchtravellersto therightstyleofgroup,whetherthat’sa10-day highlightstour,alongerculturaljourney,ora rivercruisewithguidedshoreexcursions Many agentsalsoorganiseprivate“minigroups”for extendedfamiliesorfriends,allowingfora guidedexperiencewithoutstrangersonboard

Foracustomexperience,therearearangeof guidedtourspecialistsofferinguniqueoptions andbespokejourneysincluding:

AATKings

Oneofthemostrecognisablenamesin guidedtravel,AATKingsspecialisesinAustralia andNewZealand Thinksweepingcoach journeysthroughtheOutback,RedCentre andGreatOceanRoad,orclosertohome, scenicSouthIslanditinerariescoveringMilford Sound,Aoraki/MountCookandtheWest CoastGlaciers Manyoftheirtripsareavailable throughlocaltravelagents,andtheyalsooffer shorter“Bestof”toursthatcombinecomfort withflexibility

GlobusandCosmos

Long-establishedglobalbrandsthatNew Zealandershavetrustedfordecades Globus caterstotravellersseekingfullyescorted, premiumexperiencesforexamplethe“Italian Mosaic”,an13-dayjourneyfromVeniceto Sorrento,or“BritainSampler”,exploring London,BathandEdinburgh Sisterbrand Cosmosoffersmoreaffordable,value-packed toursacrossEurope,theAmericasandAsia, idealforthosewhopreferstructurewithout luxurypricetags

Trafalgar

Famousforits“BeMyGuest”experiences, Trafalgartoursoftenincludediningwith localfamiliesorvisitingworkingfarmsand

vineyards PopularchoicesforKiwisinclude “BestofIrelandandScotland”,“Highlightsof EasternEurope”andshorterEuropeancity tours

IntrepidTravel

Forthoseseekingsomethingmore adventurousorsustainable,Melbourne-based Intrepidrunssmall-grouptourswithafocus onresponsibletravel Tripsrangefromcultural cyclingadventuresinVietnamtofood-focused journeysthroughMorocco Groupsaretypically cappedataround12people,withanemphasis onlocalaccommodationandguides Intrepid alsooffersoriginal,comfortandpremiumtiers allowingtravellerstochoosetheirlevelofstyle andbudget

WendyWuTours

Withover25years’experience,WendyWu Toursisrenownedforitsexpertlycurated journeysacrossAsia,includingJapan,India andbeyond Theirtourscombinecultural immersionwithcomfort,featuringlocalguides, authenticcuisine,andexclusiveexperiences suchasatraditionalteaceremonyinKyoto oraprivatejunkcruiseonHalongBay The companyalsoofferspremiumandprivate optionsfortravellerswhoprefersmallergroups orcustomitineraries,allfullysupportedby NewZealand-basedtravelspecialists

LeisureTimeTours

LeisureTimeTourshasbeenshowing Kiwisthejoysoftravelformorethan35 years Whetherit’sexploringNewZealand’s stunninglandscapesorventuringonoverseas adventures,theirescortedgrouptourstake thestressoutofplanning Withcomfortable accommodation,knowledgeableguidesand arelaxedpace,everyjourneyiscraftedtobe social,enjoyableandmemorable,perfectfor travellerswhowanttoseetheworldwithout compromisingoncomfortorexperience

PukekoheTravel

Forover45years,PukekoheTravelhas specialisedinexclusiveescortedtours

throughoutNewZealandandworldwide From softadventuresandpopulardestinations toonce-in-a-lifetimeexperiencesinremote regions,theircarefullycuratedtoursdeliver exceptionalvalue,withdedicatedtour escortsbyyoursidefromdeparturetoreturn Whetheryou’recruising,exploringAfricaon safari,embarkingonagreattrainjourney,or adventuringthroughEurope,Asia,orAmerica, PukekoheTravelhasyoucovered ScenicandAPT

Fortravellerswholoveluxury,bothScenic andAPTofferpremiumescortedtoursandriver cruises Popularamongmaturetravellers,these itinerariesincludehigh-endhotels,finedining, andmemorableextraslikehot-airballooning overCappadociaoraprivateconcertinVienna Closertohome,bothcompaniesofferescorted coachandcruisetoursacrossAustraliaand NewZealand,perfectforthosewantingto explorewithoutflyinghalfwayaroundthe world

GAdventures

Greatforthesociallyconscioustraveller, GAdventuresrunssmall-grouptoursthat supportlocalcommunities Popularoptions include“ClassicPeru”(MachuPicchuandthe SacredValley),“HighlightsofJapan”byrail, or“SouthernAfricaSafariExperience”Trips areeasytobookthroughNewZealandtravel agentsoronline,withflexibledepositand cancellationpolicies

Isitforme?

Guidedtouringhascomealongwayfrom itswhistle-stopbeginnings It’snowoneofthe mostenjoyable,efficientandenrichingways toseetheworld,especiallyfortravellerswho valuecomfort,cultureandcompanionship Intheend,agreatguidedtourfeelslike travellingwithaknowledgeablefriendwho knowseveryhiddenalleyway,handlesevery detail,andstillleavesyoufreetoenjoythe view

TheRiseofthe Multigenerational Holiday

Thebigfamilytriponeoftravel’s mostjoyfulcomebacks.

Afteryearsofpostponedplans, scatteredfamiliesandmilestone birthdayscelebratedovervideo calls,multigenerationalholidaysareback instyle.Grandparents,adultchildren,and grandchildrenareonceagainboardingplanes (andships)togethertoholidayasagroup.

Arecentsurgein“togethertravel”is reshapinghowfamiliesholiday.Travelagents reportthatextendedfamilygroupsarebooking entirevillas,charteringsmallyachts,ortaking oversectionsofcruiseshipstomarkspecial occasionssuchasmilestonebirthdays,golden anniversaries,orlong-overduereunions. Formany,thesetripsareaboutcelebrating connectionasmuchasdestination.

Whyitworks

Multigenerationaltravelticksmanyboxes. Grandparentsgetprecioustimewiththeir grandkids;parentshaveextrahandstohelp andthekidsgetdotedonbyeveryone.It’s alsoanefficientwayforfamiliesscattered acrossregions(orcontinents)toreconnectina neutral,adventure-filledsetting.

Butsuccessdependsoncarefulplanning. Thebesttripsbuildinbalanceincludingspace forfamilytogethernessandspaceapart. Travellingwithagesspanningfromtoddlers toretireesrequiresconsideringenergylevels, accessibility,andinterests.Choosingtheright base,accommodationandpacecanmake thedifferencebetweenchaosandcherished memories.

Destinationsthatbringeveryonetogether SouthPacificcruises

ForKiwifamilies,cruisesarefastbecoming thego-tomultigenerationalgetaway.They offerarareblendofindependenceand togethernesswitheveryonesharingthe samefloatinghotel,yeteachagegroupbeing abletodotheirownthing.Kids’clubs,teen lounges,sparetreatsandadults-onlydining meannoonefeelscompromised.

CruisesdepartingfromAucklandorSydney areparticularlyappealing,withoptionsfrom shortthree-nightescapestolongeritineraries aroundFiji,VanuatuandNewCaledonia. P&O,RoyalCaribbeanandPrincessCruises allofferfamily-friendlyshipsthatcaterforall ages.Theeaseofunpackingonceandletting thescenery(andmeals)cometoyouisabig bonusforoldertravellers.

RarotongaorFiji

Closertohome,thePacificIslandsarean enduringfavouriteformultigenerational holidays.ResortsinRarotonga,Aitutakiand Fijioftenfeatureself-containedvillasorother accommodationsthatallowfamiliestostay closewhilemaintainingprivacy.Babysitting services,kids’clubsandon-siterestaurants makelifesimple,whilecalmlagoonsand shortflighttimesareidealforthosewith mobilityconcernsoryoungerchildren.

TryFiji’sCoralCoastorDenarauIslandfor resort-styleease,orventuretoRarotonga whereyoucanrentabeachfrontvillaand enjoyaslower,moreauthenticisland rhythm.

Europeforthemilestonetrip

Forfamiliescelebratingamajorbirthday oranniversary,Europeremainstheultimate grandtour.Travellingbyrivercruiseorprivate villacansimplifylogistics.Rivercruisingis boomingamongmultigenerationalgroups becauseitcombinesculture,convenience andcomfort.CompanieslikeAvalonand AmaWaterwaysnowofferfamily-themed cruisesalongtheDanubeorRhine,with flexibleshoreexcursionssuitedtodifferent activitylevels.

Alternatively,rentingavillainTuscany orProvenceprovidesahomebasefor lazylunches,vineyardvisitsanddaytrips thataccommodatevaryingenergylevels. Grandparentscanrelaxbythepoolwhile youngergenerationsexploremedievaltowns.

Australiaforaccessibleadventure Whensimplicityiskey,Australiaishardto beat.TheGoldCoastoffersthemeparksand beachesfortheyoung,whiletheSunshine CoastorPortDouglasproviderelaxed,naturerichsettings.Multi-bedroomapartmentsand familysuitesareplentiful,andtheshortflight fromNewZealandavoidsjetlagandlong-haul fatigue.

Forsomethingmoreiconic,afamilyroadtrip alongtheGreatOceanRoadorTasmania’seast coastcanbalancescenicdriveswithfamilyfriendlystops.

Aotearoastaycations

Noteverymultigenerationalholidayneeds apassport.Rentingalargeholidayhomein theBayofIslands,QueenstownorTaupōcan deliverallthetogethernesswithouttheairport queues.Lakesidelodges,coastalbachesor farmstayswithspacetoroamareperfect forgatheringsthatblendnostalgiawithnew memories.

LocaloperatorssuchasBachcareor Bookabachmakeiteasytofindpropertiesthat

suitmultiplegenerations,withfullkitchens, hottubsandscenicdecksforthoselong eveningcatchups.

Tipsfortravellingwelltogether

• PlanearlyLargergroupsmeanhigher demandforconnectedrooms,biggerrental cars,andfamily-sizedvillas.Bookingsixto12 monthsoutiswise,especiallyforcruisesor schoolholidaytravel.

SetexpectationsDiscussbudgets,pace, andprioritiesupfront.Noteveryoneneeds tojoineveryexcursionandflexibilityavoids friction.

• MixactivitywithdowntimeAlternate adventuredayswithrelaxedonessonoone burnsout.

• ChoosecomfortAccessibility,mealtime variety,andwalkablesurroundingsmakeabig differenceforoldertravellers.

• CapturethememoriesConsiderhiring aphotographerforoneday,orassignthe familyshutterbug.Groupphotosoftenbecome treasuredkeepsakes.

Whyit’sworthit

Beyondthelogisticsandplanning,theheart ofmultigenerationaltravelissimpleshared experience.Watchingagrandchilddiscover snorkellinginFijiorsharingalonglunchin Tuscanywiththreegenerationsaroundthe table,canreminduswhytravelmatters. Inaworldthatoftenfeelshurriedand disconnected,theseholidaysoffersomething precious,allowingtimetotrulybetogether. Whetherit’scruisingthroughthePacific,roadtrippingacrossAustralia,orgatheringlakeside inNewZealand,thedestinationalmostdoesn’t matter.Thebestsouvenirwillbefamilytime, wellspent.

TheMust-Dosfor ExploringTennessee’s LegendaryMusicScene

Nashville’ssoulfulcountryrhythmsand Memphis’selectrifyingbluesheritagecreate anunforgettablejourneythroughtheheart ofTennessee’slegendarymusicscene.

Nashvilleisasensoryoverload.From walkingdownBroadwayStreetand hearingthehonky-tonksinnearlyevery barandcafé,totheheartofcountrymusic attheCountryMusicHallofFame.Andthe food,wowthefoodisworththevisitalone!

WhatmakesNashville’sfoodsceneunique isitsconnectiontomusic.Manyrestaurants doubleasperformancevenues,andchefsoften collaboratewithmusicianstocreateimmersive diningexperiences.It’snotjustaboutwhat’s ontheplate,it’saboutthestoryittellsandthe soundtrackthataccompaniesit.

AmustdoispayingavisittoRCAStudioB, whereElvisrecordedmorethan240ofhissongs. It’satripdownmemorylaneandyouevengetto recordyourownsingle.

TheGrandOleOpryisanothermustdo,the heartofcountrymusicglobally.Makesureto takethebehind-the-scenestourwhereyouget toseethegreenroomsandwheresomeofthe all-timegreatcountrysingersstillgotoperform. Catchashowthereasmostnightsafamousstar willjustturnuptoperform.

MemphisistheheartofBluesandBarbecue–it’s allaboutthesounds,smellsandatmosphere! Thereisnothingmuchbetterformusiclovers

thanwalkingdownBealeStreetwithadrink inhand,goinginandoutofsomeofthegreat BluesandRock‘n’Rollbars.Youwillgettosee theMightyMississippiRiver,SunStudiowhere thelikesofElvis,JohnnyCash,JerryLeeLewis andRoyOrbisonrecorded,andtheStaxMuseum ofAmericanSoulMusic.

NotripwouldbecompletetoMemphiswithout atourofGraceland.YougettogothroughElvis’ mansion,gettingtoseefamousroomslikethe jungleroomandallhismemorabilia.Make suretogoacrosstheroadtoElvis’Automobile Museumwhichhouseshisextensivecar collection,includinghispinkCadillacandLisa Marie,hisprivateplane,thatyougettogoinside of.

Tennessee’ssoutheastcharmofferssomething foreveryone,whetheryou’redrawnbythe twangofasteelguitarorthearomaofsmoked brisket,togoandwatchtheTennesseeTitans playintheNFL,orgobuyyourselfsomecowboy bootsandsaunterthroughthestreets,itwillbe oneofthegreatestexperiencesyoucanhave. Thisarticlewaswrittenincollaborationby PukekoheTravel andGlobus.

NashvilletoNewOrleans

Music,Culture&TheMississippi

Houston•DomesticflightsHoustontoNashville/NewOrleanstoHouston•Alltransfersontour•Breakfastdaily•3nightsinHouston•12night tourfromNashvilletoNewOrleansincludinggratuities•Travelbyluxuryair-conditionedcoach•HoustonCityTour•VisittheNASA JohnsonSpaceCentre,AmazonFulfilmentCentre,RCAStudioB,CountryMusicHallofFame,SunStudio,StaxMuseumofAmericanSoul Music,Graceland,DeltaBluesMuseum,B.B.KingMuseum&DeltaMusicMuseum•SightseeinginNashville,MemphisandGreenwood •ReservedseatsattheGrandOleOpry•PukekoheTravelescort–withyoualltheway•Plusmore! BONUS! Threenightsin Houstonincluding theNASAJohnson SpaceCentre 13-29May2026

Three generations; one Fiji holiday

MoreKiwifamiliesarediscoveringthatFijiis idealformulti-generationalholidays Calm lagoons,safewaters,andfamily-friendlyresorts makeiteasytorelax,reconnect,andexplore.

Threegenerations.Threehoursfrom NewZealand.Oneunforgettable holidayforNewstalkZBhostKerre Woodham,herdaughterKate,and grandchildrenDora,6,andBart,8

TheWoodhamclanisoneofagrowing numberofmulti-generationalKiwiwhānau bookingjointFijigetaways,wheretheycan relax,reconnect,andmakememories.“Fijiis justsoeasy,”Kerresays “Threehourflight Sametimezone.”

Athree-generationholidayin2024with Dora,BartandKateworkedsoperfectly thatKerrewasbackthisyearwithjustthe grandchildren.NowtheWoodhamsare planningafour-generationFijiholidayfor nextyear, addingKerre’smumColleen,88, intothemix,andson-in-lawRanko

KerrehasbeenholidayinginFijieversince shewasachild.Shetookherowndaughter

KatetoPlantationIsland,butmorerecently chosetheMusketCoveIslandResort& Marina,formulti-generationgetaways

It’soneofmanyFijiresortoptionsforlarger ormultigenerationfamilies Roomtypes thatworkformultigenerationalgetaways includeinterconnectingroomswithinternal doors,familysuitesincludingmulti-bedroom suites,standaloneburesandvillas,orlarge privateresidences. Otherfeaturesfamilies sometimeschoosemightincludemultiple bathrooms,kitchenettesanddiningareas, groundfloororsinglelevellayouts,and privateoutdoorspaces.Thereissomething foreveryone.

Diningoptionsareabundantintheresorts, withamixofinternationalandFijiancuisine Manyalsoofferdedicatedchildren’smenus. ResearchconductedbyNZMEfoundKiwis travellingwiththeirextendedfamiliesare

themostlikelytogooverseaseachyear (49%).Splittingexpenseswithlargergroups makesinternationaltravelmorefinancially sustainable

Ontheactivityfront,resortstypically haveoptionsforeveryfamilymember Thatincludeschild-friendlyactivitiessuch assupervisedtreasurehunts,sandcastle competitions,snorkellinglessons,and craftworkshops,teen-friendlyoptionslike paddleboarding,kayaking,reefwalks,and movienights,whileadultscanenjoyyoga classes,guidednaturewalks,spatreatments, traditionalkavaceremoniesandmore. Whilemanyresortshavekids’clubs, thatallowtheadultssomeme-time,Kerre deliberatelychosearesortwithoutone,so thatshecouldspendtimewithDoraand Bart “They’renotgoingtowanttohang aroundwiththeirgrandmotherforever,soI takeeveryopportunityIcan,”Kerresays.“I amsolucky” TheWoodhams’dayswerepackedwith manyofFiji’stopactivities.“Wewent bikeriding.Weswameveryday Wewent snorkellingandwentkayaking,”saysKerre. Bartlovedthecookingclassesandboat building,whileDoraexploredforshells.

Fiji’scalmlagoonsandsafewatersmade swimmingenjoyableforthewholefamily.“It waslikebeingbackin1976.”

“Oneofmyfavouritemomentswasthe fourofussharingabigdaybed,allengrossed inourbooksbeforegoingbackintothe water,”Kerresays.

Afterthevariousactivities,thewhānau wouldregrouponthesunloungersorback attheburetosharestoriesandplayboard games.“Itreallyistheperfectplacefora multi-generationalholiday.Thiswasaproper holiday.”

TheFijianculture,whichisbuiltonfamily andcommunityisahighlightformany visitors.Grandparents,parents,andchildren areallmadetofeelwelcomethroughouttheir stay.“WhatIloveaboutFijiisthattheystrike abeautifulbalancebetweenlookingafter youandmakingitclearit’stheirplace,”says Kerre.“Youarewelcome.”

TheWoodhamsvisitedalocalschool, whichgavethechildrenaninsightintohow theirpeerslive,andisanactivityencouraged byFiji’s“LolomaHour”,aprogrammefor givingback.

TheLolomaHourinvitesvisitorstospend atleastanhouroftheirFijivisittakingpartin sustainableactivity,suchasplantingcoral, wildlifeconservation,beachcleanups,and mangroverestoration.

LolomaactivitiesunderscoreFiji’s commitmenttoprovidingenrichingand memorableexperiencesforeverygeneration.

Whetheryou’retravellingwithtoddlers orgreat-grandparents,Fijimakesiteasyto relax,reconnectandrediscoverthejoyof simple,sharedmoments.Withitsshortflight time,family-friendlyresorts,andfamously welcomingculture,it’slittlewonderthatFiji continuestotopthelistforfamiliesseeking timetogetherthatactuallyfeelslikea holiday.

www.fiji.travel/nz

Find Your Perfect Voyage: The Right Cruise for Every Kind of Traveller

There’sareasoncruising continuestogrowinpopularity

It’soneoftheeasiestandmostrelaxingways toseetheworld Youunpackonce,letthe shipdothetravellingforyou,andwakeeach morningtoanewview Therangeofcruise optionshasneverbeenbroader,whether you’reafirst-timerlookingforfuninthesun,a culture-lovertracingEurope’sgrandwaterways, oranatureseekerheadingsouthtotheice The secretischoosingthestyleofcruisethatbest matchesthewayyouliketotravel

Big-ShipSeaCruises–FamilyFunand FloatingResorts Forfamilies,multi-generationalholidays,or anyonewholoveslivelyonboardentertainment, abig-shipoceancruiseishardtobeat These arethefloatingresortsyou’velikelyseenin glossyads:waterslides,kidsclubs,movie theatres,themeddining,spaciouspooldecks andshowsthatrivalBroadwayproductions They’reincrediblyeasyforfamiliesallowing everyonetogoattheirownpace,andmeals, accommodationandtransportareallbundled intoone PopulardestinationsforNewZealand travellersincludethesunnySouthPacific(think Vanuatu,FijiandNewCaledonia),shortfun sailingsaroundAustralia,orTasmancruises linkingAuckland,SydneyandMelbourne TypicaldealsincludeRoyalCaribbean’s KidsSailFreepromotion,seasonaloffersfrom Carnivalonshortergetawaycruises,andP&O Australia’sthemedsailingssuchascomedy cruisesorfoodandwineweekendsareoften goodvalueforfirst-timers ForKiwitravellers whodon’twantalong-haulflight,these

departuresfromSydney,BrisbaneorMelbourne keepitstraightforward

Small-Ship&ExpeditionCruises–Forthe CuriousExplorer

Ifyouridealholidayinvolveswildernessand wildliferatherthanwaterslides,asmall-shipor expeditioncruisemaybeyourperfectmatch Thesevesselscarryfarfewerpassengers,slip intoremotebayslargershipscan’taccess,and offeracloserconnectiontonature Expeditioncruisinghassurgedinpopularity amongNewZealanders,thanksinpartto ourproximitytosomeoftheworld’smost extraordinarylandscapesmeaningdestinations likeAntarctica,Fiordland,StewartIslandand theSubantarcticIslandsarewithinreach

TheKimberleyinWesternAustraliaisanother standout,withdramaticredrockgorges, cascadingwaterfallsandIndigenoushistory Expectguidedzodiaclandings,lecturesfrom naturalists,andanatmospherethatfeelsmore likeanimmersivetourthanaresortholidayat sea Ponantregularlyreleasesearlybirdpricing forluxurypolaritineraries,whileSilverseaand Hurtigrutenincludeexcursionsinthefare, addingsignificantvalue Forsomethingcloser tohome,HeritageExpeditionsrunsboutique journeysthroughNewZealand’swildsouthern coastlines,oftenwith“earlyseasonsavings” RiverCruises–SlowTravelforCultureLovers RivercruisingistoEuropewhataleisurely antiquetrainjourneyistotheAlps,elegant, unhurriedanddeeplylocal Theseshipsglide rightthroughtheheartsofhistoriccities,often dockingjuststepsfromoldtownsquares

linedwithbakeries,cathedralsandwinebars Fortravellerswhoprefercultureovercrowds andslowimmersionoverspectacle,thisisa beautifulwaytoseetheworld

TheDanubeandRhineremainthegreat classics,butNewZealandtravellersarealso increasinglydrawntoPortugal’swine-rich DouroValleyandtheMekonginVietnamand Cambodia,wherefloatingmarketsandtemple visitsprovidememorabledepthofexperience Riverfarestendtobundlemoreinclusions: dailyguidedtouring,winewithmeals,and small-groupsightseeing Vikingoftenrunsfree ordiscountedflightsonearly-bookeditineraries, Scenicoffersfullyall-inclusiveluxurywithbutler service,andAPTandTauckfocusoncultural immersionandlocalstorytelling Forthosewho prefertoavoidcrowds,rivercruisingticksevery box

SoloCruising–Independent,butNotAlone Agrowingnumberoftravellersare nowcruisingsolo,eitherbecausethey enjoyindependenceorbecauselifestage, circumstanceorconfidencemakessolotravel easierbyseathanonland Modernships increasinglycatertosingleguests,withmeetups,hosteddinnersanddedicatedlounges NorwegianCruiseLinehas“studiocabins” designedspecificallyforsolotravellers,while HollandAmericafrequentlywaivesorreduces thesinglesupplementonselectitineraries Vikingalsoreleasessolotravellerspecialson Europeanrivervoyageswhichisidealforthose whowantstructureandcompanionshipwithout compromise

Theme&Special-InterestCruises–Holidays withaPassion Fortravellerswholiketheirvoyageswitha sideoffun,flavourorfandom,themedcruising hassoaredinpopularity Foodandwinesailings, wellnessescapes,culinarymasterclasses,sports

fanitinerariesandmusicfestivalcruiseshave carvedoutanicheoftheirown P&O’smusicandcomedycruisesareamong Australasia’smostpopularthemedsailings, whilePrincessfrequentlyoffersculinary andwine-focusedvoyages,anoptionthatis particularlyappealingtoKiwitravellers For families,DisneyCruiseLinecan’tbebeaten withcharacterexperiencesandtheatricalshows thatfeellikesailinginsideastorybook Getin quickthough,inamajorchangeforfamilycruise travellers,DisneyCruiselinerecentlyannounced itsdeparturefromAustraliaandNewZealand andwhileitleavesagap,the2025-26seasonstill offersafinalchancetosaillocallywithDisney HowtoChoosetheRightOne Withsomuchchoice,narrowingitdown comesbacktoahandfulofpracticalquestions:

• Bigshiporsmallship?Moreentertainment versusmoreimmersion

• Howmanyportsdoyouwanttovisit? Expedition=deeperexploration;ocean cruising=amixofseadaysandports

• What’sincluded?Somefarescoverdrinks andexcursions;othersdon’t

• Howfardoyouwanttotravel?Fly-cruiseor ex-NewZealanddepartureskeepitcloserto home

• Whoareyoutravellingwith?Familiesand friendgroupsthriveonlargerships;solosand culture-seekersoftenprefersmallervessels YourVoyage,YourStyle Nomatteryourtravelstyle,there’sacruise holidaythatfitsperfectly fromcocktailby-the-poolrelaxationtobucket-listwildlife encountersorculturallyrichjourneysthrough Europe’sstorybooktowns WithNewZealanders bookingfurtheraheadfor2026andpremium suitessellingearly,thebestadviceistoexplore itinerariesnowandsecureearlybirdpromotions whiletheylast

Photos/GettyImages

TheWorldonaPlate

Food-ledtravelisthenewluxuryfor s sophisticatedtravellersandculinary tourismisbooming.

Fromvineyard-to-tablejourneysinEurope topaddock-to-platefinediningacrossNew Zealandfood-ledtripsareofferingunique connectionstoculture,peopleandplaces.

Europe:WhereTraditionMeetsTastingMenu InFranceandItaly,gastronomyisn’tjusta pastime,it’sheritage.RegionssuchasBurgundy, Emilia-RomagnaandProvenceinvitetravellers toslowdownandsavourtheoriginstories behindfamousdishes:wheelsofParmigiano crackedopenincoolcellars,baguettescrafted fromcenturies-oldflourtechniques,or

family-ownedvineyardspairingboldredswith truffle-lacedrisotto.Small-grouptoursand farm-hostedtastingsaddintimacy,oftengiving guestsaccesstoproducersusuallynotopento thegeneralpublic.

Forthosewho’ve“doneEurope”before, returningwithaculinaryfocusoffersafresh secondchapterandauniquewaytorevisit beloveddestinationsthroughthelensofflavour ratherthanlandmarkchecklists.

Asia:AFeastofImmersiveFlavour Closertohome,Asiaisthebeatingheartof street-foodcultureandlivetheatrecooking.

NightmarketsinVietnam,ThailandandJapan showcaseadazzlingvarietyofregionalfood t traditions,tthinkbowlsofbrothlayeredover twelve-hourstocks,barbecuedseafoodcharred overcharcoal,orheritagesoysaucesagedin cedarbarrels.Culinary-ledtoursofteninclude early-morningmarketwalks,noodle-making workshops,orbehind-the-scenesvisitswith family-runvendorswhohaveperfectedasingle dishacrossgenerations.Fortheflavour-curious traveller,it’sculturalimmersionatitspurest.

NewZealand&Australia:ProduceatitsPeak NewZealandhasmaturedintoaserious culinarydestinationinitsownright.From CentralOtagopinotpairedwithwildvenison, toKaikōura’scrayfishshacksperchedabove crashingsurf,foodhereisdeeplytiedto landscape.Theriseofforaging,sustainability andregenerativefarminghasreshapeddining culture.Chefsincreasinglywork“soil-toservice,”presentingdishesthatshowcase

ingredienntsattheirseasonalbest. AustraaliaoffersacomplementarytransT Tasmanchapter.ConsidertheMargaretRiverfor winelovers,Tasmaniaforcool-climateproduce, andregionalNSWforboutiquedistilleriesand olivegroves.Fortravellerswantingtoavoid long-haulflights,premiumfoodtouringnow rivalsinternationaloptionsinbothdepthand quality.

TravelWithPurpose

Themostmeaningfulfoodjourneysgo beyondfinedining.Theyrevealheritage, hospitalityandtherhythmsofeveryday life.Yourjourneycouldbringyoutotheold winemakerwhorecountsharvestspast,orthe marketcookwhoteachesyouthesamefoldof dumplingdoughtheirgrandmotheroncedid. Manypremiumoperatorsnowbuild“slow travel”intotheiritinerarieswithfewerregions, deeperstays,chef-ledexperiences,anddining withproducersintheirownhomes.

YOURHOLIDAYINCLUDES:

• ReturnEconomyValueClassairfaresto NadiflyingFijiAirwaysfromAuckland

• 5nightsatPlantationIslandResort& 1nightpre/postatFijiGatewayHotel

• FJ$150Food&Beveragecreditper roomperstay

• OnecoursedinneratTavolaRestaurant for2

• 3hoursbabysitting

YOURHOLIDAYINCLUDES: ReturnEconomyValueClassairfaresto NadiflyingFijiAirwaysfromAuckland 5nightsatMusketCoveIslandResort& 1nightpre/postatFijiGatewayHotel Fullbreakfast,lunchanddinnerdaily

• PureFijibathroomamenities

Hidden Gems Closer to Home

Youknowtheicons:Queenstown’salpine postcardviews,SydneyHarbour’sskyline, andthegreatwinerycircuitsofMarlborough andMargaretRiver

Butsomeofthemostmemorabletravel experiencessitquietlybeyondthe spotlightinsmallerregions,slower townsandacrosslandscapesthatarebest exploredbythecuriousratherthanthe hurried

Fortravellerslookingtostayclosertohome whilestillfeelingfarfromthefamiliar,here aresomeofAustralasia’sbestunder-the-radar escapes

NEWZEALAND

TheForgottenWorldHighway(Taranakito Ruapehu)

OneofNewZealand’slast“true”road adventures,thiswinding148kmheritageroute isastepbackintime ConnectingStratford withTaumarunui,itpassesremotefarming valleys,tinysettlementsandtheRepublicof Whangamōmona,thetownthatfamously declareditselfarepublicin1989 Most travellerspassoverheadonStateHighway1, missingtheold-worldstoriesandlandscapes hiddenalongthebackroads

Thejourneypairsbeautifullywithan overnightstayinaheritagelodge,orwith theForgottenWorldRailCarts,whereyou riderepurposedgolfcartsondisusedrailway linesthroughtunnelsandviaducts It’sgentle, scenicandcompletelyuniquetoNewZealand GoldenBay,viaTakakaHill(Northwest SouthIsland)

GoldenBayfeelslikeadifferentcountry It’swarm,creativeandtuckedawaybehinda dramaticmountainpass WhileAbelTasman NationalParkdrawsthekayakersandhikers, GoldenBaykeepsasofterrhythm,where youcanexploresmallartstudios,freshwater

springs,takeshortcoastalwalksand experiencewildbeacheswhereyoucanspend amorningwithoutseeinganotherfootprint

Collingwoodisacharmingbase,andfrom hereyoucanexploreFarewellSpit,visitlocal cheesemakersandhoneyproducers,orsoak infreshseawaterhotpoolsthatappearonlyat lowtidenearWhararikiBeach

TheCatlinsCoastline(Southland)

TheCatlinsisSouthland’ssecret masterpiece You’llbeenchantedbyhidden waterfalls,fossilisednativeforests,wild penguinsanddramaticheadlandswherethe windseemstocarryhalfthePacificwithit Therearehardlyanycrowds,justboardwalks, cliffsandwildlife

It’saperfectslow-travelloopwhereyoucan strollthePurakaunuiFalls,watchsealions sunbathingatSuratBay,andfinishatNugget PointLighthouseatgoldenhourtoviewone ofNewZealand’smosthauntinglybeautiful sunsets

AUSTRALIA

KingIsland(BassStrait)

WedgedbetweenVictoriaandTasmania, KingIslandisafoodlover’sparadisedisguised asawindsweptrockintheSouthernOcean Famousforitscheeses,beefandcrayfish, italsooffersruggedcoastalwalks,historic shipwrecksandworld-classlinks-stylegolf

Becauseaccessisonlybysmallplanefrom MelbourneorTasmania,visitornumbersstay lowandyoufeellikeyou’vestumbledupon amagnificentsecret,thekindofplacewhere dinnerfeelslikeitwasmadeforyou,notfor Instagram

EyrePeninsula(SouthAustralia)

WhileSouthAustralia’sBarossaand KangarooIslandhogthelimelight,theEyre Peninsulaquietlyofferssomeofthecountry’s mostsoulfulcoastaljourneys Theseafood hereisextraordinary Trytheoystersfresh fromtheleasesinCoffinBay,freshtunainPort Lincoln,andprawnsstraightfromthetrawlers Butit’sthelandscapesthatlinger,you’ll marvelatthecreamy-whitesanddriftsat MemoryCove,graniteheadlands,turquoise covesandhugeskiesthatfeelmoreAfrican thanAustralian Forwildlifelovers,thisisone ofthefewplacesonearthwhereyoucanswim withsealionsintheirownnurserybays SouthernHighlands(NewSouthWales) Just90minutesfromSydneybutaworld awayinfeel,theSouthernHighlandsblends historicvillages,cool-climatevineyards, heritagegardensandboutiquecountryinns TheHighlandsattractweekenders,butmidweekoroff-seasonitremainsblissfullylowkey BowralandBerrimaofferantiques,art andquietdiningwhileFitzroyFallsandMorton NationalParkbringthedrama Forslowtravellers,thisisaregiontolinger in Enjoyingafewdaysoffirelitrestaurants, gallerybrowsingandestatewalkscanoftenbe morenourishingthananotherfast-pacedcity break

Whytheseplacesfeeldifferent

Theseareregionsshapedlessbygrand attractionsandmorebytexturewithlocal producers,unhurriedlandscapes,specialrituals andsmall-towncharacter Ifyouareaseasoned travellerwhohasalreadyseenthebigstuff,you cantakeyourtimeandenjoydepthoverchecklist Theyalsorewardshoulder-seasontravel,areal treatwhenautumncoloursburnishthehighlands, orthefirstspringlambsappearinremotecoastal paddocks

Howtotravelthembest

• Goslowly. Thecharmisinlingering,notticking locations

• Bookboutique. Farmstays,historicinns andcharacterlodgesareabigpartofthe experience

• Letlocalslead. Joinaguidedwalk,booka cheesemakertasting,orfollowaregionalfood trail

• Travelbycuriosity Thesearetheplaces totakedetours,followhandmadesignsand wanderwithoutatimetable

Closertohomecanstillfeelfaraway Inanageoflong-haulfatigueandairport queues,rediscoveringthecornersofourown backyardfeelsbothluxuriousandgrounding Theseareplaceswhereyoudon’tneeddaysof transittofeeltransportedandwhereasingle weekendcanreplenishyouasdeeplyasalong tripoverseas

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Discover Japan,don’t justvisitit

Gobeyondtheguidebookwithastress-free, all-inclusivetour.

Fewinternationaldestinationsholdas muchallureforKiwitravellersasJapan.

It’shardtocatchupwithfriendsorscroll throughFacebookwithoutseeingsomeonein Japan,justbackfromJapan,planningatrip, ordreamingofgoing.

Butforallitsnaturalbeauty,technological wonder,culturaldepthandculinarybliss,the country’srealmagicisn’teasytoaccess.You can’tsimplyreadaguidebookandexpect alife-changingjourney.Evenseasoned travellersoftenreturnhomewiththefeeling they’veonlyscratchedthesurface.

Nowimaginestandinginthemountainsof Kyushu,overlookingvolcanicpeaksandthe vast,mightyocean,asaprivatetraditional drummingperformancebegins.Onastage carvedintothehillside,agroupofskilled, athleticperformerspoundenormoustaiko drums,ashashappenedhereformillennia. Astherhythmsechoacrossthelandscape anddeepintoyourchest,yourealisethisisa momentmosttravellerswillneverevenhear about,letalonebeinvitedto.

Experienceslikethatstaywithyouforthe restofyourlife.They’realsoamongthetop reasonstravellerskeepcomingbacktoWendy WuTours.

With26yearsofAsia-focusedexpertise,the

goearlyintheday,beforethecrowds.Our groupbookingsalsooftengetuspastqueues entirely,andifsomething’slookingtoobusy, ourguidescanchangetheday’sschedule onthefly.Youjustcan’tdothatwhenyou’re travellingsolo.”

companyisknownforimmersive,all-inclusive toursthathelpKiwitravellersexperience Japanatitsmostauthentic.

“Japanoffersexoticculture,incredible scenery,anddeephistory–allinaverysafe, well-rundestinationwithdirectflightsfrom NewZealand,”saysPaulDymond,WendyWu Tours’ManagingDirector.

“Butitcanalsobeveryintenseand overwhelming.That’swhyourtoursareled bylocalguideswhoknowtheseplacesinside out.Theytakeyouintothecity’sbackstreets, introduceyoutotheirfavouritehiddenspots, andgivethecontextandstoriesyou’dnever getfromaguidebook.”

WithWendyWuTours,Dymondexplains everydetailisexpertlyorganisedforyou, andit’salsoawaytoskipJapan’sinfamous queues.Fromyourflightsandeverydelicious mealtomuseumtickets,sumoseats,washi paper-makingclassesandbullettrain reservations–it’sallsortedwellinadvance.

Beyondrevealinghiddengems,the genuinelylocalguidesknowallthetricksto helpguestsavoidcommonfrustrationsatthe iconiclandmarks.

“Therearestilltimeswhenyouwantto seetheGoldenPavilionorthetoriigates atFushimiInari,”saysDymond,“butwe

Thetimeofyearmatters,too–andnot alwaysinthewaypeopleexpect.Cherry blossomseasonisfamouslybeautiful,but Dymondnotesit’salsoJapanatitsmost crowded–andoutsidetheblossomzones,the fadingwinter’sratherleaflesslandscapecan feelsurprisinglystark.

Hisfavouritetimetovisitisautumn. “Novemberisstunning,”hesays.“Thefoliage coloursareunbelievable–reds,goldsand orangeseverywhere.Theweather’sgood,it’s lesscrowded,andthewholecountryfeels alive.Ialsorecommendlatespring,when theflowerfestivalsareinfullswing,and everything’sgreenerandmorerelaxed.”

Nomattertheseason,Dymondsaysit’s thethoughtfulnessandexperienceofWendy WuToursthatsetsitapart.Everyitineraryis designedforcomfort,richculturalencounters, andease–withnooptionalextras,nohidden costs,andnodailydecisionfatigue.

Buthesaysreturncustomersmostoften raveabouttheguidesforhowtheybring destinationstolifewithhumour,historyand heart.

“Ourguidesgoaboveandbeyond,”says Dymond.“Wehearallthetimehowthey helpedsomeoneupamountain,orfolded origamiforthewholegroup.Theyreallyare

partofthejourney.Andtheguestsoften becomepartofeachother’sstory,too.We’ve seenlifelongfriendshipsform–peoplewho metontourandnowtraveltogetheragain.”

Thatpersonalapproachalsoextendsto thepaceofeachday;astructureditinerary doesn’tmeanarigidschedule.

“Webuildinpersonaltime,”Dymond explains.“You’renotfrog-marchedfrom oneattractiontothenext.Wegiveyouthe background,theinfoyouneed,thentimeto explore.”

Forthosewantingevenmoreflexibility –especiallyifshoppingisapriority–he recommendsextendingyourstayafterthe tour,ratherthanarrivingearly.“Bythen, you’llknowhowthetrainswork,howtoorder food,howtogetaround,howtoberespectful everywhere–andwhatyouwanttoseemore of.”

Itmightbethequietofagardenin Kanazawajustafterarainshower,orthe stillnessofatempleatduskoncethecrowds havegone–thoselegendarymoments travellersdreamofbutrarelymanagetofind ontheirown.

“You’renotjustseeingJapan,”says Dymond.“You’refeelinglikeapartofit.”

Learnmoreaboutupcomingdepartures andtouroptionsat:wendywutours.co.nz/ japan.

JapanbyRail

22dayfullyinclusiveClassicTour

Anall-encompassingjourneythroughJapan,travellingmainlyby bullettrainandtakinginthehighlightsofallthreemainislands: Kyushu,HonshuandHokkaido.Experienceancienttraditionsand modernJapan’suniquecharm.

TOURHIGHLIGHTS

•ReflectinNagasakiand Hiroshima

•AdmireKyoto’sserenetemples

•Seethefamoussnowmonkeys

•VisitMatsumotoCastle

•EnjoybustlingTokyo

•DiscoverSendaiandHakodate

•ExploreloftySapporo

*Priceappliesto03Apr2026departure

DiscoverJapan

14dayfullyinclusiveClassicTour

SeetheclassicsightsofJapan:Tokyo,MountFuji andthehistoriccapitalsofKyotoandNara.Also travelacrosstheJapaneseAlpstothecultural centresofTakayama,ShirakawagoandKanazawa.

$13,680pptwinshare*

TOURHIGHLIGHTS

•FeeltherushofTokyo

•AdmiremajesticMountFuji

•BecharmedbyKyoto

•VisitatmosphericKoyasan

•SeeancientNara

•ExploretheJapaneseAlps

*Priceappliesto20Apr2026departure

HighlightsofIndia

19dayfullyinclusiveClassicTour

ExperiencemanyofIndia’smagnificentsights, fromtheTajMahaltotheholycityofVaranasi, crossingtoexplorethedesertfortsofRajasthan andthroughtoRanthambore,homeofthe majesticBengaltiger.

TOURHIGHLIGHTS

•EnjoythebuzzofvibrantDelhi

•DiscoverUdaipur’spalaces

•SearchfortigersinRanthambore

•MarvelattheTajMahal

•ExploreancientVaranasi

•AdmiretheAmberFort

*Priceappliesto25Sep2026departure

GemsofChina

17dayfullyinclusiveClassicTour

ExploreChina’sfamoussights,includingtheGreat Wall,TerracottaWarriors,thegiantpandasand acruiseontheYangtze.Pluswe’veaddedthe breathtakingsceneryofZhangjiajieNationalPark.

TOURHIGHLIGHTS

•WalkontheGreatWall

•FacetheTerracottaArmy

•Travelonabullettrain

•CruisethemightyYangtze

•ExplorespectacularZhangjiajie

•AdmireShanghai’sbrightlights

*Priceappliesto27Mar2026departure

VietnamPanorama

19dayfullyinclusiveClassicTour

Thisall-encompassingtournotonlyshowcases Vietnam’shighlightsbutfullyabsorbsyouinthe richhistoryandculturetoo.Spendmoretime interactingwithlocalsandvisitinglesser-known placesalongsidetheusualhighlights.

TOURHIGHLIGHTS

•VisitCaiRangfloatingmarket

•RideDalat’ssteamtrain

•UnwindinstunningNhaTrang

•WandercharmingHoiAn

•MarvelatHue’sImperialCitadel

•CruisespectacularHalongBay

*Priceappliesto26Jul2026departure

ALegacyofCourage andCompassion

WhenChristchurchbarristerLeeLeeHeah

Manager–GiftsinWillsatMSF,says: “LeeLee’slegacyisaprofoundreminder ofhowoneperson’sforesightcanmake

generosityacrossAotearoa. ForLeeLee,leavingabequ morewaytoliveouttheprin

uestwasone ciplessheheld dear:fightingforfairness,standingwiththe vulnerable,andlivingcourageously. Ifyou,too,wanttocreatealasting impact,considerleavingagiftinyourwillto MédecinsSansFrontières.Learnmoreatmsf. org.nz/leave-a-legacy. diedtragicallyinaclimbingaccidentatMount ArapilesinAustraliainNovember2024,herloss wasdeeplyfeltacrossAotearoa.

Family,friends,colleagues,andfellow climbersrememberedherasvibrant, principled,funnyandkind—with whatonedescribedas“thewickedest laugh.”Beyondherformidablereputation inthecourtroom,LeeLeelivedlifewith extraordinaryenergy,fromhiking,kayaking, andscubadivingtodiscoveringher greatestpassionslaterinlife:rockclimbing, mountaineering,andsurfing.

LeeLeewasalsoawomanofdeep conviction.BorninPenang,Malaysia,in1955, shegrewupinafamilyofsevenchildren, wheremoneywastight,butdetermination wasstrong.Asateenager,shedreamed ofstudyingabroad,andapenpalinNew ZealandhelpedigniteherjourneytoNew Zealand.Shewentontocompletedegrees inCommerceandLawattheUniversityof Auckland,workingpart-timejobstosupport herself,beforebecomingatopcriminal

barrister.ShelatermovedtoChristchurch tobeclosertothemountainsshelovedso dearly.

HerfriendJennyChilcottremembersLee Leeasawomanofcourage,determination andfocuswitharemarkablegenerosityof spirit,whoneverwastedamoment: “Shelivedlifetothefullest—climbing, surfing,fightingforjustice,andlaughing loudlyalongtheway.Evenherfinalwordsto meweresotypicalofherspirit:Justdoit!”

ThatsamespiritguidedLeeLee’sdecision toleavemostofherestatetocausesshe believedin.AmongthemwasMédecinsSans Frontières(MSF)/DoctorsWithoutBorders, alongsideGreenpeace,Oxfam,Forest&Bird, andseveralanimalcharities.Hergenerosity ensuresthat,evenafterherpassing,her valuesofcompassion,justice,andcourage willcontinuetorippleoutintotheworld.

TennealeCameron,SeniorFundraising

animpactfarbeyondtheirlifetime.With somuchturmoilaroundtheworld—from conflictzonesandrefugeecrisestodisease outbreaks—bequestslikeLeeLee’sallow MSFtocontinueprovidingurgentmedical carewhereit’sneededmost.Hergenerosity willsavelives.”

Inmorethan70countries,independent medicalhumanitarianorganisationMSF providesfrontlinemedicalcare:treating malnutrition,supportingmothersand children,operatingmobileclinicsinwar zones,respondingtonaturaldisasters, andreachingdisplacedpeoplewhohave nowhereelsetoturn.Agiftinyourwill— nomatterthesize—ensuresMSFcanact quickly,independently,andcompassionately whenliveshanginthebalance.

InNewZealand,morepeopleare recognisinghowpowerfulalegacygiftcan be.Todate,morethanNZ$150millionhas beenpledgedthroughtheonlineplatform GatheredHere,witharound13%ofNew Zealandersnowincludingagifttocharityin theirwills.RecentdatafromMSF’spartner Safewillalsoshowsthat35%ofpeople makingawillviaacharitypagechoseto leaveabequest—atestamenttothegrowing

Forlifeonthego

Don’tletyourweakbladderdampenyouradventurous spirit.AcleverKiwiinnovationgivesyouthefreedomand confidencetotravelwhereveryouwant,wheneveryouwant.

ForsomeNewZealanders,theideaof goingonholidayisanythingbutrelaxing. Ifyou’reamongtheoneinthreewomen andoneinfivemenwhopeealittlewhenthey sneeze,cough,laughorliftsomethingheavy, youmightfeellikeit’ssafertojuststayhome.

Youmightplanyouritineraryaroundaccess totoiletfacilities,orevendecidenottotake atourorcruisebecauseofallthehygiene productsyou’dneedtopack.

Now,thankstocleverKiwiingenuity, youdon’thavetoletyourweakbladderrule yourlife.

KiwicompanyConfitexbelievesnobody shouldliveinfearoflife’slittleleaks,so they’vecreatedJust’nCaseabsorbentbriefs forfemaleperiodsandlightbladderleaks,and ConfitexforMenleakprooftrunksforlightmale incontinence.Soldonlyonlineattheofficial websiteconfitex.co.nz,they’rehigh-quality fabricunderwearwiththebonusofadiscreet panelofConfitex’sworld-leadingabsorbent andleakprooftextiletechnologyrightwhere it’sneeded.

They’redesignedtobeworneverydayandat night,andcanbehandormachinewashedand lineortumbledriedjustlikeordinaryundies (althoughtheydotakealittlelongertodry–aboutthesameasathickpairofsportssocks).

They’retheperfecttravelcompanionif you’relookingforreassuranceonlongplane journeys,orcomfortandconveniencewhen

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