New Zealand

Forget what you know about the Southern Lights. Aurora Australis? Please…we have something much more exciting for you! Come Queen’s Birthday weekend, Queenstown’s waterfront is set to transform into a magical forest wonderland, lit up with interactive light sculptures and illuminated art installations.

We all deserve to soar into the sunset as often as our jobs and lives allow, so this year, there’s a new plan of attack: staggered spending. 

From Singapore to Tokyo, we're here to make your next vacay even sweeter with a bunch of international travel packages under $2000*—thanks to Zip and Webjet.

Dust off your passport—Urban List Vacays has arrived. 

A hub for arts and culture, Nelson isn’t short on delicious cafes, eateries and breweries either.

Planning a trip to Nelson but don’t know where to stay?

Let’s face it, us Kiwis are an intrepid bunch. We love travelling to the far corners of Mother Earth in search of beauty and adventure. But the grass is not always greener—New Zealand is filled with natural wonders that will take your breath away.

Camping and summer is like wine and cheese—you can’t have one without the other. With all of its lakes, beaches and walks, the top of the south is spoilt for choice when it comes to serene camping spots to park up for a night or two under the stars. 

New Zealand is renowned for its stunning scenery, natural beauty, wondrous escapes and being one of the best places to look at the Southern Lights.

When the news dropped that the Australia and New Zealand travel bubble had finally opened, there were squeals of excitement, happy tears and of course, frantic searching for the cheapest—and soonest—flights. There’s no time to waste people—it’s time to satisfy your wanderlust, but of course, you need a bucket list first. 

Ever wanted to live like a Hobbit? Here's your chance.

It’s Flight Centre’s 40th birthday and they want to celebrate by shouting 40 holidays. 

There's unparalleled magic that comes with exploring New Zealand's South Island region. You'll find a pocket of wonder around every corner; glistening lakes, snow-capped mountain ranges and incredibly mesmerising fiords. 

Well played New Zealand, well played.

Whether you’re feeling a bit cash-strapped in the lead up to payday or just love a freebie, Wellington has oodles of fun-tastic things to do that are absolutely, positively free.

We're talking luxurious resorts, pristine winter powder and indulgent eats.

Looking for the ultimate, all-inclusive New Zealand holiday package for Spring 21/Summer22? Book this exclusive 10-day New Zealand holiday and explore the South Island in complete luxury.

The legends at QT, aka the boutique hotel of our dreams, are throwing a truly epic flash sale. For the next 72 hours only, you can score a sweet 20% off your next stay.

If you’re on constant lookout for new adventure and enjoy a healthy dose of adrenaline in your bloodstream, then canyoning is a must. 

Get ready to take your stargazing up a notch with the best places to stargaze in New Zealand. 

Whether it’s the reflection lakes of Wanaka or the emerald green waters that crater the Tongariro Crossing, Aotearoa is home to some amazing bodies of water. 

It’s something that’s usually reserved for the rich and famous, but now, you too can achieve baller status by renting out an entire floor of a luxe hotel and throwing the most epic party. That’s right, the cool kids at QT want you to send off the rollercoaster that is 2020 in total style by launching Floor’d—a one-of-a-kind wild night in that allows you to book the whole floor at one QT’s 10 swanky digs located around Australia and New Zealand.

If your inner wanderlust-bug is begging you to book in that overdue holiday, then we have good news for you and your wallet. The legends at Intrepid Travel are offering a sweet 15% off all trips across Australia (excluding Kimberley Wild Expeditions and some trips between Broome and Darwin), New Zealand and the South Pacific.

The Coromandel Peninsula, home to some of the country’s most idyllic beaches, native flora and relaxed seaside towns, is the ideal place for a weekend—or midweek—getaway. From quirky Airbnbs to breezy villas and bougie coastal homes with panoramic views, we’ve done the research so you don’t have to. Here are the best places to stay in the Coromandel.

Beach please, if there’s one thing Kiwis know how to do well it’s the sun, surf and sand. Luckily just north of Auckland you'll be treated to some of New Zealand’s best beaches tucked away in the picturesque Bay of Islands. Think bright blue waters, rolling waves and secluded picnic spots. 

Because we know 2020 has been the year of cancelled holidays, we've teamed up with the legends at Intrepid Travel to put together a three-day escape to Wanaka where you'll sip a lot of wine, sample a bunch of delicious produce from the region, and take in all the natural beauty that in the past, we might have taken for granted.

QT Hotels & Resorts know we don't want to leave our pets behind on holidays—so they're letting you bring them with you. 

Everything from juicy burgers to hoppy craft brews, unique local wines and breathtaking fine dining.

The internet is a wonderful thing because along with memes, TikToks and UberEats, it also gives us the ability to travel anywhere in the world at the click of a button.

The beauty of travel is that it can be whatever you want it to be. A rustic weekend camping in the bush or boutique hotels and spa days in the world’s most famous cities. A spiritual getaway or a never-ending party. A one-night staycation or a year-long trip to the other side of the globe. But no matter the kind of trip you want to take, there’s always a way to be a responsible traveller while you’re at it. For a start, you can always respect local customs and traditions, support local and sustainable businesses and leave your destination in the same, if not better, condition than you found it in. 

COVID-19 is quite literally taking over the world and if you’re one of the hundreds of thousands who had planned to travel in the next little while, you’re most likely re-thinking or are being forced to postpone your trip. 

If you’ve ever found yourself in Bali during school holidays or hoiking your suitcase up 100-year-old staircases in Europe during a heatwave, you’ve probably learned that choosing where to travel is just as important as deciding when to go.

Just a short ferry-ride out of Auckland, is a magnificent island called Waiheke. Technically, it’s part of Auckland, but… it also isn’t. 

We all know that eating like a local is key to a good holiday, but why limit yourself to a single restaurant at each meal when you can taste everything under the sun if you get your timing right. Whether you want something tried and true like pizza and chocolate or you’re after something a little wilder, there’s a food festival somewhere in the world for you. 

​Sometimes it’s nice to give up the gas guzzler for a big city holiday, but if you’re the kind who likes to explore beyond the beaten path, there’s no better way to do it than with your own set of wheels. From one day spins to month-long hauls, it’s time to fire up the playlist because these are the best road trips in the world.

If you think you’ll get snow board (soz) of drizzly city life this winter, there’s only one thing you should be doing—hitting the slopes. 

There are times in life when you just need to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and treat your body and mind to a little TLC.

Forget being chauffeured around a new city, luxe as it might sound, or spending your holiday underground on the train, never truly finding your bearings. The best way to see a new destination is by bike.

Wellington, we love you, but let’s face it – you’re not exactly cheap. Don’t get us wrong, we love splashing out on a side of halloumi with our brunch, or a $12 tub of boutiquey ice cream from Moore Wilsons, but sometimes you’ve really gotta rein in that spending.

Guys, we’ve stumble total winter wonderland. If you love skiing (and/or snowboarding), Queenstown is where you need to be this winter. Located in the heart of New Zealand’s Southern Alps, the region is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and glistening lakes. 

If you love New Zealand as much as we do, then come closer because we have some seriously exciting news for you: from today Urban List is expanding to cover the whole of New Zealand.

New Zealand is renowned worldwide for its picturesque natural beauty, and the Otago wine region does more than its fair share in maintaining the reputation of this stunning part of the world. The unique climate and mountainous terrain are perfect for producing aromatic Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, and the region attracts both tourists and wine aficionados seasonally from around the globe. 

Hand in your annual leave now, a dreamy food festival is hitting the Sunshine Coast and it’s the perfect excuse for your next luxury escape.

Summer, winter, autumn or spring, Queenstown is a beauty to behold.

Winter festivals are just as magical and memorable as summer ones which is why we’ve rounded up some of the best across New Zealand.

There's no doubt that Dunedin is filled with world-class art, fashion and eateries.

Roadies: you’ve gotta love ‘em. New Zealand is home to hundreds of towns with their own unique thing going on and, guess what? They’re just a skip, hop and a drive from our doorsteps.

New Zealand is renowned for its stunning scenery, natural beauty, wondrous escapes and being one of the best places to look at the Southern Lights.

As well as the many walks and cycle trails, there’s surf in one direction and snowboarding and skiing in the next, it’s a mecca for those with an adventurous spirit.

New Zealand truly is an amazing spot for hot springs due to a mass amount of volcanic activity, especially in the Taupo and Rotorua regions. The geothermal energy radiating from these places often make for the best sightseeing and relaxation spots. There’s something about visiting a natural geothermal area that leaves you feeling cleansed, refreshed and connected to the earth again. Whether it’s witnessing the healing mineral waters, steaming blue and orange waters, exploding geysers, or boiling hot mud pools, it’s pretty marvellous.

It’s no secret that we live in the most beautiful country on earth. From our sweeping coastlines, rugged mountain ranges, ferny forests and open plains, New Zealand has everything you could ever want and so much more. With so much beauty on offer, it would be a shame for you to miss any of it, so we’ve rounded up 10 of New Zealand’s most beautiful spots that you might not even know existed.

Wine and food. Food and wine. The most iconic of duos and undeniably next-level in New Zealand. Every year, our country celebrates its world-class offerings with epic food and wine festivals scattered nationwide. Indulge in fresh seafood, sip wine among the vines or try something new at one of the events. 

Twenty five words. That's how many words it takes to get yourself a once in a lifetime travel opportunity in a seriously unique competition currently running over at Microsoft Surface. Move over cheap flights to Bali—this series of ‘Anything But Ordinary’ experiences is going to have you packing your bag quick smart.

Grime institution Eskimo Dance has just announced they’ll be hitting our side of the globe and we are ready.

Did someone say illuminated night kayaking on Moreton Island? Let's get on it. 

Europe’s biggest winter festival Snowboxx will take over Queenstown for a full week of slopeside parties and world-class acts!

It’s already mid-year people. We know, we know—it feels like only yesterday we set our out of offices for the Christmas break and now it’s EOFY, and we’re officially ready for a holiday. Chances are you are too, so if you can relate to any of the below, we suggest booking a holiday, stat.

As winter creeps closer and the days get shorter, we could all do with a little brightening up. And we’ve just received word of a little something that could do the trick! Introducing Light Nelson to your radar, the dazzling light festival that will take your breath away.

A holiday wouldn’t be a holiday without a decent dose of culture. We mean, you can’t just sit in your hotel room binge-watching Netflix! We’re all about embracing things with open arms.

Let’s be honest, Bali is sooo 2017. There’s another island getaway calling your name this year. Picture this: towering volcanoes, untouched wilderness, crystal-clear waters and an abundance of vineyards thrown in for good measure.

New Zealand’s North Island is like one big playground, filled with places to swim, things to eat, mountains to climb, and adventures to be had. Here’s 10 fabulous things to do in the North Island.

Your favourite emoji (aka the window into your soul), can tell us a heck of a lot about you. In fact, these teeny tiny graphics are all you need to decide your next adventure. 

New Zealand has got it all. Amazing landscapes? Exhilarating activities? The friendliest people you’ve ever met? Check, check, check! When you think of going backpacking you may daydream about hiking through Peru or getting lost in the Greek Islands but trust us when we say New Zealand is where it’s at! 

If you’re anything like us, any getaway must (must!) involve delicious food and drink alongside a decent dose of culture. Luckily, there’s no need to jet off to the other side of the globe or fork out zillions of dollars to have your perfect holiday. 

Let’s hear it for Auckland—she’s the food and wine haven that has been whetting our appetite for years with local and international culinary delights.

Crack open your diary and make room for one of these epic trips in 2018

Equal parts sun, salt and sand, it’s no wonder surfing is a favourite Kiwi pastime. There’s nothing quite as exhilarating as cutting through a wave or riding inside a barrel, escaping its grip just in time, before it comes crashing down over your head. 

Because a trip across the ditch might be exactly what you need. 

Do you ever feel you just want to get away from it all? Take a load off and breathe in the fresh air away from the hustle and bustle of the city?

We’ve all been there: scrolling through Instagram and coming across travel picture after perfectly staged travel picture from our more photo-savvy friends. We double-tap and give them a begrudging heart, turning to stare accusingly at our travel companions who just don’t get how to capture our best angle. 

Holidays are often seen as a luxury. And we get it, we really do—those things are expensive. But, here at The Urban List we are super thrifty, and we’ve managed to hack our way to two international holidays a year…without sacrificing UberEats and plenty of vino along the way.

So, you’re thinking doing a spot of solo travel. Excellent idea! As someone who’s spent most of the year as a globetrotting backpacker, I can promise you that it will be an adventure of a lifetime. Like travelling with your mates, fam bam or SO, solo travel comes with its own unique challenges, many of which you don’t realise exist until you’re actually on the road.

If there’s anyone who deserves a holiday, it’s you. But there’s no need to chew through your annual leave and jet off to the other side of the world for a much-needed va-cay. Nope, the ultimate short break is just a short plane ride away. 

From the classic bungy and jet boat combo to rafting, sky diving and zorbing, here are 10 of the most extreme activities you can do in New Zealand. Hold onto your hats, folks! 

From braving it on the bungy to eating epic burgers and discovering some seriously world-class vino, here’s how you should spend 48 hours in Queenstown.