Kiwi travel list

Kiwis are experiencing more of their own country due to travel restrictions and, thanks to various overseas surveys, we have a list of Aotearoa’s top scenic spots.   New Zealand often ranks #1 in United Kingdom travel awards as the place to visit, and now Canada’s PlanetWare.com has gone further and named its top 12 […]

Living the luxe life

If you’re looking for a sign to treat yourself to a luxurious weekend or holiday, consider it this. While the world may not currently be your oyster, there are a plethora of enticing escapes throughout the South Island just waiting to be explored and enjoyed.     From Nelson to Bluff, every season brings with […]

Ditch discoveries

Crack the bubbles because our bubble just grew bigger. Add this scenic selection to your travel itinerary.       Cradle Mountain One of Tasmania’s most visited natural attractions, you will not be short of scenic views to take in. Don’t forget your hiking shoes to explore all of the walking tracks.       […]

Awesome road trips

New research has revealed that the Great Ocean Road in Australia is the most beautiful road trip route in the world according to Instagram data. Others at the top of people’s bucket lists include Big Sur in California, and the United Arab Emirates’ Jebel Hafeet.     Many people are still wary of international travel […]

The beauty of winter

Glistening ski slopes, temperate hot pools, wining and dining by an open fire are all hallmarks of an awesome autumn or winter holiday in our own glorious country. You don’t even need to stray far from home with a bounty of activities and attractions within easy reach of Christchurch. The following pages list some of […]

North Canterbury adventures

Cruising north on a road trip, or just looking for something to do out of the city? Why not visit North Canterbury, home to artisan food and wine producers and spectacular natural attractions – there is everything you desire for a South Island adventure. Here are Metropol’s picks for adventure activities in the titillating landscapes. […]

Spring into winter R&R

When a warming winter break is on the agenda, head to Hanmer Springs, located a mere 90 minutes by road from Christchurch. The beauty of a holiday in Hanmer is that you can don your activewear and roll up the sleeves, or simply fold out a deck chair and open that book you have been […]

Wedding registries

Giving gifts will never go out of vogue and wedding presents even more so. Traditionally, this came with horror clichés such as three-too-many toasters or a dubious art piece to look at every day until it “broke”! A bridal or wedding registry is an easy-peasy, fabulously fun, win-win for everyone. It is still in line […]

Quest for Queenstown

With travel overseas being postponed or cancelled, it’s important to remember what we have in our own backyard. Just a few short hours away, Queenstown has always been an international tourism hub for New Zealand, but it might be high time we put on our tourist hats and explore what this southern spot has to […]

Let’s talk travel

We talk travel with House of Travel Ferrymead owners Mel Hubber and Kim Beswick, in the first of an ongoing column. You are both working mums, tell us more about your families? Kim: My partner Tony & I have a gorgeous three-year-old son, Theo, who seems to be in charge at our place as well […]