native lands
Condé Nast Traveler US|April 2023
Following New Zealand's long-awaited reopening, Erin Florio travels the less-explored regions of the country where she was raised to discover the Indigenous traditions and contemporary Kiwi innovations that make Aotearoa a place like no other
Erin Florio
native lands

young Nick's Head isn't the most visually arresting landmark in the verdant region of Gisborne, but it has gone down in history for getting noticed. Edged by white cliff faces, the slim, shrub-covered headland was the first thing Captain Cook's crew saw when the Endeavour arrived at the east coast of New Zealand's North Island in 1769. From my vantage point atop Titirangi Hill, it grabs my attention too, pointing like a bony finger into the same South Pacific seas that carried not only Captain Cook but also thousands of seafaring Polynesians aboard wakas, or traditional canoes, before Cook's arrival. Noticing my gaze, Digby Fraser, owner of nearby villa The Blackhouse and a longtime resident of Gisborne, says, "That's where New Zealand enters Aotearoa's story."

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM CONDÉ NAST TRAVELER USView all
bubbling up
Condé Nast Traveler US

bubbling up

With its dramatic volcanic landscapes, intimate new stays, and evolving creative scene, Lanzarote―the easternmost of Spain's Canary Islands-is having a moment

time-read
9 mins  |
December 2024
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Condé Nast Traveler US

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

In Dubai, ambitious chefs are fusing their personal stories with regional influences, forging a new vision for fine dining in their city

time-read
6 mins  |
December 2024
where it all began
Condé Nast Traveler US

where it all began

From Mombasa on Kenya's southern coast to Lamu in the north, Selina Denman charts the story of this part of East Africa-as well as her own

time-read
8 mins  |
December 2024
carried away
Condé Nast Traveler US

carried away

Northwest Australia's untouched Kimberley region, newly accessible via a Seabourn expedition cruise, is about as far as you can get from everywhere else. But for Erin Florio, the place's very remoteness is a testament to the interconnectedness of all things

time-read
7 mins  |
December 2024
CARIBBEAN CALLING
Condé Nast Traveler US

CARIBBEAN CALLING

It's that time of year when white-sand beaches, palm-studded resorts, and cruise ships that gleam against turquoise waters start to sound pretty damn fine. We've got all that for you here, plus a few surprises, to inspire your next vacation to the world's best place for soaking up the winter sun.

time-read
7 mins  |
December 2024
A Family Affair
Condé Nast Traveler US

A Family Affair

On a visit to the Coppola family's low-key Belize retreats with botanical skin-care expert Athena Hewett, Arati Menon discovers what homegrown hospitality is all about

time-read
3 mins  |
December 2024
Warm Welcome
Condé Nast Traveler US

Warm Welcome

For travelers seeking a window onto everyday life in Hawaii, Honolulu's Chinatown awaits.

time-read
3 mins  |
December 2024
The Surf Is Their Turf
Condé Nast Traveler US

The Surf Is Their Turf

On the sun-drenched Filipino island of Siargao, a tight-knit community of wave riders is keeping it real in the face of change.

time-read
3 mins  |
December 2024
MAD LOVE, MADE EASY
Condé Nast Traveler US

MAD LOVE, MADE EASY

A private-beach resort in Mexico gave Christina Hendricks and George Bianchini the ultimate wedding gift: freedom to rest

time-read
2 mins  |
December 2024
TAKE A BEACH BREAK
Condé Nast Traveler US

TAKE A BEACH BREAK

French Polynesian pro surfer Vaimiti Teiefitu on the best spots to surf, eat, and unwind around Tahiti

time-read
1 min  |
December 2024