NORTH ISLAND
Explore the capital
AUCKLAND
Auckland is something of an underrated gem. (A case in point: Lonely Planet voted it the best city in the world to travel to in 2022!) The location is hard to beat, for starters: you’re only a half-hour or so by car from rugged beaches, stunning hikes, whale watching, island-hopping opportunities and world-class vineyards. Within the city itself, you can explore museums, visit the spiritual home of New Zealand rugby at Eden Park, or base jump on a wire from the top of the Sky Tower (which is taller than any other building in NZ – or Australia, for that matter).
There’s plenty of amazing food too. For a top-end dining experience that taps into local produce and culinary traditions, try Ahi (ahirestaurant.co.nz) or Onemata (onematarestaurant.co.nz).
Tip: If you’ll be in Auckland for a while and don’t want to hire a car until you venture further afield, buy an AT HOP Card for easy travel on buses, trains and ferries.
Did you know? Auckland is the world’s largest Polynesian city; around 15 percent of the population of 1.5 million are of Pacific origin.
Gawk at a geyser
ROTORUA
The town of Rotorua (population 75,000) is built inside the crater of a volcano – but don’t worry; it hasn’t erupted for a quarter of a million years. That means you can safely explore the various geothermal parks in the area, taking in the dazzling coloured lakes, bubbling mud pools and lively geysers at leisure.
This story is from the May 2022 edition of EL Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the May 2022 edition of EL Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Perfect Pearly Whites!
Knowing you have white, sparkling teeth beneath your lips is a sure-fire way to make you smile with confidence. If you've noticed your teeth looking more yellow than "hello" lately, perhaps it's time for a visit to a dental clinic for a teeth-whitening session.
Save your Spine at Work!
Sitting in an air-conditioned office has its benefits in steamy Singapore. But, long, sedentary days can play havoc on our necks and backs. Here, orthopaedic surgeon DR YILUN HUANG talks about spinal issues faced by office workers, and how to treat and prevent them.
Curry, Spice & Everything Nice
Craving a curry? Whether you're dreaming of a creamy korma or a biryani, the EL team went all in, indulging in everything from buttery parathas to tangy papdi chaat. We explored the best of Singapore's Indian dining scene, and trust us-these spots will spice up your life!
Is It Really Backed Up in the Cloud?
SARAH and BO PINEL of Tekkie Help break it to us that cloud storage is not a data backup. Here's why that's the case and how we can rectify the problem.
Finding Eco-Luxury In Fiji
Here's a destination that's often a little bit off the travel radar for people in our region - but definitely shouldn't be!
Festive Fashion Show!
As the year draws to a close, now's a good time to stock up on festive fashion. White Ginger has released a fab new line just in time for party season. Plus, it's hosting a fun multilabel fashion soiree so you can view the looks with tasty bites and a glass of vino in hand!
48 Hours in Patong
CHERRY LAI checks into the sparkling new M Social Hotel Phuket for a weekender full of food, fun and relaxation.
Ticket to Thailand
Are you physically here but mentally on a beach in Thailand? We've found destinations for two types of holiday-goers: one for someone looking for a place to chill, and another where you can also let loose!
Laying Out Memories Through Food
YASMIN, JESSICA and PEARL are the local co-founders of The Plattering Co. They share their favourite parts of doing business with each other and a few of their hobbies outside work hours.
A Musical Community
The new Pops Chorus and Orchestra at Marlborough College Malaysia (MCM) has students, parents, staff and even the Master involved. SIMON BURBURY tells us more - including where you can catch their performances.
