Anna Sarjeant is Deputy Lifestyle Editor, Premium
Anna Sarjeant joined the NZ Herald in 2021 after a decade working as a travel writer and simultaneously exploring the world when not tied to a desk. She graduated from the University of Nottingham, United Kingdom, in 2009 and moved to New Zealand in 2011. What was meant to be a one-year holiday visa turned into residency and then citizenship, a house, marriage, and a Kiwi son. The only thing that hasn’t dramatically changed in 10 years is her passion for travel and journalism.
![Excerpts from my travel diary: 'I saw the South Island Big Cat'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Excerpts from my travel diary: 'I saw the South Island Big Cat'
This rare sighting would go unawares for 15 years.
![You are cordially invited to enjoy high tea with the Care Bears this July](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
You are cordially invited to enjoy high tea with the Care Bears this July
Travel Alerts: Everything that's new in travel this month.
![Why you shouldn't bother going to England for another four years](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Why you shouldn't bother going to England for another four years
OPINION: You've missed the boat this year, but you could try again in 2028.
![What’s 'untrending' in travel? 7 things that are hilariously dated or over-done](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
What’s 'untrending' in travel? 7 things that are hilariously dated or over-done
What’s cool today is cringeworthy tomorrow.
![How to rent an entire Australian island to yourself](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
How to rent an entire Australian island to yourself
Extra-special places to lay your head in the Land Down Under.
![Do you have what it takes to visit this haunted asylum?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Do you have what it takes to visit this haunted asylum?
Those with a nervous disposition need not apply.
![Introducing the ‘UltraBasic' airfare, where you pay less for the worst seat](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Introducing the ‘UltraBasic' airfare, where you pay less for the worst seat
This budget airline is taking 'no-frills' to new heights.
![The first rule of staying at W Melbourne? Don't flash the neighbours](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
The first rule of staying at W Melbourne? Don't flash the neighbours
The W Melbourne is super luxurious, just don't get too comfortable...
![Guest flies 2700km to attend a wedding. Arrives a year too early](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Guest flies 2700km to attend a wedding. Arrives a year too early
'It’s all fun. I’ve got time to fix my tan lines now.'
![5 things NZ could learn from a city like Melbourne](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
5 things NZ could learn from a city like Melbourne
From your commute to your coffee fix, improvements could be made.
![The little dog that could: Bluey sets a new record in Queensland](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
The little dog that could: Bluey sets a new record in Queensland
Bluey fans set the Keepy Uppy world record in time for Bluey's World opening.
![The culture shocks that stayed with me forever, according to 8 travel experts](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
The culture shocks that stayed with me forever, according to 8 travel experts
Cultural awakenings take even the most seasoned travellers by surprise.
![I’m a travel writer, it's only okay to recline your plane seat in these situations...](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
I’m a travel writer, it's only okay to recline your plane seat in these situations...
The ill-conceived seat feature divides travellers into two camps: Recliners and Decliners.
![Let's travel around Australia in 10 incredible flavours](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Let's travel around Australia in 10 incredible flavours
From dining inside a fig tree to crocodile pies and Melbourne's best coffee.
![In search of the world's least boring museums, and one that could kill you](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
In search of the world's least boring museums, and one that could kill you
The world's most unusual museums that need to be seen to be believed.
![You can now wake up next to giraffes while 'on safari' in Australia](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
You can now wake up next to giraffes while 'on safari' in Australia
7 of the most extraordinary glamping spots in Australia.
![In a world-first, Air NZ crew use sign language to communicate with passengers](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
In a world-first, Air NZ crew use sign language to communicate with passengers
To celebrate New Zealand Sign Language Week, Air NZ uses NZSL at 36,000 feet.
![Need some winter sun? You're only 4 hours from 25 degrees](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Need some winter sun? You're only 4 hours from 25 degrees
New things to do in Queensland this winter.
![How the uncoolest holiday on Earth became cool again](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
How the uncoolest holiday on Earth became cool again
The holiday we all loved in the '90s is surging in popularity again.
![10 packing essentials that travel experts swear by](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
10 packing essentials that travel experts swear by
They might not be sexy, but they're key to a smoother journey.
![Is it the Maldives? A deserted island? The latest 'best job in the world' might surprise you](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Is it the Maldives? A deserted island? The latest 'best job in the world' might surprise you
Score the world's best job and live in absolute paradise.
![8 things that get better when the nights get earlier](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
8 things that get better when the nights get earlier
A selection of night-based activities to make winter great again.
![I unwittingly booked a family holiday with electric fences and charging bulls](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
I unwittingly booked a family holiday with electric fences and charging bulls
The reality of an off-grid stay in Matamata.
![Having a bad week? Could be worse, you could be in The Museum of Failure](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Having a bad week? Could be worse, you could be in The Museum of Failure
One of Washington DC's top tourist attractions is ironically, full of duds.
![Is a Disney cruise worth it? And more questions to ask before booking](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Is a Disney cruise worth it? And more questions to ask before booking
Expectation versus reality. Don’t do anything until you’ve read this.
![What to do this long weekend if you've got prams, dogs and buggies](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
What to do this long weekend if you've got prams, dogs and buggies
Easy Auckland day trips for families.
![Travel smarter, not harder: this cruise takes you straight from Christchurch to Antarctica](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Travel smarter, not harder: this cruise takes you straight from Christchurch to Antarctica
It's as comfortable as a five star hotel aboard the world's only luxury ice-breaker.
![Dance to Darude Sandstorm and tag on a bungy jump this week in Queenstown](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Dance to Darude Sandstorm and tag on a bungy jump this week in Queenstown
EDM royalty is coming to the South Island.
![I got scammed by two elderly 'holidaymakers' and they stole over $600](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
I got scammed by two elderly 'holidaymakers' and they stole over $600
Con artists come in all shapes and sizes.
![What to do this St Patrick's Day, and more activities to make Autumn better](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
What to do this St Patrick's Day, and more activities to make Autumn better
Don't dismay, summer might be over but your weekends aren't.
![Have kids, hate the rain: 13 things to do in Auckland on a wet day](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Have kids, hate the rain: 13 things to do in Auckland on a wet day
Try as you may, there’s no ignoring bored children on a rainy day.
![Christchurch for the weekend: This hotel has everything within walking distance](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Christchurch for the weekend: This hotel has everything within walking distance
The Muse Christchurch Art Hotel offers a city-centre stay that won't blow the budget.
![Why I’ll always pick New Caledonia over any other island holiday](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Why I’ll always pick New Caledonia over any other island holiday
Lock in your next island holiday for winter. Not THAT island holiday. This one.
![I went to Christchurch for the first time in 20 years. Should I have bothered?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
I went to Christchurch for the first time in 20 years. Should I have bothered?
What to do in the Garden City if you haven’t visited in a while (or ever).
![From treehouse stays to cliff-edge campsites – the top spots for 'high-altitude tourism'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
From treehouse stays to cliff-edge campsites – the top spots for 'high-altitude tourism'
The world’s highest treehouse sits deep in Laos jungle and your fellow guests are gibbons.
![Inside Auckland's brand new luxury hotel, and its restaurant we all need to know about](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Inside Auckland's brand new luxury hotel, and its restaurant we all need to know about
The InterContinental Auckland is so popular people have been banging on the doors for days
![Auckland's best summer activities for families from as little as $10](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Auckland's best summer activities for families from as little as $10
Even the ones you've heard of are offering something special for summer 2024.
![From safes to cellphones: 13 travel mistakes even experts make](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
From safes to cellphones: 13 travel mistakes even experts make
Even seasoned travellers make silly mistakes. Learn from us so you don't have to.
![Splash versus splurge in Egypt: How to have a high-end holiday for less](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Splash versus splurge in Egypt: How to have a high-end holiday for less
Experiences to book when you win Lotto, plus real-world options for the time being.
![5 of the best hotels that opened in 2023](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
5 of the best hotels that opened in 2023
If you didn’t get to rest your head here this year, there's always 2024.
![How do people fall off a cruise ship?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
How do people fall off a cruise ship?
'People don’t just inadvertently fall over the side of a ship.'
![Travel highlights from 2023 and the best countries to visit in 2024](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Travel highlights from 2023 and the best countries to visit in 2024
Part two: Let's look back on the year that was.
![Looking back on 2023: Travel writers reveal their best trips of the year](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Looking back on 2023: Travel writers reveal their best trips of the year
Part one: Let's look back on the year that was.
![I’m a stressed parent. Does a Disney Cruise give me a break too?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
I’m a stressed parent. Does a Disney Cruise give me a break too?
Disney Cruise Line has arrived downunder, but is it as magic as they say it is?
![The travel hot list 2024: What's trendy and trending](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
The travel hot list 2024: What's trendy and trending
Travel experts weigh in on next year’s top travel trends.
![Christchurch is the capital of cool and here's why](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Christchurch is the capital of cool and here's why
Watch out New Zealand, The Garden City's bringing out the big guns.
![Are you brave enough to take on NZ's largest inflatable water park?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Are you brave enough to take on NZ's largest inflatable water park?
New Zealand is now home to one of the largest inflatable slide towers in the world.
![In the travel know: 2024 cruise deals, Christmas fun and upcoming festivals](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
In the travel know: 2024 cruise deals, Christmas fun and upcoming festivals
A little forward planning will see you right.
![Adore gin? Experience Marlborough's new Distillers Cottage and Gin Shack](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Adore gin? Experience Marlborough's new Distillers Cottage and Gin Shack
Introducing Marlborough's newest Gin Shack and Tasting Room.
![Australia’s new chocolate farm is phe-nom, nom, nom-enal](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Australia’s new chocolate farm is phe-nom, nom, nom-enal
Reason one thousand to go to Australia: Guided farm tours for chocoholics.
![Should you fork out for the Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel at Circular Quay?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Should you fork out for the Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel at Circular Quay?
Fresh cream donuts for breakfast: one of many reasons to indulge in The Marriott.
![Why you should start using nature like you use the gym](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Why you should start using nature like you use the gym
For your next holiday remember a simple fact - human nature needs nature.
![Jurassic Park is real in NSW... Or at least the kids will think so](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Jurassic Park is real in NSW... Or at least the kids will think so
Watch out, more than 25 dinosaur species are roaming The Blue Mountains.
![So many walks, such little time: Waiheke Island’s best-kept walking secrets](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
So many walks, such little time: Waiheke Island’s best-kept walking secrets
The one-stop shop for uncovering a series of walks you never knew existed.
![Is the sold-out Disney cruise ship worth all the hype?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Is the sold-out Disney cruise ship worth all the hype?
An inside look at Disney's cruise ship as it makes Australia its home for the summer.
![How to make an idyllic holiday eco-conscious too](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
How to make an idyllic holiday eco-conscious too
Ask an expert like the resident Marine Biologist at Outrigger Maldives Maafushivaru.
![Would you eat a green slime burger?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Would you eat a green slime burger?
New in Travel: From gooey festivals to wine-inspired bike rides, festivals and walks.
![Be the first to zipline across Kaikōura this December](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Be the first to zipline across Kaikōura this December
Make like an albatross and soar across Kaikōura with EcoZip Adventures.
![The Great Barrier Reef is worth saving and this is how you do it](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
The Great Barrier Reef is worth saving and this is how you do it
Go and make Sir David Attenborough proud.
![This is where you'll find one of Thailand’s last untouched paradises](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
This is where you'll find one of Thailand’s last untouched paradises
Believe it or not, this idyllic place has barely been touched by tourism.
![The NZ destination that's so good you'll want to move there](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
The NZ destination that's so good you'll want to move there
Warning: Reading this might make you quit your job and vacate.
![Spend your next hāngi with New Zealand's Hāngi Master](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Spend your next hāngi with New Zealand's Hāngi Master
Join chef, Rewi Spraggon for a whisky-inspired hāngi night.
![Australia is pulling out all the stops to get us across the Ditch this spring](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Australia is pulling out all the stops to get us across the Ditch this spring
Fancy a Jamiroquai singalong and high tea with Jimmy Choo?
![Long haul flights with a toddler – do you dare?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Long haul flights with a toddler – do you dare?
Top tips for avoiding the dreaded parent-shaming on TikTok.
![What's that skip? Spring is the best time to visit Tasmania](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
What's that skip? Spring is the best time to visit Tasmania
It's breeding season and there are baby animals everywhere.
![You can now go whale watching from the sky](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
You can now go whale watching from the sky
This unique experience is the first of its kind in Australia.
![Return to Hawaii: 7 holiday resorts to suit every type of traveller](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Return to Hawaii: 7 holiday resorts to suit every type of traveller
Bolster the islands’ revival every time you book.
![How to take a holiday every Friday this summer](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
How to take a holiday every Friday this summer
Maximise your summer and stay at one of these close-to-the-city campgrounds every weekend.
![Someone very special is joining Cunard Cruise Line in 2024](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Someone very special is joining Cunard Cruise Line in 2024
Amanda McLaren is the only child of Brice McLaren, founder of McLaren Racing.
![Trains, planes and automobiles: Brand new routes, tours and cruises for 2024](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Trains, planes and automobiles: Brand new routes, tours and cruises for 2024
Don't miss out again. These travel experiences will book up fast.
![As cities go, Shanghai is up there as one of the best](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
As cities go, Shanghai is up there as one of the best
Think shiny skyscrapers, delicious food and a host of hospitality.
![The US 'peeping' trend that's cool not creepy](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
The US 'peeping' trend that's cool not creepy
Come autumn, they just can't help themselves in New England.