Sarah Pollok, Multimedia Journalist at New Zealand’s Herald, specialises in covering stories on travel and tourism, travelling as close as Waiheke and far as Ecuador for work.
I first fell in love with journalism in 2016 after discovering the world of long-form lifestyle features in Herald's Canvas. Auckland's 3-month lockdown was an unusual time to join the New Zealand Herald as a Travel Journalist but sure enough, the world opened up again and I've been able to travel to places as close as Waiheke and as far as the Galapagos Islands for work.
70 travellers stuck on month-long cruise after catching virus
People reported vomiting and diarrhoea during the trip.
Don't take a dip at these contaminated Auckland beaches
Spots in Central Auckland and Piha pose a high risk of illness to swimmers this summer.
Popular Kiwi destination makes annual 'don't visit' list for 2025
The list urges tourists to skip these 15 destinations.
Portugal flight grounded after 132 animals break free during flight
Ground crew had to catch every creature before the plane could depart.
Specsavers flies woman to Iceland after she mistook tomato farm for Northern Lights
Dee Harrison's embarrassment turned into the trip of a lifetime.
Paid parking coming to NZ's top tourist spots
A drive to these natural attractions won't be free for much longer.
Buckle up, check exits: Every Air NZ safety video ranked and reviewed
We travel back to where it all began, with a near-naked crew covered in body paint.
Watch: Air NZ release new safety video featuring Steven and Valerie Adams
The video, released today, features two famous Kiwi siblings.
Central Otago set to be home to NZ’s largest distillery
The company hopes it will boost the local economy through employment and tourism.
Affordable Sunshine Coast: How to travel smarter and save more
A Sunshine Coast trip is about to get much more affordable for Kiwis.
Man allegedly punches fellow passenger on Wellington-Sydney flight
Police arrested the 25-year-old Thai man shortly after he disembarked.
It’s official, this is the best tourism company in New Zealand
The company scooped up three of 14 awards last night.
Auckland flight bookings almost double next week as global celebrities arrives
The stars' arrival has prompted Kiwis across the country to fly to Auckland.
Shoulder season was a great Europe hack for Kiwis. It may not be next year
Shoulder season bookings are predicted to match summer bookings for the first time ever.
'I wish all travellers knew this': Kiwi expert reveals hotel check-in hack
Don't waste time waiting for your hotel check-in time.
Auckland Marathon is tomorrow. Here's everything you need to know
We reveal the best spectating spot, celebs to look for and the surprising gender split.
This type of experience can reignite your relationship's sexual spark
Dr Amy Muise: 'Self-expansion can reignite desire, even in long-term relationships'.
Two women kicked off flight for 'punch up' over MAGA cap
The women, in their 40s and 60s, were forcibly removed by police.
Kiwi travel journalist reveals five embarrassing mistakes she made abroad
Opinion: From nightmare Airbnbs to hungover flights.
Major international airport takes a jab at Dunedin's 3-minute hug limit
However, the cheeky signs leave out a key cost for travellers.
'Recipe for disaster': Kiwis urge American tourist to change itinerary
Dozens called her plan dangerous but two Americans said the advice was 'alarmist'.
Car robbed on holiday? Here's what your insurance doesn't cover
The only thing worse than a car break-in is not getting a cent from insurance.
Battle of the bargains: Jetstar chases up Air NZ sale with cheaper fares
Think $59 one-way fares are a steal? How about $35?
Air New Zealand ‘Sweetstake’ lolly jar competition winner announced
The airline also revealed exactly how one Kiwi produced the winning guess.
Air NZ dropped yet another sale with $59 flights
The cheap flights will only be available for a few days.
Kiwi explains why he’s running Auckland Marathon blindfolded
The 28-year-old reveals the touching story behind his plan.
The first thing I did when visiting Kotor was leave. Here's why you should too
Just 20 minutes away from Montenegro's main crowds lies a quaint slice of paradise.
Five reasons I never wanted to take a cruise holiday
A Kiwi shares cruise hesitations and reveals which ones came to pass.
Nelson couple forced to pay $1000 due to airline booking error
The confused couple were given a choice: pay the surprise fee or stay stuck in Barcelona.
Man begs for advice after girlfriend forbids him from taking a lads' trip
"She said I shouldn’t be going on a lads holiday while I’m in a relationship."
Three biggest fears Kiwis have about travelling with family
No, dealing with the in-laws wasn't one of them.
This is how much gastro costs Kiwi travellers who fall ill abroad
One young Kiwi was hit with a $10,000 bill after contracting gastro abroad.
Kiwi tourists could be jailed for 20 years in Bali under new policy
Visitors must pay careful attention to the conditions of their visa.
Kiwi family's $16,000 travel insurance claim mistakenly denied after robbery
The Auckland family couldn't understand why the claim had been rejected.
'Absolutely disgusted': Grandmother accuses airline of charging old travellers
The 63-year-old said younger, attractive passengers weren't charged a fee.
Is happiness genetic? The psychology of happiness and how to feel happier
Do the optimists among us have a genetic advantage?
10 photos that will make you want to book a European cruise ASAP
Need some convincing to book that 2025 trip? Look no further.
Are travellers falling out of love with NZ? Annual ranking suggests so
New Zealand has been ranked the eighth-best country in the world by Conde Nast.
Most parents plan holidays around children's preferences, report shows
Travel planning is no longer exclusive to the adults in a family.
Air NZ unveils gigantic lolly jar as part of Airpoints competition
Can you guess the number of lollies in the jar?
Air NZ will scrap this regional route next year
The direct service will be cut from January 19, 2025.
Almost 1000 travellers report falling violently ill after visiting this destination
Even those staying at 5-star resorts contracted serious gastrointestinal illnesses.
Traveller reveals how she captured incredible shot of Aurora Australis during NZ flight
The stunning photos quickly gained attention online.
Will this new hotel chain from Tony Robbins unlock the secret to longevity?
Welcome to the future: An AI-led chain of wellness resorts is coming.
Sarah Pollok: Should I get Botox? A debate with my 27-year-old self
OPINION: Cosmetic 'tweaks' are on the rise. Should you join the bandwagon?
Travelling for school holidays? This is the worst day to fly
Airlines are adding thousands of extra seats to meet demand.
This airline is offering Kiwis free domestic flights
The offer is to help Kiwis explore more of the trending country.
'Terrible miscalculation': Expert's devastating theory on turbulence tragedy
Passengers were reported dead, paralysed and severely injured during the flight.
Child named after Star Wars character refused passport due to copyright issues
A family's holiday was cancelled until the Home Office reversed its passport decision.
Flight attendants ordered to wear 'proper undergarments' in appearance guidelines
A memo from Delta Air Lines reveals detailed grooming rules for flight attendants.
How travel delays the ageing process
And it's a lot more fun than eating salad and going to the gym.
Meet the best AirBnb host in New Zealand
The couple reveal the 'personal touches' that make their place one of the best in NZ.
The best hotels in the world have been named. Did NZ make the cut?
Two Australia hotels made the list, so how did Aotearoa fare?
Do you have 'gatexiety' when travelling?
The latest social media trend isn't necessarily a bandwagon you want to join.
Popular NZ attraction closing in response to ‘serious risk'
Experts say improving protections is 'crucial'.
Viral video shows Venice tourists stuck in knee-deep water
People are shown calmly wading through knee-deep water in gumboots.
A cancelled flight stranded me abroad. Here are 3 things I did straight away
Follow these three simple steps to get ahead of a flight disruption.
Dramatic footage shows Qantas plane tear up runway at Perth Airport
Large fragments of tarmac can be seen flying up behind the plane.
Woman kicked off cruise ship for complaining in private WhatsApp group
The 68-year-old's contract was cancelled after she vented in a private text group.
Will NZ's new tourism levy really discourage visitors?
The price hike has sparked criticism but what do the tourists think?
I'm a travel journalist and these two websites are invaluable for trip planning
OPINION: They aren't considered travel sites but they can be hugely helpful.
‘All you can fly’ subscription sells out in Europe. Will NZ airlines offer the same?
Could flight subscriptions be on the cards for Kiwis?
Six young Kiwis in London reveal what life is like in 2024
They've made the 2-year jump, but what's it like?
Woman begs for help during 'horrid' flight: What would you do?
'I am ready to go full tilt Karen,' the traveller said after describing the situation.
Hilary Barry is visiting Africa to fufill a lifelong dream. You can join her
A small group of Kiwis can buy a ticket to join the beloved presenter in Africa.
Woman hacks system to make airline fund 3-day Italy holiday
She also walked away with more than $6000 in credit for future trips.
Chilling reason behind this sneaky feature in Air NZ cockpit
A pilot will hope they never have to pull this lever.
TikTok trend pokes fun at insane lengths taken in 'sunbed wars'
Adults are filmed sprinting like kids across the pool to secure a spot.
'We can't move': Kiwi tourists trapped by toxic chemical leak
The couple must wait while authorities test the water for sodium cyanide.
Love at first lager: Kiwi shares touching story of finding love abroad
Sammi found more than beer when she travelled to Europe on holiday.
Travel interferes with your hormones. Here's how to minimise the impact
Understanding your hormones could be the key to a healthier, happier holiday.
Air NZ pilot reveals why aircraft doors are always opened from the outside
It's to avoid an expensive and dangerous mistake, the chief pilot revealed.
What it’s like visiting one of NZ’s top hunting lodges as a vegan
'The abundance of taxidermy was expected but dinner was a shock.'
Tired of the 9-5? Company offers Kiwis a permanent escape
The organisation describes it as the 'ultimate career pivot'.
Four things you should know about Air NZ's Airpoints update
We break down the key changes that will affect travellers.
Cute or creepy? Traveller films woman beside him in viral TikTok
The man allegedly became obsessed with the woman sitting beside him on the flight.
Want to burn through a travel budget? Visit the most expensive city in the world
It's one of the most beautiful spots in the world - but it isn't cheap.
How Air NZ crew respond to 'catastrophic engine failure'
Airline crew were put to the test on board a 787 Dreamliner.