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.
Kiwis break tourist records in nearby destination
The destination saw more tourists than ever in 2024.
A new kind of wellness retreat has arrived in NZ
There are thousands in the UK and US but Kiwis can now give it a try.
Kiwi racks up $467,00 in bills during US trip
The traveller had no idea they'd end up with a half-a-million-dollar bill.
What's the deal with NZ's brown road signs?
Why do some tourist attractions get these signs and others don't?
Taupō makes CNN’s 25 best places to visit in 2025 list
The equivalent ad value for the mention would be $518,000, Tourism NZ estimated.
This NZ walk just made the list of 25 best trails to try in 2025
Lace up your boots and get planning with this top 25 list.
Surprising study reveals best city for coffee in NZ and Australia
No, it's not in Wellington, Sydney or Melbourne.
Crazy cheap with 'delicious' air: Tourists share what shocked them in NZ
Visitors also praised policemen who paid for pies and polite Auckland drivers.
Flight diverted after passenger passes excessive gas
The man was removed from the aircraft once it returned to the gate.
Travel journalist shares 5 things they won't be doing in 2025
Learn from this Kiwi traveller's mistakes when planning your 2025 adventures.
I read 50 books each year. Here's how you can too
The good news? It doesn't take hard work, just a smart system.
Baby receives unbelievable gift from airline after being born mid-flight
The surprising gift is probably worth a significant amount.
'Recipe for disaster': Kiwis urge American tourist to change itinerary
Dozens called her plan dangerous but two Americans said the advice was 'alarmist'.
Two NZ spots named the 'greatest in the world' by Time
Have you visited these two world-class spots?
Watch: Boyband superstar spotted singing at exclusive golf club
He could be seen singing in front of a small crowd at Tara Iti.
'Hellhole': The popular tourist city named one of world's most overrated destinations
Thousands of Kiwis visit every year, but it's now been labelled a 'complete dump'.
Gen Z American confused by bizarre Kiwi question
This everyday phrase can cause confusion for foreign travellers.
Baby receives unbelievable gift from airline after being born mid-flight
The surprising gift is probably worth a significant amount.
Dad booted off Jetstar flight for breaking this simple rule
The father of two said crew called him an 'idiot' then said he couldn't fly with them.
Air NZ will scrap this regional route next year
The direct service will be cut from January 19, 2025.
Ever felt exhausted after a holiday? Here's how to fix it
Don't return from that long-awaited break feeling burnt out.
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.
‘Better than Bali’: The tiny, tourist-free island everyone must visit
Step aside Bali, this spot is just as beautiful and off the beaten track.
Rich social media star claims he has 'rented' the Egyptian Pyramids
The star has become famous for their outrageous videos.
Best Christmas movies to watch - no matter what genre you enjoy
Looking for something that's not Love Actually? Here are some ideas.
Opinion: What your out of office email says about you
OPINION: Are you a Gen Z, goody two-shoes or baton passer?
Review: AKL Airport released a 'Love Actually' spoof and it's as cute as you'd expect
OPINION: It turns out Hugh Grant was right; love really is all around us.
Kiwi gift Guide: The best last-minute gifts for adults this Christmas
Looking for last-minute gift ideas? We've got you covered.
'Felt I was going to die': Kiwis drank strong cocktails then fell ill days before Fiji mass poisoning
The young couple thought they had food poisoning but now suspect something worse.
Airport official reveals common mistake that makes travellers miss flights
The small detail can be easy to miss.
Kiwis report severe illness at Fiji resort amid alcohol poisoning claims
'It just decimated my life actually,' one Kiwi said after falling ill during her stay.
Are you flying on the busiest day of this summer?
Air NZ and airports in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch reveal peak days.
What's open in Auckland on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day?
We share the best places to go to.
Jetstar drops $35 tickets as airlines reveal Christmas deals
Jetstar and Air New Zealand have revealed details of how flights will celebrate Christmas.
6 Ways to make good coffee when camping or travelling
Adventures away from home shouldn't mean mediocre coffee.
Experienced travellers not immune to visa and passport disasters say travel insurer
The company revealed the most common reasons people were refused travel at the airport.
Air NZ searching for mystery traveller following event at Auckland Airport
The airline's Grabaseat team has asked the community to help identify the traveller.
Can travellers seek reimbursement when flights are delayed by tech outages?
Caught up in the Auckland Airport tech outage? Here's what you should know.
'Absolute disaster': Tech outage causes major delays at Auckland Airport's check-in
Passengers are being offered snacks and water while they wait in queues.
A Waiheke vineyard just launched an adventure experience. Is it worth trying?
We give the thrilling experience a try.
7 Phrases experts wish Kiwis would ditch at mealtimes
Do you use these harmful phrases without realising?
What NZ city has the worst Uber passenger rating?
Who's on the naughty list, and who's on the nice?
New way to cut check-in time by 13 minutes at AKL Airport
Travel like a pro by using this system.
Iconic track reopens in North Island after almost three years
More importantly, the famous beach will again be accessible by foot.
NZ snubbed in report ranking world's best cities for 2025
However, one NZ city did rank number one in a specific category.
Steal my itinerary: How to spend a weekend on the Sunshine Coast
Not sure where to eat or what to do? Check out our full itinerary.
Major queues at Auckland Airport after traveller evades screening process
All passengers had to be rescreened.
Your guide to Auckland's best Christmas markets
We know the best Christmas Markets to check out this December.
Research reveals new trip style trending among young Kiwi men
A survey found Kiwi men are eager to travel together, but not for a typical boys' weekend.
‘Vomiting blood for hours’: Danish backpackers' chilling final texts after Laos methanol poisoning
Women drank from a batch of alcohol allegedly laced with methanol.
Actress blasted for working out during flight
A video shows influencer Barbara de Regil squatting and running in the aisle.
‘Mental torture’: Family share Jetstar woes during flight to Queenstown
The mum and her 9-month-old baby were left crying at the gate.
Kiwis could have up to $299m in unused foreign currency, survey shows
Are you sitting on hundreds of dollars post-travel?
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.
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.