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.
![What it is like at a remote Fiji resort with just 17 suites](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
What it is like at a remote Fiji resort with just 17 suites
A picture-perfect private island experience with a hidden surprise for families.
![Air NZ and Jetstar launched sales - but are Kiwis really getting a deal?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Air NZ and Jetstar launched sales - but are Kiwis really getting a deal?
It seems like battle of the bargains but Consumer NZ says prices are still high.
![Will travel insurance cover flights disrupted by fog?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Will travel insurance cover flights disrupted by fog?
Weather has disrupted dozens of flights on two days this week; what can travellers claim?
![Christchurch woman answers Aussie family's urgent plea for help](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Christchurch woman answers Aussie family's urgent plea for help
Within an hour, one Kiwi had come to the rescue.
![Man praised for refusing to give up seat for new bride](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Man praised for refusing to give up seat for new bride
The traveller promptly rejected the husband's plea to swap for the 14-hour flight.
![Best travel advice we've heard in 2024](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Best travel advice we've heard in 2024
Herald Travel share the top tips and tricks they've reported on this year.
![Travellers stuck on planes as tornadoes head towards Chicago airport](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Travellers stuck on planes as tornadoes head towards Chicago airport
Travellers were stuck on the tarmac while their phones received tornado warnings.
![Should you use buy now, pay later for your holiday? Financial experts weigh in](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Should you use buy now, pay later for your holiday? Financial experts weigh in
Kiwis are increasingly travelling now and paying later. Is it a good idea?
![Head to toe: What to do before your summer trip abroad](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Head to toe: What to do before your summer trip abroad
We cover the essentials for your skin, hair and more.
![Why a cup of tea prompted an American to sue JetBlue for $2.5m](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Why a cup of tea prompted an American to sue JetBlue for $2.5m
A lawsuit claims the traveller has experienced 'mental anguish' since the flight.
![Gen Z travellers claim supermarkets are the 'best' tourist activity](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Gen Z travellers claim supermarkets are the 'best' tourist activity
Need a hit of culture? Head to Costco or Pak'nSave suggest young travellers.
![Beverly Hills 90210 is back - but is the TV show that defined the 90s worth a rewatch?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Beverly Hills 90210 is back - but is the TV show that defined the 90s worth a rewatch?
Gen X, Y and Z writers on the American teen drama that dominated a decade.
![Is the Eiffel Tower open? Your Paris Olympics travel questions, answered](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Is the Eiffel Tower open? Your Paris Olympics travel questions, answered
From train tickets to the app everyone should download, we answer your top questions.
![Parenting tactic divides internet: Would you try it at the airport?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Parenting tactic divides internet: Would you try it at the airport?
Some applauded the father while others said they would be 'fuming'.
![Will NZ's best wellness retreat really transform me?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Will NZ's best wellness retreat really transform me?
Can three days of nutritious meals and herbal tea really shift the dial?
![Rotorua has a new spa. Here’s why it’s different to anything else in NZ](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Rotorua has a new spa. Here’s why it’s different to anything else in NZ
The luxurious spa is a new bucket-list item for Kiwis and international tourists alike.
![10 things I wish I’d known before visiting Fiji's famous Yasawa Islands](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
10 things I wish I’d known before visiting Fiji's famous Yasawa Islands
At least one of these has caught every traveller off guard.
![Protesters attack Barcelona tourists with water pistols](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Protesters attack Barcelona tourists with water pistols
Videos show restaurant patrons trying to dodge the water as protesters cheer.
![NZ Airport named one of the 'most exciting' airports in the world](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
NZ Airport named one of the 'most exciting' airports in the world
Videos of plane landings in this city have been viewed 6.4 million times.
![American family reveal how their dog died during a flight from Hawaii](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
American family reveal how their dog died during a flight from Hawaii
The couple were forced to endure the remaining hours of the flight beside their dead dog.
![Study reveals most-searched countries to move to: Where does NZ rank?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Study reveals most-searched countries to move to: Where does NZ rank?
Our position in the list will come as no surprise to many Kiwis.
![American tourist shares obsession with ordinary Kiwi bathroom features](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
American tourist shares obsession with ordinary Kiwi bathroom features
One is a standard feature but to the US visitor it is 'insane'.
![Why Oslo's risky tourism advert went viral this week](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Why Oslo's risky tourism advert went viral this week
The 1.45-second video shows a local tearing the city to shreds.
![Are ChatGPT itineraries trash? We judge 10 Auckland recommendations](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Are ChatGPT itineraries trash? We judge 10 Auckland recommendations
A travel journalist shares their unfiltered thoughts on the AI itinerary.
![Travellers flying out of Auckland Airport this weekend issued warning](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Travellers flying out of Auckland Airport this weekend issued warning
Largest numbers are heading to the airport on Friday or Sunday.
![Engine issues: Shanghai-bound Air NZ flight returns to Auckland after nine hours](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Engine issues: Shanghai-bound Air NZ flight returns to Auckland after nine hours
An engine using more oil than usual forced the plane to turn around for Auckland.
![Employee caught flying to Bali after claiming she had doctor's appointment](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Employee caught flying to Bali after claiming she had doctor's appointment
The 23-year-old shared the texts she received from her boss after he spotted her.
![History made today at royal family's beloved Scottish castle](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
History made today at royal family's beloved Scottish castle
An order from King Charles will finally come to fruition.
![Qantas flight forced to return to Auckland Airport in 3-hour round trip](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Qantas flight forced to return to Auckland Airport in 3-hour round trip
The aircraft made three large circles before landing back where it departed from.
![Bali and Thailand no longer most popular spot for Kiwis](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Bali and Thailand no longer most popular spot for Kiwis
Once considered too expensive, one Asia destination is trending for Kiwis.
![Epic travel hack or cruel joke? Mum's viral TikTok divides viewers](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Epic travel hack or cruel joke? Mum's viral TikTok divides viewers
The unconventional tactic has been viewed more than 25.8 million times.
![Is coffee really more expensive at the airport?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Is coffee really more expensive at the airport?
We head to Auckland Airport in search of the truth.
![Woman asks TikTok to try to expose passenger’s potential affair](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Woman asks TikTok to try to expose passenger’s potential affair
Within 24 hours the man, and his wife back home, were supposedly identified.
![Ditching textbooks for trips abroad: Young Kiwis see travel as better educator](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Ditching textbooks for trips abroad: Young Kiwis see travel as better educator
The younger generation rate travel over textbooks when it comes to gaining life skills.
![I gifted my parents a vacation to Hawaii, but all they've done is complain](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
I gifted my parents a vacation to Hawaii, but all they've done is complain
The internet seems divided over who is in the wrong.
![Are Kiwis more 'vacation deprived' than Aussies? Report reveals](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Are Kiwis more 'vacation deprived' than Aussies? Report reveals
The annual report found 55% of Kiwis felt short-changed when it came to holidays.
!['Heads should roll': Travellers furious at UK airport after power outage](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Heads should roll': Travellers furious at UK airport after power outage
About 90,000 travellers were affected by the outage on Sunday.
![The results are in, this is what visitors really think of NZ](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
The results are in, this is what visitors really think of NZ
'The coffee here is better than Melbourne.'
![Hate the short winter days? We have good news today](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Hate the short winter days? We have good news today
We answer your common questions about this special day.
![‘Rude’ influencer slammed for hogging plane toilet for 15 minute skincare routine](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
‘Rude’ influencer slammed for hogging plane toilet for 15 minute skincare routine
Viewers quickly turned on the young influencer.
![Viral TikTok claims Europeans 'don't believe in water'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Viral TikTok claims Europeans 'don't believe in water'
The thirsty tourists' video has gained almost 11 million views and divided opinions.
!['Pull over, shut up, always blow on the pie': Kiwis school American on being a kind tourist](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Pull over, shut up, always blow on the pie': Kiwis school American on being a kind tourist
Kiwis and travellers didn't hold back from offering advice.
![Who spends the most when visiting NZ? Government data reveals surprising result](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Who spends the most when visiting NZ? Government data reveals surprising result
Tourists from one spot typically spend $6300 during an NZ trip, and no it's not Asia.
![Is this New Zealand’s next Great Walk?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Is this New Zealand’s next Great Walk?
The track sees more visitors in one week than some Great Walks see all year.
![Major destination ditches visa requirement for Kiwis](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Major destination ditches visa requirement for Kiwis
Keep that $140 visa fee in your pocket when visiting this country.
![Man escorted from airport by police after trying this popular packing hack](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Man escorted from airport by police after trying this popular packing hack
The video reveals how the man got into trouble in Orlando Airport.
![Can you get dengue fever in Europe? How to avoid dengue fever](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Can you get dengue fever in Europe? How to avoid dengue fever
The World Health Organisation offers five ways to minimise risk of the virus.
![Will Europe travellers experience another summer of heatwaves?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Will Europe travellers experience another summer of heatwaves?
Meteorologists have issued a warning for those heading to Europe this summer.
![This is how much it costs to travel non-stop on a cruise ship](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
This is how much it costs to travel non-stop on a cruise ship
The total cost, revealed by one traveller, is less than you may expect.
![Jetting to Europe this summer? Here's where you'll find tons of Kiwis](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Jetting to Europe this summer? Here's where you'll find tons of Kiwis
One travel company has revealed where Kiwis are heading.
![Air NZ has made it easier to become a pilot](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Air NZ has made it easier to become a pilot
The new pathway will take only 14 months, with most costs covered by the airline.
![I thought island hopping was tiring and expensive. Then I took this trip](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
I thought island hopping was tiring and expensive. Then I took this trip
Few know how easy it is to get from this busy Fiji spot to some stunning remote islands.
!['Please don't': Study reveals risks with drinking on a flight](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Please don't': Study reveals risks with drinking on a flight
Even young, healthy people experienced significant changes to their vitals.
![The airline said her luggage was lost. This trick revealed it was stolen](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
The airline said her luggage was lost. This trick revealed it was stolen
A traveller beat the police to finding the thief via this unusual tactic.
![This Air NZ route will stop from today until September](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
This Air NZ route will stop from today until September
Ongoing challenges prompted the airline's decision.
![Flight attendant reveals why she puts this non-valuable item in her hotel safe](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Flight attendant reveals why she puts this non-valuable item in her hotel safe
The viral video shows what item she locks up and why.
![Tourist discovers water pipe at the top of China's tallest waterfall](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Tourist discovers water pipe at the top of China's tallest waterfall
Officials said they didn't want visitors to be disappointed in the dry season.
![Air NZ makes shock announcement about Bali flights](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Air NZ makes shock announcement about Bali flights
The airline has made a major change to its direct service.
![Jetstar is making some domestic flights $29, here's why](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Jetstar is making some domestic flights $29, here's why
The airline is celebrating a key milestone this year.
![Ladies first: Women get special seat selection on this airline](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Ladies first: Women get special seat selection on this airline
The feature has received praise from women and men.
![Popular NZ cruise ship axed in shock announcement](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Popular NZ cruise ship axed in shock announcement
All cruises after March 2 have been cancelled.
![What does travel insurance not cover? Why travellers should understand force majeure events](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
What does travel insurance not cover? Why travellers should understand force majeure events
Earthquakes, labour strikes, pandemics and floods don’t stop because we’re on holiday.
![Review: Was the Ben Howard concert worth a 10-year wait?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Review: Was the Ben Howard concert worth a 10-year wait?
The enigmatic singer-songwriter returns to Auckland after almost a decade.
![How a social media post got this American family's $24k trip cancelled](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
How a social media post got this American family's $24k trip cancelled
Netizens are divided over who is to blame.
!['My travel ended but the sickness didn't': What to do after illness abroad](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'My travel ended but the sickness didn't': What to do after illness abroad
Back from holiday but don't feel 'quite right'? You aren't alone.
![Unruly tourists tear holes in screen blocking Mt Fuji view in desperate act for photos](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Unruly tourists tear holes in screen blocking Mt Fuji view in desperate act for photos
A Japanese town thought they’d solved the issue of tourist crowds.
![Man jumps to death from world’s largest cruise ship](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Man jumps to death from world’s largest cruise ship
It remains a mystery why the man jumped on the first day of a 7-night trip.
![Sustainable travel report suggests Kiwis ‘weary’ about making eco-friendly choices](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Sustainable travel report suggests Kiwis ‘weary’ about making eco-friendly choices
Kiwis are more likely to not prioritise sustainability compared to the rest of the world.
![IV drips could be the next travel amenity. Should you give it a try?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
IV drips could be the next travel amenity. Should you give it a try?
Travellers are adding a new item to their itinerary; IV drips.
![The major mistake most Kiwis make when visiting Fiji on holiday](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
The major mistake most Kiwis make when visiting Fiji on holiday
How many travellers miss out without ever realising.
![Hate turbulence? Study reveals 10 cities to avoid](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Hate turbulence? Study reveals 10 cities to avoid
The ranking also revealed the 10 worst routes in Oceania.
![Can you spot the scam? Traveller fuming over sneaky deception](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Can you spot the scam? Traveller fuming over sneaky deception
'No one has ever deceived me like this before,' she said.
![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.
![Family of five reveal why they traded their house for a bike](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Family of five reveal why they traded their house for a bike
The family explain why they've taken their toddler and two kids on a wild adventure.
![Camouflage pants could get you thrown in jail in this holiday spot](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Camouflage pants could get you thrown in jail in this holiday spot
We share seven holiday spots with unexpected laws or rules that can catch travellers out.
![DIA apologies for passport blunder, reveals when wait times will return to normal](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
DIA apologies for passport blunder, reveals when wait times will return to normal
The Department also shared two tips for speeding up passport applications.