Stephanie Holmes, Lifestyle and Travel Editor, Premium, for New Zealand's Herald, works as an editor, writer, and editorial leader, and as a presenter of videos and podcasts.
Stephanie Holmes has worked at New Zealand’s Herald since 2016, specialising in Travel and, more recently, Lifestyle and Entertainment, with her entire journalism career dedicated to these subjects. Under her editorship, the Herald’s weekly Travel magazine won the 2020 Voyager Media Award for Best Newspaper Magazine – a remarkable achievement considering New Zealand’s borders were closed due to the Coronavirus pandemic and Kiwis were unable to travel. In 2022, she was a finalist for the Voyagers’ Editorial Leader of the Year award. Born and raised in the UK, Holmes graduated with a BA (Hons) in Communication Studies from Anglia Ruskin University, followed by a post-graduate journalism diploma. She arrived in New Zealand in 2003 and has lived in Auckland ever since.
Unlocking South Korea: Five essential tips for your 2025 journey
South Korea is trending. Get ahead of the crowd with these top tips for a fuss-free visit.
25 reasons to visit South Korea in 2025
From history to food to K-culture, this is the hottest destination for the year ahead.
Economy Class vs Business Class: How does Cathay Pacific rate?
Review: One journey to the UK, two flights, two cabin classes.
UK bound? This apartment-hotel make the most of London's best sights
Review: The best place to stay for a holiday in London.
There’s a new, good reason to spend some time at Melbourne Airport
Review: The new Novotel hotel is ideal for a luxurious layover
Plane etiquette debate: Who gets to claim the spare seat on a flight?
Review: Turbulence and a rude passenger are the lowlights of an otherwise great flight.
15 of the best things to do in Lisbon
From historic sights to nightlife, plan your Lisbon visit with essential experiences.
Five places in India a Uniworld river cruise can take you that you can’t reach any other way
A luxury river cruise on the Ganges reveals India’s lesser-known wonders.
Miss Polly’s Kitchen: Kiwi food blogger Polly Markus’ best food hacks and tips
With a new book out, Markus shares some advice to make cooking and entertaining easier.
Vale SPQR: Kerre Woodham, Noelle McCarthy, Jesse Mulligan remember infamous eatery
A Ponsonby Rd landmark since 1992, it's seen a who's-who of diners through its doors.
Step inside one of South Africa's most lusted-after safaris
With your own swimming pool, cinema, wine cellar, gym, private chef and butler.
What it's like flying Air NZ's Business Class when you're sick as a dog
Reviewing a healthy, happy flight in Premium Economy and a sad, sick journey in Business.
Ray of light: What it’s like on board the world’s newest ultra-luxury cruise ship
Silversea’s new ship Silver Ray is now on its inaugural voyage in the Mediterranean.
3 reasons why The Lindis should be on your luxury travel wishlist
One of New Zealand’s top lodges, a stay at The Lindis is full of luxuries.
‘My lovely ADHD’: Newstalk ZB host shares the positive impact of a diagnosis
For Men’s Health Week, D’Arcy Waldegrave shares his experiences of living with ADHD.
Review: NZ loves Dawn French, but does she love us? It's hard to tell
Name drops, laughs but no NZ connection. The verdict on Dawn French's first Auckland show.
How to get away from city stress... without leaving Auckland
NZ's latest glamping spot is the break you need from the big city
Lessons in life, death and love: What we can learn from hospice care
Death is a taboo topic, so what's it like when you face it every day as part of your job?
Why Kiwis need to be more sex positive, and how adult content can help
An upcoming Auckland Writers Festival event wants us to ‘get physical’.
Having children is not the only option: NZ women on being childfree
What it's like to be childfree in NZ, and the new book exploring the subject.
Selling dreams: What it’s really like to be a Kiwi real estate agent
Think you could be a real estate agent? Three top sellers on what the lifestyle is like.
Review: Why this modern Memphis hotel ticks all the boxes for a city break stay
Close to Beale St, museums, fab food and more, this is the place to stay in Memphis.
First time to India? Why a luxury cruise is the best way to travel
Colourful, chaotic and complex: What it's really like to visit India by cruise ship.
Alternative lifestyles: What's it like to live on a remote island in the Hauraki Gulf?
Balancing work, family and conservation, Milly Lucas navigates island living.
Don't leave Memphis without eating and drinking at these top hangouts
Memphis’ most legendary dining spots, plus seven new ones to check out.
Graceland and beyond: A Kiwi's guide to Memphis, Tennessee
History and legends are everywhere, but there's a bright future too.
Best Beach 2024: Last chance to nominate your favourites in our annual search
The search for New Zealand's best beach returns - and we need your help.
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.
Best Beach 2024: Nominations now open in our search for the country's finest
The search for NZ's best beach returns and we need your help.
On your way to Cape Town? This luxurious hotel is royally approved
Need a luxe Cape Town base? Queen Victoria Hotel is your plush pick.
What's it like flying Business Class from Johannesburg to Auckland with Singapore Airlines?
How does Singapore Airlines Business Class fare on the Johannesburg to Auckland route?
Why 16 hours inside an airport terminal was a joy not a bore
Why 16 hours inside an airport terminal was a joy not a bore.
Is this the best guided tour experience in the world? We think so
A motorbike-riding dog is just one of the highlights of a visit to Cape Town.
Face to face with a killer: The luxury safari better than winning the lottery
Between lion sightings and luxury suites, Sabi Sabi is the safari dream.
History, Game of Thrones, and cheese: The best reasons to visit Malta and Corsica
These Mediterranean gems are off the beaten track but well worth a visit.
Air NZ's luggage tracker vs Apple Airtag: Which should you use?
The national carrier rolled out its new luggage tracking service. But is it any good?
Should you upgrade your flight to Premium Economy? Comparing cabins on Singapore Airlines
Two cabin classes, one airline, and a long journey to South Africa.
Wander Waiheke's breathtaking trails, then dine in style – the ultimate island treat
Waiheke's hospitality takes any challenge head-on.
Celebrity Treasure Island Stars share their top camping tips
Matilda Green, Jayden Daniels, Eli Matthewson and more share their tent tips.
Want to find paradise without leaving Auckland? Try this island escape
And no, it's not Waiheke.
Review: Salerno's treasure - stay in an Airbnb built on 2nd century Roman ruins
The perfect base to explore Italy's southern region.
Oceania Vista: An insider's guide to the world's newest cruise ship
Creative cocktails to fine dining, to dancefloors and libraries, this ship has it all.
Something old, something new: An inside look at a freshly reopened Melbourne hotel
With restaurant, rooftop pool and luxe rooms, you should make a date with this hotel.
The luxury of alone time: Why you should stay in a grand lodge as a solo traveller
An opulent lodge isn't just for couples - you can enjoy it solo, too.
An inside look at Rome's newest luxury hotel, where old meets new
With gorgeous rooftop bar and luxurious Roman bath, Six Senses Rome is worth the splurge.
This hotel has the best views of Positano on the Amalfi Coast
Casa Angelina is a high-end stay, but is it worth the price tag?
To infinity, and beyond: What it's like to stay at the luxury hotel with the best pool in Sydney
See and be seen at this luxurious skyscraper at Barangaroo.
Exclusive: What it's like on board the world's newest cruise ship
The launch featured luxury of epic proportions.
The Gold Coast's surprise Timaru connection
Some of the hottest spots in the GC to fuel up and refresh.
Great Walk, better bunks: Routeburn's luxury route
Perfect blue skies and fine food greet Stephanie Holmes along the Routeburn Track.
Scenic surprises: The hidden gems to be found on the Gold Coast
This is the Gold Coast, but not as you might know it.
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.
QT on the GC: What it's like staying at a hip hotel in Surfers Paradise
What's it really like to stay at the QT Gold Coast?
Hidden gems with hot tubs, for a weekend escape in North Canterbury
Heading to Hurunui? Here are the lesser-known spots to check out.
8 reasons why there’s a cruise ship for everyone, including you
If you think you're not a cruiser, you just haven't found the right ship yet.
You get what you pay for with this low-cost airline
Herald's Travel editor reveals what it's like flying to Sydney on this budget carrier.
The Langham Gold Coast, a luxury beachside break
Modern skyscraper on the outside, classic elegance on the inside.
What it's like flying from Auckland International Airport after the floods
The international terminal saw chaos in the recent floods. But what's it like now?
Hotel review: Whales, walks, wines - why Kaikōura should be more than a pitstop
With a beachfront location and luxurious facilities, it's worth lingering longer.
New Zealand's best beaches, according to Liz from The Beths
Liz Stokes picks her favourite Kiwi beaches. Find out how to vote for yours.
Tourism Minister Stuart Nash on NZ’s best beaches - and his ultimate summer pick
From the East Coast to the top of the South, Nash says we're spoiled for choice.
Best Beach 2023: Bree Tomasel and Jayden Daniels' favourite summer spots
The Celebrity Treasure Island hosts share their most-loved Kiwi beaches.
Very Impressive, Perth: Eleven ways to find luxury on a Western Australian city break
From fancy hotels to fine-dining, Perth has luxury in spades.
Fiji holidays: Is this the world's best infinity pool?
This luxury island has something for everyone, whatever kind of holiday you're after.
Which beach is the best in the whole of New Zealand? Nominations are open now
The search for New Zealand's best beach returns - and we need your nominations.
Michael Palin on lockdown inspiration; travel to North Korea, Iraq
The Monty Python star talks to Herald Travel about his new book Into Iraq.
Natural beauty: An inside look at one of NZ's most exclusive luxury lodges
A weekend at The Lindis is a wonderful way to escape the real world, if only for a moment.
Sound of silence in Fiordland is the perfect break from busy lives
Experiencing peace and quiet - if only for a moment - in Fiordland’s Doubtful Sound.
2023 travel tips, advice and hottest destinations from experts and industry insiders
Need some advice and inspiration for your 2023 travels? Then ask the experts...
Inside New York's celebrity-studded castle hotel and other Long Island hot-spots
There's much more to Long Island what TV sitcoms have shown us.
Sir John Key reveals his favourite NZ hidden gems, love of Antarctic exploration
Former Prime Minister shares his favourite holiday memories.
'Many stories': Perth's best walking tours and museums
There's more to Perth than meets the eye but you might need a local to help you uncover it
Lady of the lake's birthday cruise: TSS Earnslaw turns 110
A birthday party for the grand old lady of the lake celebrated heritage and the future.
Michael Palin on lockdown inspiration; travel to North Korea, Iraq
The Monty Python star talks to Herald Travel about his new book Into Iraq.
Brooklyn's Ace card: The coolest hotel to stay in New York's coolest borough
Trendy hotel chain's Brooklyn outpost is the ideal spot for a breather from Manhattan.
'Keen to move on and rebuild': Why now is the perfect time to visit Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has been through a rough time and tourism plays a key role in its recovery.
Waking up in the city that never sleeps: What's new in New York?
New York is back and buzzier than ever, and now just one direct flight away from Auckland.
Watch: Six60 Rise Up for stunning Manhattan rooftop performance
The band performed at sunset to invited VIPs.
'Welcome to New York': Air NZ's inaugural direct flight touches down at JFK
The much-anticipated new direct service has landed in New York for the first time.
Next stop NYC: Air New Zealand's inaugural Auckland to JFK flight takes off
Celebrations were in full swing at Auckland Airport as NZ2 got ready for take off.