There's so much to explore in and near New Zealand. Photo / Museums Victoria
There's so much to explore in and near New Zealand. Photo / Museums Victoria
Each week in Travel, we check out some of the latest happenings from Aotearoa and beyond to inspire your next adventure
Be an ant for a day
They may be small, but don’t be fooled - the ant is much grander than you think. The elaborate ecosystem built by these small but incredible insects is waiting to be explored at Melbourne Museum. The museum’s new Antopia exhibit offers guests a unique opportunity to be an ant for a day. Incorporating an immersive digital experience built on a kaleidoscope of multisensory installations, interactive projections, atmospheric soundscapes and stunning imagery, Antopia grants visitors a way to discover the hidden world beneath our feet. Wander through the exhibit like a true ant, using your senses to follow the pheromone trails and learn about the inner workings of the insect’s home, behaviour and life. This brilli-ant exhibition opened December 14, and is on until March 10, 2025. Check out the additional ant-themed events and activities offered as part of the Antopia exhibition at museumsvictoria.com.au
Discover the inner workings of an ant colony at the new Antopia exhibition. Photo / Museums Victoria
Can’t get to Queenstown during the summer break? Let Queenstown come to you instead. The famed household board game, MONOPOLY has released a MONOPOLY: Queenstown Edition, as a special tribute to one of New Zealand’s most beloved and picturesque destinations. The Queenstown edition features Queenstown’s iconic locations and experiences, so be ready to buy, sell, and trade some seriously famous landmarks and attractions, such as the world-renowned Skyline Gondola, stunning Walter Peak High Country Farm and Shotover Jet. The rules stay the same, but the classic tokens are replaced by custom Queenstown tokens, representing the best experiences, like a gondola, jet boat, and miniature skier. In time for the holidays, MONOPOLY: Queenstown Edition is now available at Kmart stores in Queenstown, Riccarton Christchurch, Papanui, Dunedin, and Invercargill, as well as special pop-up stores in Eatspace and O’Connells Mall, and online for $69.95. queenstownchamber.org.nz
Play the new MONOPOLY: Queenstown Edition with your whole family. Photo / Supplied
All roads lead to summer
The reopening of Kenepuru Road is leading summer travellers to one of Marlborough Sounds’ most popular accommodations, Portage Resort. The road was closed for two years due to storm damage but reopened this week, offering full access to the natural beauty and tranquillity of the Marlborough Sounds. The reopened road goes hand-in-hand with the newly refreshed Portage Resort, which is now offering an enhanced experience thanks to Snapper Bar and Eatery, 42 improved hotel rooms, premium dining experiences, and outdoor activities, such as hiking, kayaking, and luxury picnics in the pristine landscapes of the Marlborough Sounds. portageresort.co.nz
The Kenepuru road reopening has made Portage Resort more accessible this summer
Say ‘hey’ to quiet travel
Heyscape have expanded its premium accommodation offerings by opening three new off-grid cabins in Denmark town, Western Australia. Situated on a paddock facing William Bay on Raintree at the Dam, the quiet location is perfect for those looking to reconnect with nature. Picture towering karri gum trees, white sand, turquoise blue waters, striking granite rocks and unique Western Australian wildlife. The three new cabins, Sand, Salt, and Sea are all unique, with different views of the surrounding landscape and ocean. For quiet explorers and nature lovers, you can explore the Bibbulmun Track, Munda Biddi Trail or the William Bay National Park. For foodies, dine at the Dam Restaurant at Raintree, or if you’re an adventurer, try surf lessons and kayaking. And if all of that sounds too busy, recuperate at the Little Temple Spa. heyscape.com.au/explore/our-locations/denmark
Salt cabin at Heyscape Denmark. Photo / Heyscap Denmark
There’s no need to choose between NZ’s must-dos
If you can’t decide between cruising through Milford Sound or walking the Milford Track this summer, Milford Sound cruise company Southern Discoveries has conveniently combined the two iconic attractions in a one-day experience. The Milford Sound Cruise and Milford Track excursion mixes a scenic cruise of Milford Sound with a self-guided walk on the world-famous Milford Track. The cruise company has partnered with Milford Sound track transport operator Fiordland Outdoors to run the trips, which will run throughout the peak Fiordland season (October - May). With this combined tour, guests will have three to four hours to walk the trail independently with Fiordland Outdoors before hopping on a two-hour nature cruise in the fiord with Southern Discoveries. With the joined forces of two travel experts and the beauty of two of New Zealand’s best must-dos, this tour is a treat for nature lovers. southerndiscoveries.co.nz
Southern Discoveries and Fiordland Outdoors has teamed up to offer the new Milford Sound Cruise and Milford Track excursion. Photo / Southern Discoveries
