Here's what's trending in travel this week. Photo / 123rf
Here's what's trending in travel this week. Photo / 123rf
Each week in Travel, we check out some of the latest happenings from Aotearoa and beyond to inspire your next adventure.
Intrepid’s new guidebooks
You don’t have to worry about your next itinerary because Intrepid Travel just launched a new series of guidebooks called Intrepid Guides, inspired by its locally led, experience-rich travel style. The first three editions focus on Japan, Iceland and Australia, encouraging travellers to connect meaningfully with destinations through immersive experiences – like crossing Australia by train or sampling sushi in Japanese fish markets. Unlike traditional destination-based guidebooks, these are organised by themes such as Food and Drink, Culture, Wildlife, and Responsible Travel.
The guides aim to inspire ethical and conscious exploration and follow Intrepid’s 2024 debut book, The Intrepid List. This release marks the next phase of the brand’s storytelling journey in partnership with Hardie Grant Explore. The guides are now available online and in major bookstores in Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Canada and the US. Editions for Vietnam and Italy are planned for this year. intrepidaustralia.lnk.to/0z7XwF
As part of its 40th birthday, SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium gives the centre stage to turtles in a shell-ebration perfect for the school holiday. Little adventurers can grab their Turtle Rescue patrol booklet and dive into the world of marine turtle conservation from April 12 to 27.
Families are invited to learn about the conservation work happening at the aquarium’s on-site Turtle Hospital through turtle talks, interactive exhibits and artefact displays. Beyond the turtles, guests can wander through icy penguin habitats, shark tunnels, and dive into new virtual-reality pods for a digital splash into sunken worlds. Tickets: $45 for adults, $32 for kids, free for the littlest swimmers under 2. visitsealife.com/auckland/tickets-passes/experiences/vr-experience
SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s continues 40th-anniversary celebrations with Turtle-tastic school holiday fun.
Fiji’s first speakeasy bar
Fiji’s luxury bar scene has a bold new addition with the opening of Cellar and Barrel at Sheraton Fiji Golf and Beach Resort. Located beside the resort’s Island 619 restaurant, this first-of-its-kind speakeasy bar invites guests into a world of fine wine, rare whisky and artisan cocktails. The venue is split into two elegant spaces: a curated walk-in wine cellar and an ambient, dimly lit whisky lounge.
With over 300 global labels on offer, visitors can savour a range of experiences, from the Cellar Elite wine tasting paired with gourmet platters, to the Barrel Craft speakeasy featuring bespoke wall art and a chandelier inspired by whisky distillation. For an extra-special touch, guests can also get personal whisky lockers with engraved nameplates, perfect for returning guests. cellarandbarrelfiji.com
Sheraton Fiji Golf and Beach Resort opens Cellar and Barrell speakeasy bar.
Surf and arts festival returns
Flotsam Festival 2025 returns to the Gold Coast from May 1-14, bringing 14 days of surf, film, photography, music and creative culture across Coolangatta, Kirra, Tugun, Currumbin, Palm Beach and Burleigh. This year boasts an expanded programme featuring new venues, emerging talent showcases, exclusive exhibitions, film screenings, workshops and live performances, all celebrating surf culture and coastal creativity.
Highlights include the free Flotsam Block Party, the new Flotsam Immerse Hub at Kirra Beach, and eco-conscious events like Flotsam Oceans with Surfrider Foundation. The festival also premieres Women and the Wind, and launches exhibitions from legends like Tony Harrington and Richard Harvey. With a mix of free and low-cost events, Flotsam champions established and rising artists. Check the full programme details at flotsamfestival.com.au.
Celebrate Gold Coast's rich surf culture for two weeks straight.
New reef itinerary
Starting June 1, Captain Cook Cruises Fiji will launch a refreshed Reef and Island Day Sail itinerary featuring the stunning Kadavu Lailai private beach and reef in the Mamanucas, plus an optional excursion to the Treasure Sand Bar. The cruise departs daily from Denarau Marina, taking guests on a sailing adventure with five hours of island activities, including snorkelling, diving, paddleboarding, kayaking, nature walks and beach volleyball.
Guests can join coral planting and reef monitoring through the cruise’s Build a Reef citizen science programme and earn an eco-certificate. Two on-board marine biologists will lead snorkelling tours, glass-bottom boat trips and engaging marine talks. The package includes a tropical BBQ lunch, drinks, cultural entertainment and round-trip hotel transfers. Guests can also choose spa treatments, premium drinks, PADI diving and celebration packages. Captain Cook Cruises continues to lead marine science tourism in Fiji with this enhanced, hands-on island experience. captaincookcruisesfiji.com
Shake up your reef vacation with this new itinerary.
