WHERE I’D RATHER BE . . .

DOMESTIC

Popping to Queenstown for the Luma Southern Light Project, a free public event over Queen’s Birthday Weekend showcasing a curated collection of stunning light sculptures and installations. luma.nz

Eating: Goat’s cheese profiteroles with honey and rosemary at Josh Emett’s Rata, an award-winning restaurant that has become a Queenstown institution. ratadining.co.nz

Drinking: A cocktail overlooking Lake Wakatipu at Reds Bar, a classy, cool space at the new QT hotel. redsbar.co.nz

Staying: At Penthouse No. 10, at the Sofitel Queenstown Hotel and Spa, which has reopened after a $2 million renovation. sofitel-queenstown.com

SHORT HAUL

Tripping the light fantastic across the Ditch at Vivid Sydney, the epic annual festival of light, music and illuminating ideas, with events held across the city. vividsydney.com

Eating: A light brunch at Chippendale’s Concrete Jungle, a newly-opened cafe favoured by the healthy, clean-eating brigade. concretejunglecafe.com

Drinking: A Spritz at This Must Be the Place, a small bar in Darlinghurst which Timeout.com named the best bar in Sydney. tmbtp.com.au

Staying: At the five-star hotel that is likely to have the best view of all the Vivid action, the Park Hyatt, close to the Harbour Bridge with a view of the Opera House. sydney. park.hyatt.com

MID HAUL

Checking out the nightly show, A Symphony of Lights in Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour, named the World’s Largest Permanent Light and Sound Show by Guinness World Records. discoverhongkong.com

Eating: Breakfast at Cafe 100 by The Ritz Carlton at sky100, the city’s highest observation deck 393m above sea level. sky100.com.hk

Drinking: At Aqua Hong Kong, a penthouse bar and restaurant with unbeatable views of the nightly harbour symphony. aqua.com.hk

Staying: In the Presidential Suite’s infinity spa pool until my fingers wrinkle at the Intercontinental Hong Kong. hongkong-ic.intercontinental. com/en