Fun to have home and away
It’s been another big week of news for travellers, with Monday’s announcement that the Cook Islands bubble is set to inflate on May 17, enabling Kiwis to visit the islands without having to quarantine. The two-way travel arrangement has been in the works for a long time but, it has to be said, the timing is pretty dreamy.
Just as the chilly southerlies begin their annual sweep through the country, we’ll have the ability to head off on an island holiday, soaking up the sun on palm-fringed beaches before going for a swim in warm waters.
No doubt Rarotonga and Aitutaki are already on your radar. But there’s another destination to add to your list Atiu, the third-largest island in the Cooks. Also known as Enuamanu, which means ‘‘land of the birds’’, this sparsely populated island is a true eco-lovers’ paradise.
But as travel writer Pamela Wade found, there are still many human friends to be made. Read about her experience on pages 34-35.
We understand that for many Kiwis, it will take some time before they feel comfortable travelling beyond our shores.
And even if you don’t plan to dust off your passport anytime soon, we here at Stuff Travel will still have you covered, with our team continuing to scout out the best experiences on offer at home.
On pages 30-31, travel writer Mary de Ruyter gets back to nature by exploring two high-country stations at opposite ends of Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown, in an experience that she says left her feeling ‘‘rejuvenated and recharged’’.
I felt the same way myself after I went on my first wellness retreat, which you can read about on page 38.
Going without my beloved chocolate and sugar-laden snacks was a totally new experience for this junk food junkie.
But I was amazed at how good I felt at the end of it. While I would usually come back from a weekend away feeling exhausted, this time I felt refreshed and energised, after three days of healthy eating, light exercise, and a whole lot of relaxation.
The other women on the retreat agreed it was so nice to have some precious time to themselves, to not have to think about anything, or plan or do the dishes. So, to all those busy mums out there this Mother’s Day, you should definitely consider going on one.
Sure, breakfast in bed is nice. . . but a holiday that lets you invest in your own health and happiness is even nicer.