Serendipity just around the corner
For me, one of the most satisfying things about travelling is stumbling across what seem to be undiscovered gems, tucked away from well-trodden tourist sites.
Headlining attractions are famous for good reason, but what really gets me going are the local dives and ‘‘mom and pop’’ joints often overlooked by guidebooks.
The places that never get the credit they deserve.
I’ve been lucky enough to happen across a few of these hidden treasures. There was the standing-only noodle house and subterranean karaoke bar off the main drag in Osaka, the charming canteen in Budapest’s Jewish Quarter serving old-school Hungarian cuisine, and the pub in Slovakia pouring pints for pocket change. Most recently, on an adventure hopping between restaurants and wineries around Central Otago, I found my own little slice of paradise while trying to escape a rain shower in not-so-secret Arrowtown.
Terra Mia might not be the best-known Italian spot in the former gold-rush village, but it could certainly be the most authentic.
It was here, sitting at tables draped with red and white checkerboard cloth, that we enjoyed pillow-soft cannoli and ricotta-filled sfogliatelle from the pastry cabinet, and hot Italian coffee in cups with handles built for exceptionally small digits.
Another cannoli order followed, leading to a conversation with the owner and the pleasant discovery that the kitchen serves hot meals from midday.
I found my own little slice of paradise while trying to escape a rain shower in not-so-secret Arrowtown.
With no other lunch plans we made a booking and returned hours later to wolf down crab linguine, parmesan arancini balls, and light, chewy and blistered Napoletanastyle pizza.
This week, Brook Sabin and Radha Engling look into the secrets of the Central North Island, or what they call ‘‘a volcanic wonderland full of hidden gems’’. On pages 48-49 you can follow their adventure exploring bush escapes, secret glow-worm canyons, a tea plantation and one of the most isolated hot springs in New Zealand.
On page 43, Kim Webby attempts to track down the singing angel of eastern Bay of Plenty, and on page 51, Andrew Bain rounds up six undiscovered highlights of Australia’s island state, including a legendary surf spot and pockets of rainforest. Happy exploring.