• News

    Just Named the World's Happiest Country, Finland Is Inviting Travellers to Experience a Seven-Day Lakeland Relaxation Retreat

    Topping the happiness charts for the ninth time, Finland is hosting a digital detox made to help you appreciate the art of relaxation.

  • News

    This Just In: Time Magazine Has Revealed Its 'World's Greatest Places' List for 2026 — with One Aussie Surf Stay Making the Cut

    One Australian stay has landed on this landmark annual list, bringing acclaim to a tiny NSW surf community.

  • Feature

    A Short-Stay Guide to Koh Tao — Thailand's Tiny Gulf Escape

    Less about after-dark antics and more for finding your rhythm, Koh Tao blends easygoing charm with elevated experiences above and below the water.

  • News

    A Weekender's Guide to Kangaroo Island

    The South Australian island's wineries, beaches, oyster farms and accommodation are as beautiful as ever.

  • News

    A Weekender's Guide to Queensland's Bundaberg Region

    Watch baby turtles hatch, swim at the Southern Great Barrier Reef, then sample award-winning local gin and rum.

  • News

    A Weekender's Guide To Bowral and the Southern Highlands

    Stay at a country estate, taste locally produced wine and whisky, peruse a whole heap of art and feast at a hatted restaurant — all in just one weekend.

  • News

    The Essential Spring Long Weekender's Guide to Hobart

    For New Zealanders in search of epic adventures, incredible scenery, delicious gastronomy and damn good wine, you don't have to travel far.

  • News

    A Weekender's Guide to Wanaka

    Soak up the very best of 'God's Country'.

  • News

    The Best Glamping Sites Around Australia

    Stay in luxury tents scattered among remote deserts, lush rainforests and tropical islands at these Australian glamping sites.

  • News

    Ten of the Most-Unique and Relaxing Stays You Can Book Around Auckland

    From sprawling rainforest escapes to chic inner-city lofts, Auckland's Airbnb game is set to impress.

  • News

    The Best Places to Go Glamping in New Zealand

    Choose from seaside glamping spots, campsites in the mountains and tents scattered about countryside farms full of roaming sheep.

  • News

    The Most Romantic Places to Stay in Bali When Proposals and Honeymoons Come Calling

    Perfect for those looking to honeymoon or just run away with their special someone.

  • Guide

    The Ten Best Hotels in Brisbane

    Whether you're vacationing or staycationing, this lineup of the top hotels in Brisbane will help you live your best life — fine restaurants, premium spas and rooftop pools for days.

  • News

    Stay of the Week: Hotel Komune Resort and Beach Club

    This stunning Bali resort sits on the black-sand shoreline of Keramas Beach, one of the best surf breaks in the world.

Travel

Get Concrete Playground's take on the latest travel news, events, places and trips
  • Travel & Leisure

    Air New Zealand Has Been Named the World's Safest Airline for 2022

    For the first time since 2013, Qantas didn't take out the top spot.

  • Travel & Leisure

    Ten Epic New Zealand Beaches You Need to Visit at Least Once in Your Life

    Not mentioned: Oriental Bay, Mission Bay and Mount Maunganui.

  • Travel & Leisure

    New Zealand's Three-Step Border Reopening Plan Has Been Pushed Out Until February

    As the threat of the Omicron variant continues to grow, the Government has pushed the country's proposed three-step border reopening plan by at least a month.

  • Travel & Leisure

    Nine Spots Where You Can Camp, Hike and Swim with Your Dog in the North Island

    Check out geothermal attractions, bush tracks and rugged stretches of coastline with your best mate by your side.

  • Travel & Leisure

    NZ Has Announced the Roadmap to Reopening Its Borders to Australia (and the World)

    But don't get too excited just yet — there are still a few rules when you return home.

  • Travel & Leisure

    These Relaxing Summer Escapes Are Still Available to Book If You've Left Planning to the Last Minute

    Don't be that one person left in the city, sadly watching your friend's Instagram stories of the beach.

  • Travel & Leisure

    Australia's Second Movenpick Hotel Has Opened in Melbourne, Complete with Daily Chocolate Hour

    The chain's 172-room CBD site also boasts a dedicated recreation level, chocolate cafe, and modern Asian restaurant and bar.

  • Travel & Leisure
    Auckland

    The Boatshed

    Calming, salt-washed decor and quirky nautical touches will have you feeling like you're on your own private island at this boutique Waiheke hotel.

  • Travel & Leisure
    Wellington

    Ohtel Wellington

    In a prime location close to the action but away from hustle and bustle, this boutique hotel brings a taste of New York to Wellington.

  • Food & Drink
    Wellington

    Naumi Studio Hotel Wellington

    Known for a mesmerising interior decor and a bloody good cocktail list, Naumi exudes Alice in Wonderland meets SoHo.

  • Travel & Leisure
    Wellington

    QT Wellington

    An ideal pick for a weekend getaway or staycation to treat yourself.

  • Travel & Leisure
    Wellington

    The Intrepid Hotel

    This hotel offers a more intimate option for visitors to the capital.

  • Travel & Leisure

    Queensland's Scenic Rim Has Been Named One of the Best Places in the World to Visit in 2022

    It's the only Australian location on the list — but Auckland was named the top city to visit in 2022.

  • Travel & Leisure

    Australia and New Zealand's Trans-Tasman Bubble Will Remain Suspended for Another Eight Weeks

    The pause first started back in July, and will now remain in place until at least mid-November.

  • Travel & Leisure

    The NZ Government Has Mapped Out Its Plan for Reopening Borders to International Travel

    Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced that quarantine-free travel will return in a phased approach once enough New Zealanders are vaccinated.

  • Travel & Leisure

    Australia and New Zealand's Trans-Tasman Bubble Has Been Suspended for At Least Eight Weeks

    With three Australian states currently in lockdown, New Zealand has once again paused quarantine-free travel.

  • Travel & Leisure

    Eleven Natural Hot Springs in New Zealand to Visit This Winter

    Find everything from full-blown commercial operations with poolside bar services and hydroslides, to free spots to soak surrounded by cascading waterfalls.

  • Travel & Leisure

    Quarantine-Free Travel Is Set to Resume Between New Zealand and Some Australian States

    From Sunday, July 4, New Zealand will restart the trans-Tasman bubble with Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania and the ACT.

  • Travel & Leisure

    Quarantine-Free Travel Between Australia and New Zealand Has Been Paused

    New Zealand has suspended the trans-Tasman bubble until at least Tuesday, June 29 due to the growing number of locally acquired COVID-19 cases across Australia.

  • Travel & Leisure

    Quarantine-Free Travel Between NZ and NSW Has Been Paused Due to Sydney's Latest Outbreak

    The suspension has been put in place for 72 hours initially, and will be under constant review.

  • Travel & Leisure

    Quarantine-Free Travel Between New Zealand and Victoria Is Set to Resume

    Almost a month after it was suspended due to the recent COVID-19 cluster, the trans-Tasman travel bubble will reopen to Victoria.

  • Travel & Leisure

    Queensland Is Bringing Back Online Travel Declarations for Interstate and NZ Visitors

    From 1am on Saturday, June 19, anyone travelling to the Sunshine State from another Aussie state or territory, or from NZ, will need to fill out the form.

  • Travel & Leisure

    Five New Boutique Hotels to Inspire Your Next Weekend Getaway

    Book into Auckland's striking brick-clad hotel, Dunedin's new five-star boutique or an eye-catching Queenstown property with a complimentary drinks hour.

  • Travel & Leisure

    Airbnb Wants You and Your Mates to Spend a Year Living in Its Properties for Free

    It's looking for 12 people to spend 12 months hopping between Airbnb rentals — and staying anywhere you like.

  • Travel & Leisure

    Quarantine-Free Travel Between New Zealand and Victoria Has Been Paused

    The New Zealand Government has suspended the travel bubble after five locally acquired COVID-19 cases were identified in Melbourne this week.

  • Travel & Leisure

    A Series of Retro Apres Ski Parties Will Hit Queenstown This July

    Throw on your most vibrant ski suit and dance to nostalgic 80s tunes.

  • Travel & Leisure

    Seven New Zealand Snow Experiences That Aren't Just Skiing or Snowboarding

    From dogsledding to backcountry trekking and driving around a snow-covered race track.

  • Travel & Leisure

    Five Ways to Make Your Winter Trip to Tasmania the Best One Yet

    From winter festivals and scenic walks to whisky distilleries and cosy cocktail bars.

  • Arts & Entertainment

    Hawke's Bay's Roaming Light and Fire Experience Is Returning for Nine Nights

    The interactive walking experience will see animation, augmented reality, projection mapping and roaming performance art dotted across two kilometres.

  • Travel & Leisure

    A Guide to Adrenalin Adventures in New Zealand's Christchurch Region

    You're going to want to throw yourself off a tall structure.

  • Travel & Leisure

    Quarantine-Free Travel Between New Zealand and New South Wales Has Been Paused

    The New Zealand Government has suspended the travel bubble after two locally acquired COVID-19 cases were identified in Sydney this week.

  • Travel & Leisure

    Kiwis Will Be Able to Travel to the Cook Islands Without Quarantining From Mid-May

    Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown confirmed the travel bubble this week.

  • Travel & Leisure

    Ten Epic Mountains in Australia You Should Hike at Least Once in Your Life

    Climb Kosciuszko, conquer Cradle Mountain and scale Mount Sonder for incredible views over the Aussie ocean, bush and desert.

  • Travel & Leisure

    Jetstar Is Launching a Big Sale on Domestic and Trans-Tasman Flights with Fares From $33

    More than 25,000 cheap fares are available, with flights to Aussie starting from $159.

  • Travel & Leisure

    This New High Country Lodge Comes with Six Cocoon-Like Sleeping Pods

    Cosy up under the stars at this new glamping hideaway on the shores of Lake Hawea.

  • Travel & Leisure

    Click Frenzy's Massive 2021 Travel Sale Is Kicking Off Tonight

    Bag bargain deals on airfares, holiday packages, accomodation and more — but only for 53 hours.

  • Travel & Leisure

    New Zealanders Can Now Head to Australia for a Holiday Without Quarantining On Arrival

    The trans-Tasman bubble is now open — this is what you can expect.

  • Arts & Entertainment

    New Zealand's Best Winter Festivals That Will Make You Actually Want to Go Outside

    From slopeside music festivals in Queenstown to solstice celebrations in Wellington, these festivals are made for winter weekenders.

  • Travel & Leisure
    Auckland

    Stay & Kids Go Free

    Book the ultimate family staycation in the heart of the city.

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