2025

We spent a week in Christchurch in late October, just as the Southern Hemisphere was turning green for spring, and the city delighted us at every turn. For most Americans who think of Christchurch at all, it’s only vaguely tied to the earthquake of 2011—but this week-long visit revealed so much more: a cool vibe, exciting modern architecture rising amid the rebuild, pockets of surviving heritage, and lush parks everywhere. It’s no exaggeration that Christchurch earns its nick

If you’re lucky enough to have friends who live in Sydney, chances are they’ll tell you that one of their favorite beach getaways is Byron Bay — a short flight north to the Gold Coast Airport followed by a 40-minute drive south through rolling green hills dotted with banana and macadamia plantations. We were there in late September, the start of Australia’s spring, and it was already warm enough for shorts and T-shirts. The days were long and sunny, with that soft, golden lig

Auckland, on New Zealand’s North Island, is often the first stop for international travelers before ultimately hopping down to the South Island to explore its jaw-dropping natural beauty. While it may not be the most beautiful city we’ve visited, in our opinion it is well worth a couple of days of exploration. Dig a little beneath the surface, and Auckland reveals itself as a city of layered history, vibrant neighborhoods, and unexpected charms. A City Built on Volcanoes Home