Two of our very own locations have made it on Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2026, putting NZ on the global map!

The North Island as a whole has made the cut with Wairarapa earning the title of 'Best for bespoke astronomy experiences'.

The annual roundup highlights 50 must-see destinations and experiences around the world, and the NZ region is up there with the big dogs like Japan’s ryokans, The Grand Canyon in the US, and the Amazon in Peru.

Lonely Planet described Wairarapa as "the stellar wine region you’ve probably never heard of" with "world-class wine, pristine night skies, storied country towns and wild, empty beaches".

“By day, Wairarapa offers award-winning food and wine, boutique shopping, outdoor adventures and charming towns with plenty of accommodation options. At night, visitors can step outside and marvel at the pristine skies or join guided tours led by expert local astronomers,” Lonely Planet added.

In 2023, parts of the region were officially recognised as a dark sky sanctuary, one of only 22 in the world.

The North Island has also been recognised as the 'Best for cultural tourism that gives back'.

Lonely Planet says it's largely "due to te ao Māori (the Māori worldview), which emphasises concepts like kaitiakitanga (guardianship and protection of the environment) and manaakitanga (caring for others) while focusing on relationships, including those between ancestors and future generations."

So if you've not had Wairarapa on your travel list, it should probably be on your radar.