ESCAPES

Despite the mild temperatures and abundance of rain we’ve experienced over the autumn months, there’s no denying that winter will soon be at our doorsteps.

Cooler temperatures and longer nights lend themselves to a little wanderlust, and there are so many options just a short drive or flight away waiting to be explored. If you’re dreaming of a much-needed escape, here’s a little inspiration for your next getaway, both close to home and a little farther away.

Melbourne

Sophisticated, stylish, free-spirited: Melbourne has long been regarded as Australia's cultural capital. There's certainly no shortage of unique things to do in the city, with its diverse cultures, globally celebrated art and architecture and vibrant music, food and comedy scenes. The ideal Melbourne trip samples some of the world-class art (be it laneway, gallery or studio), its famed coffee and cuisine, as well as does serious damage to one’s credit card in some of the CBD’s world-class shopping destinations.

The NGV is Australia's oldest pre-eminent public art museum, and arguably the hub of culture in Melbourne. With two separate wings –the Ian Potter Centre at the iconic

Federation Square and the International Gallery across the river – there’s certainly no shortage of creativity to take in, and their regular international exhibitions are worth the trip across the ditch alone.

Another must-do is The Queen Vic Market, which was officially opened in 1878 and today is one of the city’s most vibrant community centres, with entire halls dedicated to organic produce, meats, cheeses and artisan wares.

And, in the wintertime, it turns into a night market with plenty of incredible street food to indulge in, so take a puffer jacket and hit the streets after dark.

Waiheke Island

So close to Auckland but far enough away that the stress literally melts away the minute you board the ferry en route, Waiheke Island isn’t just for tourists. Home to an array of beautiful beaches, great dining spots and awardwinning vineyards, the island is purported to be always four degrees warmer than the CBD, making it an all-year-round destination and a great place for a weekend getaway.

Top spots include Mudbrick Vineyard for wine tastings and The Oyster Inn and Tantalus Estate for long lunches and fabulous dinners, with accommodation that ranges from cosy Airbnbs to super luxe villas depending on your budget. So whether you’re wanting to walk around the stunning coastal headlands, tour your way through the many vineyards or simply relax and do nothing at all, Waiheke is just 35 minutes from the city and waiting to welcome you with open arms.

Raglan

If you’re a fan of quietly cool surf towns with plenty of excellent restaurants and cafes, then Raglan is the perfect holiday spot for you. With a relaxed vibe and known for its black sand Ngarunui Beach and the long surf break at Manu Bay, it’s the ideal destination for getting away from it all while still being able to grab an excellent cup of coffee when and where needed.

In addition, just a 15-minute drive from the centre of Raglan is Bridal Veil/Waireinga Falls, a beautiful spot to go exploring for a few hours on crisp, sunny days. Waireinga means leaping waters, referring to wairua (spirits) leaping the great height of the waterfall. Waireinga is also spiritually known by tangata whenua to be occupied by patupaiarehe (fairies) who are the kaitiaki (or guardians) of the area. It’s a pretty special spot, so allow a few hours to walk and soak up the atmosphere.

Or, if you’re feeling even more active, grab a kayak or SUP and paddle out to the unique pancake rocks in Raglan Harbour. These limestone formations are only accessible by water and well worth the trip both for the photo opps and blowing away the cobwebs of city life.

Queenstown

No longer just the adrenaline capital of New Zealand, modern Queenstown is most definitely more than just skydiving, burgers and bars.

If you’re feeling the need to reset after the tumult of the last few years, you can’t go past a week long retreat at awardwinning Aro Hā near Glenorchy for a totally transformative experience. Designed to regenerate your body and mind, the programmes are based on research that suggests we can fundamentally transform our physical and emotional health through our daily habits. The Aro Ha wellness team is second to none and, rest assured, you won’t go hungry!

With a quirky cool vibe all its own, The Sherwood midway between Frankton and Queenstown is a great place to base yourself in the fun- loving town. Its eco-chic guest rooms traverse the humble luxury of a lakeside studio to the comfort of a one or two bedroom apartment, and you’ll find the sheltered central garden perfect for sun drenched breakfasts and late afternoon cocktails. The surrounding bike track and kitchen gardens are fun to explore before you hit the restaurant for some of Queenstown’s most inspiring fare. The kitchen specialises in fresh, seasonal soul food harvested from its own kitchen gardens, orchards and surrounding farms – while the bar team curates an ever-changing selection of independent craft beers, fine natural wines and rare artisanal spirits.

Sydney

Hands down one of my favourite cities, Sydney never disappoints. I’ve spent time there as a teenager with family, as a twenty-something entranced by its big city vibes, and many years since for both work and play. And on every visit I discover something new to get excited about, and always leave promising to come back well before another year is out.

Pitt Street Mall comes highly recommended if you’re looking to give your credit card a workout, whether your budget veers towards international chain stores, small boutiques or big luxury names like Hermès, Prada and Fendi. Another spot I like to stop by is The Intersection, named after its location at the corner of Paddington’s Oxford Street and Glenmore Road.

Clustered on and around two of Sydney’s chicest retail strips, it’s home to the best Australian fashion designers in town, alongside airy cafes and galleries. It’s a great place to check out all your favourite Australian labels, then collapse in iconic Jackie’s cafe for wellearned sushi and cocktails. (HELENE

RAVLICH)