1413 days ago

Is Hokitika the friendliest town in NZ?

Lorna Thornber Reporter from Stuff Travel

Hi everyone,
Hokitika has been named the most welcoming town in NZ in Booking.com's 10th annual Traveller Review Awards.
Would be keen to hear from those who live there or who have visited whether they think the town really is exceptionally friendly. What makes it a welcoming place, or otherwise? Were there any cafes, restaurants, shops or other places you received a particularly warm welcome?
Lake Tekapo and Oamaru came in second and third place respectively, followed by Cambridge, Picton, Invercargill, Martinborough, Kerikeri and Palmerston North. Would also love to hear from you if you have thoughts on these places. Please include 'NFP' (not for publication) in your comment if you don't want it to appear in a travel article.
Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts?

More messages from your neighbours
1 hour ago

Poll: Are Kiwis allergic to “exuberance”? 🥝

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

In The Post’s opinion piece on the developments set to open across Aotearoa in 2026, John Coop suggests that, as a nation, we’re “allergic to exuberance.”

We want to know: Are we really allergic to showing our excitement?

Is it time to lean into a more optimistic view of the place we call home? As big projects take shape and new opportunities emerge, perhaps it’s worth asking whether a little more confidence (and enthusiasm!) could do us some good.

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Are Kiwis allergic to “exuberance”? 🥝
  • 0% Yes
    0% Complete
  • 0% Maybe?
    0% Complete
  • 0% No
    0% Complete
0 votes
1 hour ago

Appeal for information following bar stabbing: Wellington

The Team from Wellington District Police

Police are investigating a stabbing at an Allen Street bar in Wellington in the early hours of Saturday morning.

At around 1:30am on Saturday, Police were called to the Ace of Spades bar following reports a man had been stabbed.

The stabbing allegedly occurred during an altercation involving a small number of patrons.
The victim was stabbed in the abdomen and sustained serious injuries.
Bar security staff separated the parties and provided immediate aid to the victim.
He remains in hospital in a stable condition.

Police would like to speak to anyone who witnessed the altercation at 1:30am on Saturday 13 December, as well as anybody may have video footage of the incident.
Additionally, we’d like to speak with anyone who has information regarding those involved in this altercation.

If you are able to assist, please contact Police via 105, either over the phone or online, and reference file number 251213/4525.
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

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7 days ago

Poll: Are our Kiwi summer holidays helping us recharge, or holding the economy back? ☀️🥝

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

There’s growing debate about whether New Zealand’s extended Christmas break (and the slowdown that comes with it) affects productivity.

Tracy Watkins has weighed in ... now it’s your turn. What’s your take? 🤔

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Are our Kiwi summer holidays helping us recharge, or holding the economy back? ☀️🥝
  • 73.2% We work hard, we deserve a break!
    73.2% Complete
  • 15.7% Hmm, maybe?
    15.7% Complete
  • 11.2% Yes!
    11.2% Complete
1192 votes