1514 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 Please include 'NFP' (not for publication) in your comment if you don't want it to appear in a travel article.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 day ago

Poll: Should we ditch daylight saving? 🕰️

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

First introduced in New Zealand in 1927 with the passing of the Summer Time Act, it's what we know as 'Daylight Saving' and this year it ends on the first Sunday in April.

While we do get to sleep in this time around, some people would like to scrap the clock tinkering for good.

And why? Some evidence suggests the time changes are bad for our health as they mess with sleep patterns leading to short-term fatigue and affecting mood. Meanwhile the hour change is frustrating for farmers and a nightmare for getting the littlies to sleep. But what's your take?

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Should we ditch daylight saving? 🕰️
  • 40.5% Yes - get rid of the clock changes
    40.5% Complete
  • 57.6% No, I enjoy it
    57.6% Complete
  • 1.9% Other - I'll share below
    1.9% Complete
1027 votes
3 days ago

Sunday Market at St Johns – Come Say Hi!

Sj Markets

Hi Neighbours !!!!
If you’re looking for an easy, feel-good way to start your Sunday, pop down to the St Johns Market it’s on every week and always worth a visit

Expect plenty to enjoy:
Delicious Food and Drink
Seasonal fruit & veg from local growers
Handmade goodies & crafts
Clothes, toys

It’s a laid-back, welcoming spot to catch up with neighbours, support local, and soak up the community vibe.

Stay connected & get updates:
Facebook
info.sjmarket@gmail.com
0274 671 446

Bring the kids, bring the dog, or just bring yourself and make a morning of it hope to see you there!
7 Allison Ferguson Drive, Auckland Netball Courts
Find out more

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7 days ago

Poll: Are you still heading to your local for your caffeine fix, or has the $$ changed your habits? ☕

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Auckland has a thriving cafe culture, but with costs climbing, that culture is under pressure. We’ve seen the headlines about recent closures across the country, and it’s a tough pill to swallow along with a $6+ coffee.

We all want our favourite spots to stay open, but we also have to balance our own budgets ⚖️

We want to know: How are you handling the "coffee math" in 2026? Are you still heading to your local for a chat and a caffeine fix, or has the cost of living changed your habits?

Keen to read more about "coffee math"? The Post has you covered.

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Are you still heading to your local for your caffeine fix, or has the $$ changed your habits? ☕
  • 42.7% I avoid spending money on coffee
    42.7% Complete
  • 41.1% I still indulge at my local cafe
    41.1% Complete
  • 16.1% Irrelevant - coffee is not for me
    16.1% Complete
372 votes