1883 days ago

NZ's friendliest regions and towns

Lorna Thornber Reporter from Stuff Travel

Hi there,
Canterbury has been named the fifth most welcoming region in the world in the Booking.com Traveller Review Awards, while Oamaru, Hokitika and Invercargill have been named the most welcoming towns in NZ. They were followed by Cambridge, Picton, Lake Tekapo, Kerikeri, Palmerston North, Paihia and Twizel.
We'd be really keen to hear your thoughts on this based on your own travels around New Zealand. Do you think Canterbury is NZ's most welcoming region? And are these our most welcoming towns?
Where in NZ have you been made to feel particularly welcome on your travels?
As usual, please put 'NFP' in your comment if you don't want it to be included in an article. Cheers.

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
28 minutes ago

Away overseas in May! Garden Maintenance 🌿

Sole Trader, Owner, Operator from Amy&Louise Garden Services

Hi neighbours! Just a quick update — if flights aren’t disrupted due to the current fuel situation, I’ll be heading overseas from 6th May to 23rd May 2026 to celebrate a family member’s wedding 💍 and spend some quality time with family.

In the meantime, I’m still actively tending to clients’ gardens across the South & East Auckland areas. If you’re needing any garden maintenance before I head away, feel free to send me a DM 🌿

Thanks so much for your continued support — it’s always appreciated!

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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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