1856 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.

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6 hours ago

The Whangārei Monthly Crafts Market is Back!

Kristi from Tikipunga

Join us for a vibrant celebration of local creativity at the Whangārei Crafts Market!

🗓 Sunday 29 March 2026
⏰ 9:00am – 1:00pm
📍 Reyburn House Art Studio, Town Basin
🎟 FREE ENTRY

Come along and support talented local artists, makers and creative entrepreneurs. You’ll discover:

✨ Handmade arts & crafts
✨ Pickles, jams & homemade goodies
✨ Crocheted treasures & baby clothes
✨ Blankets, toys & soaps
✨ Jewellery & unique gifts
✨ T-shirts and so much more

This is your chance to shop local, connect with our creative community, and enjoy a relaxed Sunday morning by the water at the Town Basin.

Bring your friends, bring your whānau, and help us support local artists and crafters.

#WhangareiCraftsMarket #ShopLocalNZ #SupportLocalArtists #NorthlandEvents #CreativeCommunity

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6 hours ago

Northland Pasifika Fusion Festival - Saturday, 7 March 2026,10:00am - 3:00pm, Kensington Sports Park

Kristi from Tikipunga

Get ready, whānau! We’re celebrating 11 incredible years of culture, connection, and community at the Northland Pasifika Fusion Festival, and this year’s theme says it all:
✨ “Nurturing Our Cultures by Strengthening Our Health.” ✨
Join us for a vibrant day filled with:

🌴 Cultural performances
🥥 Pasifika food and flavours
🎶 Music, dance, and storytelling
🤝 Community pride and connection
💙 Health, wellbeing, and whānau-focused activities
Let’s honour our Pasifika roots, celebrate our diversity, and uplift the wellbeing of our people together.
Save the date, bring the aiga, and be part of something beautiful.
🌺 Pacific pride. Northland heart. 🌺
📅 When: Saturday, 7 March 2026 | 10:00am - 3:00pm
📍 Where: Kensington Sports Park, 97 Kensington Ave, Whangārei
💰 Entry: FREE
👉 More info: FALE Pasifika

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K
6 hours ago

Looking for a Stall at Tikipunga Market?

Kristi from Tikipunga

Please TEXT ONLY to Lynne on 021 189 6571 at the Tikipunga Market located at Water Street for next 5-6 months. If you need to book a stall.

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