Ben Mack

Globe Theatre

Contributor at Freelance

Wannabe wanderer who writes words.

Articles

The Best Daytrips to Take From Every Major City in New Zealand

Jul 31, 2024 | qantas.com | Ben Mack

New Zealand’s famous for its otherworldly landscapes – minted in popular culture by the Lord of the Rings film series – and many of its most picturesque spots are within easy reach of its major cities: Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown. Spanning more than 600 islands – of which the two main ones are the North and South islands – the country offers a wealth of charming towns, world-class fine dining, scenic walking trails, winery-studded islands and more.
Australia by train - Sawubona magazine

Jul 9, 2024 | saasawubona.com | Ben Mack

One of the world’s most beautiful and luxurious rail journeys is in Australia. After flying to Perth, hop aboard the Indian Pacific to explore more of the country together. By: Ben Mack, Images: Journey BeyondAs the red-lipped sky begins opening, so too do one’s eyes. At first, there are the colours of sunrise to take in: vibrant shades of pink, orange, red and lavender, swirling together and seeming to glow. They grow brighter, transforming into a brilliant blue the colour of sapphires.
15 of the Best Things to Do in New Zealand in Winter

Mar 31, 2024 | qantas.com | Ben Mack

Pristine, freshly powdered slopes and the spectacular Southern Lights are just two of the many reasons that winter in New Zealand is so magical. From taking a helicopter to a snow-cloaked mountaintop bar to experiencing cultural festivals like Matariki (the Māori new year) and soaking in hot springs, the colder months are an ideal time to visit. Cold, clear winter nights are the ideal conditions for spotting the elusive aurora australis, also known as the Southern Lights.
9 Amazing Things to Do in Samoa

Mar 12, 2024 | qantas.com | Ben Mack |Anneliese Beard

Uninhabited but for a small cluster of thatched fales (there’s no electricity, either, though it is possible to stay the night), Namu’a Island is ideal for anyone who wants to get off grid. Just off the south-east coast of Upolu, it’s known for swimming and snorkelling among the majestic coral reefs and is home to Satoalepai Turtle Sanctuary, where local villagers raise baby turtles and nurse injured adults back to health before they’re released into the wild.
The Top 4 Things to Do in New Zealand's Mackenzie Region

Feb 13, 2024 | qantas.com | Ben Mack

Big mountains mean big possibilities in the highlands of the South Island. Hollywood film crews have long made the 3.5-hour journey south-west of Christchurch to the cinematic vistas of the Southern Alps. With remarkable landscapes, fine dining and actionpacked activities, this region is anything but a supporting character. Scenic touring Mackenzie’s gently winding roads and mountain views make for stunning driving.
Plan a Long Weekend in Christchurch with These Top Things to Do

Nov 15, 2023 | qantas.com | Ben Mack

Skip to content November 16, 2023By Ben Mack The unexpected is around every leafy corner in the South Island’s biggest city. The thing to do Going for a punt on the Avon River is something that the locals actually do themselves. You’ll float down the ribbon of water on a 30-minute ride through the peaceful Botanic Gardens and the centre of the city in a small, flat-bottomed boat poled by a guide dressed in Edwardian costume.
Antarctica's White Desert Echo Camp is the Glamping Experience of a Lifetime

Nov 2, 2023 | qantas.com | Ben Mack

November 03, 2023By Ben Mack You expect ice and adventure on an expedition to Antarctica. But five-star food? That’s just one of the surprises in store for Ben Mack. “Stand proud and walk confidently!” shouts Philippe, one of three mountain guides waiting nearby as I crawl around a narrow ledge of rock as rough as sandpaper, with solid ice just metres below. The wind is so loud it’s a roar. Feeling faint, I step off the ledge.
Southern Tonic: Rakiura Distilling Company Is Making New Zealand’s Southernmost Gin

Oct 31, 2023 | broadsheet.com.au | Ben Mack

Closer to the South Pole than the equator, Rakiura Stewart Island has never had a legal distillery – as far as distiller Jim Turrell knows. But Rakiura Distilling Co has finally filled that void. “Everything is about celebrating the island,” the company's co-director tells Broadsheet. The distillery launched its first product this June.
Spend the Week Glamping in New Zealand’s North Island Wilderness

Oct 24, 2023 | qantas.com | Ben Mack

Skip to content October 25, 2023By Ben Mack A week glamping by a river in New Zealand’s North Island wilderness is a chance for relaxation, reflection – and adventure. Between us, I don’t know what to expect. The thick, fern-filled forests, narrow valleys, dramatic gorges and rolling fields of the King Country area, in the west of the North Island, were hit by a major cyclone (a rare event in New Zealand) just a week before I’m due to visit.
Southern exposure: New Zealand’s Stewart Island cooks its way through a tourism boom

Sep 16, 2023 | theguardian.com | Ben Mack

Tokyo may be famed for its density of eateries, at 994 restaurants per 100,000 people – but it has nothing on a small island at the foot of New Zealand’s South Island. With seven places to eat regularly and a population of about 400 people, Stewart Island (also known as Rakiura) would have 1,750 eateries per 100,000 people if it was a major international city. But for many locals, being in a tiny town at the bottom of the world is part of the charm.