Sarah Pollok

Auckland

Travel Writer at New Zealand Herald

Travel writer at @NZHerald ✨ always with a coffee, never without a deadline ✉️ [email protected]

Articles

Bali travel: What it’s like trying the spiritual ritual of Melukat

1 week ago | nzherald.co.nz | Sarah Pollok

The Melukat Purification Ceremony at Pura Mengening in Bali. Photo / Sarah PollokFrom sacred ritual to viral Instagram trend, Bali’s Melukat water blessing is more than just a tourist attraction – if you do it right, writes Sarah PollokI’ve done many things in the name of spiritual wellbeing but plunging my head under 12 consecutive waterfalls in the middle of the jungle is certainly one of the more unusual ones.
Wellness retreats and travel: Why do New Zealand travellers love it?

2 weeks ago | nzherald.co.nz | Sarah Pollok

A mature couple doing the cross-legged, seated pose while sitting with their eyes closed outside during yoga practice. Wellness tourism is booming, but why? Photo / GettyWellness retreats and experiences can offer immediate benefits, but lasting peace and wellbeing may require more than a getaway or yoga class. I was an earnest wellness devotee long before becoming a travel journalist, a job that has provided a front-row seat to the explosion of wellness tourism.
A weekend of wellness in Sydney: Best healthy cafes, spas, facialists and studios

3 weeks ago | nzherald.co.nz | Sarah Pollok

Boat ride in Sydney Harbor next to the bridge Enjoy the wellness mecca that is Sydney, Australia. Photo / SuppliedBrimming with ambition and blessed with a balmy climate, it’s no surprise Sydney has cultivated a thriving wellness scene. Here is how to make the most of it during a quick trip to the city, writes Sarah PollokDAY 1Holidays mean sleeping in, so I begin the first morning with a lazy lie-in and breakfast at the hotel.
Bali tourist instantly deported for breaking specific hiking rule

1 month ago | newstalkzb.co.nz | Sarah Pollok

Hiking up Bali’s Mt Agung or Mt Batur are popular tourist bucket-list items, offering challenging trails with spectacular island views. There’s just one catch; unlike the trails in New Zealand, it is illegal for visitors to attempt these climbs without a registered local guide. A tourist has been deported from Bali after he attempted to hike Mt Agung without a guide and deceived officials about the plan.
Bali tourist instantly deported for breaking specific hiking rule

1 month ago | nzherald.co.nz | Sarah Pollok

Sunrise treks up Mt Batur or Mt Agung are popular in Bali. Photo / 123rfHiking up Bali’s Mt Agung or Mt Batur are popular tourist bucket-list items, offering challenging trails with spectacular island views. There’s just one catch; unlike the trails in New Zealand, it is illegal for visitors to attempt these climbs without a registered local guide. A tourist has been deported from Bali after he attempted to hike Mt Agung without a guide and deceived officials about the plan.
More big spenders, fewer cheap travellers tourism 2024 reveals

1 month ago | nzherald.co.nz | Sarah Pollok

A new report reveals data from tourism in 2024. Photo / Tourism New ZealandThe vision of more high-spending visitors and fewer cheap travellers seems to be eventuating according to new data from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. International tourism was the second-highest export earner in 2024 and generated $12.2 billion (up 23% compared to 2023), according to a tourism data release by the ministry (MBIE).
Air New Zealand launches new wine line Thirteen Forty Five

1 month ago | newstalkzb.co.nz | Sarah Pollok

Air New Zealand has released its first two custom-made wines under its new label, Thirteen Forty Five, which feature sleek purple and white designs. The two varietals are a sauvignon blanc and pinot noir, created in collaboration with Villa Maria from Indevin Group. The labels have a minimalist design, forgoing the popular koru or an aviation-related symbol for an embossed symbol of what appears to be a splash of wine.
Young Kiwis more likely to dream of moving abroad than Aussies

1 month ago | nzherald.co.nz | Sarah Pollok

A survey by Southern Cross Travel Insurance found most Kiwis were interested in living abroad for a long stint. Photo / 123rfKiwis are more likely than Australians to consider moving abroad to work and live according to a recent study. Most (75%) Kiwis aged 18-44 years old would consider living and working overseas for three months or longer, compared to 65% of Australians surveyed. Of all Kiwis, almost a third (29%) said they were “definitely” considering moving.
Air New Zealand launches new wine line Thirteen Forty Five

1 month ago | nzherald.co.nz | Sarah Pollok

The label currently includes a sauvignon blanc and pinot noir. Photo / SuppliedAir New Zealand has released its first two custom-made wines under its new label, Thirteen Forty Five, which feature sleek purple and white designs. The two varietals are a sauvignon blanc and pinot noir, created in collaboration with Villa Maria from Indevin Group. The labels have a minimalist design, forgoing the popular koru or an aviation-related symbol for an embossed symbol of what appears to be a splash of wine.
Kiwi to swim Cook Strait to raise money for Ovarian Cancer New Zealand

2 months ago | nzherald.co.nz | Sarah Pollok

Inspired by his close friend’s cancer journey, Nick Edwards will swim across Cook Strait in March to raise money for ovarian cancer. He speaks to the Herald’s Sarah Pollok ahead of the endeavour. A Kiwi deputy principal plans to swim across the Cook Strait in March to raise funds for Ovarian Cancer Foundation New Zealand after being inspired by a close friend who received a stage 3 diagnosis.