Savoury crayfish eclairs and other iconic NZ eats you must try at least once

Food lovers in search of a quick bite or a special meal out in Auckland, New Zealand, have a new source of inspiration, thanks to the Iconic Auckland Eats 2025 list of top 100 dishes. The list celebrates the best flavours and must-eat dishes Auckland has to offer - all nominated and voted for by the public - including bakery goods, market stalls and food truck fare, cafe eats and meals from fine-dining restaurants. The list includes the likes of Dragon's Beard Candy from Jia Qi Sweets and savoury crayfish eclairs from landmark restaurant Onslow. aucklandnz.com/iconic-eats

Travel to Asia continues to surge, according to the Australian Travel Industry Association's latest Travel Trends Report. In May, destinations including Vietnam (with nearly 30 per cent growth), Japan and China led the upswing, reinforcing Asia as the region of choice for many Australian travellers. Japan had the strongest growth for the full year to May, with 34 per cent more Aussies heading there.

New campgrounds and improved track sections have zhuzhed up the 32-kilometre Light to Light Walk in Beowa National Park (near Eden) - a great excuse to explore the wild beauty of this nook of the NSW Far South Coast, with red cliffs, sheltered coves and dense eucalypt forests. Do the entire walk over three days and stay along the way at the two new purpose-built campgrounds at Mowarry Point and Hegartys Bay, or try smaller sections on a half- or full-day walk, such as the new seven-kilometre track from Bittangabee Bay to Green Cape, taking walkers to rock platforms. nationalparks.nsw.gov.au

Train travel is booming as more people turn to slower, more climate-conscious travel. Since launching its rail offerings in 2024, Intrepid Travel has had a 24 per cent year-on-year increase in bookings. The tour company has launched six new train trips, including Kenya by Rail: Trains, Safari and Beaches; Malaysia's Jungle Railway; China & Laos: Kunming to Bangkok by Rail; and a trip to northern Sweden. intrepidtravel.com