Whether you’re chasing glacier hikes, boutique wine tastings, or epic coastal campervan routes, New Zealand delivers the ultimate bucket-list escape.

From towering peaks to ancient subtropical rainforests, fiords and lakes to steaming geothermal valleys, New Zealand packs a lot of variety into its two islands.

Whether setting out on a hike or white water rafting, its scenery is an invitation to adventure, while vibrant cities and rich Māori culture complete the experience.

The travel experts at Flight Centre have hiked the glaciers, skydived over the Southern Alps of Queenstown, and dined on the beach among sea lions and penguins. So it’s no wonder they can put together the perfect trip for you. How about the ultimate campervan route, a scenic flight in a private plane or luxury wine tasting experiences?

There are hundreds of reasons to visit New Zealand, but here are our top eight…

1. Two islands, endless landscapes

The North Island is a gentle home to rolling hills, cascading waterfalls and geothermal landscapes, where steam drifts over crater lakes and bubbling mud pools. Explore rich pine forest and black-sand beaches accessed by remote tracks.

In the wild South, trek the Southern Alps, including the lower slopes of the awe-inspiring Aoraki, and explore the glacier-carved valleys that slice their way down to the sea. Then take a dip in the hot pools overlooking the waters of the bright turquoise Lake Tekapo, lingering past twilight for the best stargazing.

2. Immersive Māori culture

According to Māori legend, more than 1,000 years ago the great Māori explorer Kupe was the first to set foot on Aotearoa, Land of the Long White Cloud. Today, Māori culture is rooted in vibrant Kiwi life.

Visit Te Puia, a living Māori village and learn about traditional healing practices at Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa. Taste the ancient cooking technique of using geothermal heat to cook food with a hāngī feast and visit artisan workshops, from weaving to greenstone carving. Or for a deeper cultural immersion, watch traditional Māori performances, known as kapa haka, which include song, dance and storytelling.

3. The ultimate road trip destination

New Zealand is built for exploring on four wheels. With quiet open roads and jaw-dropping scenery at every turn, it’s perfect for campervan hire and exploring at your own pace.

Flight Centre can help you map out your perfect itinerary, connecting every adventure point via scenic coastal routes and alpine passes. Camp next to crystal-clear lakes and in the shadow of towering volcanic peaks, hop between stepping stones amid bubbling mud pools, before boarding the ferry between islands to continue your road trip adventure.

4. Lively and welcoming cities

When you’re ready for a vibrant cultural buzz, intersperse your adventure with some time in New Zealand’s cosmopolitan hubs.

From Auckland’s bustling harbourfront and impressive foodie scene to the coffee culture of Wellington and the gardens of Hamilton, there’s plenty to explore on the North Island.

Then on the South Island, you’ll enjoy street art finds in Christchurch and combine steep hills and historic architecture in Dunedin, while Queenstown manages to balance alpine energy and lakeside tranquillity.

5. An outdoor adventurer’s dream

Whether walking, biking, or on water, there are plenty of gentle ways to explore the stunning scenery at your own pace.

Strap on crampons and hike the ice labyrinth of a glacier, or paddle your way between dolphins as you sea-kayak the dramatic coastline.

But there’s lots on offer for thrill-seekers as well. Zipline through the treetops or over rushing waterfalls, go bungy jumping over dramatic river canyons and valleys framed by mountains, or white water raft down the mighty Waikato River.

6. Home to hobbits

The landscapes of New Zealand were the perfect setting for the film versions of J.R.R. Tolkien’s legendary books. Beyond exploring the wild scenery, you can step straight into The Shire, the set of Bilbo Baggins’ village Hobbiton, to explore hobbit holes and the Green Dragon Inn.

The Wētā Workshop Experience in Wellington gives you a glimpse behind the scenes, where you can walk among massive set pieces on a guided behind-the-scenes tour, or try a hands-on crafting class.

7. Fine wines meet fabulous food

Kiwi gastronomy is a whole world in itself, from fresh produce and local ingredients used through generations of indigenous culture, to some of the world’s best wines.

Sample crisp Marlborough sauvignon blancs or velvety pinot noirs at award-winning cellar doors. The craft beer scene is thriving too, with small-batch breweries offering tasting tours.

And as with any island nation, the seafood is outstanding, from king salmon to scallops, green-lipped mussels and kina (sea urchin). Try some of the native bush greens in indigenous cuisine, or visit Michelin-rated restaurants for an exceptional culinary journey.

8. It’s easy to add on a little luxury

Feeling like making the special extraordinary? Talk to Flight Centre about adding the experience of a lifetime to your trip.

A scenic flight over Franz Josef Glacier will see you soaring on a small plane over the crevasses and pinnacles of the icy wonder, or how about boarding a luxury cruise boat for a waterside exploration of Milford Sound?

And for a leisurely way to see the sights, book a trip on New Zealand’s railway network which meanders through some of the most scenic stretches of natural beauty on the planet; sit back and marvel at the gorges and peaks moving past your window as you navigate from one boutique lodge to another.

It’s the kind of adventure you’ll remember forever.

Plan your New Zealand escape with Flight Centre

As the long-haul specialists, Flight Centre takes all the stress out of planning your dream trip to New Zealand.

Created by travellers, for travellers, the knowledgeable team makes it easy to book the bucket-list trip, offering insider tips, tailored itineraries and great value.

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Enjoy two holidays in one by adding a stopover in Malaysia or Singapore, all wrapped up in one ATOL-protected package. All you have to do is focus on having the trip of a lifetime.

Find out more and book your New Zealand holiday at flightcentre.co.uk

Or call 0843 809 2379 to speak to one of the travel experts at Flight Centre.

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Police were called to reports of an assault near the old Debenham’s store on Stockton High Street at around 4.50pm on Saturday (September 19).

A Cleveland Police spokesperson said officers attended the scene after receiving reports that a 37-year-old woman had been punched in the face on Saturday afternoon.

Cleveland Police Inspector Anthony Ford said: “At 4.50pm on Saturday 19 September police were called to reports of an assault on High Street in Stockton.

“A man is reported to have punched a 37-year-old woman to the face.

“A man, aged 53, was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm with intent, possession of a bladed article and possession of class A drugs.

“The woman was taken to hospital for treatment.

“He has since been charged in relation to possession of class A drugs and possession of a bladed article and released on conditional bail for the assault.”

Police enquiries into the assault remain ongoing, and officers are urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or who may have information, to get in touch.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Cleveland Police via its website or online reporting portal.

Alternatively, information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers online or by calling 0800 555 111.

By JOE ROSSITER, REPORTER

Published: 19:57 BST, 20 September 2026 | Updated: 23:16 BST, 20 September 2026

An injured pensioner and his grandson were saved from a mountain in a seven-hour rescue on Thursday after an emergency call from an iPhone alerted rescuers.

The phone’s SOS feature contacted Cumbria Police around 8.30pm after two walkers found the 77-year-old grandfather, who had wrist and knee injuries, and his 19-year-old grandson near Skew Gill, a steep ravine on the route to Scafell Pike in the Lake District.

A Coastguard helicopter flew to the site but could not land because of bad weather while 14 volunteers from Wasdale Mountain Rescue made their own way to the walkers before beginning an urgent evacuation.

The two walkers who had found the pair had stayed with them until help arrived, though their head torches had run out and the rescuers gave them replacements to walk back with.

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After stretchering the grandfather from the hill, his rescuers handed him over to paramedics before returning to their base shortly before 3.30am.

A statement from the mountain rescue volunteers said: ‘The team arrived, assessed and warmed up both casualties, and found the 77-year-old also had a wrist and knee injury; an urgent evacuation of the hill was commenced.

Volunteers from Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team came to the aid of a grandfather, 77, and his grandson, 19, who were walking near Scafell Pike

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The pair were discovered by two walkers who used the emergency SOS feature on an iPhone to ask for help

‘The two walkers who had come across them had remained with them and their head torches had run out; as they were confident of their route back to Seathwaite, head torches were loaned to them to get back to their car.

‘The casualty was stretchered off the hill and handed over to NWAS [North West Ambulance Service] along with his grandson. The team returned to base to dry out the equipment before heading home.’

Brad Pitt was mobbed by fans as he arrived at the San Sebastian Film Festival in Spain on Sunday – just after friends revealed how his marriage to Angelina Jolie sent his life ‘spiraling’.

The actor, 62, has arrived in the city for the 74th international film festival in order to promote his new survival thriller Heart of the Beast.

And as he headed to the Maria Cristina Hotel this weekend after landing, crowds of people had lined the streets to get a glimpse of the Hollywood heartthrob.

Brad dressed smart casually in a blue suede jacket, dark shades, a denim cap and light grey trousers as he stepped out. 

His outing comes just after an exclusive Daily Mail report detailed his friends revealing the ‘worst thing that ever happened to him’ after marriage sent his life ‘spiraling’.

A source close to Brad told us: ‘He never had a drink problem, he had an Angelina problem. He’s worked hard on himself and he’s now, finally, in a really good place.’

You can read the in-depth report here. 

Brad and Angelina, 51, split back in September 2016 following just two years of marriage.

The actor, 62, has arrived in the city 74th international film festival in order to promote his new survival thriller Heart of the Beast

It comes after in an interview with L’Officiel USA published on September 9, Angelina stated that she’s ready to leave the United States and ‘be a bit nomadic’ now that her two youngest children, twins Vivienne and Knox, have turned 18.

The star, who listed her Los Feliz mansion for $29.85million earlier this year, admitted she is experiencing ‘the end of a certain time’ in her life.

Asked if she’s going to be swapping Los Angeles for New York, she told the publication: ‘Out of the States more, I think.

‘I don’t really plan to have a base. I’d like to have a home base for my family, a place where some of the mom stuff and the family photos are. And then I’d like to be a bit nomadic for a while.’

She no longer needs to stay in Los Angeles to satisfy the rules of her custody agreement with Brad, which required her minor children to remain near their father until they turned 18.

All six of her children with the star are now adults and four of them, including Maddox, 25, Zahara, 21, Shiloh, 20 and Vivienne, have taken legal steps to change their last names from Pitt to Jolie.

Knox and Pax, 22, have not filed a formal legal name-change petition.

While Brad increasingly steps out in public with girlfriend of nearly four years, Ines de Ramon, 33, the Maleficent actress is keen to continue the global expansion of her Atelier Jolie creative house.

And as he headed to the Maria Cristina Hotel this weekend after landing crowds of people had lined to streets to get a glimpse of the Hollywood heartthrob

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Brad dressed smart casually in a blue suede jacket, dark shades, a denim cap and light grey trousers as he stepped out

His outing comes just after an exclusive Daily Mail report detailed his friends revealing the ‘worst thing that ever happened to him’ after marriage sent his life ‘spiraling’

A source close to Brad told us: ‘He never had a drink problem, he had an Angelina problem. He’s worked hard on himself and he’s now, finally, in a really good place’

Brad and Angelina, 51, split back in September 2016 following just two years of marriage (seen in 2014) 

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‘The hope for the Atelier was always to be global; Brazil might become the first space that we open outside of the US,’ she continued. ‘The idea would be to visit the different locations around the world and meet local artists and makers.’

She is also planning to return to Cambodia to do ‘more hands-on work’ with her Maddox Foundation, which is a non-profit focused on community development and conservation.

‘My home in Cambodia will also be a residency a few months out of the year for Khmer culture,’ she explained.

Jolie noted that her goal with traveling is finding ‘connection and community’, rather than the idea of being a tourist.

‘I’m not somebody who vacations or shops or things like that. I envision more field work, more travel, and just being out in the world. Get my motorcycle back, get back in a plane. I don’t know.’

While Jolie has been present for her children when they needed her, she knows they would support her getting to travel the world more now they’ve grown up.

‘That’s definitely what my kids want. They had Mom when Mom needed to be Mom. Now, they’d like me to call them from Tunisia having just landed a plane to meet with local artists. I agree that would be very nice.’

Crews remain at the scene.

A huge fire has broken out at a field in a Scots town.

Firefighters have been raced to the incident near Cluny Road in Kinglassie, Fife. The alarm was raised at 9.17pm on Sunday, September 20. Two fire engines have been scrambled to the scene.

It’s currently unknown if there are any injuries. Images taken from the scene show the area ignited by flames.

Fire can be seen ravaging the field, which is close to a number of homes. Crews remain at the scene.

A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “Operations control received a call at 9.17pm regarding a fire in a field off Cluny Road, Kinglassie in Fife.

“We mobilised two appliances to the scene. Crews remain in attendance.”

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Kevin James, managing director at Bradleys Estate Agents in the south west of England, said: “The summer months delivered better activity than expected in our areas, particularly for sellers who adapted their expectations to the affordability pressures in the market, and listened to advice to price realistically.

The MSP told the King: “From September 1 2026, Aberdeenshire Council has introduced a 200% council tax premium on second homes. This means that Balmoral Castle, one of your multiple homes away from your permanent residence at Clarence House, should be charged three times the standard rate of council tax.

Security concerns could lead to the royal couple moving back to the US “within weeks”.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle could return to the US for good in just a few weeks, insiders have reportedly claimed.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex stunned the world when they returned to the UK in August. Their return came six years after their royal exit and move abroad.

The Mirror reports that the couple had moved from their Montecito, California, home with their kids, Archie, 7, and Lilibet, 5. It is said the family moved into a home in the Cotswolds. At the time of their move back across the pond, sources close to the couple said they were coming back to the UK for an “extended period” of time. Despite this, sources close to the pair have claimed one thing could force them to fly back to the US.

Security concerns could lead to the royal couple moving back to the US “within weeks”, sources have claimed. Prince Harry, since his split from the royal family, has had his requests for taxpayer-funded security denied.

The Royal and VIP Executive Committee – known as Ravec – oversees Royal and VIP security in the UK. The committee, however, met again to discuss the couple’s level of police protection now that their two kids are residents. Sources close to the pair have reportedly claimed Harry and Meghan could move back to California if the Ravec review does not go their way, according to the Daily Mail.

A friend of Prince Harry’s reportedly said: “If he doesn’t get [security] then I believe he will go back to Montecito for good, and that could be as soon as half-term. The view is that if they don’t get security then it will have to mean that Ravec has been nobbled. The need is so clear, what else could be the explanation?

“So if he doesn’t get it then he will take that as a sign that there are deeper elements at play. In that case then he will be safer in the US than in the UK, so he will return.”

It is startlingly quick, handles superbly and, with a £65,800 on-the-road price, makes a strong case for itself as an electric alternative to far costlier performance saloons.

Hyundai’s N division has already demonstrated that it understands how to make an EV entertaining rather than merely fast. The Ioniq 5 N proved that a heavy battery-powered car could have a personality beyond its headline acceleration figure. The Ioniq 6 N takes that thinking and applies it to Hyundai’s low-slung streamliner saloon, producing something more purposeful-looking and, on the road, even more dynamic.

The Hyundai Ioniq 6 N has sharp looks matched by dynamic performance

The standard Ioniq 6’s rounded, aerodynamic silhouette remains underneath, but the N version is transformed visually. Its front end is more aggressive, with hidden LED matrix headlamps, N-specific LED daytime-running lights, enlarged dark lower sections and a distinctly shark-nosed face. There are widened arches, 20-inch lightweight alloy wheels on Pirelli P Zero tyres, orange brake callipers, extended side skirts and a substantial rear wing.

It is a bold look, perhaps too dramatic for some, but it works. More importantly, the car lives up to the image. This is not a cosmetic warm hatch treatment applied to a normal electric saloon. It feels very quick, handles superbly and delivers the focused, athletic character its styling promises.

Hyundai Ioniq 6 N

The figures back that up. An 84kWh battery feeds dual permanent-magnet synchronous motors driving all four wheels, producing 650PS, 478kW and 770Nm. Hyundai quotes 0-62mph in 3.2 seconds and a 160mph top speed.

It is properly rapid, but this is not simply a car for dispatching straights.

Hyundai has equipped it with electronically controlled suspension, high-performance dampers, a rear electronic limited-slip differential and huge brake discs: 21 inches at the front and 19 inches at the rear.

N Torque Distribution, N Launch Control and a configurable N Drift Optimiser underline its track-day intent, while its long, low body and 2,965mm wheelbase help it feel secure and controlled through corners.

Hyundai Ioniq 6 N

It remains a substantial machine, weighing from 2,166kg and stretching to 4,935mm long. Yet it carries that mass well. The chassis has a composed, planted feel, and there is sufficient adjustability in its N systems to make the driving experience more than an exercise in exploiting straight-line torque.

That is important, because many fast EVs are hugely capable but emotionally remote. The Ioniq 6 N attempts to close that gap with N e-Shift and E-Active Sound Design+. The former simulates gear changes through the paddles, with momentary torque interruptions, while the latter adds adjustable synthetic sound through the cabin and exterior speakers. It is undeniably contrived, but it gives the driver more to engage with and contributes to the car’s playful character.

Hyundai Ioniq 6 N

It is also fitted out for everyday life. The Alcantara-faced bucket seats, suede headlining, heated N Performance steering wheel and aluminium pedals give the cabin a suitably focused atmosphere, while heated and ventilated front seats, heated outer rear seats, dual-zone climate control and a heat pump preserve its long-distance credentials.

Equipment levels are extensive. Standard kit includes twin 12.3-inch displays, satellite navigation, an augmented-reality head-up display, Bose audio, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless phone charging, and five USB-C ports.

Hyundai Ioniq 6 N

The 371-litre boot is adequate rather than vast, but the Ioniq 6 N is intended as a performance saloon that can still handle the daily commute and longer trips. Hyundai claims a WLTP range of 302 miles, although hard use reduces that, while 800V and 400V charging compatibility allows a 10-80% recharge in 18 minutes on a 350kW CCS charger.

At £65,800, it is far from cheap, but it looks comparatively well equipped at the price.

Hyundai IONIQ 6 N 84kWh 650 PS 4WD

PRICE: £65,800

BATTERY: 84.0kWh lithium-ion polymer

POWER: 650PS / 478kW

TORQUE: 770Nm / 567.9lb ft

DRIVE: Dual-motor, all-wheel drive

0-62MPH: 3.2 seconds

WLTP RANGE: 302 miles

RAPID CHARGING: 10–80% in 18 minutes on 350kW CCS charger

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service’s trauma and extrication teams travelled to Essex to compete in the United Kingdom Rescue Organisation’s National Rescue Challenge, returning home with a series of awards as well as qualifications for future international events.

The service’s Trauma Team achieved its highest placing in the National Trauma Challenge, with Laura-Jo Dicken and Tom Wilk finishing third overall.

Their podium finish has earned them an invitation to represent the UK at the World Rescue Challenge in Dubai in 2027.

The success did not stop there.

GMFRS‘s Extrication Team, made up of Ian Melville, Steve Fisher, Ashley Capper, Simon Moore and David Nelson, also impressed judges across a range of challenges.

The team secured third place in the Heavy Rescue Challenge as part of a two-team event with South Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

They also claimed second place in the RTC Extrication Challenge, a result that has secured another invitation to next year’s World Rescue Challenge.

Individual honours were also awarded to members of the Greater Manchester team.

Ian Melville was named Best Incident Commander, while Steve Fisher finished as runner-up in the Best Medic category.

The competition sees fire and rescue teams from across the UK tested on realistic rescue scenarios designed to assess leadership, casualty care, teamwork and technical rescue skills.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said it was proud of the achievements of all those who took part, with the results reflecting the dedication and expertise of the firefighters involved.

The strong showing means Greater Manchester will now have the opportunity to showcase its rescue skills on the international stage, with firefighters preparing to compete against some of the world’s leading rescue teams in the coming years.