We may be based in Auckland but at FQ we love the chance to leave the big smoke – here’s where you’ll find us and what we can’t leave home without
Sally-Ann Mullin, editor
Destination of choice: Dunedin
Love them or loathe them, the Scarfies bring such vibrancy to Dunedin, plus it’s a hot spot for art, fashion and music. I love that you have all the offerings of a great city but it’s small enough to easily navigate. And I love the opportunity to rug up, something we don’t often get to do in Auckland.
Travel must-have: Standard Issue Cashmere scarf, $156 – you can’t go past cashmere in the deep cold.
Lucy Slight, features editor and acting beauty editor
Destination of choice: Marlborough Sounds
The breath-taking beauty of the Sounds is unsurpassed and there’s nothing like breathing in that crisp, clean sea air. The only downside? Not being able to get the Interislander jingle out of your head…
Travel must-have: Bird & Knoll scarf, $325 – it’s perfect for wrapping up warm on the boat.
Marcel Gull, creative director
Destination of choice: Tirau
On our way to Rotorua to shoot ‘Free Spirit’ (p102), Tirau was a real highlight. I love the sense of community and cohesion of the corrugated-iron motifs – the dog and sheep sitting next to each other and Tirau Motors’ vintage yellow car. It’s picture-book perfect.
Travel must-have: Rodd & Gunn Normanby Bag, $1099 – it’s ideal for a weekend in the country.
Phoebe Watt, features writer
Destination of choice: Taranaki
Its key industries might be oil, gas and dairy – not so chic – but as the birthplace of three FQ team members (myself, Sally-Ann and Lisa), you can’t say it’s all farms, no fashion.
Travel must-have: That mountain-and-sea combo means its chilly in winter, so next time I visit I’ll be in beautiful Kowtow knitwear – crew-neck, $229, pants, $249, and scarf, $199.
Tyla McKenzie, fashion and editorial assistant
Destination of choice: Mount Maunganui
It’s my home town so I’m a little biased but you can’t fault that beautiful beach! Luca café provides the best post-Mount-climb flat white you’ll ever have.
Travel must-haves: La Tribe slides, $179.90, go with everything. Plus, I take Eleven Australia Miracle hair treatment, $32 – best when put through fresh-out-of-the-ocean hair.
Lisa Deken, direct account manager
Destination of choice: Whangamata
This quiet seaside town has a little bit of everything: the most picturesque beach and estuary, surf for the husband, hiking, great cafés for long lazy brunches and if it rains you can shop! I love the antique shops and there’s a great little fashion boutique called Contain where I always find something to take home.
Travel must-have: For a winter beach break at Whangamata, I’ll be packing my Karen Walker for Blunt Lite3 umbrella, $135.
Francesca Knox, commercial brand manager
Destination of choice: Taupo
Taupo is one of my favourite spots to visit; soaking in the hot pools at DeBretts after hitting the slopes means you get the best of both worlds – adventure and relaxation.
Travel must-have: Neuw Berlin leather jacket, $669.99, and loads of warm layers.
Kelly McAuliffe, digital editor
Destination of choice: Queenstown
Every time I go to Queenstown I’m quickly reminded just how spectacular our country is – few views in the world can match the Remarkables!
Travel must-have: With so many outdoor activities to choose from – skiing, jet-boating, bungee jumping, hiking – a good moisturiser with sunscreen, like Innoxa Timeless Rejuvenating Anti-Aging Moisture Lotion SPF 15, $39.95, is a must.
