Denise Stephens
Freelance writer
Sunday Star Times, Otago Daily Times, New Zealand Herald, Verve, Vacations and Travel, and more
I'm a freelance travel writer based in Auckland, New Zealand. My work has appeared in print and digital media in New Zealand and internationally, including the Sunday Star Times, Otago Daily Times, New Zealand Herald, Verve, Vacations & Travel and Fly Solomons.
Special interests include arts, culture, and heritage, city life, solo travel, and 55+ travel. Destinations I know well are Japan and Auckland, and I'm keen to visit other destinations that appeal to New Zealanders.
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Stories
Stories
11 Mar 2026
From historic baths in Beitou to secluded mountain resorts like HOSHINOYA Guguan, Taiwan's hot springs combine mineral-rich waters, Japanese bathing traditions and blissfully light crowds
10 Feb 2026
Treasures of Tiritiri Matangi
Fly Solomons
Birdsong from some of New Zealand's most endangered species drifts through the forest on Tiritiri Matangi, an island wildlife sanctuary just 80 minutes from downtown Auckland
10 Feb 2026
Treasures of Tiritiri Matangi
Fly Solomons
Birdsong from some of New Zealand's most endangered species drifts through the forest on Tiritiri Matangi, an island wildlife sanctuary just 80 minutes from downtown Auckland
05 Feb 2026
You don't need to be an intrepid outdoors type to get close to New Zealand's unique wildlife. Take a day trip from a major city to see everything from rare birds to marine life
04 Feb 2026
Southern Charm and Sea Lions in Dunedin | Citro
joincitro.co.nz
Take a weekend to explore Dunedin's charm and see the sea lions at St Clair
27 Jan 2026
Another Side of Japan
Otago Daily Times Online News
Inuyama had everything Denise Stephens was looking for in a traditional Japanese town — a castle, shrines and temples, a classic garden, and a
27 Jan 2026
Another side of Japan
Otago Daily Times Online News
Inuyama had everything Denise Stephens was looking for in a traditional Japanese town — a castle, shrines and temples, a classic garden, and a
18 Jan 2026
Eat Stay Play Nagoya
Sunday Star Times
Nagoya quietly rewards those who linger, with hearty local cuisine and refined craftsmanship, writes Denise Stephens
18 Jan 2026
EAT STAY PLAY Nagoya
Sunday Star-Times - NZ
EAT STAY PLAY
Nagoya
Nagoya quietly rewards those who linger, with hearty local cuisine and refined craftsmanship, writes Denise Stephens.
For many visitors to Japan, Nagoya is a train...
