Denise Stephens
Freelance writer - Sunday Star Times, Otago Daily Times, Verve, NZ Herald, Vacations & Travel, and more
Sunday Star Times, Otago Daily Times, New Zealand Herald, Verve & others
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, and Vacations & Travel.
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
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 - 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...
01 Dec 2025
The Small City: Big on Food - Verve Magazine
Verve Magazine
Exploring local sights and food in Hobart
31 Oct 2025
While Japan's December festivities differ from those in Aotearoa, it's a time of many unique traditions. Denise Stephens shares what to expect during a Christmas trip to Japan
28 Oct 2025
From LED trees to falconry
Northern Advocate - Travel - Wednesday
From LED trees to falconry
While Japan's December festivities differ from those in Aotearoa, it's a time of many unique traditions. Denise Stephens shares what to expect during a Christmas trip to...
20 May 2025
Tasmania's sauna euphoria
Taranaki Daily News Stuff Travel
Tasmania's sauna euphoria
Denise Stephens finds the perfect way to relax after a busy day of sightseeing.
I sat sweating in the sauna, watching the scenery go by, as the Kuuma putt-putted to a...
