AA Directions Summer 2024

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In the Summer 2024 issue of AA Directions magazine we try out some fun hobbies in a quest to learn new skills and find social connections.

Also in this issue we provide tips for avoiding e-bike accidents and sharing the road with vulnerable users. We look at how to improve safety at rural crossroads and review a hybrid Suzuki Swift.

Our travel stories take us to Australia’s Gold Coast and Kakadu National Park, and closer to home we explore Hawke’s Bay, Whanganui, the Bay of Plenty and take a road trip around Northland.

We meet a talented craftsman in his handmade Nelson home, share valuable information about insurance for landlords and tenants, and meet Maggie Lam, designer of beautiful wallpaper.

Plus, be in to win great prizes including an Adventure South NZ cycle tour, luxe wallpaper, a STIHL garden tools pack and tickets to the ballet.

Find a hobby

Discover new ways to enrich your life, find social connection, learn new skills and just have fun!
Hawke's Bay: deco design and fine wine

Spend a weekend discovering art deco architecture, great food and exceptional wine in Hawke's Bay.
Road safety: crashes at crossroads

The AA Research Foundation has identified a low-cost fix for dangerous rural crossroads.
Win with AA Directions!

Be in to win a South Island cycling tour, a STIHL pack, beautiful wallpaper and tickets to the ballet.
Wheel Love: a 1965 Ford Thunderbird

Avon Bailey shares what he loves about his pristine 1965 Thunderbird.
Home profile: a handmade house in Golden Bay

Step inside a woodworker's rustic, handcrafted home.
Discover the highlights of the Bay of Plenty

From gin and avocados to hot pools and short walks, we get a taste of the Bay of Plenty.
Finding a hobby: Painting

Painting classes are an easy, creative way to develop new skills.
Signs for speed cameras

Signs reading ‘Safety Camera Area’ have been springing up on roadsides following a Government directive.
What's on this summer

Get ready for a summer of music, food and culture across New Zealand, with an incredible line-up of events.
Suzuki Swift review: across the Generation Gap

We asked two dudes – one recently retired and a young professional – to test drive the new hybrid Suzuki Swift.
Q&A: Z Manu World Championships

Founder of the Z Manu World Manu Championships, Scott Rice, talks about the event making the biggest splash this summer.
Finding a hobby: Drumming

Communal drumming is both a great stress relief and a fun social experience.
Whanganui: creative immersion

Get a hands-on experience of creativity and culture in Whanganui.
How to avoid e-bike accidents

We share top safety tips for anyone considering the switch to an e-bike.
Meet the maker: Maggie Lam, wallpaper designer

Talented surface design creative Maggie Lam makes bespoke wallpaper and textiles from her Auckland studio.
Finding a hobby: Run club

Run clubs are not only an excellent way of getting active, they're also very social.
Our AA Roadservice stars

Evan Forsyth has been rescuing people on the roadside for 23 years.
Exploring Kakadu National Park, Australia

Marvel at the majestic Kakadu National Park on an Outback Spirit Tour.
Finding a hobby: Climbing

Indoor climbing challenges the body and also the mind, with many physical and mental problems to solve.
The Gold Coast: sun, sea and surprises

Discover the lesser known highlights and unexpected activities of the Gold Coast.
Home insurance tips from Tom Bartlett

We speak to Tom Bartlett from TVNZ's AA Insurance Location, Location, Location NZ.
Road Trip: Auckland to Northland's Matai Bay

A coastal road trip from Auckland to Northland takes in art, glorious beaches and plenty of adventure.
Sharing the road

What do our more vulnerable road-goers want motorists to know?
Finding a hobby: Line dancing

Taking line dancing classes is a surefire way to spark joy and get a sweat up.
AA DRIVEN Car of the Year 2024

We reveal the winner of the AA DRIVEN Car of the Year and the coveted People's Choice.
Cycling, sailing and hiking in the Tasman District

A multi-mode tour of Tasman's Great Taste Trail reveals the delicious side of the upper South Island.
STIHL review: summer gardening made easy

Electric tools can make the most mundane gardening tasks a breeze.
Students support safe summer driving

‘Safety is the reason, all summer season’. That’s the message of this year’s campaign run by SADD.
Top insurance tips for landlords and tenants

What should your home and contents insurance cover if you're a landlord or a tenant?
Finding a hobby: Choir

Singing together in harmony is a balm for a harried modern life and a great way to connect with others.
AA News and Member updates

AA Members can save at the New Zealand Opera, the Royal New Zealand Ballet and Mevo, our new car sharing Partner.
Finding a hobby: Calligraphy

Learning the artform of calligraphy is a wonderful way to slow down and create beautiful keepsakes.

Crashes at crossroads

The AA Research Foundation has identified a low-cost fix for dangerous rural crossroads.

What's on this summer

Get ready for a summer of music, food and culture across New Zealand, with an incredible line-up of events.

Road trip

A coastal road trip from Auckland to Northland takes in art, glorious beaches and plenty of adventure.

News bites

We want people to be courteous and considerate. Look before changing lanes and check your blind spots.

Kakadu is the largest national park in Australia. It’s also one of the most diverse and unique parts of the country.

Drum roll please! The winner of the 2024 AA DRIVEN Car of the Year is revealed.

If you can ride a bike, you can ride an e-bike. But e-bikes are faster and heavier than standard bicycles. They also accelerate rapidly and require far more powerful brakes.