AA Directions Winter 2024

History or Mystery?

New Zealand has its fair share of strange happenings and spooky encounters. We meet people who take a closer look at the paranormal, investigating things that can’t quite be explained.

Road trip: exploring the hot pools of Taupō and Rotorua

Head to the central North Island for an abundance of hot pool experiences on a winter road trip.

Win great prizes!

A Smokelis Kindle fire pit, family passes for ziplining and hot pools and a fantastic trip for two to Tahiti are up for grabs in our Winter issue.

Drunker than Australia: our damning drink-driving statistics

Comparing our drink driving toll with Australia’s shows that should be doing a lot better.

Meet the maker: Smokelis Braziers

We talk to the team at Smokelis, The Smokeless Firepit Co about creating quality New Zealand-made braziers.

What's on this winter

From unique art exhibitions to film and theatre, vintage cars, choirs and cuisine, we've picked some of the best things to see and do around Aotearoa this winter.

Moehau Man: is there a cryptid in the Coromandel?

Marc Coppell investigates mysterious sightings in the depths of the Coromandel.

Tahiti: short, sweet and sticky

Visit the island of Tahiti in French Polynesia for inland safaris, ocean adventures and stylish resorts.

Dealing with the dreaded deadlock

Everything you need to know about how to avoid deadlocking yourself out of your car.

AA News and Member updates

What's been going on at the AA? We share news from the Association and our Partners.

The best South Island hot pools

We take a journey around the South Island to experience the best hot pools.

Cold cash: budgeting for winter

Don’t let the chilly season blow your budget. We share six easy ways to keep your finances warm as the temperature drops.

Ngātea Crop Circles: Did aliens visit the Waikato?

Did you know that the small town of Ngātea is home to one of New Zealand's biggest mysteries?

Top tips for new EV owners

Recently joined the EV revolution? We share tips for new owners on how to make the most of your electric vehicle.

Auckland food tour: the spicy side of Sandringham

We head into the heart of Sandringham in Auckland City to sample authentic South Indian cuisine.

Home profile: a quirky UFO house

Visit an unusual spaceship-shaped Futuro house in Canterbury that you can rent as an Airbnb.

Q&A: MOTAT Museum Director and Chief Executive, Craig Hickman-Goodall

We chat with Craig Hickman-Goodall about what's new at Auckland's MOTAT and the challenges faced by galleries and museums in New Zealand today.

Why are JDMs some of New Zealand's most loved vehicles?

We explain what a JDM car is and why they're so significant in New Zealand's automotive history.

The Catlins: a wintery wilderness

We explore the wild and remote south-eastern corner of the South Island, known as The Catlins.

Wheel Love: a 1923 Gray Coach

Ray Robertson shares the multi-generational story of his family's beautifully restored 1923 Gray Coach

Ziplining in Kaikōura

Soar high above the beautiful landscapes of Kaikōura on an EcoZip Adventure.

Larnach Castle: clearing the ghost stories.

The tragic history of Dunedin's Larnach castle lends itself to supernatural tales.

Driveway safety tips

We explain why you should view your driveway as a road.

Auckland’s ghosts: on the scene with the Paranormal New Zealand team

Mark Wallbank has devoted a lifetime to feeling spooked.

Behind the scenes: Auckland Wintergardens

Visit the recently-renovated Wintergardens in the Auckland Domain to experience the year-round beauty of blooms.

Tarawera’s phantom waka: a portent of disaster

A historical sighting on Lake Tarawera was an omen of one of our deadliest disasters.

Explore Italy: just above Tuscany

From fantastic food to majestic mountains, we discover the lesser-known spots of Northern Italy.

Kaikoura lights: considering a close encounter

UFO sightings are a fascination for award-winning artist Caryline Boreham.