This month, we chat to a few Shore residents about their upcoming travel plans, favourite destinations both domestically and further afield and what their most memorable holiday has been and why. Spoiler alert, Queenstown is very much loved by everyone!
Ben Panettiere
Ben’s travelling for work and fun!
Ben Panettiere lives in Devonport with his partner, Paige, and two dogs, Charlie and Cleo. Readers may know Ben from his career in the vehicle industry. He’s currently sales manager at Continental Cars Ferrari and has previously worked on the Shore for other vehicle brands. Ben’s job involves lots of travel, something he and Paige love doing together too. Ben talks about trips to Italy with Ferrari and his upcoming trip to Japan in 2025.
Channel Mag: What are you looking forward to most about summer?
Ben Panettiere: Having some time off over Christmas for the first time in a long time! Going on some road trips and enjoying the sun.
CM: You've done lots of travel for your work. What is a memorable trip and why?
BP: I was lucky enough this year to head over to Italy for the second time while working for Continental Cars Ferrari. It was definitely a memorable trip, being able to experience the unveiling of the newest super car and touring the Ferrari factory which isn’t open to the public.
CM: What’s your favourite weekend getaway destination (and why)?
BP: My family has a beach house in Whangamata. It’s the perfect weekend road trip away from Auckland. Our dogs love going for a run along the beach and some awesome new food spots have opened up recently.
CM: Do you have a favourite holiday destination elsewhere in New Zealand? What do you like about it?
BP: Queenstown is always a winner. It’s such a great combination between scenery and going up the mountain for a snowboard, but also easy to find a spot in town for a few drinks and dinner
CM: Any trips planned for 2025 (overseas or in New Zealand)?
BP: Paige and I have booked a trip to Japan in April to head over for the Formula 1 and to explore, and we're hoping to head over to Italy in September and catch another Formula 1 race
Nova
Nova’s looking forward to summer holidays
Nova Edgcombe is the lead hygienist at Mint Dental Hygiene in Takapuna, where she focuses on holistic oral health care and personalised dental hygiene. She’s lived on the North Shore for several years and loves the balance of coastal beauty and community here. Nova talks about her plans to go to Queenstown and her love of Waiheke Island.
Channel Mag: What are you looking forward to most about summer?
Nova Edgcombe: I'm excited about the longer days and being able to spend more time outdoors, especially enjoying beach walks and barbecues with family and friends.
CM: What’s your favourite weekend getaway destination (and why)?
NE: Waiheke Island is my go-to for a weekend escape. It's so close yet feels like a world away, with beautiful vineyards, beaches, and a relaxed pace of life.
CM: Do you have a favourite holiday destination in New Zealand?
NE: I love exploring the Bay of Islands. The mix of stunning beaches, history, and the chance to get out on the water makes it an ideal holiday spot.
CM: Caught the e-biking bug yet?
NE: Not yet, but it's definitely on my list of things to try. It seems like a great way to explore our local trails and coastline.
CM: Any trips planned for 2025 (overseas or in New Zealand)?
NE: I'm planning a trip down to Queenstown to enjoy the outdoors.
Visit Nova at Mint Dental Hygiene.
Carolyn Hedley
Carolyn lives and breathes travel
Carolyn has been in travel for over 35 years and is the owner of helloworld travel in Takapuna and Westgate. She’s married with two grown children who went to Kristin School. Given her involvement in the travel industry, Carolyn and her family have enjoyed a great deal of travel, both as a family and more recently as a couple. She tells us about her favourite spots and why the UK and Vancouver are next on the list.
Channel Mag: What are you looking forward to most about summer?
Carolyn Hedley: I’m looking forward to seeing my son, Kieran, who lives in Bali. We’ll meet him in Surfers Paradise for Christmas. Last year we visited Bali and Lombok to see him.
CM: What’s your favourite weekend getaway destination (and why)?
CH: My favourite weekend destination! Well, I have two! One in New Zealand and that is Queenstown for the resort vibe and great wineries and golf courses and my other one is Fiji, where we have enjoyed many family holidays.
CM: Do you have a favourite holiday destination in New Zealand?
CH: We usually holiday in Pauanui. It is a great chance to catch up with family and friends down there, and my nieces and nephews who all have children congregate there over Christmas.
CM: Caught the e-biking bug yet?
CH: No e-bikes, but have done a couple of excursions on cruise ships.
CM: Any trips planned for 2025 (overseas or in New Zealand)?
CH: I have travelled a lot in the last two years, so next year probably a trip to the UK to see our daughter Kelly who lives there and I have a conference in Vancouver to go to. I’m sure more travel will appear on the radar closer to the time too!
Visit helloworld Takapuna to book your next trip!
Steve’s happiest by the sea, boating and fishing
Steve Deacon is a North Shore native and the driving force behind SEAL Plumbing and Gas Services. With over 16 years of hands-on experience and an 'Apprentice of the Year' win to his name, Steve has built a plumbing service that stands out for quality and reliability. Always drawn to water, when he’s not tackling plumbing and gas repairs, you’ll find him out on the ocean, boating and fishing.
Channel Mag: What are you looking forward to most about summer?
Steve Deacon: Taking the Kombi camper for a short break with the kids. There’s nothing better than getting out on the with the family and discovering our wonderful country when the sun is shining.
CM: What’s your favourite weekend getaway destination (and why?)
SD: Going to our family's Bach at Leigh to do some fishing. It’s an idyllic spot that is close to some very good fishing spots (Ssshhhh!). Leigh is so close to Auckland, but when we get there we can feel like we are hours away, yet it is only minutes away from Matakana, Omaha and the bright lights of Warkworth. And how good is the new motorway!
CM: Do you have a favourite holiday destination in NZ?
SD: I have friends on Great Barrier Island and I enjoy visiting that area for diving and the laid-back lifestyle. Whether it’s a boat ride to get there or a quick trip by plane it really is like going back in time. You can easily go off the grid and totally relax.
CM: Caught the e-biking bug yet?
SD: I have hired them at the Napier waterfront and it is amazing how much further you can go. We are seeing lots of these destinations (and Hawkes Bay is one) that have very good networks of cycle trails to discover. They’re creating them up in the Leigh and Matakana areas too I understand, so that will be another way for us to enjoy the area in the future.
CM: Any trips planned for 2025 (overseas or in NZ)?
SD: Just planning for this summer right now. We are keen to do some travelling in 2025 but just need to fit it in around family and a growing business!
