Travel Alerts: Auckland darts, Sao Paulo Pride, Sydney wellness, regional Japan and Cook Strait deals

The world’s largest Pride parade is preparing to take over Sao Paulo once again. The Sao Paulo LGBT+ Pride Parade returns to Avenida Paulista today, June 7, 2026. Organised by the Sao Paulo LGBT+ Pride Parade Association, the event builds on a movement that began in 1997 with around 2000 participants and has since grown into one of the most significant Pride celebrations globally.

The programme extends beyond the parade itself. Events include several days of cultural events, community gatherings and public celebrations across Brazil’s largest city, including the Brazilian Meeting of LGBT+ Pride Parade Organisations and the Sao Paulo LGBT+ Citizenship Parade Award. Cultural programming also includes drag-focused events such as Dragzissima, Drag Gongada and The Realness Festival later in the year. paradasp.org.br

São Paulo comes alive with Pride celebrations, cultural events and community gatherings throughout the city. Photo / 123rf

Sydney’s debut Wellness Day

On June 13, 2026, Sydney will become the first city in the world to officially celebrate Global Wellness Day, launching a programme of free events built around a growing demand for travel experiences that prioritise emotional wellbeing, rest and reconnection.

The centrepiece event, Well Traveller’s Rituals of Joy, takes place at Bennelong Lawn in the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney and includes a sunrise harbour kayaking experience, movement sessions, sound baths and guided meditation led by Sodashi founder Megan Larsen. Television personality Barry Du Bois will also speak on resilience and gratitude. There are additional events across Sydney, including First Nations-led experiences at North Head Sanctuary, mindfulness sessions and complimentary sauna and breathwork experiences in Bondi. welltraveller.com.au

Sydney launches a citywide programme focused on rest, connection and mindful travel experiences. Photo / Supplied

Japan beyond the tourist trail

Inspiring Vacations has collated a Japan collection for travellers who have already done Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. The range centres on regional itineraries through Nagano, Okayama, Okinawa, Kyushu, Hokkaido and the Shimanami Kaido cycling corridor.

The flagship 13-day Japan in Depth Small Group Tour moves through Nakasendō Trail villages, wasabi farms, Nikko shrines and Omi Beef country near Lake Biwa. Meanwhile, they are also offering Shorter Discovery Series tours, including the six-day Okinawa Island Discovery, the eight-day Kyushu Discovery by Rail, and the six-day Ehime and Shimanami Kaido route. Tours are designed to be combined into longer itineraries. inspiringvacations.com/nz/destinations/japan/japan-in-depth

Explore regional Japan through mountain villages, cycling routes, coastal islands and lesser-known cultural experiences with Inspiring Vacations. Photo / Supplied

‘Strait’ up great experiences

Interislander has released limited-time foot passenger fares from $50 for adults and $25 for children on selected sailings between Wellington and Picton, now available until August 31, 2026. The initiative responds to rising transport costs while encouraging a different approach to domestic travel, where the ferry trip becomes part of the journey.

The offer opens up easy access to winter experiences on both sides of the strait. In Wellington, travellers can pair a ferry crossing with seasonal events such as Lōemis Festival, Visa Wellington On a Plate, Beervana and the Star Wars: LEGO exhibition at Tākina. Across the water, Marlborough offers cellar door visits, fireside dining, Marlborough Sounds excursions and the Marlborough Book Festival in July. This initiative allows travellers to skip fuel costs, skip the long drive and turn a Cook Strait crossing into a more affordable winter getaway. interislander.co.nz/book/leave-the-car-behind-this-winter

Interislander’s winter promotion makes it easier to explore both islands while leaving the car behind. Photo / Supplied