Travel Alerts: Scenic toilets, Japan voyages, Okinawan culture and kiwi returns

For Bowel Cancer Awareness Month this June, Bowel Cancer New Zealand has launched Poo with a View, a nationwide campaign offering one winner nearly $5000 towards a getaway inspired by scenic toilets in extraordinary locations. The light-hearted concept encourages people to think about where they go to the toilet, but more importantly, what they might notice when they do.

Behind the witty campaign lies meaningful advocacy. Bowel cancer remains New Zealand’s second deadliest cancer, with around nine people diagnosed every day. Yet more than 90% of cases are curable when detected early. The campaign encourages New Zealanders to learn the symptoms and complete an online symptom checker, which has already been used by more than 1300 people since its launch. Know more about the campaign at poowithaview.org.nz.

Bowel Cancer New Zealand is using dream holiday views to start a conversation that could save lives.

Japan beyond the usual

Japan cruise itineraries often focus on the headline destinations, but Viking’s newest voyage takes a broader look at the archipelago. Launching from August 15, 2028, the new 15-day Japan Discovery itinerary sails return from Tokyo, combining well-known ports with three new destinations: Aomori, Niigata and Hakata. The voyage crosses the Sea of Japan to Busan in South Korea and includes overnight stays in both Tokyo and Shimizu, giving travellers more time to explore beyond a typical port call. Highlights range from visits to the Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine and Osaka’s Sumiyoshi Taisha shrine to optional experiences centred on geisha culture, sake tasting and tea traditions. vikingcruises.com.au/oceans/cruise-destinations/asia/japan-discovery/index.html

From Tokyo to Busan, Viking’s latest sailing offers a broader look at Japan by sea.

Kiwi comeback

A rare kiwi is preparing for a remarkable return to Fiordland. RealNZ has announced plans to translocate kiwi pukupuku, or little spotted kiwi, from Kapiti Island to Ao-ata-te-pō Cooper Island in Tamatea Dusky Sound in 2028. The project marks a significant shift in New Zealand conservation, as the birds will be introduced to an island where predators are actively managed rather than completely eliminated.

The milestone follows more than a decade of predator control led by RealNZ, which has maintained trapping programmes on Cooper Island since 2015 through regular trips and long-term habitat management. The Department of Conservation has now approved the translocation, recognising the sustained effort behind the project. Find out more about RealNZ’s conservation projects at realnz.com/conservation.

Kiwi pukupuku are set to return to Fiordland after more than a decade of conservation work.

Drumbeats of Okinawan summer

Japan’s summer festival season is about to begin, and Okinawa is leading the celebrations. From June 13 to August 9, 2026, Okinawa City hosts Eisa Night, a weekly event dedicated to the island’s signature eisa dance tradition. Throughout the summer, youth groups perform energetic routines featuring co-ordinated movements, chanting and the steady beat of drums that have become synonymous with Okinawan culture.

The event serves as a lead-up to Okinawa’s larger summer festivals and offers visitors an accessible way to experience a tradition deeply connected to the Obon season. Colourful costumes, community pride and the unique styles of different dance troupes create a different atmosphere each weekend. . visitokinawajapan.com/discover/events/eisa-night

Drums, dance and colourful costumes take over Okinawa City during the annual Eisa Night celebrations.