Jessica Lockhart, a Canadian travel journalist and editor based in Ōtautahi Christchurch, offers insight into the demanding yet rewarding world of guidebook writing. With a background spanning 15 years as a freelance journalist for outlets such as the New Zealand Herald, BBC, and Conde Nast Traveler, Lockhart has carved a niche focusing on Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific for North American readers.

Currently serving as a commissioning editor for Lonely Planet’s guidebooks covering these regions, Lockhart collaborates with around 50 local travel experts to produce updated content every two years. Her work involves extensive research and firsthand visits to every hotel, restaurant, attraction, and tour featured in the publications. She is presently involved in refreshing the New Zealand Aotearoa guidebook with new information from Dunedin, Waitaki, and the Catlins, set for release next year.

Contrary to popular perception, Lockhart emphasizes that guidebook writing is far from leisurely. Typical workdays begin before dawn and involve tight scheduling that aims to cover comprehensive ground each day. Travelling between locations and staying in a different accommodation each night demands stamina and organization, with evenings often spent managing social media, laundry, and staying in touch with family. Lockhart recalls enduring a grueling stretch of about 45 consecutive days on the road, highlighting the physical and mental toll of the profession.

One significant challenge in her role is the constant editorial decision-making required by limited space in print editions. Despite the New Zealand Aotearoa guidebook stretching to around 680 pages, Lockhart expresses that even a larger volume would struggle to encompass the region’s vast array of experiences and attractions. Another challenge lies in presenting content that appeals broadly, irrespective of her personal preferences. For instance, although not personally drawn to aviation or seafood, she regularly covers related sites and activities to meet diverse reader interests.

Lockhart also notes the pressures of cultivating interest in a diverse range of subjects, from honey production to astronomy, an aspect that showcases the versatility required of travel writers. Individual expertise among her colleagues, such as a beer enthusiast like Brett Atkinson, complements the broader generalist approach necessary to serve a wide audience.

In terms of travel advice, Lockhart cautions against ranking favorite destinations or trips, underscoring how external factors like weather, companions, or travel disruptions can color individual experiences. She distinguishes between one’s feelings about a single trip and their overall impression of a destination, advising travelers to understand the difference.

Looking ahead, Lockhart identifies New Caledonia as a promising destination for 2027, particularly for New Zealanders. With its pristine, uncrowded beaches, rich cultural connections with Kanak communities, and notable French culinary offerings, she highlights the archipelago as an accessible and distinctive alternative for both summer and winter travel, located just under a three-hour flight from Auckland.