The A-List

Here are eight epic day trips from Auckland for you to tick off one by one.

If there's one food trend that's defined 2025 thus far, it's Dubai or knafeh chocolate. What started as a candy bar bringing together pistachio cream, tahini, and kataifi (a type of shredded pastry) inside a crackable, paint-splattered chocolate shell, created by Sarah Hamouda of Fix Dessert Chocolatier in Dubai—has inspired an infinte number of copcats across the globe, and just as many sweet treats (think cookies, pastries, even cocktails). 

Nothing cheers me up more on a cold Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland day (any day, to be fair) than wrapping my mitts around a mug of hot chocolate. Whether it’s a classic number done right, or a more adventurous drop laced with peanut butter or peppermint, served in an edible cup or even topped with bright pink fairy floss, sippin’ on a hot choccy is always a good time.

One of the side effects of becoming the Editor of Urban List is friends and strangers alike are always sliding into my DMs asking for recs (which I dig, by the way—she loves a flex). So I decided I should really be spilling my secrets here, for all of you, too. 

A bunch of workshops have popped up all over Auckland with every kind of class imaginable.

Let's get one thing straight—pilates may be a great tool for rehab but that doesn't mean it's cruisy.

Sick of being a passive bystander in a movie theatre? Perhaps it’s time to become the lead in your own story.

While your Spotify may be overflowing with a cracking collection of music, nothing beats the sweet, sweet sound of live music.

Cue the Macklemore flashbacks. It's clear that thrift shopping—correction, op shopping—is f**kin’ awesome. Especially in Auckland, with the best op shops per capita, so we say. 

For tasty kai with bangin' views, make a beeline for the Auckland Viaduct. 

Takapuna is one of my favourite suburbs in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. Not only is it home to one of the most popular beaches on the North Shore, it also boasts a long list of amazing places to eat and drink and that's a combo that makes this food writer very happy indeed.

We’ve plucked, tinted and shaped our way to bring you the very best brow bars in Auckland. 

There’s something about dancing I just can’t get enough of. Whether it’s dancing in the moonlight, dancing in the dark or dancing in the rain, there really is nothing greater.

From chic patisseries and pretty pink ice cream parlours to boujee burger joints, Ponsonby's got it all.

With its top-notch eateries and unrivalled views of the Waitematā Harbour, Wynyard Quarter is one of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland’s most beautiful spots. 

We live for new openings (especially the kind that involves food) and know you do, too. Fortunately, Auckland is the city that just keeps on giving when it comes to new restaurants, bars, cafes and bakeries—we really are a lucky bunch.

Whether payday is a distant memory or you simply don’t want to spend your life savings on a meal, don’t go running for those two-minute noodles just yet. There are plenty of cheap eats in Auckland that are minimal on coin but maximum on deliciousness.

Korean food has officially taken over Auckland—and we're not mad about it. Whether you're in it for fiery Korean fried chicken, bubbling bowls of stew, or sizzling hot BBQ, this is your go-to guide to the best Korean restaurants in Auckland.

Matariki is here and it's time to feast. 

Few things in life come close to the excitement of receiving jewellery. The box, the silky lining, the glamour of it all—nothing compares. Here are a few of our favourite jewellers in Tāmaki Makaurau for you to chase that thrill. 

We've rounded up the best of the best bars, with oldies, newbies and everything in between. No matter the specifics, all of these places have one thing in common: they're a damn fine spot to sink a drink.

Whether you’re a matcha convert or you’re curious about the vibrant green tea that's taken the world by storm, Tāmaki Makaurau has you sussed. Let's find your perfect match-a. 

Skip dinner altogether and go straight into a sugar-glazed euphoria.

Let’s be honest, Mother Nature is one amazing lady. She’s the mastermind behind some of life’s finest things: beaches, waterfalls, mountains, forests…the list goes on. 

We’ve looked high and low and we’ve scouted the best places to eat if you’re gluten free—because there’s no need to miss out.

We love Japanese food an awful lot here at the Urban List. And who’s to blame us? From sushi to sashimi to sake, Japanese cuisine delivers deliciousness on all levels.

Tattoos are a universal art form used as a form of self-expression and tribute and as the world’s most tattooed nation, it's no surprise we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing a tattoo studio in Auckland.

Whether you'd love to spend your weekend gazing at art-adorned walls with a quizzical look on your face thinking ‘what the heck is that!?’ or simply elevate your mind by marvelling at stunning artwork then we have found the best places for you.

Ahhh brunch, the perfect blend of breakfast and lunch we just can’t get enough of, which is lucky because the brunch game is strong in Tāmaki Makaurau.

Doughnuts are having a moment—and that’s totally fine by us. Whether you like them dusted with sugar, oozing with chocolate custard or stuffed with cream, there’s something for everyone in this doughnut lovin’ city of ours. We’ve rounded up the best places to get the best doughnuts in Auckland. Dough-not delay, try one today.

If you’re curious about anything (or everything), get yourself along to one of Auckland’s many incredible museums and prepare to expand your mind. From ancient relics to impressive architecture, lush outdoors to lifeforms past and present, Auckland has no shortage of intriguing historic collections to get amongst.

They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but why settle for the usual smashed avo when you can take a morning trip around the globe—no passport required?

We all deserve a bit of relaxation time now and again, let’s face it. Tired? Needing a pick-me-up? Feel like treating yo'self? 

As the adage goes, if the zombie apocalypse comes after leg day, the ‘fittest’ will be the first ones to go. That said, when your survival odds rest on your ability to head for the hills (and actually make it there), it makes sense to put the leg work in today.

Bargain bevvies, a bar snack or two and some quality yarns make for the ultimate after-work wind-down.

Although we may have reluctantly come to terms with the fact that we don’t possess the golfing prowess of Lydia Ko or Rory McIIroy, it doesn’t mean that we can’t enjoy an 18-hole game from time to time.

Whether you're after breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner or a little somethin' somethin' this ANZAC Friday, there's loads to choose from. 

Whoever came up with this cunning way of eating cake for breakfast (or any other meal, for that matter), we thank you for your service.

If you’re looking to woo someone special, celebrate a milestone or perhaps even pop a special question, our handpicked list of the most romantic restaurants in Auckland has your next date sorted. Food, wine, romantic vibes, views—they’re all here.

If there’s one day that can trigger the battle of the high teas it’s Mother’s Day, and this year is no exception.

Easter is upon us and a long weekend of resting and feasting awaits. Take this holiday as a chance to go out to get your wine and dine on because that’s what we’ll be doing!

Whether you’re in the mood for a slow sit-down and sip, or a takeaway coffee to accompany you on your daily errands, from Auckland CBD and Ponsonby/Herne Bay/Grey Lynn/Karangahape Road/Eden Terrace to Newmarket/Mount Eden/Kingsland/Morningside and The North Shore, Urban List has downed a dangerous dosage of caffeine to create the ultimate list of Auckland’s best coffee shops that you’re going to want to bookmark ASAP.

As Kiwis, a love of pies is practically in our DNA. These hearty pastries have been keeping us fuelled for generations and are the perfect meal for lunch, dinner, or even a cheeky brekkie.

If you’re anything like us, you know that one of life’s greatest pleasures is trawling through a bookstore to discover your next read.

Get ready for the sticky fingers, doughy bellies and warm fuzzies, as you eat your way through our list of Auckland’s best cinnamon buns.

Easter is fast approaching and for the sweet tooths amongst us (me!), this is pleasing news indeed. After all, what other holiday is celebrated by stuffing your face with as much chocolate as humanly possible?

Auckland's a pretty fun place to grow up. Not only do we have world-class beaches on our doorstep and all the usual family-friendly tropes like a zoo, arcades, and a museum, there's also a host of city exclusives like our very own marine reserve to swim around, a Wonka-esque sugar factory to explore and of course, the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere (which, btw, kids over 10 can even jump off!).

Chocolate may get most of the attention at Easter, but it isn't the only treat we're coveting once the season for bunnies, eggs and unabashed gluttony rolls round. Yip, that's right fam—we're talking about hot cross buns, or HCBs.

One of the best things about Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland is the fact that writing a list of the best beaches within a region is absolutely possible.

The economy may be in dire straits but your bank account need not be—cheap eats are not a thing of the past. In fact, you can tuck into a lunch that’s quick and healthy for less than twenty bucks, even if you work in Auckland CBD.

We’ve rounded up our go-to picks for that bakery run—whether you’re a sucker for a kiwi classic, a modern Asian sweet, gluten-free sausage roll or a vegan croissant—we’ve got you.

Feeling dusty? You poor, you-only-have-yourself-to-blame thing. Lucky for you we live in 2025, where ordering a post-hangover feed to your door is as easy as pie (mmm, pie). With a few clicks of a button you can literally have curry, burgers, shawarma—or a sammie and freshly squeezed juice, if that's more your vibe—delivered to you in your delicate state, within mere minutes.

​Auckland is a mecca for hair salons and when it comes to choosing “the one”, selecting a hairdresser to entrust with your precious locks is a big freakin’ deal.

Grab your tickets to this free family-friendly event filled with fireworks, local dance and drum performances, lion dancing and beautiful lanterns lighting up the grounds. With over 60 food stalls and lines out the door each year—we’ve rounded up our top food picks while enjoying the sights and lights.

Hello lovers, Valentine’s Day is just around the corner so if you haven’t made plans yet, you'd better hustle.

Eat a rainbow this Auckland Pride with eight must-try chromatic dishes from local hospo legends. 

Let us hear you say love. Whether it’s your first or your one hundredth date, a little thought goes a long way and a dinner and a movie just ain't it. 

Sport is basically a religion here in Aotearoa, and meeting your mates to share a drink and yell sports-themed profanities is a rite of passage. And when you can’t make it to a game, there’s no better way to experience nail-biting sport than with a drink in your hand and plenty of people to create the vibe. 

There’s no shortage of events and entertainment available in Tāmaki Makaurau from comedy shows and international superstars to theatre, or just a good ol' gig, we’re spoiled for choice. With that in mind, there’s one thing every music lover, theatre enthusiast, art fan, or comedy connoisseur needs: a satisfying pre-show bite.

We’ve scoured around for the Airbnbs with the prettiest pools in all the land (Auck-land that is) so you can feel like an absolute water baby.