Directory

Walking into Matchbox, you might think the space looks eerily familiar. And that’s because it is. When Kamal Haggerty and Alejandro Vasquez took over the former Deadshot space they kept the bones exactly as they were. “It’s my dream fit out,” Haggerty explains. “I couldn’t in my wildest dreams pull this together without selling everything I own. And for it to be aged and patinated the way it is, and for it to be in this location. It’s everything.” 

Do you know the 1984 film The Gremlins? You know, the one where cute little furry animals turn into terrifying, lizard-like monsters? Have you ever thought it would make a great premise for a bar? No, neither. But, as it turns out, the idea isn’t so left field. It’s the exact inspiration behind Kyle Street’s newly reimagined space opposite his restaurant, Culprit. What was once Little Culprit is now Curio, a little treasure trove of curiosities that pays homage to some of Street’s favourite films from the ‘80s and ‘90s. 

Return is husband and wife hospitality duo, Matt and Barbara Lambert’s nod to their Aotearoa homecoming—a return to an independent restaurant, to where it all started in Aotearoa, and a return to Matt’s modern interpretation of award-winning Aotearoa cuisine. 

From a savoury oyster ice cream to duck liver parfait trumpets—enjoy being taken across a dining journey through Aotearoa, with clever cookery that is both parts fun and playful, yet elegant and executed with finesse. 

Takapuna has officially welcomed a little slice of the Wild West with the arrival of Goldie’s Bar & Yard, a new country-inspired venue bringing Southern comfort food, cocktails and late-night energy to Hurstmere Road.

With views of endless green vines and blue skies—make your way on the ferry to Waiheke Island to Te Motu Vineyard for lunch (and now dinner) with a glass of wine in hand. 

Minutes from the ski field, nestled amongst the ever-changing alpine landscape, and overlooking sweeping views the Shotover River—Coronet Ridge Resort is the latest five-star luxury hotel you need to visit this season.  

You’ll find us here come winter season, with a whisky chocolate parfait by the fireplace. 

Head to this side of Waiheke Island for breathtaking views at the island's very own gin distillery. 

The new chapter of Ada has arrived. With vibrant flavours and a whole lot of soul, Ada’s nod to Latin American and Spanish cuisine is made for sharing with family and friends.

With vibrant summer flavours, along with a glass of wine or their ever-popular spritz selection—Sfera transports you straight to what feels like an Italian summer in Tāmaki Makaurau.

Enter Agnès—the latest neighbourhood cafe, wine bar and bistro in Birkenhead, bringing comforting classics from day to night.

Transport yourself to the long family lunches in the Italian countryside at Mama's.

As of 24 December, New Zealand’s adventure capital has officially welcomed a seriously luxe new wellness destination, with The Bathhouse Spa Queenstown now open and ready for soaking.

Asia Pacific’s first JO&JOE has landed in Tāmaki Makaurau—bringing bold design, rooftop vibes and hybrid hospitality right in downtown Auckland.

Water Boy brings the sun and fun all day with big beach energy, waves of chill surf club culture, and a coastal pub menu that’s got something for everyone. 

Meet Watershed: Queenstowns’ very own, purpose-built sauna, floating on Lake Wakatipu.  Just a stones’ throw from the CBD, it’s officially opening this December. 

It’s that warm, old-school hospitality with a smile from seasoned hospitality professionals that I get right away—yet it also feels like rocking up to a friend’s place, when they ask if I’m hungry yet. Welcome to Za'atar Bakehouse, your new breakfast spot.

Self-care is getting an upgrade with Queenstown’s first central hot pools arrival, Bathe by Allume bringing a sleek new take on the classic soaking experience. 

The Springs Tavern is Auckland’s newest neighbourhood pub; a laid-back, family-friendly (and yes, dog-friendly) spot made for after-work drinks, weekend catch-ups and everything in between. 

Once a Facebook community for the hangry during COVID-19,  now a vibrant assortment of IRL food festivals and events, and a digital platform dedicated to all things tasty, the rise of Chow Luck Club has been an impressive one. 

When Roses Dining Room closed earlier this year, the hospitality and wider community were shook. But it wasn’t long until they announced there was another venture in the works—and along came Blue. 

Found on the ground floor of the Beca building, all-day eatery, Mensa is the perfect spot to soak up that glorious sunshine, ideally with a coffee and slice of freshly baked sourdough pizza in hand. 

You probably already know Lulu’s. 

A brand new bar concept has opened up in Snickel Lane. And we're stunned. 

It was only just last week when I finally tasted the mole my taste buds have been waiting for—from a colourful, vibrant cantina called Sagrado, tucked away in St. Kevin’s Arcade.

A space which was once a parking ticket booth has been transformed into the vibrant purple hues of Fankery.

It’s a Tuesday night in Auckland city but you’d easily mistake it for the weekend at Sumi. The new izakaya spot by owner-chef Jason Lee (Wakuwaku, Katsu Katsu, Tsuru Tsuru) in City Works Depot is humming.

Escape the concrete jungle of Tāmaki Makaurau and immerse yourself in the elegant and chic vibes of Hotel Indigo.

How's this for an epic love story—Minseok Lee was never a big fan of baking, but when he met his partner, Ellie, she told him how much she adored sweet treats. So naturally, he did what any loved-up man would do and went into business with her on the now-viral cinnamon bun joint, Cinnamon Squared, where he currently bakes up to 600 cinnamon buns A DAY. The moral of the story: find someone who loves you like Minseok.

Wander down the cobblestones of Saint Patrick’s Square and you might happen upon the luxurious first floor of newly-built Hotel Indigo, housed in a restored heritage building. You can enter through the other side too—the Albert Street entrance blending into the concrete jungle as if it was always there (just look for the elegant Bistro Saine font out front).

When you hear the words surf club, what comes to mind? I think of ice cream, pizza, and Alf Stewart (I haven't watched Home & Away in years, but I understand the Summer Bay Surf Club is still standing. Poor old Mr. Stewart, I'm not so sure).

Funny that the first thing I noticed about Kinfolk had little to do with the actual food—rather, it was the artwork on the back wall depicting three women on lilos, eating pasta. I like this place already, had been my immediate thought.

Editor's Note: This venue is permanently closed. 

We’re all for gyms levelling up their recovery game with the introduction of saunas and ice baths but a wellness space that’s completely free from the unrelenting beeps of tabata training just hits different. 

You know that episode of Friends where Ross loses it over someone at work stealing his sandwich? “MY SANDWICH?!” Well, we're not so different to old mate Ross here, because that'd 100% be us, should anyone try to mess with our own sando of choice: anything from new kid on the block, Fitzroy Deli.

Head to Lola Rouge for pan-Asian eats whipped up with the utmost finesse. 

Neat Cakes is now open for walk-ins. 

Tyler St Sport is the cracking new venue from Foley Hospitality aka the group behind several other top Auckland establishments including Soul Bar & Bistro, Andiamo, and Somm Wine Bar & Bistro. Solid credentials, to say the least.

It seems like 269 Parnell was under construction for millennia, so much so that we’d long stopped expecting anything to materialise behind it. 

Hidden away on Mills Lane is a brand new speakeasy-style cocktail bar punctuated with sleek blue neon—Quinn.

Parasol & Swing just got an enigmatic younger sister and she can sure handle a shaker. 

Ponsonby Central just scored the cookie shop. They’re soft-baked, they’re chunky, they’re entirely plant-based and they’re pulling people off the streets of Ponsonby for a fix. 

Dessert might seem like an unusual place to start a review—especially one focusing on Chinese cuisine—but then again, Cāntīng is far from your usual restaurant. 

If fine wine luxury's a bit of you (it is), you'll want to head to The College Hill Wine Room by David Nash, glass-first. 

A sublime getaway just 90 minutes from central Auckland, Ruru PurePod the tonic to a this-close-to-burnout sort of week; it's a jaw-droppingly gorgeous setting for a romantic getaway and a secluded retreat for reflection and self-care. 

The famous cinnabun from Hill House Cafe has returned to South Auckland.

From Charles and Patrick Williams—the good folks who brought us Williams, one of Tāmaki's most frothed cafes (by restaurant royalty and hungry punters alike)—comes Bowler, a bangin' salad and açaí bowl pitstop tucked inside Les Mills on Victoria Street. 

It all started as a gelato dream for Hannah Engelsman, founder and CEO (a.k.a official title as Gelato Fanatic) of Little ‘Lato. 

If Wes Anderson hung up his director's hat and opened a cafe, it'd be the kind of place with pastel margaritas, diabolically cool wallpaper, and eggs benedict topped in fluffy, candyfloss-coloured hollandaise. 

Inspired by To’ona’i traditions (Sunday brunch or feasting in Samoan) and the multicultural culinary fabric of Aotearoa coming together at the dinner table, Chef Wallace (Uelese) Mua is bringing his culinary ode to Auckland in the form of JW Marriott's Trivet. 

Forget everything you thought you knew about outlet stores—Mānawa Bay's serving bargains, but make it luxe.

Tucked away just off Karangahape Road is a boutique hotel known as Abstract. As its name suggests, Abstract brings a fresh perspective to the local hotel scene (and staycays) standing out from the crowd not least due to its tasteful theatre-inspired aesthetic. 

St Marg's has emerged from the ashes of the ol’ Thirsty Dog, complete with lush olive-green banquette seating lining sun-facing windows, pops of indoor greenery, organic cotton and rice paper lamp shades. 

It’s your lucky day every day at the Good Luck Club. 

Tucked away in the bustling heart of Greenlane, surrounded by a sea of office buildings, lies Turtle: Pizza and Pints—a hidden gem that might just be missed if one isn’t in the know. 

Neon-lit workout spaces appear to be on the rise and, as a Personal Trainer who self-identifies as a Disco Moth, I couldn't be happier.

Located in the old Misters Real Food digs on Wyndham Street, GOAT—short for "Greatest of All Taste" with love, from India—is a culinary adventure you won’t want to miss.

There’s now one more reason to head to Auckland’s City Works Depot and that’s the addition of Norma Taps, located just a mere 20-second stroll from the legendary Best Ugly Bagels, this dapper new spot has quickly become a local favorite.

Traditional Vietnamese cuisine has traversed the Pacific to find a new home on Hurstmere Road, where it's been given a contemporary (and potentially Auckland-best) makeover. This elevated take on what is undoubtedly some of the world's most flavoursome food can be found at Hanoi Haven—a chic new eatery that's replaced the now-unrecognisable Bird On A Wire spot, fronting Takapuna's Fortieth & Hurstmere laneway.