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Keli Holiday’s New Record Capital Fiction Reintroduces The Peking Duk Star To The World

The musician shares the inspiration behind the new album's romantic ballads and synthy dance bops—and why he handed over the record release schedule to his fans.

A bright room looks out onto an impossibly blue sea at Andersons Cove, one of the best romantic getaways from Auckland.

Local Escapes

25 Of The Best Romantic Stays Near Auckland To Book In 2026

Does life feel so hectic right now that you’re missing out on those magical moments with your special someone? Check out these romantic getaways and magical retreats within driving (or ferry) distance from Auckland.

Things To Do

Brit-Pop Is So Back: Pulp Kicks Off Their Australian And New Zealand Tour This Month

Pulp are heading Down Under for the first time in over a decade. Hitting Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne, and two nights at the Sydney Opera House Forecourt, here's everything you need to know.

Things To Do

Laneway Is Loading: These Are The Sips And Fits You Need In Your Lineup

We’ve whipped up a countdown guide to help you get the most out of Laneway Festival 2026.

News

Your Guide To Lorde’s Ultrasound World Tour: Setlist, Start Time And Getting There

Heading to see Lorde live? Here’s everything we know so far—setlist clues, start times, what to expect and how to get there.

Food & Drink

The Feed | The New Zealand Food News You Need To Know

Roll up, roll up. It’s time for this week’s New Zealand food news. Hot off the press (or should we say, toastie press) are all the tasty tidbits you need to know.

Local Escapes

Where To Eat, Play and Stay Around Waiheke In 2026

When the summer season kicks in, you’ll see ferry-loads make a beeline over the water to Waiheke for the weekend. A day out in this little slice of paradise makes for a perfect weekend getaway—with minimal travel required.

Beauty

The New Beauty Products To Shop This Month, According To Our Beauty Editor

Welcome to the most fabulous corner of the internet—Urban List's destination for the picks of the beauty crop. This month, our fave haircare has a glow up, there's new scents galore, indie brands are having a *moment* and a new immersive beauty space.

Travel

From Beachside Sundowners To Secluded Morning Dips: This Is The Ultimate Year-Round Noosa Escape

With the ocean at your fingertips, coastal long lunches on the cards and plenty of boutique accommodation to choose from, we know we’d scoop out some of our precious annual leave for a Noosa vacay in a heartbeat.

Food & Drink

From Pool Parties To It’s-Complicated: How to Pair Your Cheese Board This Weekend

Along with the balmy days, summer brings its fair share of unique situations. The same goes for summertime snacking.

What's On

Epic Things To Do In Auckland This Weekend

You’ve made it—the weekend’s here and she’s a vibe.

Food & Drink

Agnès

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

Food & Drink

MAMA

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

News

A Giant Six-Metre Sun Installation Is Coming To Auckland And It’s Free To Visit

Touching down in Tāmaki Makaurau for the very first time, Helios is a jaw-dropping, larger-than-life artwork by renowned UK artist Luke Jerram.

Somebody covets a stacked sandwich from Gloria's.

Best Of

Where To Go In Auckland CBD For A Quick, Nutritious, Cheap Lunch On A Weekday

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.

Restaurants

The Best Japanese Restaurants In Auckland Right Now

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.

A glass of strawberry matcha beside a sticky bun.

Best Of

Where To Find Auckland’s Best Matcha, According To Two Matchaholics

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.

Bakeries & Delis

Auckland’s Best Bakeries Right Now

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.

A number of delicious-looking Korean dishes which you can feast on for cheap.

Restaurants

The Best Cheap Eats In Auckland

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.

Features

Amelia Ferrier’s Guide To Hustle, Downtime, And Slowing Down In Style

Ava Wardecki caught up with culinary creative and all-round ray of sunshine, Amelia Ferrier, to chat about what it really takes to live that full-time recipe creator life.

Food & Drink

Pineapple Chilli Margs And Paloma-Style Mimosas: Here’s How to Be ‘That’ Host This Summer

Your status as host with the most is about to be renewed this summer.

A silver platter of oysters, lemon and a glass of bubbles.

Food & Drink

Where To Wine, Dine And Treat Your Lover In Auckland This Valentine’s Day

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

A couple sitting on a red car with a gorgeous sunset in the background.

Things To Do

25+ Auckland Date Ideas That Aren’t Dinner And A Movie

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.

Local Escapes

16 Of The Best Picnic Spots In Auckland

Nothing beats good food and breathtaking views, so why not combine the two and head out for a picnic. We've taken the hard part out of your picnic organisation and put together a list of 16 of the best spots you can set yourself up at around Auckland.

Local Escapes

27 Of The Best Airbnbs In New Zealand To Lock In For 2026

From rolling valleys to dense native forest and cliffs overlooking black sand beaches, we've found the most jaw-dropping Airbnbs across New Zealand that you can book for a getaway.

Things To Do

Laneway Festival 2026 Set Times: Full Schedule, Stages And Biggest Clashes

Laneway Festival has dropped its set times, and with them, the annual tradition of optimism, denial and eventual compromise.

Health + Wellness

The Bathhouse Spa Queenstown

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.

Food & Drink

The Best High Tea In Auckland

From vintage teacups to bottomless bubbles—here are our picks for the best high tea offerings across Tāmaki Makaurau.

A girl holds a beautiful bouquet over her shoulder at The Botanist. One of Auckland's best flower delivery businesses.

U:L Recommends

The Best Flower Delivery And Florists In Auckland Right Now

There simply isn’t an occasion that doesn’t call for a beautiful bunch of flowers.

Travel

SailGP And Harbour-Side Stays: Our Team’s Insider Guide To An Auckland Long Weekend

We’ve rounded up our crew's tried-and-tested favourites so you can skip the guesswork and dive straight into an epic Auckland getaway.

Travel

From Bucket List To Boarding Pass: 5 Trips To Book In 2026 With Air New Zealand’s New Year Sale

We’ve all fallen victim to the “yeah, soon one day” thought trap.

Things To Do

The Absolute Best Things To Do In Auckland

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.

Local Escapes

The Best Hotels In Auckland To Check Into Right Now

From boutique to five-star luxury we've scoured town for la crème de la crème, so without further ado, here are the best hotels in Auckland.

Markets & Food Events

The Best Markets In Auckland (Updated January 2026)

Make markets your favourite weekend morning ritual and kick on with mates for the night markets too. Here is our (extensive!) list of the very best Auckland markets.

Things To Do

Ed Sheeran Brings His Loop Tour To Auckland This Week: Here’s Everything You Need To Know

Ed Sheeran returns to Australia in 2026, fresh off the release of his newest album, Play.

The Hideaway best kid-friendly AIrbnbs Australia

Local Escapes

17 Of The Best Kid-Friendly Airbnbs In Australia For Family Fun In 2026

Fancy a weekend at a waterfront beach house with a gated pool? Or sneaking away to the hinterlands for a farmstay filled with horses and cows? You decide.

Travel

JO&JOE

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

Food & Drink

Where Land And Kai Meet: The South Island City Telling Kiwi Food Stories

In Te Waipounamu's (South Island) largest city, a quiet transformation is unfolding. Ōtautahi Christchurch's dining scene is redefining New Zealand gastronomy—rooted in resilience post-earthquake, regional produce, and a new generation of chefs who are rewriting the rules.

Things To Do

From Pāua Patties To Te Matuku Oysters: These Dining Experiences Are Worth The Journey

Embark on a sensory journey across Aotearoa’s culinary map—connecting the dots between region, producer, and restaurant. It’s not just where to eat, but why it matters and sharing a kōrero with those turning local treasures into global experiences.

Food & Drink

High-End Kiwi Cuisine, Coast To Coast: The Itinerary Defining New Zealand’s Culinary Golden Era

From locally-sourced produce to award-winning wines—it’s time to put Aotearoa under the spotlight, showcasing the magic that happens when multi-cultural culinary creativity meets incredible produce grown in Aotearoa soil.

What's On

What’s On In Auckland This Week, This Month And This Year 2026

As per usual, mighty Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland is pulling out all the stops. Here’s what’s on in Auckland this week, this month, and this year.

Travel

15 Of The Best Airbnbs In New York City (2026 Edition)

From terraces, to romantic pads and upstate treasures, we’ve drooled over some of the most incredible views and designs around the city to save you doing the dirty work.

Someone squeeze some sauce onto a stacked tray of hummus.

Restaurants

The Best Restaurants In Auckland Right Now

At Urban List, we've spent a lot of time thinking about what makes the difference between a good restaurant and Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland's very best.

Stacked biscoff pancakes from The Breakfast Club

Cafes

The Best Breakfasts In Auckland And Where To Find Them

Fear not, breakfast-lover—you’re about to have the ultimate list of the best breakfasts in Auckland right at your fingertips.

A view across the deck at HI-SO, one of the best rooftop bars in Auckland.

Bars & Pubs

Auckland’s Best Rooftop Bars To Watch Day Turn To Night

We’ve said it before but we’ll say it again: rooftop bars are the shiz. What’s not to love about sitting sky-high, sipping on a beverage and taking in an epic view? Auckland’s best rooftop bars are dotted across the city and come in all shapes in sizes.

Some helps themselves to food at one of the best christmas day dinners in auckland.

Food & Drink

Where To Eat In Auckland On Christmas Day 2025 So You Don’t Have To Cook

Finding a restaurant to eat at in Auckland on Christmas Day isn't always easy (the phrase 'needle in a haystack' springs to mind). Well never fear, 'cos we've done the hard yards for you and found out who's open to play host this year so you can sit back, relax and make merry while someone else does all the work.

Pets

Tinsel, Pud And Tiny Paw Prints: These Are Our Team’s Top Christmas Rituals

It's the most wonderful time of the year—for pets as much as humans.

Food & Drink

The Best Local Christmas Sweet Treats Of 2025

It’s the festive season—or should I say feastin’ season—and if you’re a bit of a sweet tooth who cares more for the pav station than ham this Christmas, read on.

Things To Do

How To Snag Epic Black Friday Deals Without The Spending Hangover

Working smarter, not harder goes way beyond hacks for meetings that should have been an email: it turns out that it works a treat for Black Friday sales too.

Local Escapes

Your 2026 Guide To Akaroa

Quaint streets, sparkling harbour views, and a vibe so chill you'll toss up selling everything you own and never returning home: Here's your essential 2026 guide on where to eat, play, and stay in lovely old Akaroa.

Travel

From Wineries To Wild Retreats: Tick Off These Unreal Destinations On Your Next Road Trip

Buckle up—here’s our hit list of New Zealand spots where the journey and the destination both steal the show.

Travel

Australian-Born Boutique Hotel Brand TRIBE Has Opened Its First Aotearoa Stay In Auckland

Auckland has recently scored a stylish new boutique stay, with TRIBE Auckland Fort Street officially opening in the heart of the CBD.

Fam

Why A Disney Cruise Is The Best Place To Celebrate The Holidays At Sea

Your go-to guide for maximising your time on-board.

Food & Drink

Water Boy

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.

Health + Wellness

Watershed Queenstown

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.

Santa sits on the Grinch's knee in Christmassy surrounds.

Things To Do

Where To Get Santa Photos In Auckland In 2025

‘Tis the season for festive frivolities, gloriously subpar Christmas movies and strategic consumption of electrolytes. Plus, the iconic snap with Santa, of course. Here are the best Santa photo locations in Auckland.

Local Escapes

Your Guide To Euro-Style Road Trippin’—Minus The Long-Haul Flight

We’ve uncovered a luxurious lineup of local road trips that feel like a slice of Italy, the Alps and beyond.

Health + Wellness

6 Wellness Products Our Team Can’t Go Without This Month

More time and energy to focus on the bigger hauora (wellbeing) picture.

U:L Recommends

The Ultimate New Zealand Christmas Gift Guide For The Man In Your Life

Okay, so we both know he's going to say "nothing" or "just whatever" or "I don't mind not doing prezzies this year". Or some other good-hearted but, nonetheless, unhelpful nonsense that leaves you scrolling through endless manosphere slop. Blokes are just about the hardest people to buy for. The only people that are harder are Kiwi blokes. That's why I've compiled the ultimate list of NZ gifts for the man in your life this Christmas.

U:L Recommends