Things To Do

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

It's the time of year when we resolve to go harder, to be better, to move faster, and to get stronger—no wait, that might just be Daft Punk. In any case, here's our ultimate guide to Auckland's best gyms. 

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

Invercargill may get a bad rap but once you start exploring this southern extreme of New Zealand, you soon realise just how much there is to love. 

Arts and culture capital of Aotearoa, Te Whanganui-a-Tara is packed with an epic lineup of things to do.

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.

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.

From quaint Cotswoldian farmers' markets, quietly trading beneath Gothic grandeur, to sleepy seaside towns and suburbs swapping crafts every Saturday. We’re gonna take a wander, you and I, and you’ll want to pack your pocket money. ‘Cause these are the Best Markets in all of Otautahi Christchurch (and slightly beyond).

Whether you love getting amongst the arts or prefer to eat your way around town, Ōtautahi’s got something for you. Here are the best events happening in Christchurch in 2025. 

Auckland is pulling out all the stops this month. Here’s what’s on in Auckland this week, this month, and this year. 

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

If you reckon yourself pretty logical, or maybe you’re the team’s creative, or even you’re the one who’ll touch every single thing in sight just to see if something will happen, tag a team together to conquer these Christchurch Escape Rooms.

The Urban List guide to the absolute best things to do in Wellington. 

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

You don't have to break the bank to have a good time this winter—check out our list of budget-friendly getaways and festivals across the country. 

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

The Bay of Plenty boasts some of the best sun, sea and sand that New Zealand has to offer. Tucked away along the coveted coastline is Tauranga, home to the iconic Mauao volcano and dreamy Mount Maunganui beach. Affectionately termed “the Mount” by locals, this seaside gem offers watersports for the adventurous, festivals for the free-spirited and mouth-watering eats for the foodies.

Quirky urban cool, natural wonders, arty happenings and more than a few places to quench your thirst, Dunedin is full of contrasts and curiosities.

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 the top-notch suggestions you sent our way, we’ve rounded up the non-negotiable places to visit in Fiji.

Your guide on where to eat, stay and play on a Gold Coast adventure.

We sent writer Vicki Young to check out The Chef's Table at Blue Duck Station. 

How Pairama Wright found connection to his Māori heritage through food, and the magic of a one-tin traybake.

Matariki a.k.a. Māori New Year is just around the corner (Friday 20 June to be exact). A time of reflection and new beginnings, Aotearoa is busting out all the stops with a treasure trove of ways to celebrate.

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. 

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. 

Dubbed The Tron, Hamilton is a vibrant city with countless experiences to uncover. From adventurous activities and epic eats to natural wonders and zen retreats, there’s something for locals and visitors alike. Here are the very best Hamilton attractions.

Ōtautahi is an absolute gem of a city—there’s not a lot it doesn’t have. Beaches? Yes. Arts and culture? Absolutely. Outdoor excursions? You bet. A bunch more fun stuff? By the bucket load! So go get out there and explore it with our list of 50 of the best things to do in Christchurch. 

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

Battling with guy ropes, losing pegs and trying to figure out where you should even position the damn thing makes tenting not a walk in the park. But never fear—fallouts and deflating air beds will become a thing of the past when you get your glamping pants on. 

Brimming with vibrance, creativity, and some of the best coffee you'll find in the country, you'll never have a dull moment when visiting our nation's capital. Whether your ideal holiday abode is seaside or central, Wellington boasts a scenic selection of Airbnb stays that'll take your visit (and your Instagram) to the next level.

Does your romance feel a little less shiny than you’d like it to be? Maybe life’s so hectic right now that you’re missing out on those magical moments with your special someone. A romantic getaway could be just what you need to reignite the flame and connect at a deeper level than ever before. 

Given Aotearoa is perched on the Pacific Ring Of Fire, it's no wonder Kiwis have an affinity with hot water. How lucky we are then to have an almost endless supply of spots across the country to satisfy our need for a soak, be it a man-made hot pool or hot tub, or a natural hot spring.

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.

Whether you’re after a healthy meal, a culinary cure after exploring Queenstown’s best bars, or fuel for a day of adventure, there’s something for every brunch or lunch occasion at Queenstown's best cafes. 

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.

We’ve done the research and know the must-visit restaurants in QT, so read on for the best restaurants in Queenstown.

No matter your budget—from cheap and cheerful to total baller—there’s all manner of top-tier eateries to sink your teeth into.

Everyone who’s anyone knows New Zealand will deliver when it comes to walking tracks and the heart of Canterbury is certainly no exception. From your 30-minute morning run before work to a Sunday spent adventuring the outdoors, Christchurch has it all. With spectacular views and plenty to get the blood pumping, we’re here to share the best walking tracks and trails of our suitably titled Garden City.

Make markets your favourite weekend morning ritual and kick on with mates for the night markets too (we're looking at you Auckland Night Markets). Here is our (extensive!) list of the very best Auckland markets.

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.

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.

We caught up with the Kiwi sports team of the moment, the Black Ferns, to talk game day routines, mental health and pump-up tunes. 

This is your one-stop money-saving guide to ensure you stay on track with your finances while you study. 

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

Our guide to the shows you simply must hit in the 2025 NZ International Comedy Festival. 

Walking is one of the best ways to make the most of the City of Sails. So grab some sturdy shoes, make use of the kauri dieback wash stations and get amongst the beautiful coastlines, stunning waterfalls, urban strolls and native bush.

We’ve rounded up a list of the best Airbnbs in Queenstown to make that dream holiday a reality…

We called on you—our tasteful readers—to give us all the goss on what should be at the top of our list on a trip to Fiji.

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.

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.

Your guide to finding more soul-nourishing moments in 2025.

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!).

Queenstown is famous for its jaw-dropping landscapes, and while the Great Walks get all the hype, there are plenty of other incredible trails that deserve a spot on your to-do list.

From anniversaries and honeymoons, to family reunions and birthdays, there’s one special spot that caters for every important milestone—Singapore.

Steeped in culture and brimming with world-class hotels, Michelin-starred street eats, a vibing nightlife and sun-kissed islands, Singapore is worthy of so much more than just a few hours between flights.

Between the gleaming skyscrapers and perfectly manicured gardens lies a paradise for savvy travellers. Let's dive in, shall we? 

Forget the total routine overhaul, in 2025 we're making small changes that stack up to a better year. 

The warmer weather is here, and that means it’s the season for lavender to bloom. Here are the best farms across New Zealand where you can stroll amongst the fields, take a picture for the gram and pick your own lavender. Hot tip: pop a few flowers into your next glass of champagne.

Stockholm is sort of an archipelago city. Dozens of islands and little urban peninsulas divided by oceanic canals that freeze solid in mid-winter. Bridges are a big deal here.

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.

Renowned for serving up the best in spirit-stacked sips, creative mastermind, and a-lister in the bartending scene Alastair Walker is set to hit Ōtautahi to host an epic night of all things shaken and stirred. 

Whether it’s Mother’s Day, a special occasion, or you just wanna spoil someone (but also yourself!), high tea is always the answer. Lucky for us, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland has no shortage of spots serving up a swanky high tea with alllll the treats, including tea, cake, and if you're lucky, a cheeky glass of bubbles.

Though long viewed as a luxury destination—cue over indulgence and splashing of cash—Waiheke is literally awash in great options to have you out and about and enjoying the land in many different ways, all without breaking the bank.

Myland & Co is a day retreat that's definitely worth forking out for. 

If you’re a bit of a tramping fiend, chances are you’ve lowkey got your eye on crossing off all of the New Zealand Great Walks. If you haven’t done the Routeburn yet, it should be high on your list. 

​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.

After a long morning walk and a day spent lounging lakeside, a bar hop chasing the sun seems the next appropriate step.

There’s a lot to love about music festivals in the Aotearoa summer. Racing between stages, dancing like no one’s watching, and snapping up some epic memories. 

We caught up with Hāmiora Bailey, director of Auckland Pride 2025 to pick their brains on the festival and all their favourite spots in the Tāmaki Makaurau. 

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.

These are the best festivals hitting Aotearoa this summer. 

Renowned for his ability to serve the best Kiwi cuisine, ex-MasterChef New Zealand judge Simon Gault has built his reputation through a love of pushing boundaries and celebrating local ingredients.

Here are all the events not to miss at this year's Auckland Pride Festival. 

If there was a recipe for a banging summer in Tāmaki Makaurau, it’d absolutely involve the sea, some good food, a bit of music and a boogie.

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. 

Sunflower season is short but sweet and while there might not be an abundance of sunflower farms in Aotearoa, there are five magical spots you’ll definitely want to visit.

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.

It's official—Onehunga is one of Auckland's most hip albeit underrated suburbs. Studded with historic buildings and delightful villas, this charming neighbourhood has really amped things up in recent years on the eating-out front, with a host of top-notch bars, restaurants and cafés coming to the fore.

Waiheke Island. A magical getaway, a wine-lover’s paradise, the perfect wedding destination... and a next-level foodie scene. Here are the best and tastiest restaurants on Waiheke Island. 

I scream, you scream... well, you know how it goes. Whether it's fresh and fruity or rich and chocolatey, in a cone, on a stick or in a cup, we just can't get enough of the cold stuff. So without further ado, here's our pick of the coolest (yes, we did just do that) ice cream and gelato shops in Auckland.

2024 is almost done and dusted. Only one question remains—where will you be when the new year dawns?

From bubble skirts to 'that' tank, these are the season's pieces to curate a wardrobe for every occasion

A rite of passage for many, we’ve got a tonne of descriptors for Gisbone’s Rhythm & Vines festival—namely, good vibes, good tunes and good company. This year we’re adding ‘healthy’ to that list (and we’re as surprised about it as you are). 

There’s a very fine balance between spontaneity and organisation when it comes to making summer plans. For trail walks—like all of Aotearoa’s summertime activities—a few notable basics are a must.

This epic pop-up is here to help you donate your spare travel cash and win a stack of epic travel prizes. 

If you’re one of those folk who likes adventures but can’t be faffed travelling far and wide for them, Auckland is the best place to live. An outdoor playground lies—quite literally—just beyond our doorstep, waiting for us to explore it. 

We’ve scoped the waterfalls around the city to bring you a list of the best in Auckland. Take a picnic!

If you’re like us and love a juicy berry punnet or two, then read on to find the best pick-your-own strawberry fields in Tāmaki (and beyond). 

Having just completed her very first marathon in The Big Apple, Meg Marshall is the young kiwi proving that a casual Friday jog and a bit of initiative can take you a long way. 

Wineries are a field that Waiheke have got down pat and it’d be criminal to leave without visiting one. Here’s a list of the best Waiheke wineries. 

To make things easy for you, we’ve created this list of the best places to buy your Christmas tree this year—now you have no reason to procrastinate!

Whether you’re out for a veggie deal, are craving some homemade treats, or just want to support local grassroots creatives, Wellington’s market scene has got you.

As the saying goes, you can’t beat Wellington on a good day.

Wellington prides itself on its cafe culture and we’ll be the first to say it’s justified.

Ho, ho, holy snowball. December is nearly here and it's time to get our Christmas party on. Is it just us, or did this year really sneak up on us?

Here are the best events happening in Queenstown in 2025.

Escape on an island adventure to the majestic yet mysterious, Rakiura Stewart Island. 

Nothing has us feeling more festive than a completely over-the-top display of Christmas lights—this is definitely a case of the more the merrier! Lucky for us Aucklanders, a decent dose of holiday twinkle is never far away.

Summer has officially started which pretty much means three things: ice cream, cocktails and swimming.

Our fine capital is home to some fantastic hotels for all kinds of visitors looking for all kinds of getaways. Whether you’re looking for a staycation in your own city or need to find a place for a cheeky trip away, Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington has somewhere for everyone.

We love a good market, especially one with the word 'Christmas' attached! So hop in the car, crank up the Mariah (your secret's safe with us) and head along to one of these incredible Christmas markets coming to Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland this holiday season.

Kiwi summers are incomplete without heading out to the wild exploring the beautiful nature the land has to offer. Read on to learn about the five spots in Hamilton to relax this summer. 

To give you a taste of lush, effortless hair, this month Shark Beauty is showing off their best range of good hair day promising tools in an exclusive Newmarket pop-up. 

Legend has it that at summer’s end or ‘Samhain’—the inspiration behind Halloween traditions—the veil between the world of the living and the underworld is at its thinnest. The dead will walk.

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.

Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland is home to some seriously spooky spots. 

Get amped up for the most wonderful time of the year. We’re talkin’ New Zealand’s festival season. Across the country, lads and lasses will be locking in tickets to some of the best festivals our country has to offer, all promising an epic mash-up of beats, vibes and all round good times.

There are some excellent pet-friendly campgrounds scattered around New Zealand that are happy to welcome both you and your furry ones.

Who loves the salt, sand and sea more than us humans? Our furry best friends of course. That's why we've got to get them out and about at the most dog-friendly beaches in Auckland.

It’s a well-known fact that we here at Urban List love our pooches and so we’ve rounded up some of Auckland’s best dog-friendly parks because—let’s face it—your dog’s already peed on all the trees at your local. So, treat your pup and take them to the best dog parks in Auckland.

Show your pup some love and reward them for being a good boy or girl at these dog-loving establishments.

It’s not too late to rally the troops, or just yourself, to raise a bit of cashola for this totally worthy and far-too-close-to-home cause.

It’s time to double-whammy that precious downtime the same way you “write minutes” for meetings that really could’ve been an email. Our trick? Hybrid venues and sleek multi-purpose experiences. Sure, cocktails and burgers are great, but paired with a raging film club or arcade game? That’s where the good stuff's at. 

Māori Language Week is just around the corner (14-21 Mahuru/September to be exact) and here are 10 ways to celebrate.