Alice Rich

New Zealand Editor | Urban List, New Zealand

Alice joined Urban List as a freelance writer in March 2021 spilling her secrets about her hometown Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland and beyond. In July 2024 she levelled up to New Zealand Editor and continues to cover the best in restaurant news, health and wellness, art and culture, sustainable fashion, travel, things to do, and more.  

Having been a content creator for magazines, high profile charities, startups, and community groups both in Aotearoa and abroad for over a decade, as New Zealand Editor Alice is stoked to be able to use words to make a difference. She especially revels in discovering New Zealand’s secret worlds and spotlighting people doing bold, courageous mahi even when The Good Life gets gritty.

When she’s not writing about New Zealand’s best gigs, food, and places she’s empowering people through movement as a Personal Trainer, got her hands wrapped around a mug of matcha, hanging out in Auckland’s most atmospheric bars and restaurants, or wandering around the latest art exhibitions. 

The Good Life By Alice

Tteokbokki + Tramping + A Bangin’ Dance Floor

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Articles by Alice

Travel

The Best Things To Do In Fiji For All Types Of Travellers

Explore Fiji's best activities for every type of traveller in 2025.

Travel

The Best Fiji Resorts For A Tropical Escape In 2025

Escape to one of the best Fiji resorts for a tropical getaway in 2025. Experience private beaches, luxurious spa treatments, and unforgettable adventures in paradise.

Travel

The Best Restaurants In Fiji For 2025

 From fresh to fried, whatever you're in the mood for, Fiji's got you.

Local Escapes

21 Stunning Walks In Auckland To Take At Least Once

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.

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. 

Restaurants

Auckland’s Best New Restaurant Openings Of 2025 You Need To Know About

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.

Pacific

The Best Airbnbs In Fiji For An Island Getaway In 2025

From stunning honeymoon destinations to eco retreats, super swish villas and spots perfect for the whole family, Fiji’s Airbnb game is strong. 

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.

Features

How To Get A Stronger, Smarter Grip On Your Finances With Soph And Vic From The Curve

Bank balance not quite as abundant as you were hoping? Assets looking a bit... non-existent? We feel you—it isn't easy getting your finances in check but in this economy it's especially vital. Here's where to start. 

Travel

11 Of The Best Fiji Beaches You Need To See To Believe

Picture a holiday in Fiji and chances are you’ll end up daydreaming about a beach. 

Things To Do

We Tried A Roaming Retreat And This Is What Happened

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

Local Escapes

Routeburn | Everything You Need To Know Before Tackling This New Zealand Great Walk

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. 

Shopping

5 Home Office Essentials For Keeping WFH Fresh

Working from home? Keep things fresh with our essential home office edit. 

Wellness

We Tried Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy And This Is What Happened

Would you climb inside a hyperbaric oxygen chamber? We did, and this is what happened.

Features

Hāmiora Bailey On Pride, Really Good Kai And Club Culture

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. 

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.

Food & Drink

Chromatic Dining: A Curated Must-Try Dish List So You Can Eat The Rainbow This Auckland Pride

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

What's On

The Secret Gems Of Auckland Pride 2025

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

Things To Do

18 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. 

What's On

What’s On In Christchurch In 2025

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. 

Fitness

Auckland’s Best Gyms According To A Personal Trainer

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. 

Wellness

Get Your Zen On With Auckland’s Best Yoga Studios

Not only is yoga good for your body, but it also has amazing benefits for your mind too. In the busyness and craziness of life, taking up yoga is one of the best things you could do for your entire wellbeing.

Local Escapes

10 Airbnbs With Breathtaking Swimming Pools To Book In Auckland

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.

Best Of

8 Of The Best Airbnbs On Waiheke For Your Next Island Escape

Brimming with vineyards and distilleries, terrific food, forest tracks, beaches and swimming spots, the only thing better than a day trip to Waiheke Island is an overnighter. Here's where to stay. 

Food & Drink

12 Of The Best Restaurants In New Plymouth And Where To Find Them

Between scaling Mt Taranaki and hitting the mountain bike tracks around Lake Mangamahoe, surfing up a storm or soaking up the art, you’ll likely work up quite the appetite in New Plymouth. And, luckily, there’s a bunch of local eateries on hand to refuel at. 

Food & Drink

14 Of The Best Restaurants And Cafes In Rotorua

Rotorua is a foodie haven, from boujee fine dining to delectable cheap eats spotlighting local and international cuisines.  

Best Of

8 Of The Best Restaurants In Blenheim To Feast At

Blenheim certainly does a good elixir (of the alcoholic variety) but it holds its own on the foodie front too. Forks at the ready, here are the best Blenheim restaurants.

Food & Drink

Parnell’s Best Restaurants, Bars And Cafes And Where To Find Them

For a night out feeling fancy, a sweet pick-me-up or a tasty bite to get you through your day, Parnell won’t disappoint. Arguably the most stroll-worthy suburb in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, it's packed with restaurants, cafes and bars that know a thing or two about really good kai.

Things To Do

26 Rad Workshops In Auckland Where You Can Learn A New Skill

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

Fitness

8 Of The Best Activewear Brands In NZ To Hit The Gym In

Activewear is the holy grail of the wardrobe. 

Local Escapes

The Most Romantic Getaways Near Auckland To Book In 2025

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. 

Enter Your Frozen Era With The Best Ice Baths And Infrared Saunas In Auckland

‘Fire and ice’ has taken on a new definition this year with contrast therapy becoming the next biggest wellness buzzword as the fitness industry starts to lean into recovery in a massive way.

Fitness

Rhythm And Vines Is Shaping Up To Be The Healthiest New Year’s Eve On Record

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). 

We Tried HYROX On A Floating Pontoon And This Is What Happened

Epic fitness endurance comp, HYROX, is coming to New Zealand in February.

U:L Recommends

8 Essential LSKD Activewear Pieces To Add To Your Wishlist, Stat

Activewear brand LSKD has just made its Aotearoa debut, opening a brick-and-mortar store in Takapuna which is kind of a big deal (goodbye shipping fees!). We caught up with LSKD ambassador, Lilz, for the lowdown on all the best pieces to add to our wardrobe. 

Gifts

14 Great Last Minute Christmas Gift Ideas

Left your Christmas shopping a bit, shall we say, fashionably late? This gift edit doubles as a gift for future you—each piece is pretty fun in its own right but they’ll also have you sorted for back to school (or uni) when the new year dawns and it’s time to hit the books.

Local Escapes

8 Epic Auckland Waterfalls You Can Actually Visit

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

17 Of The Best Cocktails (And Adjacent) To Sip On This Summer

We're proudly (and perhaps a little tipsily) presenting to you the most refreshing cocktails for kicking back with this summer. 

How To Tackle A Wine Tasting Like A Pro

There are about 99 reasons to head to Waiheke but no one can deny one of its (very main) alter egos is Wine-heke. Here's how to tackle a wine tasting like a pro. 

Features

4 Local Brands And Designers Changing The Fashion Industry For Good

There’s no getting around the fact that The Good Life requires something to live that good life on (aka a planet) but climate anxiety really knocks the dopamine out of a cheeky add to cart. 

Sustainability

Do Better This Black Friday With The Conscious Countdown By REMI

Black Friday is on the horizon—Friday 29 November, to be exact—and while it’s a froth-worthy occasion for some, it prompts a wave of eye-rolling for others. The Conscious Countdown, however, is, allowing you to snag a bargain from a curation of local businesses that put the planet and people first. 

Gifts

The Best Christmas Gift Ideas Under $50

To help you tick off your Christmas shopping list and leave you with money in the bank, we’ve put together a Christmas gift guide with a bunch of options for a fiddy dollar note, or less. 

Fashion

18 Ethical Kiwi Fashion Brands To Get Behind

It’s all about choosing brands based on our own values—not just the dollar value of a product.

Where to stay

The Best Rotorua Camping Spots To Kick Back At This Summer

Just two and a half hours drive from Tāmaki Makaurau, Rotorua is an easy roadie and for the quintessentially Kiwi experience, you’ve got to go camping. 

Where to stay

The Best Campsites In Taupo To Pop A Tent At

If you haven’t camped in Taupō, can you really say you’ve fully experienced it? We'll go ahead and nope that. Here are the best spots for camping in and around Taupō. 

Food & Drink

The Best Bottomless Brunch Spots In Auckland Right Now

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.

Raglan’s 4 Best Campsites To Pitch A Tent At This Summer

Ahhh Raglan, a bohemian jewel in Aotearoa’s crown. While there are plenty of cute accomodation options in and around Raglan, there’s nothing quite like camping so we’ve rounded up the cream of the crop (vegan cream, that is—let's be real).

What's On

Auckland’s Best Halloween Events And Parties To Get Spooked At In 2024

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.

Pets

The Best Dog Walkers In Auckland For A Happy Pooch

So it not your doggo’s first rodeo when it comes to walkies. But there are walkies and then there are walkies, if you catch our drift.

Pets

The Best New Zealand Made Dog Treats For Rewarding Good Pups

When your doggo’s done the mahi, they ought to get the treats. But not just any treats, your canine’s deserving of only the best. 

U:L Recommends

The Best Jewellers In Auckland And Where To Find Them

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. 

Restaurants

Everything You Need To Know About SkyCity’s Served

In this economy, barely anything can top the excitement of free parking. But SkyCity's served us twice over with the holy grail itself, plus an exciting new addition to October and November's epicurean calendar. Enter: Served, two massive months of feasting. 

Food & Drink

Auckland’s Best Waterfront Restaurants So You Can Dine Out On Views For Days

Grab a spot by the water, dig in to a tasty something and let the City of Sails treat you some next-level hospitality at Auckland’s best waterfront eateries.

Restaurants

Where To Eat In Auckland On A Sunday Night

The only thing worse than staying in on Sunday is being lumped with the responsibility of having to find a good restaurant that’s open on Sunday night. While usually a thankless task we've scoured all our favourite eateries to put together a list of where to eat in Auckland on a Sunday night. 

You Need To Know About Venue Veterans

Venue Veterans is a brand new gig series that'll see iconic New Zealand musicians returning to the venue that ignited their career. We caught up with David Dallas ahead of the launch.

Restaurants

Where To Eat In Auckland On A Monday

‘Monday-itis’ can be cured by two things: a good meal and a strong beverage.

Food & Drink

The Best Vegan And Vegetarian Restaurants And Cafes In Auckland

Forget everything you thought you knew about vegan and vegetarian food. Far from its can-o’-chickpea origins, vegan fare is now unapologetically delicious.

Food & Drink

The Best Gluten-Free Eateries In Auckland Right Now

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.

Food & Drink

Catch Up With Your Crew At These Must-Visit Spots On Karangahape Road

Ahhh Karangahape Road. One of the most vibrant, creative, and bangin’ precincts in all of Tāmaki Makaurau.

Things To Do

10 Ways To Celebrate Māori Language Week 2024

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

What's On

Here Are The Shows You Can’t Miss At The Auckland Fringe Festival 2024

The independent arts festival kicks off from 2-22 September, celebrating the weird and wonderful of Auckland’s art scene, and everything in between.

Things To Do

The Best Things To Do With Dad This Father’s Day In Auckland 2024

Father’s Day is just around the corner (1 September if you’re wondering) and while not all of us have a father we almost certainly all have someone who’s unabashedly cracked dad jokes with reckless abandon.

Food & Drink

The Best CBD Restaurants, Bars And Cafes In Auckland Right Now

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

Health + Wellness

We Tried Sala’s New Chroma HIIT Studio And We Can’t Stop Raving About It

Innovative fitness studio, Sala, has just launched a brand new studio. Meet: Chroma HIIT, a workout based on colour therapy. 

Food & Drink

The Best Wynyard Quarter Restaurants, Cafes And Bars

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

Things To Do With Pets

10 Of The Best Dog-Friendly Walks In New Zealand

Taking your pup for a walk is all very well until you realise you’re in a park that’s a no-go for pooches. Talk about barking up the wrong tree. Luckily, there’s a whole lot of dog-friendly walks you can waltz along to your heart’s content, your fur baby by your side.

Food & Drink

Restaurant Month 2024’s Best Menus At $30, $45 And $55+

The centrepiece of Auckland’s food events is officially back on the radar: Restaurant Month is here. We’ve never been so grateful to for having 31 whole days.

Food & Drink

16 Of The Best Happy Hours In Auckland To Kick Your Night Off For Less

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

Pets

The Best Dog And Puppy Training Spots In Auckland

It’s hard enough making sense of this dog-eat-dog world as a human, let alone as a four-legged floof. Here are the best dog training programmes for you and your doggo.  

U:L Recommends

The Best Dog Accessories You Can Buy In New Zealand

Dogs don’t ask for much and that’s all the more reason to treat them to the finer things in life.

Local Escapes

QT Queenstown’s Champagne Parlour Is Popping Off

QT Queenstown has given us yet another excellent excuse for a cheeky getaway, and it’s Champagne-soaked. Pop a bottle, The Champagne Parlour's back. 

Fitness

Auckland’s Best Running Clubs To Join

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.

Things To Do

52 Of The Best Things To Do In Auckland This Winter (2024 Edition)

Here are 52 things to do in Auckland this winter that will (almost) distract you from missing summer.

Things To Do

50 Of The Best Rainy Day Activities To Do In Auckland When It’s Gnarly Out In 2024

Auckland weather is a true ode to the power of Mother Nature who seems to have a soft spot for constantly dealing us the meteorological middle finger. Luckily, whether you’re prepared for it or not (and you probably won’t be), there’s still plenty of things to do in Auckland when it rains.

Things To Do

The Best Cinemas In Auckland And Where To Find Them In 2024

Don’t get us wrong, we love a night in with Netflix but it just doesn’t compare to seeing movies on the silver screen, a bucket of popcorn in hand.

Things To Do

5 Of The Best Go Karting Tracks In Auckland

Swooning for a hooning? Feel the need for speed? Careen around the race track and leave your mates in the dust at one of Tāmaki Makaurau’s best spots for Go Karting.

Local Escapes

The Best Airbnbs With Fireplaces In New Zealand

From tiny huts in the forest to a luxurious private retreat and accommodation in an actual boot, Aotearoa has an abundance of cosy winter escapes for a cheeky weekend away.

What's On

The Best Things To Do With Mum This Mother’s Day In Auckland 2024

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.

Local Escapes

The Best Airbnbs In Christchurch For 2024

There’s loads to do in the Garden City so if you haven’t visited before, or even if you have, it should be right up there on your to-do list. And while you could check into a hotel, sometimes you’re in the mood for something with a little more character, which is exactly why we love Airbnb.

Features

The Best Tattoo Studios In Auckland To Get Inked At, 2024 Edition

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.

Features

11 Of The Best Op Shops In Auckland Where You Can Find Second-Hand Gold

If Macklemore taught us anything during his brief but incontestable reign over the radio, it’s that thrift shopping—correction, op shopping—is f**kin’ awesome.

Local Escapes

7 Of The Best Airbnbs In Tauranga And Mount Maunganui

With its proximity to Mauao, Tauranga is great for a weekend escape or a longer vacay.

Food & Drink

What’s Open In Auckland This Easter Long Weekend

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!

Local Escapes

10 Of The Best Camping Grounds In Northland

Camping is as much a part of Kiwi culture as remembering to blow on the pie. Whether you’re camping in a tent, campervan or prefer a cute cabin, if you’re after lakefront, beachfront or in the middle of the bush, Northland’s got you. 

What's On

Celebrate International Women’s Day 2024 At These Inspiring Auckland Events

International Women’s Day (IWD) is on the horizon—8 March to be exact. This year’s theme is Inspire Inclusion which is as much about encouraging women to be prepared to take up space as it is educating others on the value women can bring to all spheres of life.

Bars & Pubs

Auckland’s Best Quiz Nights To Test Your Mettle

Grab a pie and a pint, put your thinking cap on, and get ready to show off your obscure knowledge. Who knows? You might even come out on top. 

Things To Do

The Best Museums In Auckland To Visit This Year (Updated 2024)

If you’re curious about, well, everything, get yourself along to one of Auckland’s incredible museums, stat. From impressive architecture to the lush outdoors, Auckland has a load of intriguing historic collections and getting amongst definitely beats endlessly interrogating Siri. 

Food & Drink

The Best Cafes In Christchurch To Tick Off In 2024

Turns out The Garden City isn’t just about botanicals—it’s also one helluva foodie scene.

Food & Drink

Where To Eat In Auckland This Waitangi Day 2024

If you’re sticking around Tāmaki Makaurau this Waitangi Day—Tuesday 6 February to be exact—you’ll be delighted to know a bunch of top notch eateries will be open for brunch, lunch, a cheeky tipple or three, or an all-out feast. 

Everything That’s Open This Auckland Anniversary Day 2024

Here are Tāmaki Makaurau’s best cafes, restaurants and bars that are open on Auckland Anniversary Day 2024.

Local Escapes

The Best Airbnbs In Auckland, Whatever Your Budget

Auckland has some of the best Airbnbs around and we’re semi-obsessed (let’s be real, head-over-heels in love) with those secret urban dwellings that go above and beyond. Whether it’s luxury incarnate, stunning views or something a bit unexpected we’re here for it. And we’re also here for you, so without further ado, here are the best Airbnbs Auckland has to offer. 

Fashion

The Best Swimwear Labels To Shop In NZ This Summer

Summer is finally here and we couldn’t be more ready to frolic in the waves and relax on the beach. We’ve looked high and low to find the most sustainable swimwear labels around, that are ocean-friendly and will have you feeling great all summer long.

Local Escapes

13 Of The Best Places To Stay In Lake Tekapo From Hotels And Motels To Airbnbs

The gateway to some of the best stargazing in Aotearoa and the world, Lake Tekapo is one helluva holiday destination.

Local Escapes

The 10 Best New Zealand Great Walks You Need To Try

New Zealand is one heck of a b-e-a-utiful place and as its people, it would be downright rude not to explore it. 

Fashion

The Best Christmas Pyjamas In NZ To Get Into The Festive Spirit

We’ve always been a fan of a pyjama party and, while we’re not a fan of Christmas carols outside of December, we absolutely condone a sneaky transition to festive PJs. Let’s be honest, the festive PJ season really begins at Midwinter Christmas anyway. Here are the best pyjamas to rock around the Christmas tree in this December. 

Local Escapes

9 Of The Best New Plymouth Hotels To Check In At

From renowned luxury chains to characterful boutique abodes, we scoured the local hotel scene to find a range of gems worthy of your booking. 

Food & Drink

14 Of The Best Cafes In New Plymouth For A Banging Brunch

Here are the best cafes in New Plymouth, for brunch and beyond. 

Things To Do

11 Of The Best Things To Do In New Plymouth

A town in the shadow of an incredible picture-perfect volcano, and with a mix of art and adventure on offer, New Plymouth makes for a great weekend getaway.

Things To Do

50 Things To Do With Friends In Auckland For The Ultimate Mate Date

Friends are great. Always there to listen and advise, help you pick out killer outfits and approve romantic partners.

Food & Drink

The Best Viaduct Restaurants And Bars Auckland Has To Offer

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