Lachlan Woods-Davidson

Freelance Sub-Editor | Urban List NZ

Lachlan holds a large mango.

Lachlan is one of Urban List's newest recruits, who signed on as a freelance writer halfway through 2024 from a rather unconventional office—monsoon-sodden somewhere in Southeast Asia. Now having returned to Aotearoa and relocated to Ōtautahi Christchurch (with the occasional trip back home to Auckland for dinner from Mum), he covers every cool and neat event—no matter how eclectic or boutique—across both beautiful cities as well as perpetually windy Pōneke Wellington.

Having written feature articles and produced analogue film photography for a variety of online publications and Australasian outlets, Lachlan pairs his strong narrative skills with a bit of commercial nous he picked up in his previous career—an initial trajectory that saw him in a white suit and navy shirt until he traded it all in for the pen and pad. His dual passion for writing and photography allows him to capture stories both in words and through the lens, whether he's spinning yarns from his travels abroad or exploring his own backyard. Outside slanging words for Urban List, he's particularly interested in stories connecting people to food, community, and local businesses.

When he's not writing about New Zealand's latest and greatest activities and events, he's on the search for the perfect right-hander: an ideal day would begin with a shampoo-shack before breakfast and finish with a long, powdery run down the mountain.

The Good Life By Lachlan 

Surf + Snow + Sandwiches

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Articles

10 Of The Best Craft Beer Spots In Wellington

From award-winning breweries born out of petrol stations to alleyway beer bars that feel like secret societies, homages to old world taverns, heavy metal dives and more, if you're reading this as a Summit Ultra-sipping-agnostic, these 10 spots will have you on the nitro sours in no time. Here are the 10 of the Best Craft Beer Spots in Wellington.

Your 2025 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 2025 guide on where to eat, play, and stay in lovely old Akaroa.

Your 2025 Guide To Christchurch’s Riverside Market

Boasting a rich trove of producers, eateries, bars and boutiques that rival any premier dining precinct in the country, if you're looking for one of the best things to do in Christchurch, this is it: here’s the ultimate 2025 guide to the exceptional Christchurch Riverside Market.

How To Spend 48 Hours In Christchurch

Chat with any Christchurch local and they’ll tell you for certain—our city has just about everything. A vibrant CBD, quirky historic suburbs, seaside towns and hidden villages over its hills—from the mountains to the sea, as they say, the Garden City is the ideal destination for a 48-hour go at it.

Things To Do

What’s On In Wellington In 2025 (Updated September 2025)

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

What's On

17 Epic Things To Do In Auckland This Weekend

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

What's On

What’s On In Auckland This Week, This Month And This Year 2025

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. 

What's On

What’s On In Christchurch In 2025 (Updated September 2025)

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

U:L Recommends

15 Of The Very Best Gifts To Get A Kiwi Dad For Father’s Day

If you didn't realise already, Father's Day is fast approaching. Well, actually, it's right around the corner—7 September, to be exact—there's your reminder. What makes matters tricky is how tough Kiwi blokes can be buy for. That's why I've come up with the very best list of gifts to get a Kiwi dad for Father's Day.

Christchurch

All The Very Best Markets To Hit In Christchurch

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).

Local Escapes

The Best Jaw-Dropping Airbnbs For That Ultra-Special Occasion

For when your long weekend away deserves something a little bit extra.

Food & Drink

What’s Open In Auckland On ANZAC Day

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

Local Escapes

The Best Airbnbs In Rotorua Whatever Your Budget

Rotorua is one of the most popular destinations in Aotearoa and for good reason⁠—there’s a helluva lot of awesome things to do there whether you’re into history, hot mud, or adventures to send your adrenaline levels sky high. And there are loads of great places to stay too. 

Local Escapes

19 Of The Best Airbnbs In Queenstown For A Cosy Winter Getaway

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

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

20 Of The Best Airbnbs In Taupō

Sometimes you’ve just had your fill of hotels, motels and Holiday Inns, and you’re yearning for something with a little more… personality. When that mood strikes, it’s all about Airbnb. And if you’re bound for Taupo, you’ll be very pleased to know there are a bunch of great places on offer. 

Best Of

The Best Sunflower Farms In New Zealand And Where To Find Them

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.

What's On

The Best New Year’s Eve Parties In New Zealand To See Out 2024

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

Food & Drink

What’s Open In Auckland On Boxing Day, New Year’s Day And Summer Holidays

Whether you’re diving into the mad scramble that is Boxing Day sales, after a top-tier refuel mid-beach day, or soothing a deathly hangover on New Year’s Day, don’t waste your calories (and dollaz) on shoddy fare. It’s time to celebrate. Come 2025, it’s a new year and a new you, and that new you deserves to be fueled by the finest kai Auckland has to offer.

Bars & Pubs

19 Of The Best Bars In Christchurch Right Now

From bars out of buses to dimly lit speakeasies, art deco homages to local craft breweries. Keep reading and you'll discover a pint-sized pub plucked straight from Dublin, a repurposed tailor's, a repurposed Post-Office, and even a repurposed Church. Frankly, Ōtautahi's nightlife is anything but dull.