Lauren Sanderson

Contributor | Urban List NZ

Lauren Sanderson wears a black puffer jacket and stands at the top of a stunning mountain.

Lauren is a freelance writer and content specialist based in New Zealand. With over seven years of experience in journalism, social media, and digital storytelling, she loves crafting engaging stories that connect and inspire.

A self-confessed content lover, she’s usually busy crafting articles, eye-catching social posts, and memorable marketing content. When she’s not at her desk, you’ll find her exploring Queenstown’s buzzing food scene, covering local events, or dancing the night away at a bangin’ festival.

Originally from the UK, she swapped city streets for alpine trails nearly a decade ago and now calls stunning Queenstown home. Surrounded by mountains, lakes, and endless adventure, Lauren thrives outdoors. She’s an avid trail runner, hiker, and explorer who’s always chasing the next adventure—both on and off the page.

The Good Life By Lauren

Trail running + Mountain adventures + Festie fun 

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Articles

Travel

These Stunning Aotearoa Escapes Deliver Euro Energy Without The Jetlag

Dreaming of a European escape but don’t have the time (or budget) to hop on a long-haul flight? Good news—some of Aotearoa’s most stunning spots give serious Euro vibes.

Pets & Travel

The Best Pet-Friendly Accommodation In New Zealand

We think it's about time our four-legged friends got to enjoy our weekend escapes too. 

Local Escapes

10 Of The Best Airbnbs With Hot Tubs And Outdoor Baths In NZ

Soak up the luxury at the best Airbnb's in NZ with outdoor baths. 

Local Escapes

The Best Glamping Spots In New Zealand To Rest Your Head

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. 

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.

Food & Drink

The Best Restaurants In Arrowtown

Whether you’re staying down the road in Queenstown, or in the heart of this magical town, here are seven Arrowtown restaurants you seriously need to dine at, trust us.

Cafes

The Best Cafes In Queenstown

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. 

Food & Drink

The Best Restaurants In Queenstown

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

Restaurants

Drift Away At La Marée, The Viaduct’s Stunning New Waterfront Restaurant With A French Twist

Seafood lovers listen up! A boujee seafood-inspired restaurant has opened at the new-look Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour Hotel and we can’t contain our excitement. 

Things To Do

The Best Walks In And Around Queenstown That Aren’t The Great Walks

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.

What's On

What’s On In Queenstown This Month And This Year 2025

Here are the best events happening in Queenstown in 2025.

What's On

The Best Music Festivals In NZ You Need To Experience In 2024 And 2025

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.

Pets

Adopt, Don’t Shop With The Best Cat Adoption Centres In New Zealand

The best things in life are furry, so we've compiled a list of the top places to adopt a cat in New Zealand so you can help a kitty in need.

Food & Drink

The Best Dog-Friendly Restaurants And Bars In Auckland

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

Hiking The Kepler Track: A Guide To New Zealand’s Iconic Tramp

Explore the stunning Fiordland National Park on an epic three to four-day tramping adventure.

Food & Drink

8 Of The Best Wineries And Vineyards To Sample In Martinborough

We've rounded up the best wineries in New Zealand's beloved wine region, Martinborough, so you can sip on top-notch vino all day long. 

Local Escapes

The Best Accommodation In Martinborough From Hotels And Motels To Airbnbs

We've rounded up the best accommodation in New Zealand's beloved wine region, Martinborough, so you can sample the vino in style. 

Local Escapes

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing |  Everything You Need To Know Before Tackling The Summit

Explore the volcanic heart of the Tongariro National Park on an epic one-day tramping adventure.

Local Escapes

The Tongariro Northern Circuit | Everything You Need To Know Before Tackling The Great Walk

Explore the volcanic heart of the Tongariro National Park on an epic three to four-day tramping adventure.

Local Escapes

Great Barrier Island | The Ultimate First Timer’s Guide

Rid yourself of life's stresses at this tranquil oasis. 

Food & Drink

The Best Bars In Queenstown

Whether you’re looking for a classy establishment for date night or a lively spot to dance the night away, here’s our guide to the best bars in Queenstown.

Restaurants

10 Of Our Favourite New Zealand Restaurants To Book A Table At ASAP

With more eateries than you can shake a stick at, we've rounded up some of the best eateries in New Zealand for you to book a table at, pronto. 

Fashion

The Best Dress Hire Shops In New Zealand To Get You Through Event Season

Special events call for extra special outfits. Luckily for us, there are heaps of fancy dress hire shops across New Zealand to help us get our glam on. 

Pacific

The Best Airbnbs In Rarotonga And Aitutaki In The Cook Islands

Live your best island life with a trip to The Cook Islands, where a tropical oasis awaits. 

Features

Broadway Hit Musical ‘Wicked’ Has Announced A New Post-Lockdown Date So Grab Your Broomstick

Take a trip along the yellow brick road and prepare to be amazed by an all Kiwi cast as they transport you to Emerald City and back. 

Things To Do

5 Awesome Things To Do In Auckland This Week

There is plenty of fun to be had with the best things to do in Auckland.

Restaurants

Meet Bar Magda, Auckland’s Hottest New Underground Bar And Bistro

Tantalize your taste buds at Auckland's hottest new bar and bistro. 

What's On

A Massive Morning Rave Is Coming To Auckland’s Town Hall This July

Ditch the booze and bust some moves at this epic morning rave. 

Cafes

Sublime New Eatery Kneads All Day Has Just Opened In Hobsonville

An exciting new eatery has landed in Hobsonville Point. 

Cafes

Fluff Cafe Is The Cute New Spot Dishing Up The Fluffiest Bread In Town

Move over sourdough, there’s a new bread in town.

Local Escapes

This Epic Dome Tent High In The Taupo Hills Is Your Next Glamping Getaway

Winter is coming, which means heaps of adventures and weekend getaways in the great outdoors. 

What's On

17 Epic Things To Do On Anzac Day 2022 In Auckland

For those of you who aren't heading away this Anzac weekend, there are heaps of fun-fuelled events happening to keep you entertained. 

Restaurants

Pici On K’ Road Will Make All Your Pasta Dreams Come True

Get your slurp on, a new pasta joint has landed on K’Road and it’s pasta-tively delicious! (we had to). 

Restaurants

Mighty Hotdog, The Cult Food Truck Fave, Has Just Set Up Permanent Digs In The CBD

Say hello to Mighty Hotdog—a Korean-style hotdog joint dishing out some seriously delicious snags. 

Restaurants

Meet Candela, The New Spanish Wine Bar And Eatery Shaking Up K’ Road

Meet Candela – a Spanish/Latin American-inspired eatery and wine bar that will whisk you and your tastebuds away on the trip of a lifetime.

Restaurants

Meet East, An Epic New Plant-Based Eatery Serving Up Vegetarian Fare In Style

Awaken your tastebuds, a new plant-based eatery has nestled into Nelson Street. 

Local Escapes

Pack Your Bags, Here’s How To Spend A Thrilling 48 Hours In Taupo

If like us, you love a summer adventure, then pack up your things, hit the road and get ready for an epic staycation.

What's On

9 Of Auckland’s Best New Year’s Eve Parties To See Out The End Of 2020

There’s no need to flee the city for New Year, everything you need is right on your doorstep  

New Zealand

The Best Things To Do In The Beautiful Bay Of Islands

If you’re after a summer of sun, sea, sailing, sightseeing, spectacular sights—okay you get the picture—then New Zealand’s very own northern paradise, Bay of Islands, is the prime destination for you. 

New Zealand

Eat Your Way Around 7 Of The Most Drool-Worthy Restaurants In The Bay Of Islands

Calling all foodies! Head to New Zealand's seaside region, Bay of Islands for a summer of sun, sea, and most importantly delicious grub.