Lauren Sanderson

New Zealand Contributor

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

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.

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  

Restaurants

Ready Your Taste Buds, Cult-Fave Azabu Has Just Landed In Mission Bay

Sit back and take in the views as fave Japanese-Peruvian restaurant, Azabu, has just opened their second restaurant in Mission Bay.

Restaurants

Meet Mr Morris, The Brand New Pacifica Jewel In Britomart’s Crown

A modern Pacific and New Zealand dining experience has landed in Britomart.

Cafes

Come Hungry, Epic New Italian-Inspired Eatery Piccolina Has Just Opened In Avondale

A new Italian-inspired eatery has opened in Avondale and it’s going to make you want to fill your face pronto.

Restaurants

Get Hooked, Epic New Fish ‘N’ Chip Shop FishBoy Has Just Landed In Mission Bay

Summer is nearly here which means it's time for fish 'n' chips on the beach.

Cafes

Take Your Taste Buds To New Heights At Brand New Kingsland Cafe Antheia’s Loft

Say hello to Antheia’s Loft, a charming new eatery that is dishing up all the goods. 

Cafes

Forks At The Ready, Epic Brunch Spot Benedict’s Has Just Opened In Eden Terrace

Forks at the ready—a classy new eatery has landed in Eden Terrace.

Features

Prepare For Festy Vibes, R&V Have Just Announced Their Stellar 2020 Lineup

Rhythm and Vines have just dropped their stellar line-up and boy, are we in for a treat. 

Restaurants

Meet Beau, Ponsonby’s Boujee New Wine Bar That Will Whisk You Off Your Feet

Calling all wine lovers! Ponsonby has gained a new wine bar. 

Restaurants

Lick your lips, Sumthin Dumplin Has Opened A Hot New Beer Garden In Ponsonby

Sumthin Dumplin has joined Ponsonby’s strip with their new beer garden Midnight Gardener. 

Restaurants

Chow Down At Mr Hao, Auckland’s Hottest New BBQ Skewer Bar

Sink your teeth into Mr Hao—a modern Chinese eatery nestled into the heart of Dominion Road. 

Restaurants

Electric Chicken And Six Barrel Soda Will Make Your Dreams Come True On K’ Road

Much-loved New Zealand chicken shop Electric Chicken have paired up with Wellington-born Six Barrel Soda Co to create an ‘electric’ dining experience. 

Features

Find Out Which Auckland Events Have Been Postponed Due To Coronavirus

As we are now all in lockdown for at least the next 4 weeks, we are seeing that more and more of Auckland’s events have been cancelled or postponed until further notice due to the ongoing concerns around public health. 

Auckland

The Best Healthy Deliveries In Auckland To Order To Your Door

Who said healthy food had to be boring? Check out the top healthy deliveries available in Auckland.

Restaurants

Calling All Wine Lovers, Natural Wine Bar Clay Has Nestled In On K’ Road

Get your wine and pizza fix at K' Road's new hidden gem Clay.

What's On

Celebrate Waitangi Day With 10 Epic Things To Do In Auckland This Thursday

It's been 180 years since the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi and we think that's worth celebrating! 

Restaurants

Forks At The Ready, Bar Céleste, A French Inspired Neo Bistro Has Hit K’ Road

Luxury meets party at K’ Road's new venture, Bar Céleste. 

Things To Do

10 Things To Do In Auckland This Waitangi Day Holiday

It's been 180 years since the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi and we think that's worth celebrating! 

Restaurants

Excite Your Taste Buds At Khu Khu, Ponsonby’s Hot New Vegan Thai Eatery

Who said that vegan food has to be bland and boring? We think not. Challenging this stereotype is Khu Khu, a light-hearted vegan Thai eatery nestled into the heart of Ponsonby. 

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. 

Restaurants

Scandal Is The Hot New Ponsonby Eatery Sure To Set Your Soul On Fire

Bao down on delicious Asian fare and sip on outrageously good cocktails at the latest addition to Ponsonby's strip. 

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.

Cafes

Hēmi Eatery Has Arrived To Help You Smash All Your Healthy Eating Goals

A superhero, super foody, super gluten-free eatery has just opened in Freeman’s Bay.

Food & Drink

Barbarino’s Spaghetteria Serves Up Classic Italian Fare To Get You Drooling

If you’re a lover of all things pasta, then come and spaghett it at Avondale's new Italian eatery. 

Bars & Pubs

Round Up The Crew, ELMOS, A New European Pizza Bar Has Opened In Ponsonby

A quirky pizza bar is bringing a splash of European razzle-dazzle to Ponsonby. 

Restaurants

Ready Your Taste Buds, A New Peruvian-Style Rooftop Eatery Has Just Landed In Newmarket

Ever wanted to visit Peru to sink your teeth into their culinary delights, but can’t quite afford that plane ticket? Well, you’re in luck as new Peruvian-style restaurant, INCA, hits Westfield Newmarket's rooftop dining scene. (Let the mouthwatering commence)