Urban List Guide To New Zealand

While Central Otago gets the headlines, the wider Canterbury region has quietly cemented its status as one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most scintillating regions to venture to for a tipple.

Whether you're looking for a treasure on a pirate's island or just looking for a park big enough to drain their relentless energy, I’ve got your itinerary sorted.

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

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. 

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

Roll up, roll up. It’s time for this week’s New Zealand food news. Hot off the press (or should we say, toastie press) are all the tasty tidbits you need to know. 

Whether you’re heading to Queenstown for a ski getaway or to dance the night away with your pals, we’ve done the research and found the very best hotels.

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

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. 

Lush parks, a creative arts scene and access to the stunning Pacific coast. Welcome to Christchurch.

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. 

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.

Kick back and dive into the best Disney+ has to offer in Australia and New Zealand for 2025.

From free playgrounds to rainy-day museums, here are the best things to do with kids in Wellington.

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.

From award-winning breweries born out of petrol stations to alleyway beer bars that feel like secret societies, Wellington has some of the best craft beer spots around.

Christchurch has a vibrant CBD, quirky historic suburbs and seaside towns—from the mountains to the sea, as they say, the Garden City is the ideal destination for a 48-hour go at it.

Decision fatigue? Not on our watch—especially when our plans have *finally* made it out of the group chat and into the city.

Welcome to Wellington, New Zealand’s cool and compact capital—with a heap of creative flair and stunning scenery.

As the gateway to the South Island, Ōtautahi Christchurch attracts visitors of all types, and it's not hard to see why. Alongside amazing food and drink, the Garden City is blessed with some of the country’s best hotels, and we've put together a list of our faves so you can have an A+ Christchurch getaway, whether you're travelling in luxury or you're on a budget.

If you just can’t get enough of the Star Wars universe, you’ve probably been champing at the bit to see the new The Mandalorian and Grogu movie. And, while you’ll have to wait until May 22, 2026, for the full movie, you can get your Star Wars fix with the brand-new The Mandalorian and Grogu trailer right now.

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.

Martinborough wineries make a serious splash in New Zealand's vino scene. So it's fair to say that this renowned Wairarapa wine region should be high on your sip list. Here's our top 10 picks. 

Grab your sparkliest cardigan, your orange-glitter nail polish, and maybe (absolutely) your dancing shoes. Taylor Swift isn’t just dropping a new album; she’s turning the release into a full-on cinema event. For two days only. The official release of Life of a Showgirl, a movie-theatre experience tied to her upcoming album of the same name, is coming to Australia from 3–5 October 2025.

Laneway Festival 2026 lineup brings Chappell Roan, Wolf Alice, PinkPantheress, BENEE & more to stages across Australia and New Zealand.

Brimming with vibrancy, and some of the best coffee you'll find in the country, Wellington boasts a selection of Airbnb stays that'll take your visit (and your Instagram) to the next level.

As the saying goes, you can’t beat Wellington on a good day–and there's no better way to enjoy it than on foot.

Psychedelic legends The Brian Jonestown Massacre are heading back to Australia in March 2026. Led by the mercurial Anton Newcombe, BJM have been bending minds since the early ‘90s with their hypnotic mix of garage rock, shoegaze and psychedelia. Now they're back.

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

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

From the epic 'whodunit' twists and slapstick ridiculousness to heartwarming friendships and an absolutely stonking list of guest stars, there’s so much to look forward to in Season 5 of Only Murders In The Building.

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.

Does life feel so hectic right now that you’re missing out on those magical moments with your special someone? Check out these romantic getaways and magical retreats within driving (or ferry) distance from Auckland.

What’s the go with Ticketmaster’s Face Value Exchange? And how can you use it to score tickets for a sold-out event, or offload tickets that you can no longer use? Here’s everything you need to know.

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.

There’s loads to do in the Garden City—and while you could check into a hotel, sometimes you’re in the mood for something with a little more character.

Olivia Dean is returning Down Under in October 2026 to kick off our spring season with her honey-sweet vocals and soul-filled lyrics. Touring her upcoming album The Art of Loving, the singer has just announced her Australia and New Zealand tour dates. Here are all the details.

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.

Whatever your tipple of choice—we’ve got you. Here are the best bars in Wellington.

Let's give it up for Australian talent. There's no denying that a whole heap of the best fashion labels right now are Aussie born and bred.

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

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

From rolling valleys to dense native forest and cliffs overlooking black sand beaches, we've found the most jaw-dropping Airbnbs across New Zealand that you can book for a getaway.

NZ boasts some seriously gorgeous beaches and some of the best Airbnbs right by the water.

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?

Euro summer FOMO hitting hard? Not on our watch. No, seriously, we’ve got our alarms set—and our city hitlists stacked—to pounce on the next suite of Singapore Airlines’ special fares for Europe 2026. 

NZFW's 2025 Return was a feast for the eyes—group chats, moodboards and credit card bills too. 

A melting pot of rich culture, incredible cuisine and plenty of fun, Singapore is the ultimate getaway for families. 

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.

Every route is a scenic route when road tripping through Tasmania, so there’s a lot to get excited about. So pack your bags and embark on the adventure of a lifetime with these 10 stunning road trips to take in Tasmania.

Make markets your favourite weekend morning ritual and kick on with mates for the night markets too. Here is our (extensive!) list of the very best Auckland markets.

Cue the clacky heels, New Zealand Fashion Week Kahuria is back—finally. Handpicked shows, pop-ups, places to hide inbetween—we’ve got everything you need to stack your day between trips to shows at Shed 10.

The queen of pop-rap herself, Doja Cat, is coming to Australia and New Zealand later this year with the Ma Vie World Tour.

Beyond Japan’s neon-soaked cities and 7-Eleven snack havens lies a world of unspoiled trails, steamy onsens, and wellness stays sure to transport you into a world of utter zen.

 Next-gen artists lighting up the city, tropical islands, ancient rainforests and sun-soaked afternoons await.

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

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.

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. 

Sophie Marcoux is the chic director behind perfume brand Ficifolia Fragrances. Here, Sophie shares ice cream spots that transform into wine bars, an incredible rabbit ravioli and the best street for vintage shopping in Paris.

To understand Texas, you need to eat your way through it. And thanks to this guide, you'll know exactly where to go when you take the holy trip down to the Lone Star State.

With the colder nights calling for a tipple that warms from within, what better way to celebrate New Zealand’s Rum Month than with some tasteful takes on well, rum.

Pampering yourself doesn’t come much better than a sleek set of nails. 

We’ve taken the hard yards out of scoping out the very best massage places in Auckland, so that you can sit back and slip right into a state of bliss. Toodles, tension. 

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.

Ready to get hot under the headphones? These are the best sex podcasts dishing out steamy stories, expert advice, and laughs to keep things extra satisfying.

Don’t get us wrong, we love Bali as much as the next person, but there’s a whole lot more to Indonesia that you’re missing. For a country made up of over 17,000 islands, it’s actually a bit of a disgrace that the majority of travellers go back to the same one over and over again. 

While activewear is the holy grail of the wardrobe (an Aucklander’s, anyway), when it comes time to turn on your OOO and head for the hills, the snowy mountains, the rock walls or—hell—an especially enthusiastic walking holiday, you might like to level up that fit. 

While JLo famously tried to tell us 'love don't cost a thing', it does—and these are the romantic getaways in Australia you need to know about.

Private dining is the ultimate fantasy—home-style dining (if your home’s hella plush) surrounded by all your favourite people, where tastebud tantalising dishes materialise in front of you, care of a top-tier chef. If I’m dreaming don’t wake me up.

Activewear is the holy grail of the wardrobe. 

Find your inner peace with the best meditation podcasts to stream now. Guided sessions, expert tips and soothing vibes. 

As the unofficial culinary capital of New Zealand, it's no surprise Wellington is home to some seriously epic high teas. Oriental-themed offerings, high teas in swanky hotels and even a one-of-a-kind experience from a famous tea brand are amongst those on offer. 

Planning the perfect romantic escape can be tough when life is hectic. So Urban List has done the hard work for you, searching high and low to bring you 22 of the best romantic getaways in Victoria. 

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. 

'High tea' is one of my all-time favourite phrases in the English language. Bringing together teeny tiny treats with copious cups of tea (or if you're really lucky, some bubbles) in a fancier-than-usual setting, this is the epitome of good living. And Cantabrians clearly know a thing or two about the subject, as these—the six best spots for high tea in Christchurch—show. 

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

If there's one food trend that's defined 2025 thus far, it's Dubai or knafeh chocolate. What started as a candy bar bringing together pistachio cream, tahini, and kataifi (a type of shredded pastry) inside a crackable, paint-splattered chocolate shell, created by Sarah Hamouda of Fix Dessert Chocolatier in Dubai—has inspired an infinte number of copcats across the globe, and just as many sweet treats (think cookies, pastries, even cocktails). 

Nothing cheers me up more on a cold Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland day (any day, to be fair) than wrapping my mitts around a mug of hot chocolate. Whether it’s a classic number done right, or a more adventurous drop laced with peanut butter or peppermint, served in an edible cup or even topped with bright pink fairy floss, sippin’ on a hot choccy is always a good time.

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. 

Kiwi pop icon Lorde has finally dropped dates for the Australian and New Zealand leg of her tour. 

Settle in for a cosy date night with the best romantic movies Netflix has to offer.

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).

Here's my list of the very best Wānaka restaurants, 2025 edition.

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

In the past, The Bay Of Plenty's Tauranga and the Mount may have been overlooked as a food destination in their own right. Fortunately the times are changing and the dining scene is evolving, with lots of new and exciting restaurants popping up—ones that’ll even rival their friends in the big smoke. Here are the best restaurants in Tauranga and the Mount.

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.

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