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Beauty

The New Beauty Products To Shop This Month

Welcome to the most fabulous corner of the internet—Urban List's destination for the picks of the beauty crop. This month, our fave haircare has a glow up, there's new scents galore, indie brands are having a *moment* and a new immersive beauty space. 

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. 

Restaurants

Auckland’s Best New Restaurant Openings Of 2024 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.

Food & Drink

269 Parnell

It seems like 269 Parnell was under construction for millennia, so much so that we’d long stopped expecting anything to materialise behind it. 

Health + Wellness

Mode Studio

Mode doesn't look or feel like a gym at all (in the best way) and it's one of the few that might actually have this healthy body, healthy mind thing down. For reals. 

Bars & Pubs

Quinn

Hidden away on Mills Lane is a brand new speakeasy-style cocktail bar punctuated with sleek blue neon—Quinn.

Bars & Pubs

Mea

Parasol & Swing just got an enigmatic younger sister and she can sure handle a shaker. 

Things To Do

8 Epic Day Walks To Tick Off This Summer

There’s a very fine balance between spontaneity and organisation when it comes to making summer plans. For trail walks—like all of Aotearoa’s summertime activities—a few notable basics are a must.

Food & Drink

The Best Christmas Treats To Chow Down On This Festive Szn

Christmas is the season for twinkling lights, merry tunes and prettily wrapped presents under the tree. Oh, and more unapologetically festive treats than you could ever hope to work your way through before Santa comes calling. With that in mind, we've compiled a list of must-try Christmas treats (some naughty, some nice) for you to enjoy this holiday season.

Fashion

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

Activewear is the holy grail of the wardrobe. 

Food & Drink

The Vegan Treatory

Ponsonby Central just scored the cookie shop. They’re soft-baked, they’re chunky, they’re entirely plant-based and they’re pulling people off the streets of Ponsonby for a fix. 

Restaurants

Cāntīng

Dessert might seem like an unusual place to start a review—especially one focusing on Chinese cuisine—but then again, Cāntīng is far from your usual restaurant. 

Food & Drink

The College Hill Wine Room By David Nash

If fine wine luxury's a bit of you (it is), you'll want to head to The College Hill Wine Room by David Nash, glass-first. 

Where to stay

Ruru PurePod

A sublime getaway just 90 minutes from central Auckland, Ruru PurePod the tonic to a this-close-to-burnout sort of week; it's a jaw-droppingly gorgeous setting for a romantic getaway and a secluded retreat for reflection and self-care. 

Food & Drink

The Feed | The New Zealand Food News You Need To Know

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. 

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.

Things To Do

What’s On In Wellington In 2024

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

Food & Drink

Roses Dining Room

Forget your average restaurant routine. Roses Dining Room on Karangahape Road throws a curveball, transforming a former storeroom into a vibrant playground for emerging chefs. 

Fam

Farm House Cafe

The famous cinnabun from Hill House Cafe has returned to South Auckland.

Food & Drink

Bowler

From Charles and Patrick Williams—the good folks who brought us Williams, one of Tāmaki's most frothed cafes (by restaurant royalty and hungry punters alike)—comes Bowler, a bangin' salad and açaí bowl pitstop tucked inside Les Mills on Victoria Street. 

Food & Drink

Little ‘Lato Ponsonby

It all started as a gelato dream for Hannah Engelsman, founder and CEO (a.k.a official title as Gelato Fanatic) of Little ‘Lato. 

Local Escapes

New Zealand’s 10 Best Hidden Beaches And Where To Find Them

While it’s not hard to find a great beach, Urban List has done a little more exploring to discover these secret gems. 

Things To Do

Spare Coins? This Pop-Up Is Converting Your Travel Change Into Epic Prizes

This epic pop-up is here to help you donate your spare travel cash and win a stack of epic travel prizes. 

What's On

What’s On In Auckland This Week, This Month And This Year 2024

Auckland is pulling out all the stops this month. Here’s what’s on in Auckland this week, this month, and this year. 

Cafes

Juno

If Wes Anderson hung up his director's hat and opened a cafe, it'd be the kind of place with pastel margaritas, diabolically cool wallpaper, and eggs benedict topped in fluffy, candyfloss-coloured hollandaise. 

Food & Drink

Trivet

Inspired by To’ona’i traditions (Sunday brunch or feasting in Samoan) and the multicultural culinary fabric of Aotearoa coming together at the dinner table, Chef Wallace (Uelese) Mua is bringing his culinary ode to Auckland in the form of JW Marriott's Trivet. 

Shopping

Mānawa Bay

Forget everything you thought you knew about outlet stores—Mānawa Bay's serving bargains, but make it luxe.

Where to stay

Abstract Hotel

Tucked away just off Karangahape Road is a boutique hotel known as Abstract. As its name suggests, Abstract brings a fresh perspective to the local hotel scene (and staycays) standing out from the crowd not least due to its tasteful theatre-inspired aesthetic. 

Local Escapes

Auckland’s Top 10 Hidden Adventures Worth Grabbing Your Runners For

If you’re one of those folk who likes adventures but can’t be faffed travelling far and wide for them, Auckland is the best place to live. An outdoor playground lies—quite literally—just beyond our doorstep, waiting for us to explore it. 

Things To Do

6 Stunning Spots To Watch The Sunset In Auckland

Let’s be honest, Mother Nature is one amazing lady. She’s the mastermind behind some of life’s finest things: beaches, waterfalls, mountains, forests…the list goes on. 

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!

Food & Drink

St. Marg’s

St Marg's has emerged from the ashes of the ol’ Thirsty Dog, complete with lush olive-green banquette seating lining sun-facing windows, pops of indoor greenery, organic cotton and rice paper lamp shades. 

Restaurants

Good Luck Club

It’s your lucky day every day at the Good Luck Club. 

Food & Drink

Turtle: Pizza & Pints

Tucked away in the bustling heart of Greenlane, surrounded by a sea of office buildings, lies Turtle: Pizza and Pints—a hidden gem that might just be missed if one isn’t in the know. 

Fitness

Red Room

Neon-lit workout spaces appear to be on the rise and, as a Personal Trainer who self-identifies as a Disco Moth, I couldn't be happier.

7 Of The Best Affordable Supermarket Wines That Are Seriously Great

We’ve all been there. Dashing into the supermarket in sand-crusted jandals, scanning the wine racks for this evening’s sip, onion soup sachets and cans of reduced cream gripped to your chest. 

Best Of

13 Of The Best Fish And Chips In Auckland To Get Hooked On

Fish and chips. They’re pretty much our national tucker. Here are our picks for the best fish and chips shops in Auckland.

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.

Restaurants

GOAT - From India, With Love

Located in the old Misters Real Food digs on Wyndham Street, GOAT—short for "Greatest of All Taste" with love, from India—is a culinary adventure you won’t want to miss.

Food & Drink

Norma Taps

There’s now one more reason to head to Auckland’s City Works Depot and that’s the addition of Norma Taps, located just a mere 20-second stroll from the legendary Best Ugly Bagels, this dapper new spot has quickly become a local favorite.

Restaurants

Hanoi Haven

Traditional Vietnamese cuisine has traversed the Pacific to find a new home on Hurstmere Road, where it's been given a contemporary (and potentially Auckland-best) makeover. This elevated take on what is undoubtedly some of the world's most flavoursome food can be found at Hanoi Haven—a chic new eatery that's replaced the now-unrecognisable Bird On A Wire spot, fronting Takapuna's Fortieth & Hurstmere laneway.

Food & Drink

Perky’s Coffee And Dessert Diner

Sweet tooth aching harder than a cavity? Energy levels at an all-time low? Perky's Coffee and Dessert Diner is here to save the day (and night!). This family-run, American vintage-inspired joint slings hot coffee, delectable bites, and signature Snow Bowls—a fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth dessert that’s as Instagrammable as it is tasty. 

16 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. 

Things To Do

The Best Places For Strawberry Picking In And Around Auckland

If you’re like us and love a juicy berry punnet or two, then read on to find the best pick-your-own strawberry fields in Tāmaki (and beyond). 

Food & Drink

The Best Burger Joints In Auckland And Where To Find Them In 2024

There’s really nothing better than smashing back a good burger. It’s salty, it’s satisfying, and it’s what hungry dreams are made of. However, we all know there are many components that go into making a decent burger. Once you weigh up the bun, the patty, the sauce, and the toppings, it can become a very spirited debate. Which begs the question, who IS slinging the best burgers in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland?

Food & Drink

ChaBliss

An idyllic tea space has brought all the comfort and ease of the Third Space to a champagne glass. Here, life pauses. Here, it’s all about drinking tea and blissing out. In fact, that’s exactly what the name means ‘cha’ being the Chinese word for tea and ‘bliss’, well, we could all do with more of that on the daily. 

Restaurants

Katsu Katsu

Hankering for something golden and crispy? Look no further than this certified Newmarket favourite.

Restaurants

Sammy’s Deli and Diner

Sammy’s Deli and Diner is your new go-to for feel-good food and easy-going vibes. Picture a spot where warmth meets style, and traditional comfort food gets a playful twist. Whether you're grabbing a quick bite or settling in for a leisurely dinner, Sammy's has you covered with its welcoming atmosphere and hearty kai. 

Restaurants

Smoking Shack

From the smoky depths of Grey Lynn, there’s a new pitmaster in town—and a hot contender for the best BBQ joint of the year.

Things To Do With Kids

10 Fun Things To Do In Auckland With Kids This December

Sleigh bells are ringing and carollers (and Mariah Carey... and Michael Bublé) are singing... it must be December! As to be expected, this month is chock-a-block with all things festive, from iconic Christmas light displays to the penultimate holiday event, Coca-Cola Christmas In The Park—as well as some hotly anticipated movie releases and other events to keep the juniors jolly.

Food & Drink

The Best Restaurants In Christchurch To Eat Your Way Around In 2024

So you're looking for somewhere to eat in Ōtautahi Christchurch? The Garden City is enough lucky to have so many choice restaurants popping up all over the place that it can be hard to keep track, so let Urban List show you where it's at with our handy alphabetical list.

Local Escapes

The Best Hotels In Christchurch

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.

Restaurants

Hazy Tiger

It’s impossible to miss the giant neon-lit tiger as you wander up Durham Street West. The glowing cat signals a departure from your daily—cross the threshold and you’ll find yourself in Hazy Tiger, a trippy wonderland of Korean eats and sip-worthy libations. 

Restaurants

Bon Pinard

Sarah Macdonald has a grounding energy about her. Astonishing given she’s the co-founder of not one but three eateries—an impressive feat in any climate but especially so in the current economy. 

Bars & Pubs

Isle On Snickel

Venture down one of the smallest, most secret lanes in Auckland CBD and you’ll happen upon a bar and cellar you won’t want to leave. Sitting pretty among a florist and botanical gift shop, a Thai vegan eatery, a Japanese restaurant, and a barista, Isle On Snickel completes a micro-climate that’s a welcome relief from the frenetic energy of the city. 

Food & Drink

XièXiè Ponsonby

As if Ponsonby Road wasn’t already our go-to for all things eating, dining and shopping, this foodie precinct / Ponsonby paradise has welcomed a new contemporary Chinese restaurant to the area.

Health + Wellness

Jog On’s Meg Marshall On How She Went From Casual Runs To The NY Marathon

Having just completed her very first marathon in The Big Apple, Meg Marshall is the young kiwi proving that a casual Friday jog and a bit of initiative can take you a long way. 

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. 

See Out 2024 At The Epic Rhythm And Alps Festival

Set in the stunning Southern Alps, Rhythm and Alps has got to be one of the best festivals around. This year’s festival comes with an insane lineup including powerhouse Becky Hill, Andy C, and Shapeshifter, who will be celebrating their 25th anniversary. 

Fashion

Diamonds on Richmond

One of Auckland’s top boutique jewellers, Diamonds on Richmond presents a beautiful collection of designs from the classic to the unique. The helpful team of jewellers can also work with you to create the perfect for that special someone (or yourself!).

Restaurants

Sum Made

If you're looking for a buzzing spot for lunch and dinner in Albany, look no further than Sum Made. 

Bars & Pubs

Nami Record Bar

Rising from the proverbial ashes of the old Conch digs, Nami Record Bar might just be your next favourite hangout. It’s certainly one of ours. 

Restaurants

Impression Restaurant

Following their success in Dunedin, the team behind the popular Chinese restaurant Impression Manor has opened a new eatery in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.

Food & Drink

Newmarket’s Best Restaurants And Cafes You Need To Try, Stat

From Peruvian tacos and schnitzels the size of your face, to perfect coffee and cocktails in bongs (for reals!), this suburb certainly has plenty to eat out on.  

Things To Do With Kids

52 Of The Best Things To Do With Kids In Auckland This Summer (2024/2025 Edition)

From animal parks and art galleries to ice cream crawls and escape rooms, consider it your one-way ticket to never hearing the words 'I'm booored', ever again.  

Food & Drink

The Best Bars In Wellington To Try in 2024

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

Food & Drink

Queens Rooftop Bar & Wineshop

When *everyone* gets a rooftop spot with stunning harbour views, you know you’re in for a treat. Queens Rooftop, the 360-degree, sky-high wrap-around bar atop the Deloitte building and Commercial Bay is Auckland’s newest grand dame. 

Restaurants

Cibo

The grande dame of Auckland dining is officially 30, and every bit as flirty and thriving. 

Restaurants

Advieh

You would be hard-pressed to find a restaurant that ticks as many boxes as Advieh, the latest gem from acclaimed Chef Gareth Stewart. 

Cafes

Toasty

Never have we ever had a toasted sandwich quite like Toasty's.