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Things To Do

Electronic Symphonies And Deep Sea Festivities: Here Are 6 Events Taking Over Auckland This Summer

If there was a recipe for a banging summer in Tāmaki Makaurau, it’d absolutely involve the sea, some good food, a bit of music and a boogie.

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. 

Wellness

Get Your Zen On With Auckland’s Best Yoga Studios

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.

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

37 Of The Best Things To Do In Auckland

While Aucklanders may be the brunt of jokes for those south of the Bombay Hills, we think living in the City of Sails is pretty damn rad.

Things To Do

The Best Aotearoa Music Festivals And Live Acts To Catch This Summer

These are the best festivals hitting Aotearoa this summer. 

Best Of

The Best Pilates Studios In Auckland And Where To Find Them

There's a misconception that pilates is an easy-going style of workout that doesn't require the same strength and effort as traditional gym workouts. Well, we're here to smash that myth once and for all. Pilates isn't just a challenging and effective workout, it's a safe one too. 

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. 

Things To Do With Kids

15 Fun Things To Do In Auckland With Kids This January

In case you needed reminding, it's January—a new year, and a new month filled with exciting events and activities designed to keep the family entertained (and your sanity intact!). Beat the heat with surfing lessons and a brand-new oceanside swimming pool, marvel at incredible busking and circus acts, or  get amongst nature (and by that, we mean giant dinos and bloodsucking leeches).

Local Escapes

10 Airbnbs With Breathtaking Swimming Pools To Book In Auckland

We’ve scoured around for the Airbnbs with the prettiest pools in all the land (Auck-land that is) so you can feel like an absolute water baby.

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. 

Best Of

8 Of The Best Airbnbs On Waiheke For Your Next Island Escape

Brimming with vineyards and distilleries, terrific food, forest tracks, beaches and swimming spots, the only thing better than a day trip to Waiheke Island is an overnighter. Here's where to stay. 

Food & Drink

14 Of The Best Restaurants In Queenstown And Glenorchy

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

Food & Drink

12 Of The Best Restaurants In New Plymouth And Where To Find Them

Between scaling Mt Taranaki and hitting the mountain bike tracks around Lake Mangamahoe, surfing up a storm or soaking up the art, you’ll likely work up quite the appetite in New Plymouth. And, luckily, there’s a bunch of local eateries on hand to refuel at. 

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. 

Food & Drink

14 Of The Best Restaurants And Cafes In Rotorua

Rotorua is a foodie haven, from boujee fine dining to delectable cheap eats spotlighting local and international cuisines.  

Restaurants

15 Of The Best Restaurants In Hamilton To Eat Your Way Around

Whatever the occasion or vibe, Kirikiriroa Hamilton’s buzzing restaurant scene has it all. Whether you’re after a sophisticated date destination, a culinary journey around the world, or simply on the hunt for some hearty comfort food, Urban List has you covered with a list of the best restaurants in Hamilton.

Food & Drink

The Best Restaurants In Invercargill And Bluff For A Real Taste Of The South

It’s handy to have a healthy appetite when you try out Invercargill’s restaurants, as down south the portions are generous and don’t skimp on flavour.

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.

Restaurants

33 Of The Best Restaurants In Dunedin

A bijou city it may be, but Ōtepoti Dunedin knows how to punch above its weight when it comes to culinary genius per capita.

Things To Do

Onehunga | The Best Restaurants, Cafes, Bars And Things To Do In This Rad Auckland Suburb

It's official—Onehunga is one of Auckland's most hip albeit underrated suburbs. Studded with historic buildings and delightful villas, this charming neighbourhood has really amped things up in recent years on the eating-out front, with a host of top-notch bars, restaurants and cafés coming to the fore.

Restaurants

50 Of The Best Restaurants In Wellington To Tick Off In 2025

New Zealand's cool capital is known for it’s huge food scene. We may be a teeeeny bit biased, but we reckon it's got some of the best spots in the country.  

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. 

Food & Drink

Takapuna’s Best Restaurants, Bars And Cafés And Where To Find Them

Takapuna is one of our favourite suburbs in all of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. Not only is it home to one of the most popular beaches on the North Shore, it also boasts a long list of amazing places to eat and drink.

Best Of

8 Of The Best Restaurants In Blenheim To Feast At

Blenheim certainly does a good elixir (of the alcoholic variety) but it holds its own on the foodie front too. Forks at the ready, here are the best Blenheim restaurants.

Food & Drink

Parnell’s Best Restaurants, Bars And Cafes And Where To Find Them

For a night out feeling fancy, a sweet pick-me-up or a tasty bite to get you through your day, Parnell won’t disappoint. Arguably the most stroll-worthy suburb in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, it's packed with restaurants, cafes and bars that know a thing or two about really good kai.

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.

Food & Drink

10 Of The Best Restaurants In Waiheke To Add To Your Eat List

Waiheke Island. A magical getaway, a wine-lover’s paradise, the perfect wedding destination... and a next-level foodie scene. Here are the best and tastiest restaurants on Waiheke Island. 

Food & Drink

The Best Restaurants In Christchurch To Eat Your Way Around In 2025

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.

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.  

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.

Restaurants

The Best Restaurants In Auckland Right Now

At Urban List, we've spent a lot of time thinking about what makes the difference between a good restaurant and Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland's very best. 

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?

Travel

41 Of The Best Romantic Getaways Around Australia For An End Of Year Escape

From jaw-dropping outback retreats to island escapes, get all swept up in each other’s irresistibleness at one of our top picks for best romantic holidays around Australia. 

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.

Travel

10 Of The Most Romantic Getaways In Tasmania

Explore Tasmania's most romantic getaways, from cozy retreats with ocean views to luxurious lodges in secluded wilderness areas.

Local Escapes

The Most Romantic Getaways Near Auckland To Book In 2025

Does your romance feel a little less shiny than you’d like it to be? Maybe life’s so hectic right now that you’re missing out on those magical moments with your special someone. A romantic getaway could be just what you need to reignite the flame and connect at a deeper level than ever before. 

Things To Do

Dubstep And Dance Tunes: The Ultimate Summer Gig Guide, And How To Capture Those Epic Memories

There’s a lot to love about music festivals in the Aotearoa summer. Racing between stages, dancing like no one’s watching, and snapping up some epic memories. 

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.