Urban List Guide To New Zealand

Fun fact: did you know Dachshunds were bred to burrow after badgers? Or that Labradors were built for retrieving in cold water? Yeah, neither did we.

The secret’s officially out: Dunedin and Waitaki have been named among the world’s top destinations to visit in 2027 by Lonely Planet.

Moving into a coverted heritage building on Cambridge Terrace, Drifter will add a new string to the capital's hospitality bow. 

The Fray is bringing their Summer of Light tour to Australia in 2027, and if you missed your chance to see their totally sold-out 2025 tour, you’d better register for pre-sale ASAP.

The much-loved Kiwi band will return for a full tour of their home country for the first time in 14 years. 

In our opinion, you can never have too many streaming services, and Apple TV is a must-have. Packed with all-star casts and binge-worthy shows, it's the perfect addition to your watchlist.

If your winter has been spent scrolling wistfully through everybody else’s Euro Summer because you snoozed on snagging flights last year, this is your opportunity to right that wrong.

The arrival of the Te Ara Tupua has made getting from Wellington to Lower Hutt much, much easier. Here, Nick Iles outlines all the delicious reasons to make the journey to the Hutt. 

Sombr season is officially making its return Down Under, with the breakout pop star announcing a run of arena shows across Australia and New Zealand in April 2027.

Clear your February calendar—a massive new two-day celebration of Aotearoa and Pacific music is taking over Mount Maunganui in 2027.

With winter’s indoor-socialising era officially upon us, hosting at home no longer needs to look like a Pinterest board brought violently to life. And we’re here to show you that the best hosts aren’t necessarily the ones making everything from scratch.

Father’s Day is just around the corner (6 September if you’re wondering) and while not all of us have a father we almost certainly all have someone who’s unabashedly cracked dad jokes with reckless abandon.

Air New Zealand has just announced bookable lie-flat sleep pods for Economy travellers, and we’re losing our minds.  

New Zealand's leading local restaurant guide has just launched its 2026 awards—here's all the winners, from the lauded three hats to restaurant of the year. 

More than a century after the Titanic embarked on its ill-fated maiden voyage, one of the world's most famous ships is resurfacing in Auckland through a major international exhibition.

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.

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. 

Auckland, prepare accordingly: GRAMMY-nominated DJ and producer Dom Dolla is heading to Auckland Domain for his biggest-ever headline show in New Zealand.

After a decade of construction, years of disruption and plenty of anticipation, Auckland’s City Rail Link finally has an opening date.

The Tiny Home movement has taken the world (and our hearts) by storm, and the best tiny spaces can take your New Zealand getaway to the next level.

Our furry friends are like family, so it pains us to leave them with others while we vacay in New Zealand—we just need the best pet-friendly stays so they have as much fun as we do.

We’ve rounded up ten of the most romantic restaurants in Auckland so you can take the guesswork out of where to go for the most romantic date night. 

Nelson is looking to make one of its biggest community investments in a generation, with plans moving forward for a new Community Hub, Library and Civic Space in the heart of the city.

If there’s one genre we can’t get enough of for a binge session, it’s crime. From gripping detective dramas to chilling serial killer series, these top Netflix crime shows will have you hooked.

Kick back and dive into the best Disney+ has to offer in Australia and New Zealand for 2026.

From stunning honeymoon destinations to eco retreats, super swish villas and spots perfect for the whole family, Fiji’s Airbnb game is strong. 

New Zealand takes its pies seriously, and the results of the 2026 New Zealand Bakels Supreme Pie Awards are officially in.

New Zealand Fashion week is returning for 2026, and we've rounded up all the shows and events we're nabbing tickets to. 

Be nice to each other, because hot new extra Olivia Dean tickets just dropped across all her Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Auckland shows this spring. 

Celebrating all things funghi, the inaugural Auckland Mushroom Festival is bringing informative talks, great food and lots of fun to Karangahape Road this month.

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.

We sat down with the couples behind 12 of our favourite eateries in Tāmaki Makaurau to find out how they met, what it’s like working together and where they love to go for date night.

“Everything I've ever written has had to be autobiographical. Otherwise I really struggle.”

For the month of August, Visa Wellington on a Plate turns the capital city into a gastornomical adventure. From pop-ups from acclaimed internatonal chefs like pitmaster Rodney Scott, to Auckland's Pici popping up in Poneke for two nights, outlandish themed dinners and intimate meals with growers and makers, WOAP once again brings all things wonderful to Welly. 

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

Laufey is set to make her Aotearoa debut on Wednesday 12 August and, if you haven’t yet secured a ticket, you’d best snap one up, stat. And we have three passes up for grabs, thanks to Visa. 

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.

Seeking an uber romantic spot in New Zealand to take the other half on a trip away? Urban List has rounded up the best stays so you can get that love shack booked right in.

Get ready to soak up the luxury at the best Airbnbs in New Zealand with outdoor baths and hot tubs. 

Forget the tourist hubs and ski slopes—these are the secret spots worth planning your trip around. 

From tiny huts in the forest to a luxurious private retreat and accommodation in an actual boot, Aotearoa has an abundance of Airbnbs with fireplaces for the cosiest weekend away.

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.

Whether you’re in town to hike, ski, wine-taste, or golf, here are the best winter accommodation options to level up your stay in Wānaka.

Cosy winter escape calling? We've rounded up a list of the best Airbnbs in Queenstown to make that dream ski trip a reality…

Jump on the true crime bandwagon, hit play, and start bingeing these must-listen podcasts.

We all know the hunt for the next Netflix binge never ends. To make your search a little easier, we at Urban List have rounded up a slew of the best Netflix Series available in NZ right now. Grab the snacks and get comfy, here are the best shows on Netflix NZ.

Buttering up the popcorn and firing up Netflix has got to be our favourite thing ever. If you’re anything like us we know you don’t relish in spending hours scrolling for something half decent to kick back to.

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.

Self-care is getting steamy and it's set to stay that way. Here are the best infrared and traditional saunas to work up a sweat at in Tāmaki Makaurau. 

Cue the Macklemore flashbacks. It's clear that thrift shopping—correction, op shopping—is f**kin’ awesome. Especially in Auckland, with the best op shops per capita, so we say. 

Two of Auckland's most-loved restaurants are coming together for two days of exceptional food and even better vibes. Expect duck fat tortillas, big flavours and a great meal. 

Matariki is here and it's time to feast. 

Whether you’re after a traditional Vietnamese ham, or a crispy crackling lid—let this be your guide on where to find the best banh mi in the city.

This one-off event is one to be experienced rather than documented. It’s been created around a simple idea: if every moment is unrepeatable, perhaps we should treat it that way. 

It's been hotly anticipated for months and, as of tonight, New Zealand's first Michelin Guide has officially dropped. Here are all the restaurants to win stars and Bib Gourmands. 

We've got some of the most savvy parent influencers to spill their secrets about where they (and their kids) love to dine, so your next dinner out with the family goes straight to core memory—for only the right reasons.

We’ve looked high and low and we’ve scouted the best places to eat if you’re gluten free—because there’s no need to miss out.

Whether you’re a matcha convert or you’re curious about the vibrant green tea that's taken the world by storm, Tāmaki Makaurau has you sussed. Let's find your perfect match-a. 

Forks at the ready, Taupō isn’t just about hitting the slopes or whiling away hours on the lake.

The central tenets of winter are, inarguably, mulled wine, bubbling raclette and settling in for the night at a hidden bar. But there’s another vital ingredient to a winter’s night out on the town and it manifests in the form of a roaring fireplace. 

From high teas with stunning waterfront views, to bespoke high tea pop-ups around town—this culinary city has a high tea setting and menu for every kind of occasion. 

Matariki approaches, this year landing on Friday 10 July. Here are some of the best ways to celebrate, in Tāmaki Makaurau and beyond. 

Whether it’s just a day trip, or a weekend away—Waiheke Island has over 30 wineries and vineyards (with many open to the public with a cellar door or tasting room, and some with restaurants too), as well as three breweries, gin and whisky distilleries. Here are our picks for the best wineries, vineyards, and distilleries on Waiheke Island.

We tapped a hair stylist for her go-to tips, biggest blow-wave mistakes and the tricks she swears by for achieving that fresh-from-the-salon finish from your own bathroom.

When it comes to steaks, the grills (and chefs) in Tāmaki Makaurau aren’t messing around. Whether you’re all about how it’s cooked (from charcoal to woodfired) or all about the cut, there’s a steak for every kind of occasion, big or small. 

The mercury might be plunging in Tāmaki Makaurau, but there’s one spot in the city that’s only getting hotter this winter. 

​Auckland is a mecca for hair salons and when it comes to choosing “the one”, selecting a hairdresser to entrust with your precious locks is a big freakin’ deal.

As Kiwis, a love of pies is practically in our DNA. These hearty pastries have been keeping us fuelled for generations and are the perfect meal for lunch, dinner, or even a cheeky brekkie.

Alpine village Hanmer Springs has all the ingredients for a magical escape any time of the year.

You’re powering through the year and that calls for a well-deserved break. New Zealand perhaps? A cabin with a big cosy bed to snuggle into, and maybe even a piping hot outdoor bath?

Whether you'd love to spend your weekend gazing at art-adorned walls with a quizzical look on your face thinking ‘what the heck is that!?’ or simply elevate your mind by marvelling at stunning artwork then we have found the best places for you.

If you’re curious about anything (or everything), get yourself along to one of Auckland’s many incredible museums and prepare to expand your mind. From ancient relics to impressive architecture, lush outdoors to lifeforms past and present, Auckland has no shortage of intriguing historic collections to get amongst.

The gateway to some of the best stargazing in Aotearoa and the world, Lake Tekapo is one helluva holiday destination. Now you just need the best accommodation to pair it with.

Auckland is a pretty fun place to grow up. Consider this your ticket to never hearing 'I'm booored' again.  

​What’s a Sunday without a roast? We’re talking juicy, succulent pieces of meat drowned in gravy, paired with crispy, seasoned veges and—if you’re lucky—a fluffy Yorkshire pud on the side. 

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. 

As far as baked treats go, cookies are king, and we don't discriminate.

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.

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.

Forget everything you thought you knew about vegan and vegetarian food. Far from its can-o’-chickpea origins, vegan fare is now unapologetically delicious.

Explore Fiji's best activities for every type of traveller in 2026.

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.

Welcome to the most fabulous corner of the internet—Urban List's destination for the picks of the beauty crop. This month, it's about scrumptious new scents galore, and a fair few revamps of our favourites. 

There’s plenty to uncover (pun intended), whether you’re planning your next meal, soaking in the arts and culture or looking for a breathtaking outdoor adventure when visiting Moananui ā Toi—the coastal Bay of Plenty.

If you’ve got 48 hours and a curiosity for art, music, film and performance, this is your sign to make a beeline for Wellington. 

There’s a moment in Wellington when the day starts to soften and the city shifts gears. For our editor, this is Wellington at its best.

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.

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.

Swap your waterproof jacket for a robe and hiking boots for slippers, here’s how to spend a stress-free 72 hours in Aotearoa’s geothermal heart.

Here are 11 mother-owned businesses to support this Mother's Day and beyond.