Urban List Guide To New Zealand

The economy may be in dire straits but your bank account need not be—cheap eats are not a thing of the past. In fact, you can tuck into a lunch that’s quick and healthy for less than twenty bucks, even if you work in Auckland CBD.

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.

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. 

We’ve rounded up our go-to picks for that bakery run—whether you’re a sucker for a kiwi classic, a modern Asian sweet, gluten-free sausage roll or a vegan croissant—we’ve got you.

Whether payday is a distant memory or you simply don’t want to spend your life savings on a meal, don’t go running for those two-minute noodles just yet. There are plenty of cheap eats in Auckland that are minimal on coin but maximum on deliciousness.

When it comes to Ponsonby restaurants, it's a literal smorgasbord—the hardest part about eating out here is narrowing down where to go. Whether you're after bistro classics, a spot of Asian street food or an old-fashioned burger and fries, this inner-city neighbourhood punches well above its weight.

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.  

Your status as host with the most is about to be renewed this summer.

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. 

Hello lovers, Valentine’s Day is just around the corner so if you haven’t made plans yet, you'd better hustle.

Let us hear you say love. Whether it’s your first or your one hundredth date, a little thought goes a long way and a dinner and a movie just ain't it. 

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.

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

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 32 Netflix crime shows will have you hooked.

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.

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

From vintage teacups to bottomless bubbles—here are our picks for the best high tea offerings across Tāmaki Makaurau.

Whether you’re in town to hike, ski, wine taste, or golf, here are 14 boutique accommodation options to level up your stay in Wānaka.

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

Treat your other half to a romantic getaway to remember, surrounded by mountains in New Zealand's stunning Queenstown.

If you thought Six60 were chillin’, think again. The Kiwi reggae-pop band have announced their fifth studio album, Right Here Right Now, landing Friday 13 February.

We’ve rounded up our crew's tried-and-tested favourites  so you can skip the guesswork and dive straight into an epic Auckland getaway.

We’ve all fallen victim to the “yeah, soon one day” thought trap. 

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.

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.

Ed Sheeran returns to Australia in 2026, fresh off the release of his newest album, Play.

Ed Sheeran returns to Australia in 2026, fresh off the release of his newest album, Play.

Ed Sheeran returns to Australia in 2026, fresh off the release of his newest album, Play.

Embark on a sensory journey across Aotearoa’s culinary map—connecting the dots between region, producer, and restaurant. It’s not just where to eat, but why it matters and sharing a kōrero with those turning local treasures into global experiences.

In Te Waipounamu's (South Island) largest city, a quiet transformation is unfolding. Ōtautahi Christchurch's dining scene is redefining New Zealand gastronomy—rooted in resilience post-earthquake, regional produce, and a new generation of chefs who are rewriting the rules.

From locally-sourced produce to award-winning wines—it’s time to put Aotearoa under the spotlight, showcasing the magic that happens when multi-cultural culinary creativity meets incredible produce grown in Aotearoa soil. 

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. 

From terraces, to romantic pads and upstate treasures, we’ve drooled over some of the most incredible views and designs around the city to save you doing the dirty work.

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

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. 

Whether you're eyeing Ginza's stylish streets or Asakusa's old-world charm, these are the best Tokyo hotels to check into in 2025

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

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.

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 26 of the best romantic getaways in Victoria. 

Fear not, breakfast-lover—you’re about to have the ultimate list of the best breakfasts in Auckland right at your fingertips.

We’ve said it before but we’ll say it again: rooftop bars are the shiz. What’s not to love about sitting sky-high, sipping on a beverage and taking in an epic view? Auckland’s best rooftop bars are dotted across the city and come in all shapes in sizes.

Along with the balmy days, summer brings its fair share of unique situations. The same goes for summertime snacking.

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.

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.

If you're planning a cosy couple's trip to Christchurch and need some inspo on the best Airbnbs and stays to book, you've come to the right place.

2025 is almost history. Only one question remains—where will you be when the new year dawns?

Finding a restaurant to eat at in Auckland on Christmas Day isn't always easy (the phrase 'needle in a haystack' springs to mind). Well never fear, 'cos we've done the hard yards for you and found out who's open to play host this year so you can sit back, relax and make merry while someone else does all the work.

It's the most wonderful time of the year—for pets as much as humans. 

It’s the festive season—or should I say feastin’ season—and if you’re a bit of a sweet tooth who cares more for the pav station than ham this Christmas, read on. 

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 2026 guide on where to eat, play, and stay in lovely old Akaroa.

Buckle up—here’s our hit list of New Zealand spots where the journey and the destination both steal the show.

From bars out of buses to dimly lit speakeasies, art deco homages to local craft breweries. Keep reading and you'll discover a pint-sized pub plucked straight from Dublin, a repurposed tailor's, a repurposed Post-Office, and even a repurposed Church. Frankly, Ōtautahi's nightlife is anything but dull.

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

Whether you’re planning a honeymoon or anniversary, massive family reunion or fun getaway with the crew, Singapore delivers for every special occasion

We’ve uncovered a luxurious lineup of local road trips that feel like a slice of Italy, the Alps and beyond.

More time and energy to focus on the bigger hauora (wellbeing) picture.

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.

Okay, so we both know he's going to say "nothing" or "just whatever" or "I don't mind not doing prezzies this year". Or some other good-hearted but, nonetheless, unhelpful nonsense that leaves you scrolling through endless manosphere slop. Blokes are just about the hardest people to buy for. The only people that are harder are Kiwi blokes. That's why I've compiled the ultimate list of NZ gifts for the man in your life this Christmas.

We've conducted some major research to narrow down all things Wellington summer: forecasts, events, and our own personal guide—so you can lock in your plans, weather regardless. 

To make things easy for you, we’ve created this list of the best places to buy your Christmas tree this year—now you have no reason to procrastinate!

Nothing has us feeling more festive than a completely over-the-top display of Christmas lights—this is definitely a case of the more the merrier! Lucky for us Aucklanders, a decent dose of holiday twinkle is never far away.

We love a good market, especially one with the word 'Christmas' attached! So hop in the car, crank up the Mariah (your secret's safe with us) and head along to one of these incredible Christmas markets coming to Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland this holiday season.

The term ‘Mother Knows Best’ probably came from her exquisite taste. Until we can give them the world, we’ve got slick gifts for mums this Christmas. 

This tiny Pacific nation delivers beaches that rival the Maldives and Bora Bora—minus the overwhelm and plus the eco-conscious, slow-living vibe everyone’s trying to copy. Throw in a hearty-meets-tropical food scene and you’ve got yourself a week away you’ll be talking about for years.

Your go-to guide for maximising a trip to the Sunshine Coast

Shop our selection of the best Christmas gift ideas this side of the North Pole.

When the summer season kicks in, you’ll see ferry-loads make a beeline over the water to Waiheke for the weekend. A day out in this little slice of paradise makes for a perfect weekend getaway—with minimal travel required. 

From morning brews to late night snacks, the kitchen is the heart of the home, so it's important to get it right. 

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

Where mountains meet the sea, Kaikōura delivers pure New Zealand magic. A coastal town bursting with wild beauty and laidback charm, it’s the kind of place that makes you want to slow down and soak it all in.

The silly season’s officially upon us, and we at Urban List have been getting in the mood with glass of bubbles in hand, fairy lights twinkling and Neon queued up for a Christmas streaming marathon.

It’s that magical time of year again, and all we really want to do is kick back with a good Christmas Netflix binge.

 Deck the halls with sounds of Michael Bublé and the Queen of Christmas—Mariah Carey.

 From meticulously designed neighbourhoods to world-class eats, buzzing cultural hubs, and effortless transport, every moment in Singapore counts. 

With thatched-roof farmhouses and world-renowned udon on her must-do in Japan hit-list, we asked Nozomi Inoue for the ultimate run-down on her favourite hotspots.

We’ve eaten far and wide across Wellington over the years to bring you the ultimate guide to 30 of the best cheap eats this city has to offer—for $25 and under.

Oh, bella Roma. It seems that this ancient land always manages to weave  some sort of magic on its visitors, leaving them desperate to return again and again - and with so many stunning historical monuments and some of the world’s greatest restaurants, it’s not hard to see why.

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.

We're here to help you sort the good from the great and to dig up the most unmissable Black Friday sales.

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. 

Ōtautahi is an absolute gem of a city—there’s not a lot it doesn’t have. Beaches? Yes. Arts and culture? Absolutely. Outdoor excursions? You bet. A bunch more fun stuff? By the bucket load! So go get out there and explore it with our list of 50 of the best things to do in Christchurch. 

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.

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.

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

Looking for a boozy brunch to start your weekend festivities or cure your hangover? Here are some options to satisfy your hunger and your thirst, from bottomless bubbly to all-you-can-eat Asian fusion feasts.

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.