Urban List Guide To New Zealand

Discover the best of New Zealand—where to eat, drink, explore and escape, plus local news and cultural must-reads, all curated by Urban List.

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Butternut squash at Jano Bistro
Food & Drink

25 Of The Best Restaurants In Wellington In 2025

There’s a reason why Wellington is Aotearoa’s coolest capital. Among the most (and best) flat whites per corner, beach-side brunch spots and breathtaking walks along the windy hills, Te-Whanganui-a-Tara truly has some of the best restaurants in Aotearoa.

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Butternut squash at Jano Bistro
Food & Drink

25 Of The Best Restaurants In Wellington In 2025

There’s a reason why Wellington is Aotearoa’s coolest capital. Among the most (and best) flat whites per corner, beach-side brunch spots and breathtaking walks along the windy hills, Te-Whanganui-a-Tara truly has some of the best restaurants in Aotearoa.

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Rest Of The Best

The magnificent New Brighton Pier at sunrise.
Things To Do

What’s On In Christchurch In 2025

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. 
Local Escapes

Your 2025 Guide To Akaroa

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.
The opulent drawing room at The Observatory Hotel In Christchurch, one of the best hotels in the city.
Where To Stay

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.
riverside markets
City Guides

Your 2025 Guide To Christchurch’s Riverside Market

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.
Entertainment

It’s Happening: Here’s How To See Taylor Swift’s ‘The Life Of A Showgirl’ Movie In Australia

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.
The sumptuous Blush King room at Naumi Wellington, one of the best hotels in Wellington.
Where To Stay

12 Of The Best Hotels In Wellington To Book In 2025

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.
U:L Recommends

15 Of The Very Best Gifts To Get A Kiwi Dad For Father’s Day

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.
Two people stand in front of a green campervan with bikes and clad in Mons Royale.
U:L Recommends

Next Level Activewear For Your Next Adventure

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. 
A basket of bread, a slab of cheese, a negroni and a single lit candle on a table.
Restaurants

11 Of Auckland’s Best Private Dining Rooms

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.
Food & Drink

The 5 Best High Teas In Wellington

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. 
Food & Drink

The 6 Best High Teas In Christchurch

'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. 
Food

Where To Gorge On Dubai Chocolate-Inspired Treats In Auckland

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). 
A cute pink mug of hot cacao decorated with chocolate sprinkles in the shape of a heart.
Food & Drink

Where To Sip On The Best Hot Chocolates In Auckland This Winter

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.
People dance at Morning People, one of the best things to do in Auckland.
Things To Do

The Absolute Best Things To Do In Auckland

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. 
Things To Do

All The Very Best Markets To Hit In Christchurch

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).
Wagyu Beef, Oyster Mushroom, XO, Pickled Onion on a plate from Clarence Bistro.
Restaurants

The Best Restaurants In Tauranga And Mount Maunganui

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.

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