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

It's that time of the week again. Get ready to feast your eyes on all the hottest food news from around Aotearoa. We’ve got the inside scoop on all the latest and greatest openings, collabs, events, products and more so you can spend less time researching and more time munching (because priorities, people).

For the first time in 125 years, the MICHELIN Guide is coming to Aotearoa New Zealand in 2026. If it’s worth a special journey for Michelin, it’s worth one for you too. Start planning your trip and discover flavours that tell our story... now.

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These Wāhine Māori Chefs Are Bringing Aotearoa Kai To Singapore

Image credit: Kasey and Kārena Bird at Maumahara | Supplied

2014 Aotearoa Masterchef winners, sisters and talented wāhine Māori chefs Kārena and Kasey Bird are bringing an Aotearoa-inspired buffet honouring hāngī style cooking and Aotearoa produce to RISE at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore this 6-8th February. From Aotearoa lamb rack with mint and tarata sauce, hāngī-style beef short ribs with kawakawa chimichurri, hāngī-style pork belly and chicken (with a peppery horopito gravy), as well as all the hāngī veg and fried bread additions on the menu—here’s to celebrating Aotearoa kai and hospitality on the global stage. 

Summer’s Here With A Standout Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 

Image credit: Hunter’s Wines | Supplied 

Universally loved for that signature crisp acidity and expressive fruit profile, Sauvignon Blanc is the ultimate summer wine. The Hunter’s Estate Range that put Marlborough on the world wine map has just released their  2025 vintage—with that refreshing signature Marlborough passionfruit and citrus profile, it’s the go-to wine for hot summer days like this. R18, drink responsibly. 

Get Ready For Caviar Bumps—Sturia Celebrates PGI Status 

Image credit: Sturia | Supplied 

Maison Vauron and La Fromagerie are delighted to announce that Guy De Saint Laurent of Sturia will be visiting Aotearoa this month, marking the launch of Caviar d’Aquitaine IGP—the world’s only caviar awarded Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status. Learn more about this responsibly farmed and luxury product seen across fine-dining menus across the world, right here at Maison Vauron later this month, with their caviar range of Sturia available to purchase by size and variety (as well as an incredible line-up of French-imported cheeses, might I add). 

Esther And Baby Buck Are Bringing A High Tea Duet That Will Make You Swoon

Image credit: Esther x Baby Buck | Supplied

Kicking off on Saturday 14 February, Baby Buck is taking the reins of Esther’s High Tea for a collab of cake lovers’ dreams—with dainty tiers, buttercream swirls, and vintage pastel hues crossed with Esther’s Mediterranean soul. Victoria Roebuck from Baby Buck is bringing her iconic Baby Bruce cake, reimagined with Esther’s Mediterranean vibe—think layers of rich chocolate cake and pistachio ganache. The whole dessert trolley will be reimagined for the collab too—with Chef Sean Connolly and Esther’s Pastry Chef, Ellie Corfe crafting a new selection of sweet treats inspired by Roebuck’s favourite flavours. Indulge in iconic chocolate swan-topped rosewater and raspberry cupcakes, hazelnut choux, as well as pistachio and chocolate cannoli. New savoury additions include a creamy garlic toum in chicken souvlaki, pea and ricotta pastizzi and Curious Croppers tomato jaffle. This collab is running for four sittings only, so get your spot at ‘High Tea, Baked With Love,’ before it sells out. 

Check Out Wine In Dessert Recipes From This Sweet Collab

Image credit: Brown Brothers x That Green Olive | Supplied

Brown Brothers has partnered with cookbook author and food photographer Olivia Moore of That Green Olive to create two vibrant summer dessert recipes inspired by the fruit-forward flavours of Brown Brothers Moscato and Brown Brothers Cienna. Created with New Zealand summer entertaining in mind, Olivia’s fun and creative recipes offer a fresh way to enjoy wine beyond the glass—from Brown Brothers Moscato in popsicle form with passionfruit, mint and lime and a crisp pistachio white chocolate shell, to Brown Brothers Cienna in a Sangria-style jelly, complete with summer berries and a splash of orange liqueur and brandy. Check out the recipes from That Green Olive on socials and get yourself Brown Brothers Moscato and Brown Brothers Cienna from leading liquor retailers nationally. R18, drink responsibly. 

Sing For Free Sushi On This Karaoke Bus With St Pierres, Hello Kitty And Friends

Image credit: St Pierres Sushi | Facebook 

To celebrate the February launch of the St Pierres and Hello Kitty and Friends collaboration, three lucky winners and their friends will board a fully themed double-decker karaoke bus for a whirlwind tour of Tāmaki Makaurau on Sunday 15th February. Sing your heart out with Aotearoa’s very-own talented rising rangatahi singer Jaya Rees who will be performing on the bus, and then pull up for all-you-can-eat sushi at a central St Pierres store. Jump on St Pierres’ Facebook page for a chance to win. For those who miss out, get your hands on their mystery Hello Kitty and Friends cups—spend $20 at any St Pierres Sushi store and add a Hello Kitty and Friends mystery cup to your order for $4 (perfect for your miso soup). Fun fact: Three brothers in Te-Whanganui-a-Tara opened up the first St Pierres store in 1984. 

Celebrate Pride Month In Tāmaki Makaurau With Next-Level Brunch, Drag And Bubbles

Image credit: Hill House Café | Supplied 

This month marks Pride Month in Tāmaki Makaurau, and what better way than to celebrate in full colour than with two exclusive Bottoms Up Brunch sessions by Hill House Café and Farm House Café. With drag legends Anita Wigl’it and Kita Mean hosting the sessions on 7th February at Farm House Café, and Buckwheat and Tess Tickles at Hill House Café on 14th February—think hosted lawn brunch, fabulous performances and 90 minutes of serving Canti (their fave sparkling rosé of choice, that is). We’ve been given the sneak peek of the Bottoms Up Brunch menu and we’re here for it. Pick from next-level brunch mains—like their famous Pimp My Cheese Scone Benedict (you heard it right, buttery scone and runny eggs all rolled into one) and finish with the iconic Hill House ‘Sin in a Bun,’ dusted with extra cinnamon and served hot, with a scoop of Farm House gelato. Tickets are $99.90 and include a three-course brunch (starting with Farm House garden tomatoes on bruschetta) with bottomless Canti Prosecco or non-alcoholic Prosecco at both Farm House Café and Hill House Café. Note this show is for 14 years or older and those under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.

In related, exciting news: They’ve also released a new range of ‘Sin in a Bun’ flavours at both cafés—check out their full line-up which differs at both sites on their socials (I’m eyeing up the pistachio number at Farm House Café and all the Hill House ones pictured above). 

This Tāmaki Makaurau Bar And Local Distillery Have Created A Bespoke Gin

Image credit: Waiheke Distilling Co. x Bar Albert | Supplied 

If you’re partial to a London Dry gin over breathtaking views, read on. Bar Albert (located at the top floor of Voco, the highest hotel rooftop destination in Tāmaki Makaurau) has partnered with boutique, family-owned distillery Waiheke Distilling Co., to create an exclusive London Dry style gin—Bar Albert Gin. Eight botanicals have been carefully selected to go with the range of Bar Albert Gin cocktails created together, which you can only enjoy exclusively at Bar Albert from this month. The signature cocktail created from the collab—The Tāmaki, features Bar Albert Gin along with the warmth of Mānuka honey mead, orange liqueur, plus Syrah syrup and grape juice to give layers of flavour and that vibrant dark red jewel colour. Topped with foam and garnished with fragrant rosemary and edible flowers—it’s a showstopper to sip on while soaking in the incredible golden hour views of the city. With Valentines (and Galentines) coming up, this cocktail is also part of the offerings—complete with bubbles and a charcuterie board too. 

Pro-tip: Gin lovers can also get the whole experience with their Sip & Sail package—and jump on the ferry and Eastern explorer bus to check out the distillery first-hand for a guided tasting and long lunch. Located in the Eastern part of Waiheke, the distillery looks out to stunning views of islands and endless blue water. With a cocktail spritz in hand (along with the best calamari and pizza fritta you’ll ever have), this is the perfect summer day out, before making your way back to the city to the sleek rooftop bar. R18, drink responsibly. 

Head To This Stunning Auction House Gallery For A Limited Edition Hennessy Tasting

Image credit: Hennessy | Supplied 

Bring in the Year of the Horse with Hennessy and Normanby Fine Wines for a special Year of The Horse Hennessy tasting evening on Tuesday 10 February at Webb’s Auction House Gallery. Set at Webb’s stylish main Auction House in Tāmaki Makaurau—guests will get to try the new Year of The Horse Hennessy collection (featuring Hennessy V.S.O.P, Hennessy X.O and Hennessy Paradis) with food pairings to highlight the structure, richness and complexity of each sip. The bottles are adorned with elegant metallic touches and a vibrant lucky red—the perfect gift for a cognac lover. Priced at an auspicious $108 per person, get your tickets for this intimate tasting experience here. Note this is an R18+ event. 

Get Ready For Modern Indian Dining With This Chef’s Debut Restaurant

Image credit: Aarth | Supplied

Opening their doors at 1/333 Parnell on Wednesday 11th February, Aarth is the debut solo restaurant from chef Vicky Shah (Cassia, Sidart, Ki Māha) reimagining modern Indian dining in Tāmaki Makaurau. Translating to “deeper meaning,” Aarth is about exploring the history, emotion and symbolism in Indian cuisine. Get ready for flavours and combinations like whitebait bhaji with lime leaf chaat masala, heirloom tomato salad influenced by the flavours of street food pav bhaji, crayfish tikka masala, lamb “and too many chutneys,” plus a nostalgic nod to mango lassi (but not what you’d expect, ft. mango custard and pineapple) and a refined, next-level Black Forest for dessert—to name just a few exciting things on the evening menu (they also have a dedicated vegetarian menu coming soon). We can’t wait to experience Chef Vicky’s fluid, modern and creative interpretation of modern Indian flavour. Opening nights from Wednesday to Sunday, 5.30pm to late (and daytime offerings soon). 

Head To This Lunar New Year High Tea With Waterfront Views

Image credit: The Living Room at Park Hyatt | Supplied

Chinese-inspired savoury and sweet treats await at Park Hyatt’s The Living Room for Lunar New Year this year. Along with a complimentary mocktail on arrival and lucky red envelopes, the menu features brioche with chestnut and Sichuan Pepper to start, followed by steamers of various dumplings and duck pancakes. Move onto sweets like black sesame roulade with passionfruit and caramel, choux with compressed honeydrew, lychee confit and berries—just to name a few of the treats expected in their four course menu. Tickets are $80 per person and the high tea runs from 12th February to 3rd March (on Thursdays to Sundays, 12pm-3.30pm). 

Head To The Mount And Make Your Own Gin At This Wine Bar 

Image credit: Solera | Supplied 

Matahui Distillery from Katikati is teaming up with Mount Maunganui’s Solera wine bar, for a make your own gin and lunch experience this Valentines. With Matahui’s signature Gin Lab experience, guests can create their own gin or a gin for their lover, followed by a three-course lunch at Solera with a specially designed cocktail to match each course, from $250 per couple. Add Solera to your Bay of Plenty getaway and book your spot here. 

Celebrate Valentine’s Day At Sofitel Hotels & Resorts Across Aotearoa

Image credit: La Marée at Sofitel Auckland | Supplied 

Sofitel Hotel & Resorts across Tāmakai Makaurau, Te Whanganui-a-Tara and Queenstown has announced their special Valentines (and Galentines) packages with wellness, spa and all things in the love language of food. From special set dinner menus at La Marée featuring a showstopping heart-shaped dessert, or Jardin Grill (they had me at molten Valrhona chocolate fondant with vanilla ice cream), to afternoon tea (featuring lobster roll and goats’ curd mille-feuille) for two in Queenstown—check out the full line-up for each location and plan your romantic Aotearoa getaway, stat. 

Hamilton Cult-Fave Oat Bros Has Opened An Auckland Location

Image Credit: Oat Bros | Instagram

Any serious oat lover will already be well acquainted with Hamilton’s cult-favourite Oat Bros—famed for their ever-rotating, wildly creative oat flavours and the kind of community following most cafes can only dream of (yes, they even have a run club). Oat Bros has officially landed in Auckland this month, opening the doors to its first Tāmaki Makaurau outpost in Grey Lynn. Located at 37 Ariki Street, swing by for that post-run brekkie. 

This Restaurant Is Turning Into A Dessert And Cocktail Bar 

Image credit: Forest Scoops | Supplied

Forest has launched Forest Scoops, a pop-up dessert and cocktail bar. With clever cocktail flavours, their full drinks list and Chef Plabita’s clever combinations of sweet creations this is the go-to spot for post-dinner treats (and a nightcap). From purple kūmara ice cream with marmite caramel and rosemary sherbet, to a tall sundae glass of their plum and shiso sorbet that with jalapeño jelly and pops of amaretto-rolled melon balls, somehow took me to the childhood lolly bag aisle. Don't forget to sip on an inventive cocktail creation like their hibiscus negroni, passionfruit and green tomato fizz with parsley oil, or pickled cabbage margarita. Open from 5pm, from Thursday to Saturday—and for a limited time only. 

Bring In The Lunar New Year With These Special-Release Wines

Image credit: Taylors Wines | Supplied

To celebrate the arrival of the Year of the Fire Horse on 17 February 2026, family-owned wine brand Taylors Wines have introduced two exclusive Lunar New Year gift boxes featuring wines from its acclaimed St. Andrews collection. Each proudly adorned with Taylors’ bold and iconic seahorse emblem (after the discovery of fossilised seahorses in the Clare Valley family estate in 1969), it represents three generations of Taylor family winemakers—a visual expression of strength and grace, and a very auspicious collection to ring in the new year. Choose from dark plum and spiced mocha notes of their 2021 Shiraz, or their classic Clare Valley Cabernet Sauvignon with notes of cassis, blackcurrant and cedar. Available from select bottle stores across Aotearoa with prices from $69.99.

The Theme For This Year’s Food Festival In The Capital Has Been Announced

Image credit: Visa Wellington On A Plate™ from 2025 | Supplied

Burger spreadsheets at the ready, Visa Wellington On A Plate™ has just announced their theme for this year’s festival—Word of Mouth. From off-menu dishes to recipes handed down generations—this year’s theme will see chefs get creative for their event and burger entries come August when the festival officially kicks off. Applications for events and the popular Burger Wellington are live as of on Monday 2nd Feb. We can’t wait to see our creative capital get cooking. 

Get Ready For Margarita Month And A Chance To Win A Trip To Mexico

Image credit: Rosie’s Red Hot Cantina Takapuna | Supplied

February is officially Margarita month and Rosie’s Red Hot Cantina is putting on a month-long fiesta across Tāmaki Makaurau, Mount Maunganui and Te Whanganui-a-Tara venues. From mango and chamoy, a crème de cassis ‘Berry Nice’ marg, to watermelon and lime with spicy tabasco—there’s a marg for every occasion (and all from $12). Jump online to check out the full marg line-up across Star Group venues, special events running during this month, plus the chance to win a trip to Mexico.

Coronet Ridge Resort Debuts In Queenstown

Image credit: Coronet Ridge Resort | Supplied

Queenstown’s newest five-star luxury alpine sanctuary—Coronet Ridge Resort—has just opened its doors. Looking over the Shotover River, along with epic dining views of Remarkables mountain range, this resort has all the lush views as well as lush leisure add-on’s. Relax at their Roman-inspired day spa and outdoor hot tubs, head to the resort squash courts and then kick back at the private cinema. With only a short ten minute drive to Coronet Peak ski resort and the heart of Queenstown, make this your next soul-soothing getaway. Check out their rooms (and exclusive opening offers) here.

Head To These Gardens For Al Fresco Dining With Top Chefs

Image credit: Previous Kelmarna Dinner dish by Chef Georgia van Prehn | Supplied (Photography by Alex McVinnie @alexmcv) 

Four popular chefs, eight glorious evenings dining on freshly grown organic produce under the setting sun—Kelmarna’s acclaimed Farm Dinners are back this month for the eighth year. This year’s chefs include Joe O’Connell of MAMA restaurant, Kane Wilson of Someplace Somewhere (and part of the Ooh-Fa kitchen), Elie Assaf from Lebanese Grocer (and Za’atar Bakehouse), and Georgia van Prehn (formerly Alta). Expect each chef to bring their signature culinary flair, showcase beautiful produce from Kelmarna Community Farm, as well as the important role the farm plays in the community. The Farm Dinners help raise valuable funds to support Kelmarna’s education and therapeutic work in the community, with 50% of the proceeds going straight to the charitable trust. Book your tickets via Humantix. 

Save Money And Fight Food Waste With This App in Tāmaki Makaurau

Image credit: Too Good To Go | Supplied

Since their Aotearoa debut in October last year, Too Good To Go has grown from 60 to over a hundred partners across Tāmaki Makaurau offering deals on surplus food from bakeries, restaurants and convenience stores. Think delicious food, from your favourite local eateries, at a discounted price and in a surprise bag for pick up. From breads and pastries to pies and pizza, plus rice rolls, sushi and butchery goods—they’ve just expanded across Auckland for now, but are looking at other cities this year. Get on the app to find what deals are near your neighbourhood. 

Farrah’s Partners With Hercules Noble, Delivering Anywhere This Summer

Image credit: Farrah’s x Hercules | Supplied

Farrah’s has teamed up with self-proclaimed ‘New Zealand’s most favourite chef’ Hercules Noble, to deliver easy and delicious meals wherever summer adventures unfold. Hercules has created four go-to summer recipes with Farrah’s. From deconstructed wrap lasagne, ice cream tacos, tostadas, to wrap samosas—check them out online for relaxed summer meal inspo. Kiwis also have the chance to win a visit from Hercules, who will cook up these recipes for six lucky guests. Entries close 5th February, so head online to enter. 

Head To This Independent Supermarket That Just Opened In Ōtautahi

Image credit: Kai Co | Facebook

Newly opened independent supermarket Kai Co by father and son team Shane and Ethan Vickery has taken the Aotearoa supermarket scene by storm, with lines out the door on opening days. By buying directly from local suppliers, they’re offering cheaper prices to the public with butchery, grocery and produce all under one roof (they even have a butchery service on site for specific cuts). Make your way to the big green building at Northwood in Ōtautahi to get yourself some bargain food deals. 

Get Your Fizz On With DJ FISHER At Mount Maunganui 

Image credit: Hard FIZZ | Supplied

Nothing says summer festival energy without an ice cold bevvy—and Australian DJ FISHER is bringing the vibes to Mount Maunganui’s new Bay Oval along with the launch of Hard FIZZ in Aotearoa for the first time. As the first country outside of Australia to get their hands on these zero-sugar RTDs, those headed to Fish’s show on 31st January will get to try Hard FIZZ in their lemon and pineapple flavours. The rest of Aotearoa can keep an eye out for Hard FIZZ at Super Liquor and Bottlezone stores across the country. R18, drink responsibly. 

Cook Locally-Made Pasta With Aotearoa Grains This Year

Image credit: Monty & Sons | Supplied

Make it your New Year’s resolution to shop and support more locally this year. Monty & Sons are making pasta from 100% New Zealand-grown regenerative durum wheat from the Wairarapa. Using bronze-cut and slow-dried pasta making techniques, where their dough is pressed through bronze dies to get that rough surface for the sauce to stick to better, and then air-dried for 12-24 hours—this not only protects the grain’s nutrients making it nutritious, but gives flavour to the dough. Their packaging is plastic-free too—with the only plastic being the pallet-wrap made with recycled ocean waste. They’re supporting regenerative farming practices, reducing waste and building a better local food system. Their dried 500g pasta packs launched recently, both online and at select retailers (Farro, Moore Wilsons, Commonsense Organics and GoodFor) and through subscription services (like Wonky Box). If you’re in Ōtautahi, you might even spot them on Lillies’ latest menu. 

Join This Local Foody Tour For A Walking Food Adventure

Image credit: The Big Foody at San Ray | Supplied (Photography by Babiche Martens)

A tour over a year in the making has landed on Ponsonby Road in Tāmaki Makaurau. 'Walk. Talk. Eat. Repeat. Ponsonby Road Food Tour' is operated by Elle Armon Jones (a.k.a. The Big Foody, who organises food tours in Tāmaki Makaurau, Pōneke and Ōtepoti), expect tastings along the best of Ponsonby’s food scene—from artisan ice cream tastings, Italian flavours, Asian-inspired bites, to the Ponsonby classics, stories from those behind the dishes, plus a bespoke bean-to-bar craft chocolate tasting at Miann. Tours are priced at $225 per person. Jump on the website for all the deets. 

Win A Pack Of Our Sweet, Sharp, And Creamy Conversation Cards

Image credit: Urban List NZ | Supplied

For when the cheeseboard is out, and the chat needs a little extra bite, together with Mainland, we’ve created an exclusive deck of 50 conversation starters—guaranteed to spark the deep-and-meaningfuls and the outrageous confessions. With only 500 packs up for grabs (plus a tasty $2K for one lucky winner), once they’re gone, they’re gone—so get in quick. Grab your pack here. 

Hungry for more? Check out the hottest new openings you need to know about here. 

Urban List The Feed has our highest stamp of approval—curated lists of the very best recommendations for you to eat, do, see, buy or book, carefully chosen by our Editors.

Main Image Credit: Waiheke Distilling Co. x Bar Albert x Voco | Supplied