Working smarter, not harder should in no way be limited to the office 9-5—we're strong believers that the same applies to leisure time.
It’s time to double-whammy that precious downtime the same way you “write minutes” for meetings that really could’ve been an email. Our trick? Hybrid venues and sleek multi-purpose experiences. Sure, cocktails and burgers are great, but paired with a raging film club or arcade game? That’s where the good stuff's at.
In this same spirit, the newest C-HR Toyota Hybrid model's been catching our eyes. Sure, its sleek Coupé-like lines (the work of European designers) and sporty stance make it both practical and a style statement.
But the new C-HR is also powered by hybrid electric powertrains—which offer almost 15 per cent more power than the previous model. Did we mention this good-looking hybrid is also kitted out with a Satellite nav, touchscreen displays, Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ via USB?
Long roadie boredom, who?
So, in the spirit of the C-HR Toyota Hybrid and doubling down on better, pocket-sized indulgences—here are the very best hybrid spots to know around Aotearoa.
Crushes Shop, Auckland
A Karangahape Road stalwart boutique for vintage and trinkets, Crushes Shop’s eye for curation has ushered in a new offering: the Crushes Social Club. It’s every bit as wholesome and covetable as it sounds.
Hang out together in their boutique at the monthly Book or Knitting Club, dabble in a screen printing or charm-making session, or venture further afield to the likes of a Mahjong moment for a social sit-down in the iconic Lim Chhour food court.
Catnap, Christchurch
They say that patting a cat works wonders for your nervous system. Add yoga to the mix, plus a sweet vegan treat and coffee, and we’re sure that’s the ticket to all things health and wellness. Christchurch pals, you can find this unbeatable trio at the locally-loved cat cafe Catnap for just a sweet $25 a pop.
Crafts more your jam? You’re in luck, because they also offer the chance to dabble in some collage-making with cats, as well as hosting a board game night on the first Friday of each month. Pro tip, we’ve heard tuxedo cats make worthy Monopoly opponents.
Pinot and Picasso, Multiple Locations
When the term "creative juices" was coined, they probably had the likes of Pinot and Picasso in mind. These guided art classes—matched with your favourite bevvy—are a literal blank canvas for a great time.
Tag along to a planned session or hire it out with your crew for something a little more bespoke. With vino-loving studios dotted all around the country, a midweek night with you, your painting crew and a glass of your drop of choice has never looked so good.
Fat Puku’s, Auckland
Much more than a beloved space for a quick carby bite, Fat Puku’s churns out more than just legendary smash burgers in a zingy setting. Their Queen Street restaurant is also the official home of the Dead Signal Film Club, a pop-up film club for lovers of action horror SciFi.
Forget a screens-on-the-side kinda setting, the Dead Signal Film Club puts their movies front and centre. Great folks, top grub and epic flicks? What more could a film and food buff wish for?
Archie Brothers Circus Electriq, Auckland
At Archie Brothers—aka one of the most hybrid and dopamine-filled spaces a grown-up kid can come by—you can fire lasers at virtual reality werewolves whilst sinking your teeth into a loaded cheeseburger. With so much to do, see and try, this arcade-meets-diner collab is a true hybrid if ever we saw one.
The Tonic Room, Auckland
When Tonic Room says holistic beauty, they mean it. At first glance, this Kingsland dispensary has one of the best collections of herbal medicines, practitioner-ordered-only supplements, and bespoke-blended remedial tonics—along with a fair few skincare goodies.
Dig a little deeper, and you’ll find more than a boutique. Inside, lies designated treatment rooms for the likes of massages, naturopathy, acupuncture, and facials. Restocking your herbal tea or stocking up on chemist knick-knacks has never felt so restorative.
ACS, Auckland
This time warp offers a direct throwback to the 80’s. Venture up the stairs via big-sister bar Broken Lantern, and up to Auckland Cocktail Society—where you'll witness what at first glance appears to be a room decked out in 80’s movie memorabilia. But once you find the secret door, you'll be transported into a moody, sumptuous speakeasy cocktail bar. Once inside, make a beeline at the bar for an elevated beverage, then transcend back in time with an evening of old-school arcade games.
For more on how to get the best of both worlds in understated, stylish luxury with Toyota’s new style leader, head here.
Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Toyota and proudly endorsed by The Urban List. To find out more about who we work with and why read our editorial policy here.