Auckland

What's On

20 Epic Things To Do In Auckland This Weekend

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

What's On

What’s On In Auckland This Week, This Month And This Year 2024

Auckland is pulling out all the stops this month. Here’s what’s on in Auckland this week, this month, and this year. 

Things To Do

The Best Christmas Party Ideas In Auckland For 2024

Ho, ho, holy snowball. December is nearly here and it's time to get our Christmas party on. Is it just us, or did this year really sneak up on us?

Food & Drink

Where To Eat In Auckland On Christmas Day 2024 So You Don’t Have To Cook

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.

What's On

The Best Christmas Lights To See In Auckland 2024

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.

Food & Drink

The Best Bottomless Brunch Spots In Auckland Right Now (2024 Edition)

Ahhh brunch, the perfect blend of breakfast and lunch we just can’t get enough of, which is lucky because the brunch game is strong in Tāmaki Makaurau.

Things To Do

The Best Swimming Pools In Auckland To Have A Dip At This Summer

Summer has officially started which pretty much means three things: ice cream, cocktails and swimming.

Food & Drink

Parnell’s Best Restaurants, Bars And Cafes And Where To Find Them

For a night out feeling fancy, a sweet pick-me-up or a tasty bite to get you through your day, Parnell won’t disappoint. Arguably the most stroll-worthy suburb in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, it's packed with restaurants, cafes and bars that know a thing or two about really good kai. 

Shopping

Auckland’s Best Christmas Markets To Visit This Festive Season

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.

Restaurants

Auckland’s Best New Restaurant Openings Of 2024 You Need To Know About

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.

Things To Do

27 Rad Workshops In Auckland Where You Can Learn A New Skill

A bunch of workshops have popped up all over Auckland with every kind of class imaginable.

Food & Drink

The Best Late Night Desserts In Auckland

Skip dinner altogether and go straight into a sugar-glazed euphoria.

Cafes

The Best Breakfasts In Auckland And Where To Find Them In 2024

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

What's On

Auckland’s Best Halloween Events And Parties To Get Spooked At In 2024

Legend has it that at summer’s end or ‘Samhain’—the inspiration behind Halloween traditions—the veil between the world of the living and the underworld is at its thinnest. The dead will walk.

Restaurants

The Best Restaurants In Auckland Right Now

At Urban List, we've spent a lot of time thinking about what makes the difference between a good restaurant and Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland's very best. 

Bars & Pubs

Auckland’s Best Rooftop Bars To Watch Day Turn To Night

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.

Features

11 Of The Most Haunted Spots In Auckland To Get Spooked At

Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland is home to some seriously spooky spots. 

Best Of

13 Of The Best Fish And Chips In Auckland To Get Hooked On

Fish and chips. They’re pretty much our national tucker. Here are our picks for the best fish and chips shops in Auckland.

Local Escapes

The Best Hotels In Auckland To Check Into In 2024

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.

Wellness

Auckland’s Best Day Spas For Peak Relaxation

We all deserve a bit of relaxation time now and again, let’s face it. Tired? Needing a pick-me-up? Feel like treating yo'self? 

Restaurants

The Best Italian Restaurants In Auckland For 2024

Dive into Urban List's top picks for the best Italian restaurants in Auckland.

Things To Do

7 Of The Best Escape Rooms In Auckland To Break Out Of

Sick of being a passive bystander in a movie theatre? Perhaps it’s time to become the lead in your own story.

Pets

10 Dog Adoption Centres In Auckland Where You Can Find Your New Best Friend

We've compiled a list of the top places to adopt a dog in Auckland so you can be part of the solution.

Local Escapes

The Most Dog-Friendly Beaches In Auckland

Who loves the salt, sand and sea more than us humans? Our furry best friends of course. That's why we've got to get them out and about at the most dog-friendly beaches in Auckland.

Wellness

16 Of The Best Dog Parks In Auckland And Where To Find Them

It’s a well-known fact that we here at Urban List love our pooches and so we’ve rounded up some of Auckland’s best dog-friendly parks because—let’s face it—your dog’s already peed on all the trees at your local. So, treat your pup and take them to the best dog parks in Auckland.

Pets

Adopt, Don’t Shop With The Best Cat Adoption Centres In New Zealand

The best things in life are furry, so we've compiled a list of the top places to adopt a cat in New Zealand so you can help a kitty in need.

Food & Drink

The Best Dog-Friendly Restaurants And Bars In Auckland

Show your pup some love and reward them for being a good boy or girl at these dog-loving establishments.

What's On

20 Ways To Show Your Support For Breast Cancer Awareness This October

It’s not too late to rally the troops, or just yourself, to raise a bit of cashola for this totally worthy and far-too-close-to-home cause.

Restaurants

Where To Grab A Pre-Show Bite In Auckland City

There’s no shortage of events and entertainment available in Tāmaki Makaurau from comedy shows and international superstars to theatre, or just a good ol' gig, we’re spoiled for choice. With that in mind, there’s one thing every music lover, theatre enthusiast, art fan, or comedy connoisseur needs: a satisfying pre-show bite.

Restaurants

Everything You Need To Know About SkyCity’s Served

In this economy, barely anything can top the excitement of free parking. But SkyCity's served us twice over with the holy grail itself, plus an exciting new addition to October and November's epicurean calendar. Enter: Served, two massive months of feasting. 

Local Escapes

The Best Glamping Spots In New Zealand To Rest Your Head

Battling with guy ropes, losing pegs and trying to figure out where you should even position the damn thing makes tenting not a walk in the park. But never fear—fallouts and deflating air beds will become a thing of the past when you get your glamping pants on. 

Best Of

Where To Find Auckland’s Best Matcha, According To Two Matchaholics

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. 

U:L By You

Grab A Slice, These Are Auckland’s Absolute Best Pizza Joints

Whether you're a margherita purist, a meat lover or into a serious deep-dish, we’ve found the best pizza in Auckland for you to devour. These joints offer fresh, quality ingredients that can make the experience feel almost healthy (almost). 

Best Of

The Most Romantic Restaurants In Auckland To Impress Your Date At

If you’re looking to woo someone special, celebrate a milestone or perhaps even pop a special question, our handpicked list of the most romantic restaurants in Auckland has your next date sorted. Food, wine, romantic vibes, views—they’re all here.

Food & Drink

Auckland’s Best Waterfront Restaurants So You Can Dine Out On Views For Days

Grab a spot by the water, dig in to a tasty something and let the City of Sails treat you some next-level hospitality at Auckland’s best waterfront eateries.

Restaurants

Where To Eat In Auckland On A Sunday Night

The only thing worse than staying in on Sunday is being lumped with the responsibility of having to find a good restaurant that’s open on Sunday night. While usually a thankless task we've scoured all our favourite eateries to put together a list of where to eat in Auckland on a Sunday night. 

Best Of

21 Delicious Māori-Owned Eateries You Should Know About

We’ve rounded up our top picks of Māori-owned kai pakihi (food businesses) across the motu where you can show your support—and practice your kupu (words)—this Te Wiki o te Reo Māori and beyond. 

Restaurants

Where To Eat In Auckland On A Monday

‘Monday-itis’ can be cured by two things: a good meal and a strong beverage.

Food & Drink

The Best Vegan And Vegetarian Restaurants And Cafes In Auckland

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

Food & Drink

The Best Gluten-Free Eateries In Auckland Right Now

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.

Restaurants

15 Of The Best Ramen Joints In Auckland (2024 edition)

Piping hot and packed full of flavour, ramen is as good for the soul as it is for the stomach. It's no wonder this drool-worthy dish, which features noodles swimming in a lush savoury broth, topped with goodies like braised or barbecued pork and soft-boiled eggs—is one of Japan's most popular dishes and an absolute fan favourite here in New Zealand.

Food & Drink

14 Of The Best BYO Restaurants In Auckland (2024 edition)

You bring the booze and they’ll take care of the food at any one of these fine Auckland establishments. Read on to discover the best BYO restaurants in Auckland and get ready to eat, drink and be merry!

Food & Drink

Auckland’s Best All-You-Can-Eat Buffet Restaurants So You Can Chow Down

We’ve tracked down the best all-you-can-eat restaurants for when à la carte just doesn’t cut it. Stretchy pants advised.

Food & Drink

Catch Up With Your Crew At These Must-Visit Spots On Karangahape Road

Ahhh Karangahape Road. One of the most vibrant, creative, and bangin’ precincts in all of Tāmaki Makaurau.

Food & Drink

Takapuna’s Best Restaurants, Bars And Cafés And Where To Find Them

Takapuna is one of our favourite suburbs in all of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. Not only is it home to one of the most popular beaches on the North Shore, it also boasts a long list of amazing places to eat and drink.

Restaurants

The Best Indian Restaurants In Auckland Right Now

From creamy kormas and crispy pakora to dry fire-breathing curries and fluffy biryani, here are the best Indian restaurants in Auckland.

Bars & Pubs

12 Of The Best Sports Bars In Auckland So You Can Catch The Big Game In Style

Sport is basically a religion here in Aotearoa, and meeting your mates to share a drink and yell sports-themed profanities is a rite of passage. And when you can’t make it to a game, there’s no better way to experience nail-biting sport than with a drink in your hand and plenty of people to create the vibe. 

Things To Do

37 Of The Best Things To Do In Auckland

While Aucklanders may be the brunt of jokes for those south of the Bombay Hills, we think living in the City of Sails is pretty damn rad.

What's On

Here Are The Shows You Can’t Miss At The Auckland Fringe Festival 2024

The independent arts festival kicks off from 2-22 September, celebrating the weird and wonderful of Auckland’s art scene, and everything in between.

Things To Do

The Best Things To Do With Dad This Father’s Day In Auckland 2024

Father’s Day is just around the corner (1 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.

Food & Drink

The Best CBD Restaurants, Bars And Cafes In Auckland In 2024

No matter your budget—from cheap and cheerful to total baller—there’s all manner of top-tier eateries to sink your teeth into.

Food & Drink

Auckland’s Best Doughnuts To Get Your Mouth Around

Doughnuts are having a moment—and that’s totally fine by us. Whether you like them dusted with sugar, oozing with chocolate custard or stuffed with cream, there’s something for everyone in this doughnut lovin’ city of ours. We’ve rounded up the best places to get the best doughnuts in Auckland. Dough-not delay, try one today.

Restaurants

The Best Korean Restaurants In Auckland

While Korean food may not be on your radar, it totally should be. If you love big, bold flavours, an abundance of free side-dishes and are all about spice, then you’re going to fall in love with Korean cuisine. 

Health + Wellness

We Tried Sala’s New Chroma HIIT Studio And We Can’t Stop Raving About It

Innovative fitness studio, Sala, has just launched a brand new studio. Meet: Chroma HIIT, a workout based on colour therapy. 

Food & Drink

The Best Wynyard Quarter Restaurants, Cafes And Bars

With its top-notch eateries and unrivalled views of the Waitematā Harbour, Wynyard Quarter is one of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland’s most beautiful spots. 

Bars & Pubs

50 Of The Best Bars In Auckland In 2024

We've rounded up the best of the best bars, with oldies, newbies and everything in between. No matter the specifics, all of these places have one thing in common: they're a damn fine spot to sink a drink.

Local Escapes

14 Of Auckland’s Most Beautiful Wedding Venues

As far as celebrations go, they don't get much bigger than a wedding and here in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, we're spoilt for choice when it comes to finding that special somewhere to say 'I do'.

Food & Drink

The Best Mac ‘N’ Cheese Dishes In Auckland

There really is no combination more drool-worthy than an oozy serving of good ol’ mac ’n’ cheese. 

Food & Drink

21 Of The Best Pies In Auckland Right Now

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.

Restaurants

52 Of The Best Cheap Eats In Auckland

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.

Wellness

Where To Get An Earth-Shatteringly Good Massage In Auckland

We’ve taken the hard yards out of scoping out the very best massage places in Auckland, so that you can sit back and slip right into a state of bliss. Toodles, tension. 

Food & Drink

Where To Load Up On Auckland’s Absolute Best Schnitzels

There's something about the humble schnitzel that never fails to satisfy. Perhaps it's the crispy golden crumb on the outside, or the juicy, tender meat on the inside—whatever the reason, one thing's for sure, this timeless comfort food that's a favourite amongst the European set is as popular now as it's ever been.

Food & Drink

Restaurant Month 2024’s Best Menus At $30, $45 And $55+

The centrepiece of Auckland’s food events is officially back on the radar: Restaurant Month is here. We’ve never been so grateful to for having 31 whole days.

Food & Drink

16 Of The Best Happy Hours In Auckland To Kick Your Night Off For Less

Bargain bevvies, a bar snack or two and some quality yarns make for the ultimate after-work wind-down.

Local Escapes

The Best Parks In Auckland You Need To Explore, According To Local Rangers

Whether you want to enjoy a picnic alfresco, go for a walk, watch the sunrise or sunset or just get away from it all, here are the top suggestions for reconnecting with nature and filling your wellness cup.

Things To Do

Auckland’s Best Independent Bookstores And Where To Find Them

If you’re anything like us, you know that one of life’s greatest pleasures is trawling through a bookstore to discover your next read.

Local Escapes

8 Of The Best Day Trips From Auckland You Need To Tick Off In 2024

Here are eight epic day trips from Auckland for you to tick off one by one.

Cafes

The Best Dog-Friendly Cafes In Auckland For The Ultimate Pooch Date

They say that dogs are like their owners—who’s to say your pooch isn’t also partial to a low-fat puppaccino and a catchup with the crew? 

Local Escapes

21 Stunning Walks In Auckland To Take At Least Once

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.

Things To Do With Kids

52 Of The Best Things To Do With Kids In Auckland This Summer (2024 Edition)

From animal parks and art galleries to ice cream crawls and escape rooms, consider it your one-way ticket to never hearing the words 'I'm booored', ever again.  

Fitness

Auckland’s Best Running Clubs To Join In 2024

As the adage goes, if the zombie apocalypse comes after leg day, the ‘fittest’ will be the first ones to go. That said, when your survival odds rest on your ability to head for the hills (and actually make it there), it makes sense to put the leg work in today.

Food & Drink

The Best High Tea In Auckland, 2024 Edition

Whether it’s Mother’s Day, a special occasion, or you just want to spoil someone (and yourself), high tea in Auckland is the perfect thing to do, complete with tea and cake (and sometimes a glass of bubbles). Lucky for us, various venues across Auckland are serving up a swanky high tea fit for royalty. Without further ado, here's where to find the best high tea in Auckland.

Food & Drink

The Best Burger Joints In Auckland And Where To Find Them In 2024

There’s really nothing better than smashing back a good burger. It’s salty, it’s satisfying, and it’s what hungry dreams are made of. However, we all know there are many components that go into making a decent burger. Once you weigh up the bun, the patty, the sauce, and the toppings, it can become a very spirited debate. Which begs the question, who IS slinging the best burgers in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland?

Things To Do

52 Of The Best Things To Do In Auckland This Winter (2024 Edition)

Here are 52 things to do in Auckland this winter that will (almost) distract you from missing summer.

Food & Drink

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

Nothing cheers us up more on a cold Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland day (any day, to be fair) than wrapping our 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.

Cafes

This Local Brekkie Spot Has A New Menu—Featuring A Hearty Meatball Sammie

You’ve inevitably stumbled into this friendly neighbourhood cafe at some stage of your life, where the aroma of freshly brewed coffee greets you like an old friend, and each bite of the pastries feels like grandma baked it.

Things To Do

50 Of The Best Rainy Day Activities To Do In Auckland When It’s Gnarly Out In 2024

Auckland weather is a true ode to the power of Mother Nature who seems to have a soft spot for constantly dealing us the meteorological middle finger. Luckily, whether you’re prepared for it or not (and you probably won’t be), there’s still plenty of things to do in Auckland when it rains.

Food & Drink

This Unique Culinary Experience Will Have You Dining In Complete Darkness

Want to challenge your taste buds? Read on as we shine a spotlight on dining in the dark. 

Auckland

This Hidden Bar Is Hosting An Immersive Month-Long Whisky Party With Banging Cocktails

Those in the know frequent Auckland CBD’s best-kept secret: Panacea. The intimate cocktail kitchen can be stumbled upon up an unassuming flight of stairs on O’Connell Street. 

Things To Do

The Best Cinemas In Auckland And Where To Find Them In 2024

Don’t get us wrong, we love a night in with Netflix but it just doesn’t compare to seeing movies on the silver screen, a bucket of popcorn in hand.

Things To Do

5 Of The Best Go Karting Tracks In Auckland

Swooning for a hooning? Feel the need for speed? Careen around the race track and leave your mates in the dust at one of Tāmaki Makaurau’s best spots for Go Karting.

Activities & Itineraries

Here’s All Of The Incredible Open Air Māori Art To Check Out In Tāmaki Makaurau In 2024

Commissioned by Auckland Transport, pockets of Māori mahi toi (art) are woven through the city centre. What starts as a functional project—say revamping infrastructure—becomes a powerful art project. 

What's On

Everything You Need To Devour At Eat Drink Love Ponsonby 2024

We love wining and dining in Ponsonby at the best of times—but throw in some one-off creations, tasting menus, and special prices, and we really don’t need our arm further twisted. So grab your planner and round up your foodie friends, here are all the best events you need to devour this year at Eat Drink Love Ponsonby 2024:

Food & Drink

6 Gin Cocktail Recipes Inspired By NZ’s Vibrant Arts Scene

We've teamed up with Bombay Sapphire to inspire you to get out of your G&T comfort zone and stir a bit more creatively. 

Auckland

Where To Eat, Drink, Shop And Explore At Ponsonby Central

Ponsonby Central has long been renowned as a vibrant precinct. Its eclectic restaurants and bars serve up everything from Cambodian to Korean and feel-good American fare. 

What's On

The Best Things To Do With Mum This Mother’s Day In Auckland 2024

If there’s one day that can trigger the battle of the high teas it’s Mother’s Day, and this year is no exception.

Food & Drink

The Best Ponsonby Restaurants You Need To Check Out In 2024

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.

What's On

Secure Tickets For These Unmissable Black Ferns Matches At Wallet-Friendly Prices

At long last, women’s sport is taking centre stage and we are here. for. it. As we head into the cooler months, all eyes are on our Black Ferns and their highly-anticipated 2024 test calendar. 

Features

The Best Tattoo Studios In Auckland To Get Inked At, 2024 Edition

Tattoos are a universal art form used as a form of self-expression and tribute and as the world’s most tattooed nation, it's no surprise we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing a tattoo studio in Auckland.