Best Of

The Urban List guide to the absolute best things to do in Wellington. 

Wondering where to eat in Christchurch? The Garden City has so many choice restaurants popping up all over the place that it can be hard to keep track, so let me make life a whole lot easier with this stunning list.

Whether you’re heading to Queenstown for a ski getaway or to dance the night away with your pals, we’ve done the research and found the very best hotels.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

There’s loads to do in the Garden City—and while you could check into a hotel, sometimes you’re in the mood for something with a little more character.

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.

Turns out The Garden City isn’t just about botanicals—it’s also one helluva brunching scene.

From rolling valleys to dense native forest and cliffs overlooking black sand beaches, we've found the most jaw-dropping Airbnbs across New Zealand that you can book for a getaway.

NZ boasts some seriously gorgeous beaches and some of the best Airbnbs right by the water.

Grab a pie and a pint, put your thinking cap on, and get ready to show off your obscure knowledge. Who knows? You might even come out on top. 

Pampering yourself doesn’t come much better than a sleek set of nails. 

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. 

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.

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 22 of the best romantic getaways in Victoria. 

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.

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. 

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

It’s handy to have a healthy appetite when you try out Invercargill’s restaurants, as down south the portions are generous and don’t skimp on flavour.

From chic patisseries and pretty pink ice cream parlours to boujee burger joints, Ponsonby's got it all.

Ready to plug in? These are the best new podcasts to play in 2025. 

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.

Korean food has officially taken over Auckland—and we're not mad about it. Whether you're in it for fiery Korean fried chicken, bubbling bowls of stew, or sizzling hot BBQ, this is your go-to guide to the best Korean restaurants in Auckland.

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

The gateway to some of the best stargazing in Aotearoa and the world, Lake Tekapo is one helluva holiday destination.

We think it's about time our four-legged friends got to enjoy our weekend escapes too. 

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.

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.

Whether you'd love to spend your weekend gazing at art-adorned walls with a quizzical look on your face thinking ‘what the heck is that!?’ or simply elevate your mind by marvelling at stunning artwork then we have found the best places for you.

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.

If you're in the market for endurance EDM, upbeat pop bangers or heavy-based rap when you need to dig deep on your next run or gym session, we’ve got the playlist to keep you hitting goals.

We’ve done the research and know the must-visit restaurants in QT, so read on for the best restaurants in Queenstown.

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? 

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.

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

Whether you’re in the mood for a slow sit-down and sip, or a takeaway coffee to accompany you on your daily errands, from Auckland CBD and Ponsonby/Herne Bay/Grey Lynn/Karangahape Road/Eden Terrace to Newmarket/Mount Eden/Kingsland/Morningside and The North Shore, Urban List has downed a dangerous dosage of caffeine to create the ultimate list of Auckland’s best coffee shops that you’re going to want to bookmark ASAP.

One of the best things about Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland is the fact that writing a list of the best beaches within a region is absolutely possible.

​Auckland is a mecca for hair salons and when it comes to choosing “the one”, selecting a hairdresser to entrust with your precious locks is a big freakin’ deal.

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?

20 New Zealand-made gins that will turn your typical G&T on its head.

We’ve scoured around for the Airbnbs with the prettiest pools in all the land (Auck-land that is) so you can feel like an absolute water baby.

Rotorua is a foodie haven, from boujee fine dining to delectable cheap eats spotlighting local and international cuisines.  

Whatever the occasion or vibe, Kirikiriroa Hamilton’s buzzing restaurant scene has it all. Whether you’re after a sophisticated date destination, a culinary journey around the world, or simply on the hunt for some hearty comfort food, Urban List has you covered with a list of the best restaurants in Hamilton.

A bijou city it may be, but Ōtepoti Dunedin knows how to punch above its weight when it comes to culinary genius per capita.

I scream, you scream... well, you know how it goes. Whether it's fresh and fruity or rich and chocolatey, in a cone, on a stick or in a cup, we just can't get enough of the cold stuff. So without further ado, here's our pick of the coolest (yes, we did just do that) ice cream and gelato shops in Auckland.

While it’s not hard to find a great beach, Urban List has done a little more exploring to discover these secret gems. 

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

We all know the hunt for the next Netflix binge never ends. To make your search a little easier, we at Urban List have rounded up a slew of the best Netflix Series available in NZ right now. Grab the snacks and get comfy, here are the best shows on Netflix NZ.

Summer, winter, autumn or spring, Queenstown is a beauty to behold.

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? 

It’s hard enough making sense of this dog-eat-dog world as a human, let alone as a four-legged floof. Here are the best dog training programmes for you and your doggo.  

Dogs don’t ask for much and that’s all the more reason to treat them to the finer things in life.

Whether you slurp them in soups or chew with chilli oil, we’ve rounded up the best hand-pulled noodle spots in Auckland so you can decide which way is best for yourself. 

Since jetting off to the tropics isn't even an option this summer, why not take some time to wander through the Abel Tasman and explore one of Aotearoa’s best landscapes. Grab your boots and your tramping buddy, and try out 10 of the best day tramps the Abel Tasman has to offer.

Popping that pretty question can be a nerve-racking time—we get that. What should be a piece of cake, however, is picking out that sparkling little something to seal the deal with. Here’s your definitive list of the best places to shop for engagement rings in New Zealand.

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.

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.

From tiny huts in the forest to a luxurious private retreat and accommodation in an actual boot, Aotearoa has an abundance of cosy winter escapes for a cheeky weekend away.

Buttering up the popcorn and firing up Netflix has got to be our favourite thing ever. If you’re anything like us we know you don’t relish in spending hours scrolling for something half decent to kick back to.

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.

If there’s anything better than great food, it’s great food that’s cheap.

Who says the little luxuries in life are hooman-only territory?  

With its proximity to Mauao, Tauranga is great for a weekend escape or a longer vacay.

A petite city full of the eclectic and interesting, Dunedin practically owns the term ‘boutique’. The gorgeous, retrofitted heritage buildings, ornate old villas and secret wild spots hide some of New Zealand’s most epic boutique lodgings. The moody romanticism of the neo-gothic architecture, urban quirk and spectacular coastline are a natural backdrop for everything from award-winning five-star hotels and eco retreats to space-age apartments unlike anything you’ve seen.

We've rounded up the best wineries in New Zealand's beloved wine region, Martinborough, so you can sip on top-notch vino all day long. 

From table-bending BYO banquets to Pad Thai in your pjs, we've got you covered with our pick of the best Thai restaurants in Auckland.

There simply isn’t an occasion that doesn’t call for a beautiful bunch of flowers. 

We've rounded up the best accommodation in New Zealand's beloved wine region, Martinborough, so you can sample the vino in style. 

From turquoise-hued waters to secluded beaches and lakes where you can try your luck at fishing, here are our picks of the best camping spots in Tauranga and the surrounding areas. Don’t forget your tent and sunscreen—jandals optional.

Here are the best cafes and restaurants to wrap your mouth around in The Coromandel.

Turquoise waters, rugged cliffs, native flora and laid-back towns—The Coromandel is pretty much paradise. And with more than 400km of idyllic coastline to explore, it’s no surprise that the region is also home to some of the country’s most beautiful beaches.

New Zealand is one heck of a b-e-a-utiful place and as its people, it would be downright rude not to explore it. 

Load up the roadie snacks and delve into the best camping spots within driving distance from Auckland to add your hit list this summer and beyond. 

We’ve always been a fan of a pyjama party and, while we’re not a fan of Christmas carols outside of December, we absolutely condone a sneaky transition to festive PJs. Let’s be honest, the festive PJ season really begins at Midwinter Christmas anyway. Here are the best pyjamas to rock around the Christmas tree in this December.