New Zealand

Roll up, roll up. It’s time for this week’s New Zealand food news. Hot off the press (or should we say, toastie press) are all the tasty tidbits you need to know. 

We sent writer Vicki Young to check out The Chef's Table at Blue Duck Station. 

We sent writer Vicki Young to check out Blue Duck Station. 

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

Whether you’re in town to hike, ski, wine taste, or golf, here are 14 boutique accommodation options to level up your stay in Wānaka.

You’re powering through the year and that calls for a well-deserved break. New Zealand perhaps? A stay with a big cosy bed to snuggle into, and maybe even a piping hot outdoor bath?

Matariki a.k.a. Māori New Year is just around the corner (Friday 20 June to be exact). A time of reflection and new beginnings, Aotearoa is busting out all the stops with a treasure trove of ways to celebrate.

Welcome to the most fabulous corner of the internet—Urban List's destination for the picks of the beauty crop. This month, our fave haircare has a glow up, there's new scents galore, indie brands are having a *moment* and a new immersive beauty space. 

When it comes to finding beautiful gems, trinkets, and treasures, look no further than New Zealand’s best jewellers. From a little to-me-from-me piece to finding the ring for your loved one, there’s a shiny keepsake waiting to be uncovered. 

Tell anyone you’re heading to Napier and the wider Hawke’s Bay region for some R&R and they’ll be insanely jealous. Kiwis from all over the country know just how good the Bay is. With its world-class wineries, gorgeous Art Deco architecture, and delicious dining options, there’s never a bad time to visit Hawke’s Bay. So, whether you’re a local looking to switch it up with a new dining spot or you're a visitor to this fine region, we’ve done the legwork and know our way around all the best establishments in the Bay. Here are the best restaurants Napier, Hastings, and Havelock North in Hawke's Bay have to offer. 

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

Soak up the luxury at the best Airbnb's in NZ with outdoor baths. 

Small in size, big on adventure, indulgence and memories.

Given Aotearoa is perched on the Pacific Ring Of Fire, it's no wonder Kiwis have an affinity with hot water. How lucky we are then to have an almost endless supply of spots across the country to satisfy our need for a soak, be it a man-made hot pool or hot tub, or a natural hot spring.

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.

It's the time of year when we resolve to go harder, to be better, to move faster, and to get stronger—no wait, that might just be Daft Punk. In any case, here's our ultimate guide to Auckland's best gyms. 

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.

From a kaimoana-filled cruise through the picturesque Marlborough Sounds (complete with BBQ boat-side), to trekking through the famous Queen Charlotte Track—Marlborough is just a short flight from Tāmaki Makaurau and makes for one helluva way to escape the daily grind. 

Rotorua is one of the most popular destinations in Aotearoa and for good reason⁠—there’s a helluva lot of awesome things to do there whether you’re into history, hot mud, or adventures to send your adrenaline levels sky high. And there are loads of great places to stay too. 

Sometimes you’ve just had your fill of hotels, motels and Holiday Inns, and you’re yearning for something with a little more… personality. When that mood strikes, it’s all about Airbnb. And if you’re bound for Taupo, you’ll be very pleased to know there are a bunch of great places on offer. 

The warmer weather is here, and that means it’s the season for lavender to bloom. Here are the best farms across New Zealand where you can stroll amongst the fields, take a picture for the gram and pick your own lavender. Hot tip: pop a few flowers into your next glass of champagne.

Though long viewed as a luxury destination—cue over indulgence and splashing of cash—Waiheke is literally awash in great options to have you out and about and enjoying the land in many different ways, all without breaking the bank.

Sunflower season is short but sweet and while there might not be an abundance of sunflower farms in Aotearoa, there are five magical spots you’ll definitely want to visit.

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

Between scaling Mt Taranaki and hitting the mountain bike tracks around Lake Mangamahoe, surfing up a storm or soaking up the art, you’ll likely work up quite the appetite in New Plymouth. And, luckily, there’s a bunch of local eateries on hand to refuel at. 

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

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.

2024 is almost done and dusted. Only one question remains—where will you be when the new year dawns?

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

There’s no getting around the fact that The Good Life requires something to live that good life on (aka a planet) but climate anxiety really knocks the dopamine out of a cheeky add to cart. 

Christmas is indeed the most wonderful time of the year and our fave part of the festivities is decorating the tree. That said, we've searched out the very best Christmas decorations money can buy, and we think you'll be impressed. From pop stars and film characters to pretend treats and treats proper (or at least, baubles filled with them), there's a lot to get excited about.

It’s all about choosing brands based on our own values—not just the dollar value of a product.

Wellington prides itself on its cafe culture and we’ll be the first to say it’s justified.

Welcome to 2024, where advent calendars are as big of a deal for adults as they are for children, and filled with so much more than cheap choccy. We're talking beauty products, booze, and even treats for in the bedroom (there's a reason Santa has a naughty list).

Kiwi summers are incomplete without heading out to the wild exploring the beautiful nature the land has to offer. Read on to learn about the five spots in Hamilton to relax this summer. 

Get amped up for the most wonderful time of the year. We’re talkin’ New Zealand’s festival season. Across the country, lads and lasses will be locking in tickets to some of the best festivals our country has to offer, all promising an epic mash-up of beats, vibes and all round good times.

There are some excellent pet-friendly campgrounds scattered around New Zealand that are happy to welcome both you and your furry ones.

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.

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.

This week, and every week henceforth, we encourage you to go beyond learning how to order your coffee in Māori in exchange for a free brew at work, and do something to create a lasting impact for yourself and te reo Māori.

From limited edition beer collabs and linen pants to packable day packs, and an edition outdoor oven, check out our hit list of the best Father's Day gifts to shop this year. 

Taking your pup for a walk is all very well until you realise you’re in a park that’s a no-go for pooches. Talk about barking up the wrong tree. Luckily, there’s a whole lot of dog-friendly walks you can waltz along to your heart’s content, your fur baby by your side.

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.

New Zealand invites you to explore its breathtaking landscapes by road.

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

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.

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.

Some Kiwis do their initiation into adulthood and go on a “gap year,” aka the big OE. For me, I didn’t exactly get that chance. Instead, I dived headfirst into a career shift in my mid-twenties. 

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.

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. 

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.

There’s loads to do in the Garden City so if you haven’t visited before, or even if you have, it should be right up there on your to-do list. And while you could check into a hotel, sometimes you’re in the mood for something with a little more character, which is exactly why we love Airbnb.

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. 

Not sure if you’ve noticed, but New Zealand is a stunning specimen of a country. It’s an adventure haven, a romantic wonderland and an all-round 10/10 vacay spot. Our accom is pretty snazzy, too. From relaxing retreats and honeymoon hotspots to glamping getaways and luxury lodges, it’s not hard to find impressive digs.

It would be LUBE not to.

We’ve done the research and these are all the best places to float in New Zealand. 

The first Afterpay Day sale of 2024 officially kicks off in New Zealand on Thursday 14 March. Shop the best deals on fashion, beauty, and homewares. Get discounts from top brands like The North Face, Culture Kings, Glassons, and more. 

We all know that NZ boasts some seriously gorgeous beaches, not to mention some stunning Airbnbs that sit right by the water. Whether you're headed North or South, you're only a few clicks away from making your seaside holiday dreams come true. Here are the best beachfront Airbnbs around the country!

Camping is as much a part of Kiwi culture as remembering to blow on the pie. Whether you’re camping in a tent, campervan or prefer a cute cabin, if you’re after lakefront, beachfront or in the middle of the bush, Northland’s got you. 

If you're looking for the best accommodation options in the wonderful town of Taupō, look no further.

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. 

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

Cue the roadie, it's time to broaden your knowledge of our hītōria (history).

Home to some of the best series from HBO Max, Warner Bros, Sony, NBCU, FX and BBC content you can now work your way through the likes of The Office, The Wire, The Walking Dead and True Detective, Neon is the home of the types of show everyone talks about. 

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.

Live it up in a flash as pad or get a bit rustic with it, here are 12 of the best stays in Invercargill.

Summer is here and good times are just around the corner, which means it's the perfect time to switch off, uncover new places and rediscover beloved gems on a chilled-out staycation.

Best present ever.

Summer is finally here and we couldn’t be more ready to frolic in the waves and relax on the beach. We’ve looked high and low to find the most sustainable swimwear labels around, that are ocean-friendly and will have you feeling great all summer long.

In this video, Tūranga Morgan-Edmonds speaks to the importance of cultural preservation through Māori content creators such as himself in the digital world.

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. 

We're here to help you sort the good from the great and to dig up the most unmissable Black Friday sales.

From a 9-5 desk worker to a professional op shopper, Tabitha Coleman has turned one of her biggest passions into a full-time job.

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. 

Sage sticks at the ready. We’ve done some digging and conjured up some of Aotearoa’s scariest stories.

Picture the perfect day with your pup and we bet it includes a trip to the beach. 

From renowned luxury chains to characterful boutique abodes, we scoured the local hotel scene to find a range of gems worthy of your booking. 

Get your boots on, carbohydrates packed and bring a positive headspace because you’ll need it—here’s everything you need to know before tackling the summit of Mount Taranaki.

A town in the shadow of an incredible picture-perfect volcano, and with a mix of art and adventure on offer, New Plymouth makes for a great weekend getaway.

Invercargill may get a bad rap but once you start exploring this southern extreme of New Zealand, you soon realise just how much there is to love. 

Our journey isn't just about learning; it's about reclaiming a piece of our whakapapa that was nearly lost. It's about bridging the gap between generations and healing the wounds of the past. 

Explore the volcanic heart of the Tongariro National Park on an epic one-day tramping adventure.

Explore the volcanic heart of the Tongariro National Park on an epic three to four-day tramping adventure.

Alpine village Hanmer Springs has all the ingredients for a magical escape any time of the year.

We’ve got the buzz on the best luxury hotels around the country, so you can be drinking champagne in a spa pool as soon as physically possible. Start packing those bags.

We’ve rounded up the best of the best costume shops in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and online so you can dive straight into bringing your fantasy (or worst nightmare) to life and take out that costume competition. 

Get schooled up with this list of Invercargill’s best cafes right now.

The FIFA Women’s World Cup has kicked off in New Zealand. Held every four years, the event showcases talent from 32 countries—making it the largest women’s sporting event in the world.