Trending

Food & Drink

The Best Cafes In Ponsonby Right Now

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

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. 

Restaurants

Auckland’s Best New Restaurant Openings Of 2025 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.

Restaurants

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.

Restaurants

The Best Korean Restaurants In Auckland

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.

Food & Drink

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

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. 

U:L Recommends

The Best Jewellers In Auckland And Where To Find Them

Few things in life come close to the excitement of receiving jewellery. The box, the silky lining, the glamour of it all—nothing compares. Here are a few of our favourite jewellers in Tāmaki Makaurau for you to chase that thrill. 

Bars & Pubs

Where To Find The Very Best Bars In Auckland

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.

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. 

Things To Do

The Absolute Best Things To Do In Auckland

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. 

Local Escapes

16 Of The Best Places To Stay In Lake Tekapo From Hotels And Motels To Airbnbs

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

Local Escapes

14 Of The Best Boutique Hotels And Airbnbs In Wanaka

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.

Local Escapes

15 Of The Best Cosy Cabins In New Zealand To Snuggle Up In

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?

What's On

14 Of The Best Ways To Celebrate Matariki In 2025

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.

What's On

16 Epic Things To Do In Auckland This Weekend

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

Food & Drink

The Best Late Night Desserts In Auckland

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

What's On

What’s On In Auckland This Week, This Month And This Year 2025

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

Podcasts & Books

25 Of The Best True Crime Podcasts Worth A Listen In 2025

Jump on the true crime bandwagon, hit play, and start bingeing these must-listen podcasts.

Beauty

The New Beauty Products To Shop This Month According To Our Beauty Editor

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. 

U:L Recommends

The Best Jewellers In New Zealand

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. 

Food & Drink

The Best Restaurants In Napier, Hastings And Havelock North In Hawke’s Bay

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. 

Food & Drink

The Best Restaurants In Christchurch To Eat Your Way Around In 2025

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 us make life a whole lot easier with this invaluable list.

Things To Do

50 Of The Best Things To Do In Christchurch At Least Once In Your Life

Ōtautahi is an absolute gem of a city—there’s not a lot it doesn’t have. Beaches? Yes. Arts and culture? Absolutely. Outdoor excursions? You bet. A bunch more fun stuff? By the bucket load! So go get out there and explore it with our list of 50 of the best things to do in Christchurch. 

Pets & Travel

The Best Pet-Friendly Accommodation In New Zealand

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

Local Escapes

10 Of The Best Airbnbs With Hot Tubs And Outdoor Baths In NZ

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

Travel

14 Of The Best Tiny Homes In New Zealand To Book For A Winter Weekend Escape

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

Local Escapes

The Best Airbnbs In Auckland, Whatever Your Budget

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. Whether it’s luxury incarnate, stunning views or something a bit unexpected we’re here for it. And we’re also here for you, so without further ado, here are the best Airbnbs Auckland has to offer. 

Local Escapes

The Best Airbnbs In Wellington For An Unforgettable Capital Vacay

Brimming with vibrance, creativity, and some of the best coffee you'll find in the country, you'll never have a dull moment when visiting our nation's capital. Whether your ideal holiday abode is seaside or central, Wellington boasts a scenic selection of Airbnb stays that'll take your visit (and your Instagram) to the next level.

Local Escapes

14 Of The Best Accommodation In Raglan That You Need To Book Into, Stat

We’ve found accommodation options to suit all travellers and holiday goers—from eco-lodges to luxury retreats and apartments with stellar views.  

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

The Best Japanese Restaurants In Auckland Right Now

We love Japanese food an awful lot here at the Urban List. And who’s to blame us? From sushi to sashimi to sake, Japanese cuisine delivers deliciousness on all levels.

Features

The Best Tattoo Studios In Auckland To Get Inked At

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.

Local Escapes

The Best Hot Pools In New Zealand For You To Bliss Out At

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.

Food & Drink

The Best Restaurants In Arrowtown

Whether you’re staying down the road in Queenstown, or in the heart of this magical town, here are seven Arrowtown restaurants you seriously need to dine at, trust us.

Food & Drink

The Best Bottomless Brunch Spots In Auckland Right Now

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.

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.

Things To Do

50 Of The Best Things To Do In Wellington

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

Cafes

The Best Cafes In Queenstown

Whether you’re after a healthy meal, a culinary cure after exploring Queenstown’s best bars, or fuel for a day of adventure, there’s something for every brunch or lunch occasion at Queenstown's best cafes. 

Health + Wellness

The Best Nail Salons In Auckland

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

Things To Do

The Best Museums In Auckland To Visit This Year

If you’re curious about anything (or everything), get yourself along to one of Auckland’s many incredible museums and prepare to expand your mind. From ancient relics to impressive architecture, lush outdoors to lifeforms past and present, Auckland has no shortage of intriguing historic collections to get amongst.

Food & Drink

The Best Restaurants In Queenstown

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

Local Escapes

11 Of The Best Walks In Christchurch

Everyone who’s anyone knows New Zealand will deliver when it comes to walking tracks and the heart of Canterbury is certainly no exception. From your 30-minute morning run before work to a Sunday spent adventuring the outdoors, Christchurch has it all. With spectacular views and plenty to get the blood pumping, we’re here to share the best walking tracks and trails of our suitably titled Garden City.

Markets & Food Events

The Best Markets In Auckland

Make markets your favourite weekend morning ritual and kick on with mates for the night markets too (we're looking at you Auckland Night Markets). Here is our (extensive!) list of the very best Auckland markets.

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? 

Fitness

Auckland’s Best Running Clubs To Join

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

What’s Open In Auckland On ANZAC Day

Whether you're after breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner or a little somethin' somethin' this ANZAC Friday, there's loads to choose from. 

Food & Drink

The Best Viaduct Restaurants And Bars Auckland Has To Offer

For tasty kai with bangin' views, make a beeline for the Auckland Viaduct. 

Local Escapes

The Best Airbnbs In Rotorua Whatever Your Budget

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. 

Local Escapes

22 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.

Local Escapes

19 Of The Best Airbnbs In Queenstown For A Cosy Winter Getaway

We’ve rounded up a list of the best Airbnbs in Queenstown to make that dream holiday a reality…

Food & Drink

The Best Pancakes In Auckland To Stick A Fork Into In 2025

Whoever came up with this cunning way of eating cake for breakfast (or any other meal, for that matter), we thank you for your service.

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

What’s Open In Auckland This Easter Long Weekend

Easter is upon us and a long weekend of resting and feasting awaits. Take this holiday as a chance to go out to get your wine and dine on because that’s what we’ll be doing!

Local Escapes

20 Of The Best Airbnbs In Taupō

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. 

Food & Drink

The Best Coffee Shops In Auckland To Get Caffeinated At

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.

Food & Drink

22 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.

Best Of

Where To Find The Best Breakfasts In Wellington

Wellington’s breakfast game is strong, just like their coffee.

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

The Best Hotels In Auckland To Check Into Right Now

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.

Food & Drink

The Best Cinnamon Buns In Auckland And Where To Find Them

Get ready for the sticky fingers, doughy bellies and warm fuzzies, as you eat your way through our list of Auckland’s best cinnamon buns.

Food & Drink

The Best Cafes In Christchurch To Tick Off

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

Food & Drink

Auckland’s Most Epic Easter Treats For You To Hunt Down In 2025

Easter is fast approaching and for the sweet tooths amongst us (me!), this is pleasing news indeed. After all, what other holiday is celebrated by stuffing your face with as much chocolate as humanly possible?

Things To Do With Kids

54 Of The Best Things To Do With Kids In Auckland All Year Round

Auckland's a pretty fun place to grow up. Not only do we have world-class beaches on our doorstep and all the usual family-friendly tropes like a zoo, arcades, and a museum, there's also a host of city exclusives like our very own marine reserve to swim around, a Wonka-esque sugar factory to explore and of course, the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere (which, btw, kids over 10 can even jump off!).

Local Escapes

The Best Lavender Farms Around New Zealand

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.

Local Escapes

Auckland’s Best Beaches To Explore Before The Colder Weather Settles In

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.

Food & Drink

The Best High Tea In Auckland

Whether it’s Mother’s Day, a special occasion, or you just wanna spoil someone (but also yourself!), high tea is always the answer. Lucky for us, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland has no shortage of spots serving up a swanky high tea with alllll the treats, including tea, cake, and if you're lucky, a cheeky glass of bubbles.

Things To Do

What’s On In Wellington In 2025

Arts and culture capital of Aotearoa, Te Whanganui-a-Tara is packed with an epic lineup of things to do.

Food & Drink

Where To Wine, Dine And Treat Your Lover In Auckland This Valentine’s Day

Hello lovers, Valentine’s Day is just around the corner so if you haven’t made plans yet, you'd better hustle.

What's On

The Secret Gems Of Auckland Pride 2025

Here are all the events not to miss at this year's Auckland Pride Festival. 

Things To Do

18 Auckland Date Ideas That Aren’t Dinner And A Movie

Let us hear you say love. Whether it’s your first or your one hundredth date, a little thought goes a long way and a dinner and a movie just ain't it. 

Food & Drink

The Best Burger Joints In Auckland And Where To Find Them

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?

Bars & Pubs

13 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. 

What's On

What’s On In Christchurch In 2025

Whether you love getting amongst the arts or prefer to eat your way around town, Ōtautahi’s got something for you. Here are the best events happening in Christchurch in 2025. 

Best Of

The Best Sunflower Farms In New Zealand And Where To Find Them

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.

Food & Drink

The Best Artisanal Gins In NZ So You Can Level Up Your G&T Game

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

Best Of

The Best Pilates Studios In Auckland And Where To Find Them

There's a misconception that pilates is an easy-going style of workout that doesn't require the same strength and effort as traditional gym workouts. Well, we're here to smash that myth once and for all. Pilates isn't just a challenging and effective workout, it's a safe one too. 

Local Escapes

10 Airbnbs With Breathtaking Swimming Pools To Book In Auckland

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.

Food & Drink

12 Of The Best Restaurants In New Plymouth And Where To Find Them

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. 

Food & Drink

14 Of The Best Restaurants And Cafes In Rotorua

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

Restaurants

15 Of The Best Restaurants In Hamilton To Eat Your Way Around

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.

Food & Drink

The Best Restaurants In Invercargill And Bluff For A Real Taste Of The South

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.

Restaurants

33 Of The Best Restaurants In Dunedin

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

Things To Do

Onehunga | The Best Restaurants, Cafes, Bars And Things To Do In This Rad Auckland Suburb

It's official—Onehunga is one of Auckland's most hip albeit underrated suburbs. Studded with historic buildings and delightful villas, this charming neighbourhood has really amped things up in recent years on the eating-out front, with a host of top-notch bars, restaurants and cafés coming to the fore.

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.

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.

Food & Drink

10 Of The Best Restaurants In Waiheke To Add To Your Eat List

Waiheke Island. A magical getaway, a wine-lover’s paradise, the perfect wedding destination... and a next-level foodie scene. Here are the best and tastiest restaurants on Waiheke Island. 

Food & Drink

Newmarket’s Best Restaurants And Cafes You Need To Try, Stat

From Peruvian tacos and schnitzels the size of your face, to perfect coffee and cocktails in bongs (for reals!), this suburb certainly has plenty to eat out on.  

Food & Drink

The Best Ice Cream And Gelato Shops In Auckland

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.

Things To Do

26 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.