U:L By You

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

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

Does your romance feel a little less shiny than you’d like it to be? Maybe life’s so hectic right now that you’re missing out on those magical moments with your special someone. A romantic getaway could be just what you need to reignite the flame and connect at a deeper level than ever before. 

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Chocolate may get most of the attention at Easter, but it isn't the only treat we're coveting once the season for bunnies, eggs and unabashed gluttony rolls round. Yip, that's right fam—we're talking about hot cross buns, or HCBs.

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. 

As the saying goes, you can’t beat Wellington on a good day.

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.

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

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). 

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. 

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

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

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? 

If there’s anything better than great food, it’s great food that’s cheap. On those nights when the fridge is empty and the very thought of a trip to the supermarket plunges you into melancholy, we've got you covered. There’s no need to spend a small fortune when you can smash a hearty meal in Christchurch/Ōtautahi for the loose change in your pocket (if that’s even a thing anymore). Here are Urban List's picks of the best cheap eats in Christchurch for 2024.

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

We’ve rounded up our top picks for Auckland’s best barbershops, that will leave you looking a little less Shia Labeouf and a little more Ryan Gosling in no time.

There’s nothing better than strolling through a buzzing market with a coffee in-hand and a basket jam-packed with fresh produce and quirky finds. Total bliss, right?

If we could only eat one dish for the rest of our lives, there's a good chance it'd be fried chicken.

Long and unjustly discriminated as the smuttiest of spirits, vodka is both the queen of classy and the king of trashy - and we should know - here at Urban List we are fine connoisseurs of the occasional vodka vocation. So before we crank into the boom of Summer, we’ve rounded up 12 of New Zealand's best vodka brands.

New Zealand's cool capital is known for it’s huge food scene. We may be a teeeeny bit biased, but we reckon it's got some of the best spots in the country.  

As far as baked treats go, cookies are king, and we don't discriminate.

Espresso martinis are like the grown-up version of a coffee, a harmonious yet powerful blend of alcohol and caffeine that will see you through the night (and potentially into the next day).

Planning a trip to Nelson but don’t know where to stay?

Let’s face it, us Kiwis are an intrepid bunch. We love travelling to the far corners of Mother Earth in search of beauty and adventure. But the grass is not always greener—New Zealand is filled with natural wonders that will take your breath away.

It’s no secret it’s super expensive to eat out in Copenhagen. So, we thought it was necessary to list some of our favourite cafés, so you can spend your dollar (or krone) wisely and avoid food regret on your travels. You’re welcome.

New Zealand is renowned for its stunning scenery, natural beauty, wondrous escapes and being one of the best places to look at the Southern Lights.

Between free bottomless popcorn, in-film snack deliveries and a Tarantino-approved space, we’ve found the very best of Auckland’s bustling boutique cinema scene. 

Make more conscious gifting decisions this Christmas.

As much as Covergirl would have us believe life is all easy breezy beautiful, sometimes you need more than lipstick to help you navigate its twists and turns.

Hot yoga is known to help curb your stress, stretch your muscles, focus your mind and is definitely more intense than a room-temperature class. Keen to give it a go? Check out our guide to Auckland’s best hot yoga studios. 

From trusty pies to tarts, slices, cakes and even the odd dumpling, here are the tried and true, best banoffee pies in Auckland.

We all know how important good sleep is, just like we know how important quality bedding is for obtaining that sleep nirvana. Since it can feel a little daunting to navigate the many options on the market right now, we’re here to help. Whether it’s cotton or silk that tickles your fancy, we’ve got something for you!

Ask an Aucklander what their favourite food is and chances are dumplings will rank pretty high—and we can’t get enough of these tasty little morsels ourselves. 

In celebration of the upcoming holidays, we asked some of our fave ice cream purveyors around the country which New Zealand beach gets their vote. Read on to see where these ice cream legends love spending their free time.

We sought the help of some of our favourite travel bloggers to clue us in on the places that don’t get the love they deserve and boy, did they deliver.

Whether it's a big ol' bowl of dumplings, a decent coffee and a slice of cake, or a juicy burger with all the trimmings, we're beyond stoked to get our hands on some takeaways at Alert Level 3.

It’s hard to spark romance when you’re picnicing with every other human in Tāmaki Makaurau, especially when your thunder could be stolen at any moment by a cute Frenchie pup in a bandana. So (and we hope you’ll forgive us if we give up your secret spot) we’ve decided to spill the beans and reveal 16 of the best hidden picnic spots in and around Auckland.

Grab your tent and round up your posse, we’ve found the very best camping spots in Auckland. 

Jumping in your car, blasting the tunes and taking in some epic scenery can be soothing for the soul. From craggy coastlines to lush forests and bush, our capital city has a number of drives to hit the road for. 

Nothing beats good food and breathtaking views, so why not combine the two and head out for a picnic. We've taken the hard part out of your picnic organisation and put together a list of seven of the best spots you can set yourself up at around Auckland. 

With the city’s most beloved bakers now offering contactless delivery, you can keep supporting local from the comfort of your own home and stock your kitchen with boxes of doughnuts. Here’s the list of those making level 3 a little sweeter.

With no shortage of sensational routes, lace up your running shoes and enjoy our picks for the12 best running tracks in Wellington.

So we’re locked down and you’re pretty confident you have all you need. But what’s this? The repeat prescription you got six months ago is dwindling and you’re definitely not keen on joining the queues at the pharmacy. Fear not, for a whole raft of pharmacies are now offering to deliver their products and prescriptions direct to your door, anywhere in New Zealand.

If Macklemore taught us anything during his brief but incontestable reign over the radio, it’s that thrift shopping—correction, op shopping—is f**kin’ awesome.

Queenstown’s constantly evolving culinary scene never fails to impress. Whether you’re looking for a cheap and cheerful spot to refuel after a day full of activities or a fine dining establishment to celebrate a special occasion, our adventure capital has a whole host of world class restaurants you’re sure to love. We’ve done the research and know the must-visit restaurants in QT, so read on for the best restaurants in Queenstown.

From late night eats to gorgeous gondola rides and delicious cocktails to live gigs, Queenstown is an epic city around the clock. Here are the best things to do in Queenstown at night.

Yo Ho, Ho! (and a bottle of rum). Rum has come a long way from being just a pirate’s tipple, to one of the most beloved spirits worldwide. With International Rum Day right round the corner, and with the assistance of the terrific team at Cove 27, we’ve rounded up some of the best artisanal New Zealand and international rums, so go forth and tipple.

Whether you’re planning a big birthday or a special shindig, only the best will do. Because we’re about nothing but the best, we’ve got you covered!

Given Aotearoa is perched on the Pacific Ring Of Fire it's no wonder we love our hot water. And while we're blessed to have so many stunning natural hot springs, we couldn't help but create a whole lot more—cue the man-made hot pool.

Y’all can’t deny that American food has wriggled its soul and belly filling way into our Kiwi lives. 

From fanciful gold facials, to sub-zero shenanigans, through to full body treatments involving beautiful botanicals of the world, we’ve rounded up the most restorative, original, and quite frankly, best spa treatments in Auckland.

Fun fact: Having pot plants around your home can benefit your breathing, increase your immunity, deter illness, and boost your overall mood! Plus they look nice and add 10+ adult points to your home. We’re sold!

From boutique to boujee 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.

If the words ‘Birria Tacos’ has piqued your interest, you’re not alone. The videos of red juicy stew, with meat that falls apart, filled into a cheesy taco have been giving the hungries to many. Don't fret, We've got your back. We’ve done the hard yet delicious work to bring you a list of Auckland’s very best birria tacos.

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

From the top to the bottom of New Zealand, turquoise waters gush across native bush and create some of our most breathtaking landscapes and the best Instagram pictures.

Fortunately for us, scenic drives are plentiful in this part of the world. As well as views for Africa, we’re graced with plenty to do along the way. From discovering cute little settlements, to ultimate picnic spots and places to stop off for a dip in the lake.

Dunedin has quietly evolved into an epic culinary haven in its own right, where funky heritage buildings harbour dens of dining cool and hole-in-the-wall eateries deliver up innovative creations that will leave you wanting more.

Tantalise your taste buds out west! 

It's pretty hard to mess up pizza but some do it better than all the rest, especially when it comes to vegetarian slices. We've scoped the best in Auckland. 

It’s not always straightforward being vegan. When you’re not cooking at home, it can be tricky to find somewhere that will cater to your plant-based diet. Even in your own town or city, it takes time to discover the cafes and restaurants that serve up the best vegan dishes (that’s if they cater to vegans at all). And this gets even harder when you travel somewhere new.

Whether it’s the location, the ambience, the comfort of the bed, the 5-star rating or the cleanliness that attracts you to a hotel, we’re here to spoil you for choice and highlight some of Wellington’s top hotels. 

What better way to treat yourself than enjoying one of Auckland’s best high teas? Let’s face it, it’s nice to feel that you’re a little bit classy. Those awesome, tea and cake (and sometimes champagne) filled occasions that allow us to get dressed up and drink flowery, fruity teas and sandwiches without even a speck of crust.

Pivot those holiday Euros into making some beautiful memories right here at home with these epic New Zealand escapes.

It's official: Basque cheesecake is the business. If you haven't been introduced to this insanely delicious dessert just yet, we'll overlook the part where we're wondering why the hell not and get you acquainted.

Ah, the mighty degustation. Not only is it a chance to sample the crème de la crème of a restaurant’s dishes, it’s probs the only time you’ll be encouraged to eat nine courses in one sitting (those DIY Tim Tam degustations you have at home don’t count).

To celebrate, we’ve collated the 10 Aussie Airbnbs that are on Kiwi’s wish lists—to inspire you when you’re planning your trans-Tasman trip.

Check out our picks of Auckland’s best health food stores and get set to overhaul your pantry.

When it comes to restaurants, us Aucklanders really are spoilt for choice. Whether you have a taste for the finer things in life and can't go past a degustation, or you're simply on the hunt for some good ol' fashioned comfort food—we're sure you'll agree that this wonderful city of ours caters to it all.

When it comes to finding somewhere decent to drink, us Aucklanders have it pretty damn good. From sunny rooftop terraces to moody basement lounges and everything in between, there's something to suit absolutely every taste—and we haven't even started on the actual drinks yet!

Waffles are one of those magical foods that can be eaten any time, anywhere (just ask Eleven, right Stranger Things fans?). Whether they're loaded with bacon and maple syrup for breakfast—topped with a stack of fried chicken for dinner—or piled high with ice cream, fairy floss and chocolate sauce for a super decadent dessert, we can't think of a single occasion where these crunchy creations aren't welcome.

Your wedding day is quite possibly the most special and exciting day of your life. You get to lock in forever with your loved one, eat all the food, drink all the wine and dance the night away with an assortment of your favourite people. Honeymoons, however, are the icing on the cake and New Zealand just so happens to be one of the best honeymoon-ing spots in the world.

Kiss goodbye those roots and split ends the environmentally-friendly way, here are the very best of the sustainable salons in Auckland. 

We caught up with fishing connoiseur and all round legend Tom Johanson of TRYCD to give us the inside oil on where to find the best fishing spots in Auckland.

Whether you’re looking to impress a new date or want to inject some excitement into a long-term relationship, these 50 summer date ideas are guaranteed to get the romance going. 

Aucklanders! We are surrounded by beauty, and what is more beautiful that the sweet scent of flowers? Luckily for us, there are an abundance of Auckland gardens to stroll through. So, the next time you have a spare afternoon, you opt for soaking in the spectacular Auckland’s gardens. 

Get ready to take your stargazing up a notch with the best places to stargaze in New Zealand. 

Nothing beats good food and breathtaking views, so why not combine the two and head out for a picnic. We've taken the hard part out of your picnic organisation and put together a list of seven of the best spots you can set yourself up at around Auckland. 

Whether it’s the reflection lakes of Wanaka or the emerald green waters that crater the Tongariro Crossing, Aotearoa is home to some amazing bodies of water. 

Lucky for you ice cream lovers, the locals in Mount Maunganui and Tauranga sure know how to create delicious ice cream in every flavour under the sun. Freshly made waffle cones, whipped cream and chocolate sauce, optional. Here are our picks of the best ice cream shops in The Mount and Tauranga.

We’ve found seven cool and quirky places to camp in and around Queenstown. So pack your bags and get out there.

Forget paying through the nose, here are 11 of the best under-the-radar baches available in pristine regional parks dotted around Tāmaki Makaurau.

Star light, star bright, first star I see tonight…Aucklanders, while the South Island may be famous for its skies, we’re pretty damn lucky too. 

Is The Little Mermaid your homegirl? Do you have dreams of befriending a flounder and brushing your hair with a fork? Well, Ariel, do we have news for you: you can make all your mermaid dreams a reality with snorkeling!

2020 has certainly been a strange year, but we're pleased to report that in spite of it all, a number of new drinking spots have come to the fore here in Auckland, with plenty of goodies amongst them. Whether you're looking for somewhere crankin' to take the crew, or a more intimate spot to take that hot date, we've got a few suggestions for ya—and they're right here on our list of best new bars for 2020.

There’s a lot that goes into excellent fish and chippies. Done right— just-caught-straight-off-the-boat fish with a golden batter, a squeeze of lemon, served with crunchy yet fluffy potato chips—and it’s a culinary masterpiece. When it’s done wrong, the end results can be well, ho hum—think stodgy, grey, and heaven forbid, soggy. We wore loose shorts and licked our greasy fingers eating our way around Tauranga and the Mount to bring you the very best places to get fish and chips. So without further ado, here they are.

While it’s AMAAZING to get out of Auckland for a roadie, we also know that sometimes you’ve just gotta (or wanna) stay in town. And as the weather heats up, we’re lucky enough to not have to drive for a day to feel the cool embrace of the ocean. 

In the pursuit of serenity, we’ve found some of the best camping spots in and around Wellington. Whether you’re a tent-pitcher or glamping only type, there’s something for you, check out these epic camping spots.

One of the best parts about Auckland is the fact that writing a list of the best beaches within a region is absolutely possible. We tend to forget other countries that don’t have this advantage and we need to pay some respect to the blessing.

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?

Queenstown is synonymous with adrenaline—it has not only forged an enduring reputation as a world leader in adventure tourism but has continued to adapt, innovate and evolve to reach new heights (excuse the pun) in the name of tourism—and we just can’t get enough. 

Who says you can't work out and have fun? If you are looking for a workout that combines strength training, agility, stability, yet a conventional run or workout routine at the gym just doesn't quite get your adrenaline rushing, look no further. 

The Coromandel Peninsula, home to some of the country’s most idyllic beaches, native flora and relaxed seaside towns, is the ideal place for a weekend—or midweek—getaway. From quirky Airbnbs to breezy villas and bougie coastal homes with panoramic views, we’ve done the research so you don’t have to. Here are the best places to stay in the Coromandel.

Let’s face it—the Land of the Long White Cloud is pretty much the most beautiful country in the whole entire world. And, we Kiwis get to actually live here. Yep, pinch yourself, because we live in paradise. 

Drinks delivered to your doorstep. What a wonderful concept. Unfortunately (or fortunately) it's become a bit of a necessity in recent times, but we're here to tell you if your bar cart is running dry New Zealand has plenty of options to top you up. 

When it comes to plant-based eating, Dunedin brings its A game. We’re talking dedicated shrines of veggie goodness creating such epic concoctions, you won’t even notice you’re eating healthy. Even the most stalwart carnivores will be convinced to add a little more plant spice to their lives. Viva la revolution.

Baos, or also known as gua bao (刈包) in Chinese, are these fluffy pillows of happiness filled with crispy golden pork belly with just the right mix of grazed honey and savory soy. Although originally a much-loved street food in Fujian, China, you’ll be pleased to hear that Auckland dishes them out in bulk.

When it comes to advent calendars, why should the kid have all the fun? Well they don't, as it turns out—because a growing number of brands are cashing in on the festivities with their very own boujee versions that, quite frankly, are a whole lot better than the choccy numbers of our youth.

If there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s that nothing beats the smell of fresh flowers and, luckily for us we live in one of the best countries in the world for all things flora and fauna. Fields upon fields of native wildflowers take over every part of our country and we’ve rounded up the best spots to hunt these suckers down.

Coffee, cream and a dash of booze—what isn’t there to love about the faithful Italian dessert?

We at the Urban List don’t play around when it comes to this beautiful form of dairy. Cheese has the ability to bring people together, solve our problems and make us happy. Sliced, grated, melted, whipped, as long as it’s cheese, we are good to go. Luckily for us, Auckland doesn’t fall short when it comes to supplying the goods and we have cracked down a list of the Best Cheese Shops In Auckland.

It’s common knowledge that the two best things in this world are a) cheese and b) cake. So when some joker decided to combine the two, it was a doubly glorious time.

To all the current brides-to-be, you guys are doing it tough. A global pandemic was never part of anyone’s plan, but if you’re at the planning stage then lift your spirits with some dress inspo with 6 of the best bridal designers in Auckland. 

No winter is complete without our good old friend hot chocolate. A comforting cuppa will warm you from the inside out on the coldest of days—and leave you with a smile on yer dial. 

The Auckland street food is changing every year with new faces and dishes to tempt your taste buds. Whether you’re craving tacos, Indian, hot wings or just dessert, we’ve scoured the food truck scene in conjunction with the legends at The Food Truck Collective to bring you 10 of the  most delicious food trucks you need to hunt down this spring.

No one can deny that New Zealand is gifted in the looks department. From rugged, rolling hills to breath-taking beaches and waterfalls, here are Auckland's best scenic drives.

​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.

Cake now on your mind? Sorry about that. To help you fulfill those fluffy, frosted cravings, we’ve compiled this life-changing list. Get ready for a sugar-overload because here are the best cake spots in Auckland.  

From the shores of blue-jewelled lakes and idyllic coastline spots to elegant buildings and rustic barns, here are 11 of New Zealand's most beautiful wedding venues where you can marry the love of your life. We’ll raise our (champagne) glass to that. 

Move over monopoly, escape rooms are our new favourite way to get competitive and tackle some good old fashioned problem solving with our friends. Here are the best escape rooms in Wellington. 

Winter has arrived but that doesn’t mean you can’t get some H2O action. You may have to forego the salty seas for some chlorinated water. Green hair, don’t care. But at least they’re heated right?

With so many eateries dotted all over Christchurch, it’s hard to know where to start but we’re here to point you in the right direction. From cheap and cheerful to fine dining establishments, here is where to find the best restaurants in Christchurch, as well as a handful just outside the city as well.

Tanning has certainly had a ‘glow-up’ of its own in recent years. In the last decade, we’ve said toodles to tanning beds and hello to a brand new era of bronzing. No longer are we taking a tangerine-toned gamble when stepping into the tanning booth. Nope, tanning has taken a far more natural turn (both in colour and ingredients), and Auckland’s salons are testament to this. 

When it comes to winter desserts, there’s no place for raw cheesecakes, chia puddings or—God forbid—fruit platters. An Auckland winter calls for rich, decadent winter desserts, soft-centred and self-saucing, pumped full of molten chocolate, swimming in a pool of cream and caramel.