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It’s your lucky day every day at the Good Luck Club. 

A brand new, five-star hotel has opened at Auckland Airport and it’s set to turn what you thought you knew about airport hotels on its head. Overlooking the buzzing international terminal with spectacular runway views and out to the Manukau Heads, Te Arikinui Pullman Auckland is a fascinating place to spend a few hours, a day or a night.

Italian food always makes our blood run hot, especially the kind coming out of the kitchen at beloved Wellington eatery, Fratelli.

With "Oceanic eats. Drink. Party." as its slogan, you can bet that Lulu Bar is the place to go in Te Aro for a fun time. With nods to the flavours and traditional techniques from Hawaii to Aotearoa, your tastebuds will be swept across the pacific with a menu that draws inspiration from the islands.

Any restaurant that sees fit to serve doughnuts for dinner is our kind of spot (savoury doughnuts no less, pumped full of yellow curry beef and 'glazed' with kewpie mayo—see the mouthwatering evidence, above).

Noble Rot ain't your average wine bar (though you probably surmised that from the name). Evidenced in the countless accolades it has received since opening, which include Cuisine Magazine's 'Best Wine Experience in NZ' for three years running, there really is no better spot to enjoy a glass in Welly.

Lusting for those seamlessly blended, wavy locks you see all over Instagram? Amiee Marie is your girl. Working out of her boutique studio in Beach Haven, Amiee specialises in blonde and balayage, and the proof is in the pudding. Her gram is dotted with her natural, healthy looking hair creations, which you swear could have been pulled out of the depths of Pinterest. Amiee's studio is open based on appointments and can often be booked out weeks in advanced so get in early! 

It's been a hot minute since we had anything served to us beneath a cloche. At Embra, however, presentation is paramount so that means yes, you may encounter the occasional cloche—or perhaps shellfish bisque topped with an entire crab, albacore tuna tartare buried beneath rye crumbs and enoki mushrooms to mimic a garden, black-and-white-striped squid cannelloni, and pithiviers so beautiful, they wouldn't look out of place on the royal dining tables of old (see picture, above). We believe the proper term for this kind of cuisine is 'fine dining on steroids'.

We're a sucker for a pretty cocktail, which means we're in big trouble when we visit Londo—because this spot has pretty cocktails coming out of its proverbial ears. Think ruby-hued clover clubs, whiskey sours the colour of sunshine and a strawberry tequila fizz that's dangerously reminiscent of the ice cream floats of our youth.

Mr. Brightside invites you to come out of your cage and look on the bright side of life at their rooftop bar. Located at the heart of the city in Oxford Terrace, this penthouse-style bar is perched on top of the iconic Public Trust Building. With panoramic 360 views of the city, your troubles melt away as you gaze out at Port Hills, the Avon River, Cathedral Square and at the snowcapped mountains in the distance. The bar is covered with a retractable roof, making it the perfect spot to catch some rays while enjoying some tipple in the warmer months.

Paying homage to Japanese izakaya bars, Bar Yoku offers sanctuary at the end of a busy work day. Named after the term shinrin-yoku, meaning "taking in the forest atmosphere", this urban bar invites you to retreat into its dim settings or internal garden and soak in its exotic environment while still being inside The Welder, at the heart of Christchurch.

Christchurch, you're a lucky bunch with a restaurant like 5th Street in your midst. Whatever your foodie inclinations (pasta and natural wine, steak and beer, or perhaps even fried chicken washed down with a cocktail), this stylish venue has you sorted.

After serving the people of Waikato for close to two decades, Palate has recently moved into a funky new premises at SkyCity Hamilton. Recognised by its greenery-clad exterior and neon yellow sign, we're already anticipating that this new version of an old favourite will be here for many more years to come.

Fife Lane is like your local steakhouse, on steroids (and was, in fact, named one the World's 101 Best Steak Restaurants for 2023). This Tauranga gem brings together incredible food and wine in a super chic setting, with a bespoke glass meat locker and dedicated wine room all adding to the experience.

Part of the Castaways Resort, the luxurious Bersanti Day Spa is Auckland's only cliff-top spa. Boasting breathtaking panoraic views of Karitahi Beach and beyond, things don't get much more spectacular than this!

The Vintage Love Shop is for lovers of stuff. It’s prominent neon pink building in Pukekohe only hints at the treats inside—think quirky, bright, retro delights for the home, kids, parties and crafts. The Vintage Love Shop is all about the happiness and simplicity of a by-gone era which can be recaptured and treasured at an affordable price. We’re feeling the love.

Juices, smoothies, breakfast, oh my! For all you Insta-foodies out there, Town Mouse is definitely worth a visit. Perfectly plated, with a shabby, chic aesthetic, you'll be sure to snap the perfect pic. That said, they certainly don't skimp on flavour, with offerings such as homemade waffles, authentic pho and vegan and veggie options too! With rustic packaging and sandwiches wrapped in string, you'll feel every bit cute whilst curing your lunchtime cravings. 

With the country burbs filling up by the day, The Village Bar & Kitchen is a renowned spot that the folk out south can go to for decent feed without having to mish it up the motorway. Situated out in the quiet Patumahoe, The Village offers a casual dining experience with both good vibes and an extensive gastro menu. Rain, hail or shine, patrons can enjoy a brew or two either indoors or in the all-weather garden bar. The kitchen is well known for their authentic Italian home baked breads and sourdough pizza bases, with the pizzas being a favourite amongst regulars.

Dreaming of a Mediterranean getaway? We’re talking a Croatian island scattered with olive trees and drenched in sunshine. Somewhere where long, leisurely lunches are not only accepted, but encouraged. Total. Bliss.

Sheds are a dime a dozen out in the country but when one is bright red and immersed amongst a stunning garden setting, you know it's not your usual. Red Shed Palazzo, an award-winning café in Karaka, gets its namesake from the shed it operates from and offers a dining experience you just won't get in the big smoke. Both dog and kid friendly, the eatery is the perfect place to relax if you have a furry friend or little one in tow.

Manukau’s much-loved Urban Soul café has become so popular that they’ve open a second site in Karaka. The homely café and bistro has everything you love about the sister site—and more! It’s the kind of place you could quite happily spend a few hours. Expect to find a fireplace, comfy banquette seating, walls lined with art and a cosy mezzanine area.

Tucked away off Papakura’s Broadway strip is a foodie’s heaven that goes by the name of Broadway Food Company. Boasting six glorious cuisines and counting, it gives us endless options by Auckland’s best independent street foodies. From hand-crafted smash burgers, wood-fired Turkish pides/pizzas, and seriously tasty fried chicken, to finger-licking good slow-cooked BBQ, Indian street food, charcoal kebabs,  plus the Beer Spot (next door)—this place has something for everyone.

Friend of the Farmer has it all: lush, natural seating outdoors with a magnificent book shelf wall inside (cue major wall envy), along with deli-style food to satisfy all hungry tummies. With home-baked goodies galore and ever-changing breakfast and lunch menus, you'll be truly spoilt for choice. Kick back and relax with a coffee in hand and be sure to pick up one of their homemade treats to match. Ginger crunch, we're looking at you. 

Smack bang in the middle of Manukau’s industrial district is The Artisan, an unexpected but welcome gem. Quirky decor, homemade food and consistently friendly staff make this place is a favourite amongst Wiri’s working folk and it’s not hard to see why.

Forget everything you thought you knew about outlet stores—Mānawa Bay's serving bargains, but make it luxe.

Imagine everything you want in an elevated fast food joint, and you’ll find that—plus some—at the newly-opened Brew’d Hawt in South Auckland. 

On the corner of the Clevedon roundabout is the aptly named The Corner Kitchen & Bar. It’s a laidback, welcoming spot perfect for a lengthy feast, well-deserved drink or just a quick pitstop. The chefs pull inspiration from what’s available at their doorstep and are dedicated to showcasing local ingredients in everything that comes out of the kitchen. The bar also keeps to the local theme with a selection of New Zealand beer and wine on the drinks list.

Melba Manukau is the latest addition to the Melba family and this joint does not disappoint. The massive glass windows that line the walls and high ceiling create a light, open space and complete with sleek wooden and metal interior, Melba oozes a modern charm that will make you make you feel right at home.

If you know cookies, you know Moustache (aka the crew that bought us that gigantic 12-person Caramilk cookie pie and about a gazillion other equally delicious creations). Well now they've opened a shop on Cavendish Drive in Manukau, and it's everything you'd expect it to be and more. Prepare for serious circus vibes as you step right up into a glorious yellow space complete with strings of glowing lights and a merry-go-round inspired central counter.

Urban Soul is, in our opinion, quite the place to be in Manukau. There’s a plentiful morning menu full of tasty dishes that are sure to help you kick your day off just right. If you’re on the hunt for a brekkie crepe, a fry up or some quality eggs then look no further than here! As for your lunching needs, they have you covered for this too—there’s all kinds of things that will be sure to make your belly very happy from the classic BLT to salads, soups and burgers. This place is super kiddie-friendly too, with a super selection of tasty little morsels that our little buddies will love. Better yet, it’s open seven days so you can get a mean feed errday of the week.