Auckland

Fitness

Auckland’s Best Gyms According To A Personal Trainer

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. 

What's On

12 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 CBD Restaurants, Bars And Cafes In Auckland Right Now

No matter your budget—from cheap and cheerful to total baller—there’s all manner of top-tier eateries to sink your teeth into.

Fam

Farm House Cafe

The famous cinnabun from Hill House Cafe has returned to South Auckland.

Food & Drink

Little ‘Lato Ponsonby

It all started as a gelato dream for Hannah Engelsman, founder and CEO (a.k.a official title as Gelato Fanatic) of Little ‘Lato. 

Bars & Pubs

Isle On Snickel

Venture down one of the smallest, most secret lanes in Auckland CBD and you’ll happen upon a bar and cellar you won’t want to leave. Sitting pretty among a florist and botanical gift shop, a Thai vegan eatery, a Japanese restaurant, and a barista, Isle On Snickel completes a micro-climate that’s a welcome relief from the frenetic energy of the 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.

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.

Things To Do

The Best Mini Golf Courses In Auckland For You To Smash A Hole In One At

Although we may have reluctantly come to terms with the fact that we don’t possess the golfing prowess of Lydia Ko or Rory McIIroy, it doesn’t mean that we can’t enjoy an 18-hole game from time to time.

Things To Do

Odyssey Sensory Maze

A brand new, multi-million dollar, totally immersive experience created by Hollywood set designers has opened in Auckland CBD.

Local Escapes

InterContinental Auckland

Clear your calendar, a sleek new hotel is opening atop Commercial Bay and you’re going to want to check in, stat. Quietly brewing behind the scenes for quite some time now, InterContinental Auckland has landed and it’s luxe incarnate. 

Local Escapes

voco Auckland City Centre

As soon as you step through the classy, sliding doors at voco Auckland City Centre hotel you know you’re in for a treat. Found midway up Wyndham Street this towering behemoth in the heart of downtown Auckland sits proudly as an oasis from the bustling streets.

Things To Do

Hype Tunes And Mental Prep: We Took A Look Into The Black Fern’s Pre-Game Playbook

We caught up with the Kiwi sports team of the moment, the Black Ferns, to talk game day routines, mental health and pump-up tunes. 

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. 

What's On

The NZ International Comedy Festival 2025 Is Here—Book These Essential Shows, Stat

Our guide to the shows you simply must hit in the 2025 NZ International Comedy Festival. 

Health + Wellness

So Fitness

Formally a mezzanine micro-studio perched above a hairdressers in Auckland CBD, So Fitness has got some brand new digs and we’re here for it. 

Fitness

Studio Box CBD

Have you heard about the boxing gym that is taking Auckland by storm? Well, let us introduce you to Studio Box. With a Newmarket location already under its wing, a brand new studio has opened up in the city that has evolved the studio's signature workout into a 45-minute, 10-round, full-body cardio and strength class.

Homewares

Babylon Store

If you're a little plant-obsessed like us, and enjoy filling up your home (and your 'Gram) with gorgeous greenery, then Babylon Store has got you covered. 

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

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.

What's On

The Best Things To Do With Mum This Mother’s Day In Auckland

If there’s one day that can trigger the battle of the high teas it’s Mother’s Day, and this year is no exception.

Things To Do

Goodness Bistro

Goodness Bistro is aptly named – as soon as you walk into the elegant eatery in the newly refurbished Britomart precinct, you won't stop saying ‘Oh My Goodness’. Not least, because everything they make is gluten-free, vegan, organic, paleo and free from refined sugar.

Cafes

Ozone Coffee

This isn’t simply a place to go grab a coffee or have a bite to eat. Tucked away in Westmoreland Street West in Grey Lynn, Ozone Coffee is an experience. 

Things To Do

Playground Fitness

Just when you thought the fitness scene in Auckland couldn’t get any better, new kid on the block Playground Fitness is taking it up a notch by putting the fun back into fitness. Think nightclub-inspired lighting, state-of-the-art cardio and weights equipment, immersive music, and short 'n' snappy sets that'll get your heart rate up in no time.

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.

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!).

Things To Do

A-Block Café

Tucked away in Browns Bay is A-Block, a must-try café serving up breakfast favourites with a hot cup of their signature in-house roasted coffee blend. Our pick for a memorable brunch dish goes to the Not So Frenchie, an out of the ordinary French toast. Double-baked bread and butter pudding is soaked overnight, coated in oats and deep fried. If that’s not enough, they plate it up on a pile of Oreo crumble with poached rhubarb. It’s adorned with a whole poached pear (covered in sliced almonds) and premium vanilla Kapati ice cream. Loosen your belts. 

Fitness

Kcöre Pilates

Attention North Shore fitness fiends, you can finally get your Reformer Pilates fix close to home. Having recently opened in Smales Farm (near famed foodie joint Goodside Eatery), Kcöre truly levels-up the typical Pilates experience with modern, premium amenities, top-of-the-line equipment and highly-trained instructors. 

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

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.

Best Of

15 Epic Things To Do In Waiheke That Aren’t Drinking Wine In 2025

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.

Things To Do

We Tried A Roaming Retreat And This Is What Happened

Myland & Co is a day retreat that's definitely worth forking out for. 

Health + Wellness

The Best Hairdressers In Auckland For All Types Of Hair

​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.

Things To Do

Dubstep And Dance Tunes: The Ultimate Summer Gig Guide, And How To Capture Those Epic Memories

There’s a lot to love about music festivals in the Aotearoa summer. Racing between stages, dancing like no one’s watching, and snapping up some epic memories. 

Features

Hāmiora Bailey On Pride, Really Good Kai And Club Culture

We caught up with Hāmiora Bailey, director of Auckland Pride 2025 to pick their brains on the festival and all their favourite spots in the Tāmaki Makaurau. 

Food & Drink

New Year New Snacks: What To Eat At The BNZ Auckland Lantern Festival

Grab your tickets to this free family-friendly event filled with fireworks, local dance and drum performances, lion dancing and beautiful lanterns lighting up the grounds. With over 60 food stalls and lines out the door each year—we’ve rounded up our top food picks while enjoying the sights and lights.

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

Electronic Symphonies And Deep Sea Festivities: Here Are 6 Events Taking Over Auckland This Summer

If there was a recipe for a banging summer in Tāmaki Makaurau, it’d absolutely involve the sea, some good food, a bit of music and a boogie.

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. 

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. 

Wellness

Where To Get An Earth-Shatteringly Good Massage In Auckland

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. 

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.

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.

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

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

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.

What's On

The Best New Year’s Eve Parties In New Zealand To See Out 2024

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

Local Escapes

The Most Romantic Getaways Near Auckland To Book In 2025

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. 

Things To Do

Spare Coins? This Pop-Up Is Converting Your Travel Change Into Epic Prizes

This epic pop-up is here to help you donate your spare travel cash and win a stack of epic travel prizes. 

Local Escapes

Auckland’s Top 10 Hidden Adventures Worth Grabbing Your Runners For

If you’re one of those folk who likes adventures but can’t be faffed travelling far and wide for them, Auckland is the best place to live. An outdoor playground lies—quite literally—just beyond our doorstep, waiting for us to explore it. 

Things To Do

6 Stunning Spots To Watch The Sunset In Auckland

Let’s be honest, Mother Nature is one amazing lady. She’s the mastermind behind some of life’s finest things: beaches, waterfalls, mountains, forests…the list goes on. 

Local Escapes

8 Epic Auckland Waterfalls You Can Actually Visit

We’ve scoped the waterfalls around the city to bring you a list of the best in Auckland. Take a picnic!

Food & Drink

The Best Wineries, Vineyards And Distilleries On Waiheke Island

Wineries are a field that Waiheke have got down pat and it’d be criminal to leave without visiting one. Here’s a list of the best Waiheke wineries. 

Features

Here’s Where To Buy The Best Real Christmas Trees In Auckland This Year

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!

Best Of

The Best Christmas Party Ideas In Auckland For 2024

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?

What's On

The Best Christmas Lights To See In Auckland 2024

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.

Things To Do

The Best Swimming Pools In Auckland To Have A Dip At This Summer

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

Shopping

Auckland’s Best Christmas Markets To Visit This Festive Season

We love a good market, especially one with the word 'Christmas' attached! So hop in the car, crank up the Mariah (your secret's safe with us) and head along to one of these incredible Christmas markets coming to Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland this holiday season.

Things To Do

Everything You Need To Know About The Free Hair Styling Pop-Up Hitting Newmarket

To give you a taste of lush, effortless hair, this month Shark Beauty is showing off their best range of good hair day promising tools in an exclusive Newmarket pop-up. 

What's On

Auckland’s Best Halloween Events And Parties To Get Spooked At In 2024

Legend has it that at summer’s end or ‘Samhain’—the inspiration behind Halloween traditions—the veil between the world of the living and the underworld is at its thinnest. The dead will walk.

Bars & Pubs

Auckland’s Best Rooftop Bars To Watch Day Turn To Night

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.

Features

11 Of The Most Haunted Spots In Auckland To Get Spooked At

Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland is home to some seriously spooky spots. 

What's On

The Best Music Festivals In NZ You Need To Experience In 2024 And 2025

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.

Things To Do

7 Of The Best Escape Rooms In Auckland To Break Out Of

Sick of being a passive bystander in a movie theatre? Perhaps it’s time to become the lead in your own story.

Local Escapes

The Most Dog-Friendly Beaches In Auckland

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.

Wellness

16 Of The Best Dog Parks In Auckland And Where To Find Them

It’s a well-known fact that we here at Urban List love our pooches and so we’ve rounded up some of Auckland’s best dog-friendly parks because—let’s face it—your dog’s already peed on all the trees at your local. So, treat your pup and take them to the best dog parks in Auckland.

Food & Drink

The Best Dog-Friendly Restaurants And Bars In Auckland

Show your pup some love and reward them for being a good boy or girl at these dog-loving establishments.

What's On

20 Ways To Show Your Support For Breast Cancer Awareness This October

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.

Local Escapes

The Best Glamping Spots In New Zealand To Rest Your Head

Battling with guy ropes, losing pegs and trying to figure out where you should even position the damn thing makes tenting not a walk in the park. But never fear—fallouts and deflating air beds will become a thing of the past when you get your glamping pants on. 

Things To Do

10 Ways To Celebrate Māori Language Week 2024

Māori Language Week is just around the corner (14-21 Mahuru/September to be exact) and here are 10 ways to celebrate. 

What's On

Here Are The Shows You Can’t Miss At The Auckland Fringe Festival 2024

The independent arts festival kicks off from 2-22 September, celebrating the weird and wonderful of Auckland’s art scene, and everything in between.

Things To Do

The Best Things To Do With Dad This Father’s Day In Auckland 2024

Father’s Day is just around the corner (1 September if you’re wondering) and while not all of us have a father we almost certainly all have someone who’s unabashedly cracked dad jokes with reckless abandon.

Things To Do With Pets

10 Of The Best Dog-Friendly Walks In New Zealand

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.

Local Escapes

14 Of Auckland’s Most Beautiful Wedding Venues

As far as celebrations go, they don't get much bigger than a wedding and here in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, we're spoilt for choice when it comes to finding that special somewhere to say 'I do'.

Food & Drink

Restaurant Month 2024’s Best Menus At $30, $45 And $55+

The centrepiece of Auckland’s food events is officially back on the radar: Restaurant Month is here. We’ve never been so grateful to for having 31 whole days.

Local Escapes

The Best Parks In Auckland You Need To Explore, According To Local Rangers

Whether you want to enjoy a picnic alfresco, go for a walk, watch the sunrise or sunset or just get away from it all, here are the top suggestions for reconnecting with nature and filling your wellness cup.

Local Escapes

8 Of The Best Day Trips From Auckland You Need To Tick Off Your List

Here are eight epic day trips from Auckland for you to tick off one by one.

Cafes

The Best Dog-Friendly Cafes In Auckland For The Ultimate Pooch Date

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? 

Things To Do

52 Of The Best Things To Do In Auckland This Winter (2024 Edition)

Here are 52 things to do in Auckland this winter that will (almost) distract you from missing summer.

Things To Do

50 Of The Best Rainy Day Activities To Do In Auckland When It’s Gnarly Out In 2024

Auckland weather is a true ode to the power of Mother Nature who seems to have a soft spot for constantly dealing us the meteorological middle finger. Luckily, whether you’re prepared for it or not (and you probably won’t be), there’s still plenty of things to do in Auckland when it rains.

Food & Drink

This Unique Culinary Experience Will Have You Dining In Complete Darkness

Want to challenge your taste buds? Read on as we shine a spotlight on dining in the dark. 

Auckland

This Hidden Bar Is Hosting An Immersive Month-Long Whisky Party With Banging Cocktails

Those in the know frequent Auckland CBD’s best-kept secret: Panacea. The intimate cocktail kitchen can be stumbled upon up an unassuming flight of stairs on O’Connell Street. 

Things To Do

The Best Cinemas In Auckland And Where To Find Them In 2024

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.

Things To Do

5 Of The Best Go Karting Tracks In Auckland

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.

Activities & Itineraries

Here’s All Of The Incredible Open Air Māori Art To Check Out In Tāmaki Makaurau In 2024

Commissioned by Auckland Transport, pockets of Māori mahi toi (art) are woven through the city centre. What starts as a functional project—say revamping infrastructure—becomes a powerful art project. 

What's On

Everything You Need To Devour At Eat Drink Love Ponsonby 2024

We love wining and dining in Ponsonby at the best of times—but throw in some one-off creations, tasting menus, and special prices, and we really don’t need our arm further twisted. So grab your planner and round up your foodie friends, here are all the best events you need to devour this year at Eat Drink Love Ponsonby 2024:

Auckland

Where To Eat, Drink, Shop And Explore At Ponsonby Central

Ponsonby Central has long been renowned as a vibrant precinct. Its eclectic restaurants and bars serve up everything from Cambodian to Korean and feel-good American fare. 

Food & Drink

Get Out Of Auckland, 8 Restaurants Across Aotearoa Worth Travelling For In 2024

There’s certainly no shortage of mouth-watering restaurants outside of Auckland, and this poses a delicious problem: where do you eat when you’re surrounded by choices?

What's On

Secure Tickets For These Unmissable Black Ferns Matches At Wallet-Friendly Prices

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. 

Features

11 Second-Hand Furniture Stores In Auckland Where You Can Pick Up Pre-Loved Gems

Give your space a budget and eco-friendly revamp with some of the best second-hand furniture stores in Auckland.

What's On

It’s Official: Fred again.. Is Coming To Auckland

Fred again.. has arrived in New Zealand—here's what we know.

What's On

Celebrate International Women’s Day 2024 At These Inspiring Auckland Events

International Women’s Day (IWD) is on the horizon—8 March to be exact. This year’s theme is Inspire Inclusion which is as much about encouraging women to be prepared to take up space as it is educating others on the value women can bring to all spheres of life.

Local Escapes

10 Last-Minute Escapes From Auckland To Book This Easter Long Weekend 2024

The ultimate long weekend of all long weekends is coming up.

Food & Drink

Where To Eat In Auckland This Waitangi Day 2024

If you’re sticking around Tāmaki Makaurau this Waitangi Day—Tuesday 6 February to be exact—you’ll be delighted to know a bunch of top notch eateries will be open for brunch, lunch, a cheeky tipple or three, or an all-out feast. 

What's On

Sip Champagne And Speciality Cocktails At This Pickleball Popup Coming To The Viaduct

Piper-Heidsieck is throwing its support behind the Australian Open by hosting a sip-and-play pop-up at M Social in Auckland's Waterfront.

Food & Drink

Take A Walk With Kiwi Chef Kia Kanuta And Uncover His Favourite Places To Eat In Auckland

Need a hand navigating your local eats? We’ve teamed up with BNZ to ask local chef Kia Kanuta about his holy grail locations.

Pets

8 Dog-Friendly Walks In Auckland To Tick Off This Summer

Grab your sunnies, slap on some sunscreen and make your pup’s day with one of these dog-friendly walks in Auckland.

Pets

6 Purrfect Cat Cafes Around New Zealand To Get Your Feline Fix

If you’re looking to squash that nervous energy this year we’ve compiled five cat cafes around New Zealand so you can catch up on some much needed cuddles.

Things To Do

Get Into The Festive Spirit This December At Commercial Bay’s Christmas Markets

So, you’ve put up the tree, locked in the menu for the big day, and sorted an outfit for the work party. Wondering what else to add to your Christmas bucket list this year? If a series of holiday markets hosted by the city's premier shopping destination sounds like your cup of festive tea—then listen up.

Local Escapes

Epic North Island Experiences You Need To Tick Off

With summer on the horizon, there's never been a better time for us to explore our beautiful country. We've put together a list of well-known (and a few more secret) spots around the North Island you need to check out to make the most of the season.

Food & Drink

Impress Your Mates With This Cocktail Recipe From Bedford Soda & Liquor’s Master Mixologist

We predict cooling off with a perfectly chilled cocktail as the go-to garnish for this social season.   

Local Escapes

10 Of The Best Camping Grounds Within Driving Distance Of Auckland

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. 

What's On

Sip Japanese Gin At This Spring Garden Pop-Up In Mission Bay

Spring has sprung—the season of new beginnings as nature wakes up. With it, we’re treated to longer daylight, blossoming flowers, and balmy weather allowing us to be out and about. And there’s no better way to celebrate the magic of the season than a lush garden pop-up at Azabu Mission Bay.

Food & Drink

What’s Open This Labour Day In Auckland

There's nothing quite as good as a long weekend, and this one is no exception. With the weather warming up, there's no need to head out of the City of Sails to feel like you're on holiday. With stunning beaches and plenty to do, some of our favourite bars, restaurants and cafes are remaining open, so there's no need to miss out.

Pets

9 Of The Most Dog-Friendly Beaches Across Aotearoa

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

Things To Do

6 Fun Ways To Embrace Rugby World Cup When You’re Not A Fanatic

So if you don’t know your drop kick from your dropout, don’t worry, you can still get some skin in the game.

Things To Do

50 Things To Do With Friends In Auckland For The Ultimate Mate Date

Friends are great. Always there to listen and advise, help you pick out killer outfits and approve romantic partners.

Health + Wellness

10 Of The Best Barbershops In Auckland For The Ultimate Cut

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.

Local Escapes

14 Of The Best Luxury Hotels In New Zealand

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.

Things To Do

8 Epic Ways To Embrace The FIFA Women’s World Cup

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. 

What's On

Takapuna Winter Lights Is Back For 2023 Bigger And Better Than Ever

Takapuna Winter Lights will be lighting up the shore over four nights this July as part of the Elemental AKL festival and this year promises to be bigger and better than ever.

Food & Drink

20 Māori Businesses To Help You Celebrate the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 in Tāmaki Makaurau

Dine and drink like a local, from bistros and cafes to takeaways and food trucks, tipples enjoyed at home to beverages on tap.

Things To Do

Why You Need To Book A Gourmet Staycation Package At This Harbour View Hotel

Take yourself on a journey of unparalleled luxury and gastronomic delight. 

Things To Do

Devonport | The Best Things To Eat, Drink And Do In This Charming North Shore Village

Could Devonport be Auckland's most charming suburb? Its old-fashioned villas, picturesque gardens and character buildings are straight out of a storybook, while it also happens to be located right beside the sea and beneath the watchful eye of not one, but two volcanic mountains. 

What's On

The Best Matariki Public Holiday Events In Tāmaki Makaurau And Around Aotearoa In 2023

Matariki a.k.a. Māori New Year is just around the corner (Friday 14 July to be exact). A time of reflection and new beginnings, Tāmaki Makaurau is busting out all the stops with a treasure trove of ways to celebrate.

Fitness

10 Of The Best Volcanoes In Auckland To Climb

If you’re anything like us, your resolution to get fit may seem like an uphill battle—literally. But here in the City of Sails, we’re lucky enough to be sitting on a whopping 53 volcanoes, and they all offer striking views of our wonderful city. 

Local Escapes

Great Barrier Island | The Ultimate First Timer’s Guide

Rid yourself of life's stresses at this tranquil oasis. 

Things To Do

The Best Art Galleries In Auckland To Check Out Right Now

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.

Things To Do

Where To Go Ice Skating In Auckland

Want to experience a ‘true’ winter this year? Luckily you don’t have to venture far to experience the gleeful joy of gliding on ice.

Food & Drink

What’s Open This King’s Birthday Public Holiday In Auckland

The first public holiday celebrating King Charles' birthday has arrived which means three days of rest, relaxation and feasting are on the cards. 

Things To Do

5 Of The Best Family-Friendly Experiences To Seek Out In Auckland

If you’ve got kids in tow, Wynyard Quarter has a multitude of experiences the whole family can enjoy. Whether it’s scoping out the hottest playgrounds, getting cultured with diverse artworks, or enjoying a leisurely weekend picnic, there’s plenty to see and do.

Wellness

The Best Float Tanks In Auckland And Where To Find Them

For a chance to experience weightlessness and peace in your own blissful space, a flotation tank could be just right for you. If you're wanting to try it out, here's our guide to the best float tanks in Auckland.

Local Escapes

8 Of The Best Day Trips From Auckland When You Don’t Have A Car

You’ll be surprised at how far you can go without your own four wheels. Here's a list of trips from Auckland you can take when you don’t have a car

Bars & Pubs

Panacea, Auckland’s Newest Cocktail Bar, Is Here To Take Your Sipping To The Next Level

Turns out, we’re rubbish at keeping secrets. But when Auckland’s newest hidden bar is as remarkable as this, it’s a secret worth shouting about. 

Food & Drink

Every New Opening You Need To Scope Out In Downtown Auckland

There’s never been a more exciting time to live, work or visit downtown Auckland - and with many chic new openings popping up and so many reinvigorating changes to the way you travel, commute and relax, your biggest issue will be finding enough days in the week to book them all in.

Features

Elliott Stables Street Side | A Hot New Late-Night District Is Coming To Auckland CBD

Exciting news fam, Ponsonby's coveted Lucky 8 is getting a hot younger sibling and it's going slap-bang in the middle of a wholly revamped Elliott Stables, set to dazzle the senses and plunge you into an epic world complete with late-night eats, DJs and vibes for days. 

Things To Do

15 Of The Best Places For Animal Lovers To Visit In Auckland

If you’re in the mood for a little (or a lot of) amazing animal action, we’ve got you covered. Here are 15 of the most amazing places to see animals in Auckland. 

Things To Do

Fill Your Autumn Calendar With These Central Auckland Events

Did you think Auckland’s impressive lineup of events was winding down as we farewelled the summer sun? Turns out that was just the opening act.

Food & Drink

Unlock The Essentials For An Incredible Auckland City Vacay

If you need a weekend escape, the most vibrant eateries, best experiences and luxury stays are all just a beat away in the heart of central Auckland.