Local Escapes

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

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.

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. 

Here's my list of the very best Wānaka restaurants, 2025 edition.

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

You don't have to break the bank to have a good time this winter—check out our list of budget-friendly getaways and festivals across the country. 

Forks at the ready, Taupō isn’t just about hitting the slopes or whiling away hours on the lake.

The Bay of Plenty boasts some of the best sun, sea and sand that New Zealand has to offer. Tucked away along the coveted coastline is Tauranga, home to the iconic Mauao volcano and dreamy Mount Maunganui beach. Affectionately termed “the Mount” by locals, this seaside gem offers watersports for the adventurous, festivals for the free-spirited and mouth-watering eats for the foodies.

Quirky urban cool, natural wonders, arty happenings and more than a few places to quench your thirst, Dunedin is full of contrasts and curiosities.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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. 

Dubbed The Tron, Hamilton is a vibrant city with countless experiences to uncover. From adventurous activities and epic eats to natural wonders and zen retreats, there’s something for locals and visitors alike. Here are the very best Hamilton attractions.

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. 

The birthplace of the nation, the winterless north, the spot every man and his dog escapes to during the summer—Northland goes by many names, all of them well deserved.  Here are the best places to eat, play and stay while you're there.

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

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

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. 

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

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. 

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.

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. 

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

Whether you’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.

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. 

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.

From rolling valleys to dense native forest and cliffs overlooking black sand beaches, we've found the most jaw-dropping Airbnbs across New Zealand that you can book for a getaway.

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

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

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.

​If your go-to food hit list is dwindling as you've eaten through your home city, Brisbane's pumping restaurant scene has got you covered.

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

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Brimming with vineyards and distilleries, terrific food, forest tracks, beaches and swimming spots, the only thing better than a day trip to Waiheke Island is an overnighter. Here's where to stay. 

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

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

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

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. 

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

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. 

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

If you’re like us and love a juicy berry punnet or two, then read on to find the best pick-your-own strawberry fields in Tāmaki (and beyond). 

As the gateway to the South Island, Ōtautahi Christchurch attracts visitors of all types and it's not hard to see why. Alongside amazing food and drink, the Garden City is blessed with some of the country’s best hotels, and we've put together a list of our faves so you can have an A+ Christchurch getaway whether you're travelling in luxury or you're on a budget.

Whatever your tipple of choice—we’ve got you. Here are the best bars in Wellington.

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. 

Whether you’re out for a veggie deal, are craving some homemade treats, or just want to support local grassroots creatives, Wellington’s market scene has got you.

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

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

Here are the best events happening in Queenstown in 2025.

Just two and a half hours drive from Tāmaki Makaurau, Rotorua is an easy roadie and for the quintessentially Kiwi experience, you’ve got to go camping. 

If you haven’t camped in Taupō, can you really say you’ve fully experienced it? We'll go ahead and nope that. Here are the best spots for camping in and around Taupō. 

No, it's not just you—eBikes are everywhere right now.

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.

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

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

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

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.

Calling all snow homies, holiday heroes, music-mad, and just plain festy frothers—epic destination festival, Snow Machine is next week. And. You. Don’t. Want. To. Miss. Out. 

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.

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

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'.

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.

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

QT Queenstown has given us yet another excellent excuse for a cheeky getaway, and it’s Champagne-soaked. Pop a bottle, The Champagne Parlour's back. 

See Sydney in a brand new light this year with our guide to the best spots to eat, stay, and play on your Vivid adventure.

Since jetting off to the tropics isn't even an option this summer, why not take some time to wander through the Abel Tasman and explore one of Aotearoa’s best landscapes. Grab your boots and your tramping buddy, and try out 10 of the best day tramps the Abel Tasman has to offer.

From tiny huts in the forest to a luxurious private retreat and accommodation in an actual boot, Aotearoa has an abundance of cosy winter escapes for a cheeky weekend away.

Forget what you know about the Southern Lights. Aurora Australis? Please…we have something much more exciting for you! Come Queen’s Birthday weekend, Queenstown’s waterfront is set to transform into a magical forest wonderland, lit up with interactive light sculptures and illuminated art installations.

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

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

Who says the little luxuries in life are hooman-only territory?  

With its proximity to Mauao, Tauranga is great for a weekend escape or a longer vacay.

Ardo is Townsville’s first luxury hotel and since opening in December 2023, has garnered national attention as it redefines North Queensland’s tourism landscape.

Whether you’re heading to QT for a ski getaway or to dance the night away with your pals, we’ve done the research and found the very best hotels on offer. Take your pick, these are the best hotels in Queenstown. 

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

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

A petite city full of the eclectic and interesting, Dunedin practically owns the term ‘boutique’. The gorgeous, retrofitted heritage buildings, ornate old villas and secret wild spots hide some of New Zealand’s most epic boutique lodgings. The moody romanticism of the neo-gothic architecture, urban quirk and spectacular coastline are a natural backdrop for everything from award-winning five-star hotels and eco retreats to space-age apartments unlike anything you’ve seen.

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

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

We've rounded up the best wineries in New Zealand's beloved wine region, Martinborough, so you can sip on top-notch vino all day long. 

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

We've rounded up the best accommodation in New Zealand's beloved wine region, Martinborough, so you can sample the vino in style. 

As the stage lights up for Coldplay's electrifying 2024 tour, we're here to orchestrate your offstage adventures with all the best spots to eat, stay and Coldplay.

From turquoise-hued waters to secluded beaches and lakes where you can try your luck at fishing, here are our picks of the best camping spots in Tauranga and the surrounding areas. Don’t forget your tent and sunscreen—jandals optional.

Here are the best cafes and restaurants to wrap your mouth around in The Coromandel.

Pristine immaculate coastline, endless lingering sunshine and bountiful local produce—Townsville has become a marvel of North Queensland for good reason, with a string of decadent new openings around the charming town awaiting exploration.

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

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

Turquoise waters, rugged cliffs, native flora and laid-back towns—The Coromandel is pretty much paradise. And with more than 400km of idyllic coastline to explore, it’s no surprise that the region is also home to some of the country’s most beautiful beaches.

New Zealand is one heck of a b-e-a-utiful place and as its people, it would be downright rude not to explore it. 

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.

Load up the roadie snacks and delve into the best camping spots within driving distance from Auckland to add your hit list this summer and beyond. 

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

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

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

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

Here are the best cafes in New Plymouth, for brunch and beyond. 

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

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

From unconventional bars in buses to speakeasies and craft breweries, Christchurch nightlife is anything but dull.

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

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

We want to help you live the dream in WA, so we asked the passionate locals who call it home to share all their must-visit experiences across this stunning state. Dive into our guides to the best places to play, eat and stay, steeped with local knowledge and all the tools you need to plan the trip of a lifetime.

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.

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

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

Destination Hamilton? You’re in for a treat. Despite the Auckland-wide glee of hating on Hamiltron, erh, Hamilton, this long stretch of gravel really is worth a visit.