When the cocktail craving hits, we usually want the amount of time between shaken and sipped to be as short and effortless as possible.
Having launched earlier this year to the palpable joy of tipple fans everywhere, the cocktail boxes by the drinks experts at Black Pineapple have now had a new, limited edition kit added to the fold, in collaboration with Glenmorangie whisky.
Delivered conveniently to one’s door, the new Glenmorangie Department of Deliciousness kits each come with three easy-to-follow cocktail recipes, harnessing a combination of zesty, juicy, sweet and silky flavours.
Spanning a fresh and fizzy Highball, a bittersweet take on an Old Fashioned and a zesty Sour, there’s sure to be something for every taste, making these boxes a brilliant gift for the tipple purveyor in your life — or a treat for yourself.
Included in the kits is a 700ml bottle of Glenmorangie The Original 10 Year Old and a handmade cocktail cordial that incorporates the flavours of stone fruit tea, floral sheep’s sorrel and honey sourced from Bees Up Top rescue beehives on Karangahape Road.
With a scent of citrus and ripening peaches, softened by the aroma of vanilla, and a lingering aftertaste of hints of orange and peach, Glenmorangie The Original 10 Year Old is a delicious single malt Scotch whisky by a distiller that has been honing its craft for more than 175 years.
Each Department of Deliciousness cocktail is sure to look as professional as if it were purchased at a bar thanks to locally-sourced garnishes and the requisite cocktail-making tools, including a shaker, bar spoon, ice tray and East Imperial soda.
With only 100 kits available for $130 each including nationwide delivery, you’d better get in quick when pre-orders go live on 21st October. Visit the Black Pineapple website to order, with deliveries commencing 9th November.
Transforming a warehouse shell into an exercise studio, Studio 11:11 created a space that spoke to Basecamp Power Yoga’s inherent philosophies.
Requiring balance, poise and calm concentration, yoga is designed to train the mind as much as it is the body. And at Grey Lynn’s Basecamp Power Yoga, it’s something through which proponents can cultivate strength. It makes sense, then, that when asked to conceive Basecamp’s space in a warehouse complex, Studio 11:11 drew on similar qualities to inform its aesthetic. Here, raw solid concrete meets a light, neutral palette thanks to the use of Resene Half Tea on the walls, resulting in a space that feels resolutely calm.
Left to right: A805 Floor light by Alvar Aalto for Artek from Matisse, Civil bench by Cassina from Matisse, Alentes Mushroom side table from ECC, Ilary side table by Jean Marie Massaud for Poltrona Frau from Studio Italia, Gijs Loveseat by Piet Boon from ECC, Vase Incense holder by Walk in the Park from Tessuti
Create zen spaces of your own at home by balancing intriguing textures with calm tones. Neutral furniture will provide cosy spots for contemplation, while walls painted in colours like Resene Half Tea and Resene Colins Wicket will provide the perfectly subdued backdrop. To complete the look with a textural finish use Resene Sandtex.
The standard Christmas work party is almost formulaic. Beginning with cocktails and polite conversation, followed by wine, beer and food before perhaps, a little dancing. Then, just as Grant from accounts is performing his ‘hilarious’ David Brent impression, and the intern is oversharing with the boss, you bundle up your belongings and call it a night. It’s fun, if not a little repetitive. So this year, in an endeavour to change up the Yuletide celebrations, we have rounded up 10 less predictable party plans so that you can mix things up a bit.
Cooking Classes at Auckland Fish Market (AFM) Refining your cooking skills will definitely come in handy for the festive season as you’ll find yourself doing a fair share of hosting this summer. Use this as a team-building experience and encourage everyone in the office to get involved in a cooking class at Auckland Fish Market. This is your last chance to experience these classes before they close for good, so whether it’s a Caribbean seafood cook-off or an International street food feast, now’s the time to try this tasty activity.
Heletranz
Fly to a destination with Heletranz Making chartering a helicopter easier than ever, Heletranz offers a range of day-trips to suit the needs of any group. Perfect for smaller offices seeking an elevated experience for the annual party, Heletranz will help to curate a day to remember. Whether it’s choppering over to Waiheke Island for a long, indulgent lunch, flying to Great Barrier Island for a day off the grid or arranging a more adventurous trip to some heli-fishing spots, whatever your vision for the Christmas do, Heletranz will take it to another level.
Opt for a day of activities at Kauri Bay Boomrock This beautiful property, nestled in Clevedon (just south of Auckland) has long been a favourite for weddings and events, and aside from its obvious natural beauty, it’s the wide range of activities on offer at the property that makes it a serious contender for an elevated office Christmas party. Thrilling outdoor activities like clay bird shooting, extreme golf and archery sit alongside more food-focused pursuits like cooking challenges and wine and whisky tastings. For more information about everything on offer, click here.
Paintvine Hosted by a local artist, wine and art collide at this cultured event where you are invited to first examine a famed work before picking up a palette and emulating it in your own style. The wildly popular series — with events rolling out across the city right up until the week of Christmas — can host private and corporate bookings for 15 to 150 people. It’s particularly entertaining for those with a competitive streak and provides a fitting chance for people to bring out their inner Picasso.
Clan VIII from Yacht Charter Fleet
Charter a boat Give your employees an unforgettable experience on the water, by chartering a boat from Auckland Harbour. Sail across the calm waters under (hopefully) blue skies and toast to the end of the year in fine, seafaring fashion. Depending on the size of your group there are a number of options to choose from in Auckland but this is a good place to start.
Archie Brothers Brought to us by the same people behind Holey Moley, Newmarket’s Archie Brothers is guaranteed to be a popular spot for end of year work functions with a range of party packages available. The space is decked out with something for everyone, offering a range of ways to keep your colleagues entertained, from Dance Dance Revolution, to a bowling alley, to VR games, and more. In addition to the 65+ gaming machines on offer, Archie Brothers also has an epic bar that serves decadent cocktails such as an espresso martini served with a whole Magnum ice cream. The perfect mix of fun and frivolity.
Pamper Sessions Moving onto something more indulgent, East Day Spa’s Corporate Christmas Parties are a relaxing way for the bosses to show they care. With 12 individual treatment rooms (five of which can be double suites), a generous relaxation area, a steam room, and group manicure and pedicure lounge, it’s the dream way for small teams to round off the year. Boasting an all-encompassing array of treatments for men and women, you can discover more about the luxurious services here.
Ecozip Adventures
A day on Waiheke Island Take the office on an island retreat to Waiheke for a day of fun-filled activities and, of course, a tour of the island’s elevated gastronomic offering. Start the day trip at Ecozip Adventures and get the most breath-taking views of Waiheke as you zip-line across the island. Then take the team to one of the many wineries for a long and relaxing lunch, and by ‘long,’ we mean stay until the sun goes down. Let us suggest a few of our favourites: Tantalus, Casita Miro and of course, Mudbrick.
Escape Rooms Team bonding and seasonal get-together in one, if you haven’t yet tried to mastermind your way out of an escape room, now is the time to do it. Pitting team against team (or maybe management vs. others?), you and your colleagues will battle it out to solve the clues and break out of the room the fastest. There are plenty of options in Auckland, with Escape Masters, Great Escape, Escape Rooms NZ and Escapade being a few of the finest.
Rothko Restaurant at Sculptureum Add a creative spin to your Christmas long lunch and dine at Rothko Restaurant, located in the heart of Matakana’s beautiful Sculptureum. Surrounded by gorgeous gardens and galleries, there really isn’t a restaurant quite like Rothko and the quality of the food that is served levels up to the idyllic location. With a farm-to-table approach, utilising only the finest ingredients of the season, a dining experience at Rothko is one you need to tick off the agenda and a Christmas party is the perfect excuse.
Centrally located in Auckland’s Victoria Quarter, on Sale Street, Denizen’s Headquarters are a much-admired creative office space. Renovated to the highest standard in 2018, and published in Denizen Modern Living, our offices are a true reflection of the Denizen brand.
With our previous tenants moving on, the opportunity has arisen for an appropriate, creatively minded tenant to move into the ground floor of our building. We have approximately 200sqm available for lease, which includes the shared use of an impressive kitchen and bar, boardroom and luxe bathrooms. The building also comes with plenty of undercover, secure parking.
Interested parties should email [email protected] for further information.
Whether you’ve experienced Fitness All Together or not, you’ve likely heard of it, which is largely down to the tireless work of its founder, Elliot de Lautour. Rolling three workout trends — H.I.I.T (high intensity interval training), group training and outdoor exercise — into classes, de Lautour has not only tapped into the wellbeing zeitgeist in a meaningful way, but has cultivated a community, turning FAT (its tongue-in-cheek abbreviation) into a bona fide fitness phenomenon. What sets de Lautour apart is his focus on establishing a good mindset, strong social connections and living a life that is holistically healthy.
I’ve always been active. I played rugby at a competitive level in my final years of high school and became fascinated with the effects that specific training and health had on the body. I went on to study exercise science and work in athlete development.
My passion for outdoor fitness came during a seven-year stint in Sydney, where they have an amazing life-before-work culture. Particularly in Bondi (where I was based) there were always so many people outside by the beach being active. So when it was time for me to move home, I wanted to find a way to ignite the outdoor fitness culture in New Zealand — with a holistic and functional approach.
I started by just training a handful of friends which, over the last couple of years, has grown organically into an incredible community and a portfolio of corporate clients. We have also expanded into group fitness and wellness events in which we collaborate with Auckland’s top instructors and live musicians. These events are curated and immersive and create a unique experience that connects like-minded communities.
Kevin Pichot and Elliot de Lautour
One of my biggest learnings is resilience. Running a start-up is not easy and you really have to ride it out when times are tough. I have recently acquired a new business partner [Kevin Pichot] but before that I was running the business solo and wearing a lot of hats — social media manager, group fitness instructor, training manager, accountant and marketing manager.
I’m very fortunate to have the ongoing supportof several business mentors. Some of my closest friends and family members are successful entrepreneurs and their guidance and advice has shaped some of how we operate today.
The energy of and response from our FAT community is hugely motivating. Pushing people to achieve and exceed their fitness goals and watching my clients enjoy an experience that I’ve created feels great.
Fitness All Together at Silo Park
Music plays a significant role in the ‘vibe’ of FAT which our regulars will attest to. We carefully curate our own playlists which is a big point of difference for us.
People need to be more aware of the dangers of over training. Listen to your body. You don’t always have to smash yourself in every session, it’s not sustainable. We advise clients not to come to more than 3 x FAT sessions a week. We encourage partnering our workouts with yoga, mobility and stretching on alternate days. This will ensure you have adequate rest and will avoid hormonal imbalances.
People need to stop approaching fitness from purely an aesthetic standpoint. The benefits that exercise can have on mental health to me are far more important, powerful and intriguing than the way it can physically change the body.
Fitness All Together at the Greenhouse, Grey Lynn
Women are always afraid that weight lifting will bulk them up. Weight lifting actually helps to burn fat and tone the body. Over time, this increases lean body mass, which increases the number of calories that are burnt each day. Don’t be scared to pick-up some dumbbells and kettlebells, you’ll be better for it!
I’ve just started to learn about breathwork. I have always had trouble keeping calm and composed when breathing especially when out surfing or doing laps in the pool. Being present and conscious in your breath can ground you in your immediate activity.
My advice to people looking to get into fitness is to find a friend or colleague in the same position so that you can support each other and hold each other accountable. And maybe come and try a FAT class, we will look after you!
Being defined by a career can be hugely liberating for people who are happily employed. But for some, finding their true calling via a fulfilling vocation can come later in life than expected. With a hugely successful career in a multinational tech company already well established, Emma Lewisham did the unthinkable and left to launch her eponymous skincare brand.
Based on the underlying principle of producing ethical products that offered proven results without any nasty additives, her skincare line was born from extensive research, backed by science. The brand’s stratospheric rise has seen it recognised globally in the notoriously tough-to-crack beauty industry.
Here, the entrepreneur talks about her journey so far and reveals some of the lessons she has learned on the road to redefining beauty.
I was on track to be the first female CEO of a multinational tech company before leaving to start Emma Lewisham. I worked there for eight years and worked my way up from an entry-level marketing role to leading marketing and strategy for New Zealand, becoming one of the few women in the company’s global strategy group. The culture there was very traditional and very male-dominated, so I had to work really, really hard to get to where I did, but the experience helped me better understand everything that goes into running a company, from operations to product development to customers.
Looking back, I can’t really believe I left. I was on a clear path in my career and it took a big leap of faith to leave that behind. Lots of people questioned my decision, but I think what it came down to was a belief in me that there was something that needed to happen in the beauty space. I can’t explain it, but it felt significant enough to turn me away from an opportunity that would have been a real trajectory.
I’ve never been able to just put up with things I don’t believe in. I’m willing to walk away from things that don’t feel right. At that company, I had proven that it was possible to overcome the norm, and when I found myself in a place where I had to decide whether I wanted to continue pushing past that glass ceiling, I chose to trust my instincts instead, and move in a completely different direction.
Most people don’t know how unregulated the beauty industry in New Zealand is. The last major changes to New Zealand’s beauty regulations were close to 100 years ago, despite research proving how important skincare is to our overall health. The seeds of creating my own line were sown when I learned that a product I’d been using contained a known carcinogen. It was an ingredient that had also been used in products for cleaning sewer pipes. It was so unsafe that it had been banned in Europe and Japan, and my doctor told me to stop using the product immediately. But when I tried to find safe skincare alternatives that were natural but that also had evidence-backed results, they didn’t exist. It became clear that natural, non-harmful ingredients came at the compromise of results.
Beauty can be really harmful for the planet too. It has always been important that what I created was not only uncompromising on the health of people but also, that of the planet. I wanted to establish a new sustainable way forward from the ‘take-make-dispose’ model of beauty. I want Emma Lewisham’s legacy to be about the positive impact we had on people and the planet — to change the beauty industry for the better.
I had to be the change I wanted to see. This meant building my brand from the ground up and creating a line of 100 percent clean, natural products that would be as results-based (if not more so) than their non-natural counterparts. Proving you don’t have to compromise performance for natural products. The Emma Lewisham brand was three years in the making, because a lot of the work we were doing was pioneering in the skincare industry.
Self doubt does come in sometimes, and I wonder what on earth I’m doing, but that’s why it was so important to start Emma Lewisham by validating the need in the market for our product. And doing thorough research. It’s one of the things I’ve found I can always come back to. Holding that purpose and belief close is what gets me through tough times. Remember, you can have the best looking brand out there, but if you don’t do that early research, you’ll only go so far.
Having good people around me was instrumental at the start. Catherine de Groot was one person who helped me early on by giving me the confidence that I was on the right path, as she had been on a similar one. I also found a sounding board in Sir Noel Robinson (business hall-of-famer) who’s actually a family member but is now the chairman of our board.
It’s important to be tenacious, to think critically and to problem-solve creatively. I set out to redefine beauty and inspire our customers to do better, so it’s been crucial to have a never-say-die attitude. My friends would describe me as the most driven person they know. I just have a fire in me that doesn’t let me believe things are impossible. I’m not someone who rolls over, and it’s really important that I don’t when it comes to my brand because there have been a lot of hurdles in getting to where we are. Emma Lewisham skincare was built on this idea of determination in the face of doubt. Everyone said the Skin Reset Serum would be impossible to create, but thankfully we’ve proved them wrong.
What we are creating is truly so challenging. To develop high-performing, luxurious products that are 100 percent natural is known in the beauty industry as the hardest standard to meet. Rarely have all three been achieved all at once. So the road was a long one. There’s a reason most brands use synthetics and silicones; they’re much cheaper and more predictable in the lab. When you’re using natural waxes and emulsifiers the first challenge is getting them to feel as luxurious as the synthetic versions. That alone, was a lot. Striking the balance of something that absorbed into the skin and didn’t feel sticky while using natural ingredients that each have a life of their own, was really time consuming. It took 52 iterations, to get the Skin Reset Serum to feel how I wanted it to feel. That, combined with the high concentration of actives we wanted to have in every product and it was just curveball after curveball. One of the keys to getting this right was the fact that we told our scientists not to worry about the price of ingredients. We just wanted the best product. So we had the scope to source some of the most innovative ingredients globally. Which ultimately got us over the line.
I was always encouraged by my father to be my own person, to ask difficult questions and to stand up for what’s right, even if it’s unpopular. This advice has been a theme throughout my life, especially in my career over the last ten years, and it’s stood me in good stead for where I am today.
My grandmother was one of the first female CEOs in New Zealand and she has been a huge inspiration to me. She is incredibly hardworking and she never bought into the belief that she was any less equal than her male counterparts. She knows how to hold her own and she has an incredible inner confidence that I always looked up to. I would talk to her when I was working in my previous job and would be in meetings where there were 100 men in the room and I’d be one of two or three women. Me being in my late 20s, it was daunting sometimes, even though I knew I’d worked hard and that I deserved to be there, and I’d often have to deal with the men questioning my judgement or dismissing my thoughts. But she always reminded me to stand my ground and remember my worth. She’s 89 now and still working and doing incredible things.
In a crisis, I call my husband first. He was working as a lawyer but now he’s come to work with me at Emma Lewisham and to help with our daughter so that we can have that work-family balance. He’s very methodical and grounded and a real asset to me personally and professionally.
Commercial success doesn’t have to come at the cost of the planet or its inhabitants. I’ve always been impressed by business leaders who recognise this in the way their companies operate. Two New Zealanders that come to mind are Tim Brown from Allbirds and Maggie Hewitt from Maggie Marilyn. This was also the idea behind our Emma Lewisham Beauty Circle, where we teamed up with TerraCycle to incentivise people to recycle their empty beauty containers. It’s all about encouraging a more closed-loop system. Our goal is to be 100 percent circular by 2021.
Early on, I set my ownmanifesto for what success looks like to me, so every decision I make has to align with that. I think it was because I had my first child at the same time as I launched my business and the traditional measures of success — money, power, titles — didn’t feel like they were driving me. I try to live authentically in the moment and to always have meaningful connections with my husband, my daughter and my close friends. Having my own definition of success from the start of this journey has been so important. It’s easy to get lost in your career, or to let it define you and that’s when you can lose sight of what true success really is.
It’s so important to wear a broad spectrum SPF30+ every single day — even in winter. Skin ages because collagen and elastin fibers break down. Exposure to UV speeds up this process. If you want to keep your skin looking and feeling as young as possible, you absolutely need a moisturiser with SPF incorporated into the formula.
When it comes to food and drink, Takapuna is one of Auckland’s steadily and consistently expanding areas. Whether its breakfast, lunch or dinner you’re seeking, a spot of dessert or even somewhere to sip a few cocktails, these are the best places in Takapuna to satisfy any and all cravings.
Morning fix Ark Coffee Company For artful coffee and surroundings, make your way along to Ark Coffee. Established by two sisters, Naomi and Ulala, who are passionate about an excellent brew, a Probat L25 takes centre stage at Ark, roasting the single origin and blended beans on site. Sip away on your favourite blend in store, or take a bag to go for a taste of Ark at home. In the warmer months, coffee jelly and espresso soft serve are a major draw card for a cooling coffee hit.
Holy Shot
Holy Shot In the heart of Takapuna sits Holy Shot, a cute spot serving up two essential ingredients guaranteed to get you through the day — coffee and doughnuts. From the early hours of the morning, the friendly and highly-skilled baristas at this local can be seen churning out fresh brews of Havana coffee. Days are made at Holy Shot thanks to its stellar service, premium coffee and of course, its assortment of tasty doughnuts from The Pie Piper.
Breakfast Takapuna Beach Cafe and Store There really isn’t anything quite like tucking into some delicious food surrounded by a breathtaking view, and Takapuna Beach Cafe and Store offers both. Complement the vista by opting for the scampi omelette with fennel and sautéed greens, served with a crispy slice of sourdough.
Honey Cafe Although Honey Cafe does not have beachfront views, its quirky yet stylish space along with the quality of the food that comes from it, make it one of our favourite places for a morning bite. While its menu comprises a number of tasty breakfast dishes, the house red velvet pancakes are a must if you’re feeling decadent. The fluffy stack is served with blueberry compote and is adorned with fresh seasonal fruit, chocolate soil, honeycomb mascarpone and a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Mimosa Proving that healthy eating needn’t be bland, Mimosa showcases how food can be tasty and nourishing. Its cabinet is stocked with sweet treats, fresh salads and sandwiches, making it a favourite among those who work in the area as the perfect place to get a fast and fulfilling meal. Mimosa’s impressive menu manages to cater to most, if not, all dietary requirements, with dishes like the balanced big breakfast coming complete with spicy tofu scramble and tempeh bacon. Don’t leave without sampling the matcha latte, a beverage so delicious it might just have you forgetting all about coffee.
Shake Out
Lunch Shake Out Inside Goodside at Smales Farm is Shake Out, the burger joint that has people from all over Auckland flocking across the bridge. Widely acknowledged as offering some of the best burgers in town, Shake Out’s signature buns are made from a blend of potato and pumpkin flour, rendering them pillow-soft and incredibly fluffy, while its fillings are exactly what a burger should be — simple and high-quality. Shake Out also offers a number of enticing shakes, sides (like crispy shoestring fries, cheese dipping sauce optional) and sweet treats, making it the perfect place to drop into for an easy takeaway.
Ripe Deli It’s impossible to visit Goodside and leave without being seduced by the sumptuous treats in Ripe Deli’s cabinet. With an assortment of fresh salads, wraps, sandwiches and savouries, Ripe’s virtuous lunch offerings can only be topped by one of its many sweet treats. The salted caramel chocolate brownie is a rich slice of pure chocolatey decadence.
Mamak Offering aromatic, authentic flavours that accurately speak to the kind of hawker centres one might find in Malaysia, Mamak Restaurant has become the go-to for many Malaysian people residing in Auckland. With a number of delicious dishes on its menu, the stand-out has to be the chicken satay skewers, with meat that is both perfectly cooked and enticingly smoky, and flavours that strike a delicate balance between sweet and savoury.
French Rendez-vous Café Tucked away on the shores of Lake Pupuke, Pumphouse Theatre adjacent cafe French Rendez-vous is the understated eatery that consists of classic dishes a lafrançais. Cheesy galettes are a signature, and pastries, foie gras and cheese plates are also on offer. No matter what you end up nibbling on, the view across the serene waters and peaceful setting makes it a culinary experience unique to the area.
Fantail & Turtle
Quench your thirst Fantail & Turtle Another entry from Goodside — the precinct that never stops giving — Fantail & Turtle offers a comprehensive drinks menu, as well as a number of delectable bites such as spiced hoki croquettes, platters and pizzas to accompany your beverage of choice. Craft beer, ale, cider and kombucha flow from its over 30 taps across its two bars, and its wine list comprises of nearly 50 varieties from some of the most prestigious viticultural regions in the world. With a welcoming ambience and ethos of offering something for everyone, Fantail & Turtle is somewhere where anyone is sure to feel at home.
Regatta Bar & Eatery Perched just up from Takapuna Beach, Regatta Bar & Eatery catches all the rays of the sun, making this beach house-like eatery the ideal place to crack a cold one. Open from early in the morning, all the way until late at night, Regatta is the place to go if you’re looking for somewhere to kick back and relax while sipping on your favourite drink.
Nanam
Dinner time Nanam With a cult following for its unique, modern take on Filipino fare, Nanam is a favourite with both Takapuna locals and longtime fans of the Pinoy restaurant who have been patrons since its humble Royal Oak beginnings. Nanam’s chicken sinigang is unlike any sinigang we’ve tasted as it’s soupless which is unheard of in the Philippines. Where usually a flavourful, aromatic broth would be the star of the sinigang, Nanam’s Executive Chef Jessabel Granada has managed to capture all the flavours in a thick sauce that she glazes over the chicken.
The Place One thing the North Shore beats the central suburbs in every time is the quality and quantity of its Korean restaurants. Takapuna is home to one of the best in Auckland — The Place. Located on Hurstmere Road, it is quite literally the place to be if you’re craving a Korean feed. Serving all sorts of traditional Korean dishes, this restaurant goes beyond the usual fried chicken, Korean barbecue and bibimbap, to offer more interesting and intriguing dishes, like pork backbone broth soup and army stew.
Burger Burger Crowned as the Best Cheap & Cheerful eatery at the inaugural Denizen Hospo Heroes, you can trust Burger Burger to deliver the goods come dinnertime (or lunchtime, come to think of it). Its Takapuna location is always humming, serving up its much lauded burgers (with vegan options abound) and unbeatable sides, of which the charred broccoli and shoestring fries are accompaniments we simply can’t go without.
El Humero If you’ve never experienced a Colombian-style barbecue, El Humero is the perfect restaurant to start your love affair with what we can guarantee will become one of your favourite cuisines. The meats are cooked over wood-fire and chargrill, lending them a succulent and juicy texture and also an unbelievably smoky aroma. And aside from its meat options, El Humero’s vegetarian empanadas are an absolute must-try.
Soho Eats
Soho For quite some time, there seemed to be a lack of Thai eateries in Takapuna. That is, until the chefs from Newmarket’s Billy Cafe (who are in fact, Thai) opened Soho at Goodside, its quick popularity proving just how much Takapuna locals wanted somewhere to go to get a taste of this cuisine. The lamb and kumara massaman curry, tiger prawn pad Thai and the gai yang green curry are some of Soho’s standout dishes, as they simultaneously remain true to the authentic flavours of Thailand and offer modern, refined flavours, the like of which we’ve never tasted before.
Ramen Lab Finding a good bowl of Japanese ramen in Auckland is harder than you might think, so Takapuna locals should consider themselves lucky to have Ramen Lab right on their doorstep. The tonkotsu ramen at this joint is thick and creamy with just the right amount of salt. The thin noodles have a firm centre, preventing them from going soft or soggy no matter how long they sit in the broth for. And although karaage chicken is considered a compulsory starter dish at any ramen restaurant, Ramen Lab’s iteration is particularly delicious.
Dessert House of Chocolate Cafe A sweet tooth’s paradise, House of Chocolate Dessert Cafe is regularly heaving with customers no matter what night of the week it is. Renowned for its freshly-made waffles that are served with a raft of indulgent toppings, NY baked cheesecakes and other creative desserts such as banoffee Alaska with banana, salted caramel, shortbread and Italian meringue, this Takapuna drop-in might have lines of people out its door, but never let that put you off — a short wait will lead to a big pay-off.
There is something special about New Zealand’s South Island. Its palette is markedly different from the North, faded and earthy instead of crisp and saturated. Its landscape feels surprising and unruly, its vistas seem to exist on a more spectacular scale and its architecture is stoic and laden with history. For these reasons and many more, the South Island has become a destination for international travellers seeking otherworldly experiences. And as these tourists grow increasingly scarce, the experiences still remain. Now it’s our time to explore the worldclass things to do, see and eat in our own backyard — from horse riding and stargazing to renowned restaurants and relaxing hot pools.
Backcountry Horse Riding — The Lindis, Ahuriri Valley An experience offered by Central Otago luxury lodge The Lindis, on Ben Avon station in the remote Ahuriri Valley, backcountry horse riding is one of the most beautiful ways to explore the area’s untouched, romantic landscape. With 14-bay stables, 12 horses and a team of experts to guide guests around the Ben Avon’s exquisite high-country farmland tracks, The Lindis has taken a time-honoured tourist activity and elevated it to suit the subtle luxury of the lodge, while ensuring every ability of guest is catered to.
From the Lagoon trek (which sees riders taken across a Birch stream and up to a natural terrace overlooking the Ahuriri lagoons), to the Woolshed trek (which guides guests past Ben Avon’s historic woodshed and offers views over the station’s dam), to the Beech Forest trek (a visually arresting path that tracks uphill through native Beech trees before ending in natural, sub-alpine herb fields), The Lindis ensures that every experience is not only a visual feast, but will give riders a newfound appreciation for the beauty of Central Otago.
Fleur’s Place — Moeraki With a seaside location an hour north of Dunedin affording it access to exceptionally fresh seafood, Fleur’s Place might present as a simple, local spot, but it’s not to be underestimated. Within the walls of this restaurant is served some of the most deliciously simple, exquisitely seasonal food in the country, and it’s earned the place (and its owner, Fleur Sullivan) a culinary reputation that extends well beyond New Zealand. From its unique structure that was built using discarded materials gathered from around the country, to the scrawled messages from satisfied customers that cover the walls inside, Fleur’s Place is charming, homely and tranquil.
Perched on the waterfront, it’s hardly surprising that the menu showcases sea-to-table fare at its best — think Blue Cod and Cockles steamed in a bull kelp bag, smoked mussel pie and fresh clams. Everything arrives from local fishermen daily, and as such, the menu is subject to change depending on what’s available. Even the vegetables change depending on what’s been sourced from local, organic growers. With a dedicated following and its own cookbook, Fleur’s Place has become a bona fide institution, that’s well-worth journeying off the beaten track for.
Outdoor Sauna — Arrowtown Step outside your comfort zone and emerge invigorated with this novel sauna experience, set either in picturesque Arrowtown, or on your own private property. Established by Adam Chalmers, who was inspired by traditional Scandinavian saunas, this barrel-shaped, portable sauna (crafted from European Spruce) offers ancient contrast therapy, in which users move between hot and cold immersion in order to improve circulation, detoxify the skin, balance blood pressure and relax muscle tension. It is also, according to Chalmers, an effective method of calming the mind, settling the nervous system and indulging in a few moments of inner peace and quiet. The sauna itself is heated via wood-fired stones poured over with essential-oil-infused water to create humidity.
Overheating isn’t something to be worried about however, as Chalmers provides traditional felt sauna hats to regulate head temperature. In between the sauna rounds, users either immerse themselves into a lake or river, or stand under icy-cold showers. This cycle is repeated again and again throughout the session, which usually takes two-to-four hours. The cold immersion is just as important as the sauna itself for the way it closes the pores, constricts the blood vessels and creates a pumping motion within the body that, when partnered with heat, floods the muscles with fresh blood and nutrients. Usually set up in a beautiful spot in Arrowtown, surrounded by nature and offering plenty of privacy, Chalmers is also able to bring his sauna experience to you, making it (for most people) an entirely new experience, certainly worthy of adding to the bucket list.
Riverstone Kitchen — Oamaru After years working for renowned restaurants in London and Australia, chef Bevan Smith returned to his native New Zealand in 2006 to establish the now famous Riverstone Kitchen on his family farm in Oamaru, laying down the foundations for what would become one of this country’s most acclaimed culinary destinations. Riverstone Kitchen was built-on the concept of showcasing hyper-seasonal, local produce — something that might be taking off now but that back then, felt cutting-edge in the culinary world — weaving simple ingredients seamlessly into hearty dishes (a signature is potato gnocchi with roast pumpkin and burnt-butter sage).
Not only does the restaurant offer a short, uncomplicated menu which changes according to the seasonal availability of ingredients, but many of the ingredients are sourced from Smith’s own garden, which can be seen surrounding the grounds of the restaurant itself. Smith’s food has been so well-received, in fact, that the chef has his own cookbook that encourages home cooks to adopt a similar, locally-focused approach to food.
Steampunk HQ — Oamaru For anyone unfamiliar with Steampunk, it’s a niche subsection of Science-Fiction that combines historical settings with anachronistic steam-powered machinery and technology, and its New Zealand hub is in Oamaru’s fittingly historic ‘Grain Elevator’ building. Built in 1883, this building is located at the entrance to Oamaru’s Victorian Precinct, and was originally built for bulk storage and export of grain. Now, it houses a fascinating series of installations dedicated to an industrial version of Steampunk, which includes retro-futuristic art and movies, gallery exhibitions and interactive light and sound experiences like a mirrored infinity room called ‘The Portal.’
It even has a full-scale steam-engine train at the front to welcome visitors with plumes of smoke, and a blimp (a common Steampunk motif) hovering over its yard. Established by a group of creative minds who wanted to bring the fun and quirky nature of Steampunk to life in New Zealand, the Steampunk HQ is an attraction worth visiting for the way it promises to transport visitors to another world — one where unusual machines and strangely-dressed inventors preside over a futuristic vision of 19th Century England.
Photo: Stephen Goodenough
Scrubby Bay — Annandale Farm, Pigeon Bay Standing proudly on the foreshore of one of New Zealand’s most renowned pieces of coastal farmland, the Scrubby Bay house at Annandale (on Christchurch’s Banks Peninsula) offers an escape unlike anything else. Overlooking the rugged waves of a remote surf beach and framed by the wild landscape of its working sheep and cattle farm, Scrubby Bay is perhaps the best example of a contemporary Kiwi escape, where farming meets breathtaking scenery and some exceptional architecture to boot.
Designed by Patterson Architects, who took their inspiration for Scrubby Bay from the qualities of a piece of slowly-ageing driftwood, the main structure is simple, linear and clad in cedar that blends beautifully into its surroundings. It embodies a subtle sophistication that belies its massive scale, which allows for accommodation of up to 14 guests and features a sprawling deck, swimming pool and spa.
From its untouched location to its sleek design, Scrubby Bay epitomises off-the-grid luxury. With plenty of living space to allow large families and groups to kick back and enjoy some time away from normality and the option available for guests to have a private chef come to the house, a stay on this exceptional property will be an experience to remember.
Maruia Hot Springs — Lewis Pass Scenic Reserve, Canterbury Escape for a few days at Maruia Hot Springs, a resort and spa surrounded by pristine native beech forest and the mountainous landscape of the Lewis Pass Scenic Reserve. A historic site of relaxation and rejuvenation, the geothermal pools at Maruia were first used by Māori pounamu traders and warriors as a place to rest weary bones, and now, provide the same service to those in search of something that will detoxify their bodies and replenish their souls.
Here, guests can bathe in natural hot pools (packed with minerals), indulge in saunas and luxurious treatments and immerse themselves in outdoor experiences along the Maruia riverbed, or through protected forest to a breathtaking waterfall only a short walk away. The resort offers a number of rooms for anyone wanting to stay longer than a day, alongside glamping options and a self-contained campground (where campers have access to Maruia’s sauna and bathing areas for the duration of their stay), ensuring there is something suited to anyone looking for a uniquely natural getaway.
Pukaki Wine Cellar & Observatory — Mt. Cook Lakeside Retreat, Lake Pukaki Is there anything that makes us contemplate our position in the universe more than gazing into the vast expanse of space? If your answer is yes, then you clearly haven’t visited the Pukaki Wine Cellar and Observatory, located in the Aoraki International Dark Sky Reserve at Mt. Cook Lakeside Retreat, Lake Pukaki. Deemed a world class destination for stargazing, the sky above the observatory boasts zero light pollution, which allows visitors an up-close-and-personal tour through the stars, planets and nebula that comprise our current night sky, using both the naked eye and the facility’s cutting-edge telescopic technology.
Best when undertaken with a small group, the immersive experience starts in the cellar with nibbles and a tot of whisky or glass of carefully-selected local wine, before moving into the main observatory, where guests are given a glimpse into the Milky Way via a six-inch refractor telescope. The roof of the observatory also retracts to reveal an awe-inspiring smattering of stars overhead — a sight that would feel entirely unfamiliar to anyone who has spent most of their life in a city. And for anyone interested in astro-photography, the observatory guides are on hand to give tips on how to get the best pictures of deep space using special techniques and wide-angle lenses.
Tūtira High Country Farm Tours — Queenstown Lakes District Tūtira is New Zealand’s first climate positive tourism provider offering the ultimate high country, low impact experiences. Its guided electric motorbike tours explore some of the most majestic privately-owned stations in New Zealand, where you will feel but a blip in the breath-taking landscapes. Kiwi-made electric motorbike technology ensures each ride is smooth and silent, allowing you to take in the serene and expansive scenery in all its glory. One of the locations on offer is one of New Zealand’s finest high country land holdings, Lake Hāwea Station. The 6500-hectare property produces top-grade merino wool, lamb and purebred Angus beef.
Guests here enjoy exclusive access to the farm’s dramatic landscapes, which undulate from the pristine lakeside to tussock covered hilltops and rolling backcountry. With curated rides available for groups of up to ten, this is your chance to experience outstanding high country hospitality and the rustic charms of your surroundings. Tūtira’s off-the-beaten-track adventures are typically three days — with three-course meals featuring local produce served each day along the way.
In Te Reo Māori, Tūtira translates to gathering together in a row or a line, which is similar to how guests experience the stations on an at-your-own-pace ride. Encouraging guests to understand the past and look ahead to the future, Tūtira shares the tangatawhenua, history, heritage and environmental story that makes each high country visit unique.
Pure Pods — East Coast, South Island Designed to offer unprecedented access to nature, Pure Pods comprise cabins that are nestled into untouched landscapes along the East Coast of the South Island, making them the perfect accommodation for experiencing the South Island’s delightfully wild character. Made entirely from glass (including the floors and ceilings) the six Pure Pods are small cabins that, in the summertime, can be opened to their surroundings, while in winter, keep occupants completely insulated from the elements.
A simple concept executed to perfection, the aim of the Pure Pods is to encourage guests to reconnect with both nature and each other, and as a result, to reconsider the way they interact with the world around them. Continuing in this vein, each Pod is powered by solar electricity, heated via a bio-fuel system and is fitted with a mechanism for sustainably harnessing local water and rainwater. Whether you’re seeking mountain views, lakeside vistas, an expansive coastline or simply somewhere to see the stars, Pure Pods will immerse you in some of the most incredible settings in New Zealand, while ensuring you remain sheltered in luxury.
A new hotel on the city fringe has emerged within a building that has a colourful history indeed. Aptly named The Convent, the boutique accommodation has settled into what was at one time in its life a former nunnery on Great North Road.
The impressive, Spanish mission-style building was built in 1922 and was home to St Joseph’s Convent until 1993. In recent years the building fell into disrepair, until being purchased by developer Andy Davies (of Ponsonby Central fame), who has lovingly restored the building, in another glowing example of the magic a well-intentioned developer can bestow on the city.
Now with 22 rustic yet contemporary rooms, every detail of The Convent has been impeccably chosen for a comfortable and memorable getaway — or staycation. The main aspect that has us considering the latter is the room rates, which are extremely reasonable, making it a special experience without the price tag.
With its ‘live like a local’ feel, thanks to the Grey Lynn location, and unique sensibility, The Convent is sure to provide a welcome home away from home.
Few 20th century designers, if any, could lay more claim to influencing how women wear jewellery than Elsa Peretti. With her penchant for sculptural, sensual forms and against-the-grain sensibility, the Italian jewellery, accessories and homeware designer was hired by Tiffany & Co. in 1974.
She went on to become the house’s leading jewellery designer, and since then has created more than 30 iconic jewellery and design collections for the brand, all of which are huge sellers.
One of the most notable among Peretti’s recognisable contemporary pieces is the Bone Cuff, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Designed to draw attention to the elegance of a woman’s wrist, the Bone Cuff’s ergonomic design manages to be both powerful and feminine, encircling the wearer’s wrist contours and nodules in an almost armour-like fashion while remaining elegant and lightweight.
Left to right: Sofia Loren, Liza Minnelli and Grace Jones
The cuff has been worn by a number of stylish, high-profile women, including Sofia Loren, Liza Minnelli, Grace Jones, Queen Araweelo and Margot Robbie, and was originally crafted from sterling silver which, at the time, was a material not often used for fine jewellery until Peretti revolutionised this viewpoint through her highly sought-after designs.
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of such an iconic piece, new renditions in red, blue and green hues have been created, complete with a special edition inscription. A nod to her love of nature and vibrant colours seen throughout her work, these shades are the ultimate covetable statements.
In addition to the new colours, the yellow and white gold pieces have been reimagined to feature black jade, green jade and turquoise hand carved stones. Seamlessly embedded in the cuffs, the precious stones seem to be emerging from inside a river of undulating metal.
Elsa Peretti is as fascinating as she is talented, having lead quite the storied life in New York among the likes of designer Halston and Andy Warhol in the Studio 54 days. She now lives in Spain, where she has been largely responsible for the restoration of the village of Sant Martí Vell.
While she might lead a quieter existence nowadays, her designs remain just as in-demand as ever — timeless expressions of the multi-faceted nature of femininity that never lose their appeal.
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