As the sun lingers longer and summer settles in, we’re wholly embracing the joy of cooking and dining al fresco. From smoky aromas wafting through the garden to the convivial clink of glasses, a meal outdoors transforms an ordinary evening into something truly special. And now, the Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Oven elevates this ritual to new heights with its innovative blend of ease, versatility, and the irresistible flavours unlocked via this clever appliance.
Reimagining an outdoor kitchen, this 8-in-1 marvel brings culinary finesse to the great outdoors, harnessing cutting-edge technology to offer a compact yet incredibly effective way to turn out expertly cooked fare. Whether you’re crafting Neapolitan-inspired pizzas with blistered crusts in three minutes flat, slow-smoking tender barbecue classics, or roasting a festive ham to perfection, this oven offers temperatures from 25°C to a searing 370°C, ensuring every dish is cooked to perfection.
Its integrated smoke box infuses authentic woodfire flavours with only half a cup of pellets, delivering that sought-after charred and caramelised taste effortlessly. With no flames to manage and a weather-resistant design, it’s as practical as it is sleek and compact. Transform any meal into a feast with brick-oven textures, smoky depth, and a touch of charred perfection — all from your own backyard, as the Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Oven invites you to savour the season.
With December on our doorstep, it’s time to start embracing the spirit of Christmas whole-heartedly, and this season, Commercial Bay is making it easier than ever. Over the next month, the downtown shopping precinct will be hosting an array of festive events and activities destined to add an element of fun to days spent Christmas shopping (and some welcome reprieve). Here, we round up everything happening in Commercial Bay in the lead-up to Christmas and showcase why this is exactly where you’ll find us in the weeks ahead.
Stress-free shopping (with a side of festive fun)
Shopping at Commercial Bay has never been so delightful — or convenient. With its curated selection of premium retailers and late-night shopping, you’ll find perfect gifts for everyone on your list. Once you’ve checked everything off, indulge in festive treats and exclusive menus from Harbour Eats’ top dining spots, designed to evoke the nostalgic flavours of Christmas past.
Meet Santa for a selfie
Selfies with Santa, face painting, and more
From December 8th, Commercial Bay turns into a festive playground every weekend. Between 11am and 3pm, kids can enjoy free face painting, transforming into reindeer, snowmen, or Christmas trees. Santa and his fairy helpers will also be roaming the precinct, posing for selfies and guiding little ones to the beloved Magic Mail Machine. Don’t forget to redeem your complimentary hot drink from Kōkako with every face painting session.
Candy Cane Lane & family scavenger hunts
Located near Public in Harbour Eats, Candy Cane Lane will keep young adventurers entertained with activity packs and scavenger hunts. Santa’s fairies will be on hand to sprinkle some extra magic, ensuring this zone becomes a favourite stop for families.
Send your letter to Santa straight to the North Pole with the Magic Mail Machine
The Magic Mail Machine returns
Auckland’s favourite Christmas tradition is back and bigger than ever. Now with two Magic Mail Machines — located on levels 1 & 2 — children can send their letters straight to the North Pole while watching the whimsical process unfold. This year, every letter enters you into the draw to win one of three $1,000 Commercial Bay vouchers. Holiday wishes, granted.
Live music & spectacular light shows
Adding to the festive vibe, Commercial Bay will feature live DJ sets from local talent every Thursday evening (4.30pm — 7.30pm) and Sunday afternoon (12pm — 4pm) throughout December. The beats will set the tone for joyful shopping sprees, while Te Manaaki’s nightly light shows cast a magical glow over the entire area.
Festive weekend market carts
On weekends, explore charming market carts offering seasonal goodies and exclusive samples. Whether you’re searching for unique stocking stuffers or festive treats, this market brings a touch of magic to your shopping experience.
the breathtaking 18-metre Christmas tree in all of its glory
Te Manaaki Christmas Tree
Kicking off the festivities this year was the unveiling of Te Manaaki — a breathtaking 18-metre Christmas tree aptly named by Te Manaaki by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei (with manaaki meaning respect, care and hospitality). Situated in Te Komititanga, this impressive tree promises to captivate audiences for years to come. Throughout the festive period, its nightly light shows will transform the square into a wonderland of sparkle and colour — an unmissable sight for holidaymakers and locals alike.
This holiday season, Te Komititanga and Commercial Bay have everything you need to make the season merry and bright. From dazzling light displays to unforgettable experiences for the whole family, this is your one-stop destination for festive cheer — and exactly where you’ll find us in the lead-up to Christmas.
There’s nothing worse than the sticky feeling of makeup melting off in peak summer heat. But don’t sweat it, there are plenty of impressive products that combat exactly that, keeping your look fresh and refined — from the office to the beach and beyond.
Rose Inc Skin Enhance Luminous Tinted Serum from Mecca
Drawing inspiration from pizza parlours through the ages and around the world, Brave Pizza is a nostalgic, new-wave pizza drop-in on Great North Road run by a duo with a penchant for turning out epic fast food. Here, the focus falls on high quality pizza made with good, honest ingredients — with a menu that’s short and sweet, yet inventive enough to keep you coming back for more.
Helmed by a chef who ran an infamous pizzeria in Seoul for six years, alongside his brother, Brave Pizza was conceived as a laid-back, unassuming takeaway spot that surprises and delights on the food front. As such, in a simple, functional space, you’ll find a menu that goes beyond the ordinary and traditional, with both classic takes (the pepperoni is a must, as is the classic marg) and more inventive iterations — from the ‘Popper’ with bacon, cheddar, cream cheese and jalapeño to the ‘White Shroom’ with confit garlic, button mushrooms and confit cream, available as a 16″, alongside crust dippers (AKA super creamy sauces) in dill buttermilk ranch and creamy garlic parmesan.
Ultimately, Brave Pizza is a welcome reprieve from the ultra-modern and overly complicated style of eateries dominating the culinary sphere, taking things back to basics — and a simpler place and time.
Opening hours: Wednesday — Saturday, 5pm until 9pm
While, for many, the festive season is usually packed to the rafters with fun traditions and celebrations, these don’t come without their fair share of work and effort. The trade-off is usually worth it, of course, but what if you could enjoy a sit-down meal on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day where the feast is piled high, the drinks are flowing — and you don’t have to lift a finger?
Some of Auckland’s best eateries have us all sorted in this regard, with their festive menu offerings. Should you wish to let the experts take care of the big day itself, there are excellent options available for you. Otherwise, we suggest making like the Europeans and booking in for one of the Christmas Eve extravaganzas, further stretching out the festivities. ‘Tis the season, after all.
Onemata’s Christmas offering
Onemata
Open for: Christmas Eve & Christmas Day
The luxury waterfront hotel has a comprehensive Christmas offering this year that will ensure you don’t have to worry either the night before or the day of. At Park Hyatt’s flagship restaurant Onemata, enjoy a three-course Christmas Eve dinner from 5.30pm on the 24th. At $170 per person, choose from delectable dishes like a starter of crayfish salad or lamb prosciutto grissini, for mains, there’s duck leg with orange sauce or Chatham Island blue cod with sides of Christmas ham mac ‘n’ cheese and strawberry salad — followed by dessert, of course.
Christmas Day itself sees a four-course lunch served from 11.30am, and dinner from 6pm. The lunch is $290 per person for a four-course menu and dinner is $220 per person for a four-course menu, with each including a glass of champagne. Both have similarly delectable dishes to the Christmas Eve dinner, yet with slightly more to choose from.
The hotel’s relaxed yet elegant Living Room restaurant has a Christmas Day extravaganza on offer too — at $240 per person for five courses and a glass of champagne. Dive into the likes of smoked kahawai with crispy brioche, crayfish and oysters, followed by a choice of snapper or lamb rump, and dessert.
Sneak in a final catch-up with friends before the festivities well and truly begin at Andiamo’s Otto Hour, where, between 4-5pm, you’ll find an elevated selection of libations priced at a modest $8 each. If you fancy staying for dinner, the beloved Herne Bay haunt is offering its usual Italiano fare all day long, so park up at a coveted street-side table, order a selection of sharing plates and a spritz, and while away a few hours in the late afternoon sun. Divine.
This inner-city Japanese gem is open on the 25th, and has quite a spread available as part of its five-course festive set menu. For $195 per person, enjoy a whole host of Masu’s moreish Robata dishes, from Wagyu beef tataki to dry-aged sancho salt duck breast, to pacific oysters with yuzu granita — and much, much more.
Opening its doors on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, and serving a delightful festive feast featuring the likes of wagyu beef wellington, rolled turkey ,and a decadent Christmas trifle, Advieh is a perfect spot to dine with the family. For $229 per adult, and $115 per child come lunch, and $249 and $125 respectively come dinner (both of which are complete with bubbles for the over-18s), you’ll be met with a multi-course, share-style meal that the whole family will enjoy wholeheartedly.
For the most carnivorous amongst us, paradise is always found at Jervois Steakhouse, and this Christmas Eve the beloved Herne Bay institution is open for business with plenty to inspire indulgence. Whether you’re looking for a casual pre-festive feast or a more convivial get-together, JSH has it all. Just make sure to book early — as we’re sure, come Christmas Eve, this beloved eatery will be packed to the rafters.
Head to Kingi for Christmas lunch, and you’ll be able to indulge in some exquisite fare, from swordfish with bisque butter to Christmas trifle with Central Otago berries. Beloved antipasti and raw bar dishes like oysters also make a delectable appearance. It’s $185 per person for a four-course family-style sharing menu. And, should you wish to be able to simply toddle to your bed, seeing as Kingi is in the same building as The Hotel Britomart, why not enquire about staying overnight?
Embrace a Mediterranean vibe for your Christmas meal with restaurant Esther’s Feasting Menu at QT Auckland. Available at both lunch and dinner, the set menu is $199 per adult and $90 per child (12 and under). Enjoy Esther’s delectable renditions of the classics, from Harmony Farm porchetta with apple sauce, to more indulgent dishes such as Alaskan King Carb risotto with salmon caviar, and baked saganaki with honey.
Although Soul’s staff are having a well-deserved break on the 25th, book in for lunch or dinner on the 24th and you’ll be able to enjoy the Viaduct Harbour treasure’s famous hospitality and delightful fare. Get ready for a classically Soul-ified buzzing vibe, just the thing to ease into a relaxing Christmas day.
If you fancy taking your Christmas meal to soaring new heights, look no further than Orbit 360° Dining. Putting on a four-course special menu for the festive period, the jewel in the Sky Tower’s crown will be sure to make a luxurious affair of the proceedings. For $195 per person, indulge in the likes beef wellington, pork & pistachio terrine, heirloom tomato carpaccio, and more.
Parnell’s Non Solo Pizza has all you need to celebrate Christmas Eve in the most delicious way possible with a leisurely long lunch. Kick off the festivities nice and early, securing a lunchtime table, and settle into a tasty feast of delectable Italian fare (which can always be guaranteed when dining at NSP) — and a drink or two to set the festive tone.
If it’s an entirely unique Christmas feast you seek, look to the refined Pacific flavours of Michael Meredith’s Metita. The SkyCity favourite is offering an exceptional four-course sharing menu this Christmas, with all the makings of a festive meal to remember. For $195 per person, you’ll be served a glass of champagne alongside a considered selection of Meredith’s experimental Samoan fare. Guests can expect the likes of fried pork belly with spiced caramel and shiso leaf, kingfish with tamarind, mandarin, and tomato jelly, and slow braised lamb shanks with spiced coconut gravy, rounded off with the exceptional passionfruit sasalapa dessert that has quickly earned cult status.
For an entirely satisfying Christmas lunch, Huami delivers on all fronts and is the perfect spot to take the family for a festive feast. Offering a selection of its elevated Chinese cuisine, this Christmas you can indulge in fruit wood-roasted peking duck, kong bao chicken, crispy tabasco prawns and more, washed down with a Huami gin, a whiskey from the restaurant’s impressive selection, or a crisp glass of champagne. End the day on a high note with a delectable dessert, and head off on your merry way well-satiated.
Bivacco has well and truly turned up the Sunday feast this Christmas, offering some of the most festive fare in the city with their Sunday Christmas Feast. On December 24th, while not on a Sunday this year, you can head down to the sun-soaked deck and indulge in all manner of great food and drink, including a host of festive libations to keep you well-watered.
What better way to kick off the Christmas festivities than with a jaunt over to Waiheke Island to indulge in Ki Maha‘s delectable fare (and a glass or two of bubbles or one of their quenching signature cocktails). Perch at one of the outdoor tables overlooking the sparkling water, and spend the afternoon enjoying a selection of share plates — from wagyu croquettes with smoked oyster mayo to crisp zucchini flowers with ricotta, chilli, lemon, and mint, settling into the festivities in fitting style.
If you find yourself on Waiheke Island this festive season (or simply want an excuse to leave the heart of the City), both of Mudbrick’s popular dining rooms are open on Christmas Day, serving variations on classic Christmas lunch and dinner from midday onwards. In The Mudbrick Restaurant, enjoy a spectacular, seven-course degustation while enjoying the vineyard’s sweeping views and stunning wines. While in The Archive Bistro, you can partake in a slightly more casual affair involving a set menu of chef’s-choice nibbles followed by an entrée, main and dessert of your choosing.
As one of Australia’s most revered editorial hair stylists and co-owner and director of lauded Sydney-based hair salon Willomina, Chris Hunter is well versed in the art of using hair styling tools to achieve the most effortlessly glamorous of looks. For this issue’s cover shoot with Maddison Brown, Hunter opted for two contrasting but equally stunning looks — styled using Shark’s range of powerful and versatile hair tools. Here, he talks us through the easy recreation of Maddison’s voluminous, 70s-inspired curls, using Shark’s styling tools at home.
70s Volume
Achieve The Look
Chris Hunter, hair stylist
“As Maddison came to me with pre-washed hair, I used Eleven Australia Miracle Treatment to add moisture back into the hair and create a good foundation. I began by blowdrying using my Shark FlexStyle with the Styling Concentrator attachment, combined with the FlexStyle Auto-Wrap Curler attachment. Once each section was blown out, I clipped each section back up to set before moving onto the next. This clipping technique is a fantastic way to create longevity for curls. Once Maddison’s makeup was complete, I removed the clips and brushed out using a wide tooth comb to add extra volume.”
70s Volume
Get The Look
Shark FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System from Shark
ELEVEN Australia Miracle Hair Treatment from Adore Beauty
Any collector worth their salt possess a bottle of Glenfiddich within their collection — the world’s most awarded single malt Scotch whisky. This festive season, elevate your gifting game with Glenfiddich’s exclusive personalised label offering, transforming a cherished bottle into a bespoke masterpiece and special keepsake, perfect for a thoughtful gift this festive season.
Whether it’s the smooth 12-Year-Old, the refined 15-Year-Old, the robust 18-Year-Old, or the elegant 21-Year-Old, each Glenfiddich bottle tells a story of craftsmanship and tradition. Now, with personalised labels, you can add your own narrative — whether it’s a heartfelt message, a meaningful date, or simply the name of a loved one.
With Christmas fast approaching, there’s no better time than now to get the ball rolling on a bespoke bottle. The process couldn’t be easier — simply buy your chosen 700ml bottle from any good retailer, go to www.gflabels.co.nz and enter your bottle barcode, and create your personalised label. Once you’re happy with how it looks, hit send, and the good folk at Glenfiddich will pop it in the post ready to apply to your bottle pre-gift wrapping. Et voila!
The promise of a bright new year deserves to be celebrated in a look that’s both elevated and elegant. Do justice to the dress code with these show stopping looks.
01. Black Tie Gala
Your opportunity to flex your fashion nous, Black Tie is the caviar of dress codes. Always wear a dress that grazes the floor and be sure to expose enough skin to highlight your glimmering accessories.
Whether its a formal Christmas celebration, or a summer wedding, outdoor soirées necessitate a certain sense of comfort and ease that’s in harmony with your surroundings.
Victoria Beckham Asymmetric Draped Midi Dress from Muse
04. Party
In the spirit of the festive season, make like a Christmas bauble to ensure all eyes are on you as you take your rightful position on the centre of the dance floor.
RENÉ CAOVILLACleo crystal-embellished leather sandals from Net-a-Porter
05. Tasteful
When the dress code is undefined, employ a chic strategy by donning a well tailored suit or jumpsuit with satin lapels, or in velvet, for a look that’s modest yet decidedly cool.
Faraday Street has become somewhat of a cultural hub in across the past year, with a host of creative residents who sit outside of the ‘typical’ design destinations to offer something unique. This Friday, the street is once again pooling their collective offerings — hosting an evening of design, drinks, and discovery.
Jaimie Webster Haines (right) wearing her eponymous label
Jaimie Webster Haines — who implicitly understands the joy of clothing that is not only aesthetically pleasing, but wearable, functional, and durable, is once again set to bring her eponymous label to the street. The designer is popping up this Friday at My Exhibition showcasing her beautifully considered collection and offering styling advice and insight into the brand. As well as the clothing edit, shoppers will also find cushions from Yuva, bows from My Exhibition, beeswax candles, and tchotchkes galore — all perfect for gifting this festive season.
Ne Guerra’s selection of 20th century Ikebana baskets
Elsewhere in the vicinity, My Exhibition’s Faraday Street compatriots Ne Geurra and Föenander Galleries will both be open on Friday afternoon and into the evening. Ne Guerra is offering an evening of Ikebana — inviting those curious to indulge in an evening of Japanese floral arranging as they showcase their stunning new vessels, while Föenander Galleries is unveiling its final exhibition of the year. Dubbed ‘The Daylight Show‘, the showcase exhibits the diverse perspectives and innovative approaches of 13 early career artists connected to Aotearoa.
So, with so much to see (and shop) in the area, who not make a bee-line for Faraday Street this Thursday or Friday, taking the opportunity to explore what is fast-becoming the city’s preeminent design destination.
In the year since its grand opening, Ayrburn has flourished, transforming into a vibrant destination where expansive grounds, a lively rota of events, and an array of culinary offerings invite those visiting to linger longer, indulging in the idyllic precinct’s many delights.
A map of Ayrburn’s expansive grounds playing host to their array of culinary offerings
This summer, adding to its ever-present allure, Ayrburn is opening the doors to The Bakehouse and R.M Prime Produce, elevating the precinct to new heights. More than just a café or bakery, The Bakehouse is an all-encompassing culinary retreat where visitors can begin their day with artisanal pastries and coffee, or settle into the evening with crafted cocktails and seasonally inspired dishes, each infused with the signature Ayrburn touch. R.M Prime Produce presents a curated selection of the region’s finest, from expertly crafted deli meats to dairy, fresh flowers, baked goods, and Ayrburn’s own wines. Both new openings give diners the option to take their fare al fresco — to enjoy on the sprawling communal lawns.
The appeal of Ayrburn stretches beyond its culinary offerings alone, with the precinct capturing the magic of summer through a continuous line-up of immersive experiences. With the gardens in full bloom and events ranging from European-inspired Christmas Markets to convivial jazz evenings, each moment here feels like an invitation to savour the season. Families can unwind as little ones revel in specially curated activities, while couples and friends can toast to a new year on the horizon.
From dawn till dusk (and beyond), Ayrburn beckons as the ultimate summer destination — where hospitality and heritage meet, and days are spent immersed in the picture-perfect surrounds of what has fast become spectacular world-class destination.
Ayrburn’s bistro-style eatery that promises day-to-night fare for all to enjoy. Here, the philosophy is simple: quality reigns supreme, which means you’ll find delicious, uncomplicated food with a seasonal twist that is utterly enjoyable, served in a classically elegant setting. Find a cosy nook indoors or revel in the spectacular natural environment and settle in for the day in a sunny spot near the stream, or under the shade of the weeping willow trees.
When the sun sets and the mood elevates, The Barrel Room is the perfect spot for exploration. Combining an elegant bar, restaurant, wine tastings, and private event space into one intriguing destination, The Barrel room is Ayrburn’s dedicated home of revelry. With the dining room nestled among 56 ageing wine barrels and the bar’s grand piano, The Barrel Room sets the scene for both intimate seated soirées with a sophisticated ambiance or an evening of fun and indulgence.
Nestled in a beautifully restored farm building with a distinctive sloped roof, this lively venue offers a unique dining experience centred around shared plates. With a specialty focus on wine, there’s plenty of palate-pleasing surprises to leave you thirsty for more. Whether you’re perched outside overlooking the resplendent gardens, or tucked into a quiet corner inside, every inch of The Manure Room invites you to relax, immerse yourself in the world of Ayrburn wine, and savour the moment.
Ayrburn’s new store — R.M Prime Produce, which boasts a world-class butcher, and offers dairy produce, freshly baked bread, deli meats, fresh cut flowers, baked goods, and Ayrburn wine, was conceived with casual, summertime dining in mind. Here, you’ll find all that you need for meals al fresco — whether you’re stocking up for a soirée at home, or packing a hamper to enjoy whilst lounging on a deckchair in The Dell, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for, and more.
At the newest jewel in Ayrburn’s crown, breakfast slips seamlessly into lunch and stretches luxuriously into the evening. Perfect for a quick bite on the go or a lingering afternoon with friends, it’s an all-day affair featuring an elevated take on cabinet classics and casual fare, from wood-fired pizzas to fresh pasta and more. As much a spot for a quick coffee as it is a venue for milestone celebrations, The Bakehouse offers it all with Ayrburn’s signature considered design and exceptional hospitality. Grab your weekend essentials, treat yourself to a crisp glass of wine, or settle in at the long, rustic table overlooking The Dell for a convivial evening with friends. Whether it’s a quick dash or a long stay, The Bakehouse is sure to deliver.
Once the original homestead of the farm’s founding owner, William Paterson, The Burr Bar has been transformed into an intimate, luxurious watering hole. Capture the last of the day’s sun on the upper terrace, and take in the spectacular mountain surrounds. Order one of the expertly-crafted libations (the cocktails here are amongst the best we’ve had) paired with a selection of delicious snacks, and you have all the makings of an utterly idyllic summer evening.
Catering exceptionally well to littles and their charges alike, at Ayrburn there is all manner of things to keep both entertained. The Dairy is a destination filled with whimsical sweet treats that promise to hit the spot every time. Grab an icecream and make for The Dell — Ayrburn’s social lawn and a more than perfect spot to spend an afternoon.
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