Have you heard? Esarn Rocket is the tasty new Thai eatery in Westmere making waves

Esarn (or Isan) is a Northeastern region of Thailand famed for its unique, delicious cuisine and vibrant culture, which is exactly what you’ll find at Esarn Rocket — the modern-authentic Thai eatery in Westmere quickly becoming known for turning out some of the tastiest Thai in town.

Here, the focus falls on authentic yet approachable modern Thai, served in a space that is laid-back and welcoming, drawing on vibrant Thai street food culture to give it an unmistakable edge.

The food runs the gamut from classics like Pad Thai and Thai Green Curry to more traditional takes such as Som Tum Pla La with raw prawns and Spicy Pork Salad with anchovy, but trust us when we say that every single dish is worthy of your attention.

There are five curries to choose from, spanning green, red, yellow, and two variations of massaman, and they’re among the best we’ve had anywhere. The green, red, and yellow iterations come with your choice of meat (the crispy pork belly is sublime) and a melange of fresh vegetables in impossibly flavoursome sauces that are pitch-perfect on the heat front.

Meanwhile, a number of tasty takes on fried rice are essential orders (the Railway Fried Rice is a more unique spin, while the Tom Yum Fried Rice is a crowd-pleaser with it’s tangy undercurrent and subtle spice), and the dedicated Stir-Fried Menu is brimming with delicious dishes, from sweet & sour pork or chicken to chicken cashew nut stir fry, Pu Pad Pong Ga Ree with soft shell crab, and a flavour-packed basil stir fry with either chicken, pork, or crispy pork belly.

Esarn’s Street Food Menu features a number of more adventurous dishes, while the dedicated Fish Menu comprises two delicious options: a deep-fried fish with three-flavour sauce and a herby garden fish with green apple, roasted chilli flakes, and chilli paste. The eatery’s larb is also a must-try, bursting with flavour and packed with fresh herbs and tangy sauce — the perfect accompaniment to one of the crisp salads on offer.

Elsewhere, noodles take centre stage in flavourful Pad Thai and Pad See Yew, and a delicious Mixed Seafood Pad Kee Mao dish — all three of which are worth trying, while a comprehensive vegetarian and vegan menu ensures there’s something for every taste and proclivity. There are even kids dishes if you’re stopping by with the family, with a mini pad see yew and chicken fried rice on offer.

And, while dining in is a great way to spend an evening with family or friends in a lively local spot (they’re also awaiting a liquor licence, meaning soon you can accompany your meal with an ice-cold Thai beer or cocktail), Esarn does takeaways exceptionally well — coming packed in quality containers that retain the heat and don’t spill (without a sheet of glad wrap in sight).

While Auckland has no shortage of exceptional Thai eateries, Esarn Rocket stands out for it’s flavoursome, fresh, quality food and friendly service, drawing on the community-centric energy of Westmere to offer a new spot for locals and those making the trip from further afield for a true taste of Thailand.

Opening hours:
Tuesday — Sunday, 12pm to 3pm (lunch) & 5pm until Late (dinner)

esarnrocket.co.nz

Esarn Rocket

170 Garnet Road
Westmere
Auckland

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Metita's New Vegan Menu

Relish the changing seasons and step out of your culinary comfort zone with our definitive March Dining Guide

While I’m never one to complain about warm weather, it feels like we’re all relishing the promise of the cooler days and the change in pace autumn brings. And we’re not alone. The hospitality world is wholeheartedly embracing the new season ahead, leaning into autumnal produce and the shift in dining style (think chic and intimate over casual and convivial), with a raft of foodie happenings that should be firmly on your radar.

From delicious new menus to jazz and food nights, cocktail evenings, intimate degustations and more, whether you’re an avid foodie, or are simply wanting to switch up your regular, look no further than our comprehensive March Dining Guide.

Bar Magda

Espresso Nights at Bar Magda

A trip to Bar Magda is always an enjoyable and satiating affair. Food aside, the cocktails are certainly some of the best in the city, with both inventive takes and elevated classics on offer, and now, the subterranean spot has unveiled a bespoke ‘Espresso Martini Nights’ menu come Friday and Saturday. Here, several delightful renditions of everyone’s favourite party starter are on offer for a modest $18 a pop from 8pm until midnight — setting the tone for a convivial evening.

Book a table, here.

Norma Taps

New Menu at Norma Taps

Norma Taps continues to redefine sustainable hospitality, unveiling a bold new menu crafted by Passa Passa. Expect Italian-inspired flavours with a modern twist — shishito peppers with basil-feta whip, fish crudo, and standout pizzas. With a laid-back vibe and the eatery’s innovative 24-tap system pouring premium wines, craft beers, and fresh cocktails — with a delicious Limoncello and Hugo Spritz joining the fold this week — it’s a must for city-dwellers.

Book a table, here.

Paris Butter Turns Nine

Paris Butter marks nine years of refined fine dining with an extraordinary two-night collaboration featuring Michelin-starred chef Nick Honeyman (Le Petit Léon, France), Zennon Wijlens (Paris Butter), and Will Goldfarb (Room4Dessert, Netflix Chef’s Table star and World’s Best Pastry Chef — World’s 50 Best, 2021). Guests will indulge in six exquisite courses, signature snacks, and curated beverage pairings. A rare chance to experience world-class gastronomy in Auckland.

Secure your spot here.

The Barrel Room at Ayrburn

The Barrel Room Jazz Club at Ayrburn

Those based in Queenstown would do well to make for Ayrburn come Friday for the precinct’s The Barrel Room Jazz Club for an unforgettable night of live jazz and exquisite dining. Enjoy performances by Harriet & The Radiophonics alongside a refined set menu featuring fresh market fish with burre blanc or tender lamb with garlic jus. Whether dining or sipping at the bar, let the rhythm and ambience transport you.

Book a table, here.

Chef’s Table at Hotel Britomart

Chef’s Table at Hotel Britomart

For one night only on March 27th, award-winning chefs Dariush Lolaiy (Cazador) and Tom Hishon (Kingi) craft a stunning five-course degustation in the intimate elegance of The Libraries at The Hotel Britomart. Expect exquisite wild and sustainable fare, matched wines, and a progressive dining experience through this luxurious setting.

Secure your spot, here.

Mizu Bread

Mizu’s (Long-Awaited) Mont Blanc

Mizu Bread has earned itself a cult following, and for good reason, turning out exceptional, inventive treats from it’s two CBD outposts that hit the spot every time. And regulars are buzzing with news that the bakery has released the much-anticipated Mont Blanc — a layered treat comprising chocolate cookie plate, melted dark chocolate, chocolate sponge cake soaked in espresso, whole rum-soaked chestnut, crème chantilly, melted dark chocolate drizzles, marron cream, and finished with a touch of cocoa powder. Simply sublime.

QT Rooftop Rosé & Long Lunches

Savour the lingering warm weather at QT Rooftop with an exclusive Whispering Angel lunch experience. Every weekend from now until the end of March, enjoy a seasonal set menu — think chargrilled octopus and Speckle Park Bavette — paired with Provence Rosé. With stunning city views, it’s the ultimate sun-soaked afternoon indulgence.

Secure your spot, here.

Left: QT Rooftop. Right: Non Solo Pizza

Sip & Savour at Non Solo Pizza

Discover Sip & Savour at Non Solo Pizza, a fresh take on Aperitivo Hour. Every second Thursday, from 5–7pm, enjoy a curated wine tasting paired with a delectable aperitivo snack. With expert insights from wine aficionados and vibrant atmosphere, it’s the perfect way to unwind and explore new flavours.

Book a table, here.

Metita

New Vegan Menu at Metita

Metita is celebrating its second year at SkyCity with the launch of an exciting new vegan menu this March, pioneering plant-based Pacific cuisine. Chef Michael Meredith showcases ancestral flavours through locally cultivated ingredients, with dishes like baked umala with coconut béarnaise and grilled oyster mushroom with ulu. A creative, sustainable take on tradition—appealing to all, plant-based or not.

Book a table, here.

J’aime in Auckland

Fifteen years after introducing Christchurch to handcrafted macarons that capture the elegance of a European pâtisserie, J’aime has touched down in Commercial Bay — bringing its signature indulgence to Auckland. If you’re yet to do so, make for the beloved pâtisserie to get your fix, selecting from an extensive range of signature macarons — each as delectable as the last.

Details here.

Left: J’aime. Right: Cassia in SkyCity

SkyCity Golden Hour

SkyCity’s Golden Hour is back, with a series of unmissable deals and set menus on offer for the night’s first sitting. From Cassia’s modern-Indian fare to Metita’s inventive Pasific cuisine to a tasty three-course feast at MASU with a glass of wine, all for $70, here, you’ll find a curation of bespoke seasonal menus and specials on offer, inspiring diners to make the last of the day’s rays.

Book a table, here.

Onslow

Onslow’s Summer Lunch Prix Fixe Menu 

Escape the office and savour Summer Lunch Prix Fixe — a refined three-course menu at $80 per person, available Wednesday to Friday at Onslow. Enjoy seasonal treats, a choice of elegant mains, and dessert, all designed for a seamless yet indulgent lunch. Perfect for long catch-ups or a chic midday reset.

Takapuna Beach Café

Drinks at Takapuna Beach Café

Takapuna Beach Cafe is now licensed, offering a curated selection of New Zealand wines and craft beers to complement its seasonal menu and stunning waterfront setting. Diners can now enjoy a glass of champagne, wine, or beer with their meal, alongside new afternoon snacks. This marks an exciting evolution for the beloved cafe, enhancing its all-day dining experience.

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Ladi6

From live music to unmissable exhibitions, our March Culture Guide has everything that should be on your radar this month

With March (and the arrival of autumn) comes a slew of fascinating, fulfilling and immersive cultural experiences. From epic exhibitions to design festivals to theatre, comedy, live music and more, our comprehensive March Culture Guide is here to detail everything you need to attend over the month ahead.

A Mixtape for Maladies

A Mixtape for Maladies

When & Where: Tuesday 4th — Sunday 23rd March, ASB Waterfront Theatre

Ahi Karunaharan’s A Mixtape for Maladies is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the enduring power of music. Set against the backdrop of 1950s Sri Lanka, Sangeetha’s world revolves around family, romance, and a love of songs — until civil war shatters their lives. Now, decades later living in Aotearoa, her son Deepan discovers a mixtape, uncovering the layered memories of his mother’s past. This intimate and powerful work offers both a new understanding of identity, and a testament to resilience through time and melody.

Olafur Eliasson Late Night

Olafur Eliasson Late Night

When & Where: Thursday 20th March, Auckland Art Gallery

Step into a world of colour, light, and elemental forces at Olafur Eliasson Late Night, presented with Auckland Arts Festival. Explore Your Curious Journey — the first solo exhibition of the acclaimed artist in Aotearoa, showcasing over 30 years of work from immersive installations to thought-provoking sculptures. Enjoy live performances, insightful conversations, and a drop-in workshop, before unwinding with a drink beneath Eliasson’s mesmerising Under the Weather in the gallery’s atrium.

Auckland Design Week

Auckland Design Week

When & Where: Monday 3rd — Sunday 9th March, various locations city-wide

Auckland Design Week returns this March, bringing a dynamic celebration of design to Tāmaki Makaurau. This year’s theme, Chance + Change, explores the transformative role of emerging technologies in design. With internationally renowned designer Karim Rashid headlining as keynote speaker, and countless workshops, exhibitions, and satellite events citywide, ADW25 promises to inspire, connect, and showcase the best in local and global design.

Barfoot & Thompson Champions Day at Ellerslie Racecourse

Barfoot & Thompson Champions Day

When & Where: Saturday, 8th March, Ellerslie Racecourse

Featuring over $9 million in total stakes and prizes on offer across the day, New Zealand’s richest-ever sporting event — Barfoot & Thompson Champions Day, is set to be a standout in the racing calendar. This brand-new spectacle introduces the sport’s first-ever slot race with a record $3.5 million prize pool, and plays host to The Ned Prix de Fashion — New Zealand’s answer to the Melbourne Cup’s most stylish fashion moments. With premium hospitality, free children’s entertainment, and an epic afterparty featuring UK sensation DJ Jax Jones, Barfoot & Thompson Champions Day is a racing experience like no other.

A Streetcar Named Desire

A Streetcar Named Desire 

When & Where: Thursday 20th — Sunday 23rd March, Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre, Aotea Centre

For the first time in Australasia, iconic Scottish ballet A Streetcar Named Desire is being showcased — the original score performed live by the Auckland Philharmonia. This adaptation of Tennessee Williams’ play is a contemporary narrative ballet, injecting dance into the beating heart of the famed tale, in a vital, achingly intense tribute.

Synthony in the Domain returns to Auckland, above Masha

Mānuka Phuel Synthony Festival

When & Where: Saturday 29th March, Auckland Domain

Mānuka Phuel SYNTHONY Festival returns to Auckland in 2025, with the global premiere of Synthony No.6 with the Auckland Philharmonia conducted by Sarah-Grace Williams, and performances by Cyril, Example (UK), and more. This electrifying fusion of live orchestra, electronic beats, and immersive visuals promises a festival experience like no other.

Frieda Margolis

Freida Market

When & Where: Saturday 1st March, Freida Margolis, Auckland

Kickstart your weekend at the lively Freida Market, held on the first Saturday of every month at Freida Margolis in Grey Lynn. Discover a curated selection of pre-loved and vintage clothes, unique finds, freshly baked goods, seasonal flowers, ceramics, handmade crafts, and more. Enjoy tasty bites as vinyl spins in true Freida’s style, adding to the warm, community feel.

Smashed – The Nightcap

Auckland Arts Festival

When & Where: Thursday 6th — Sunday 23rd March, various locations Auckland-wide

This March sees the always anticipated return of the Auckland Arts Festival to the beating cultural heart of the city. Featuring what might be the event’s biggest programme yet, full of some of our greatest national talents, and visiting guests from further afield, Aucklanders are treated to 17 days of immersion in the arts. Think exhibitions, live performances and workshops, of which the complete programme can be discovered here.

Kelmarna Farm Festival

Kelmarna Farm Festival

When & Where: Sunday 16th March, Kelmarna Farm

Celebrate the arrival of autumn with a day of live music, delicious local food, and hands-on farm experiences at Kelmarna Community Farm’s much-loved annual festival. On Sunday, March 16th between 12 — 5pm, explore lush gardens, enjoy workshops, and sip on drinks from the licensed bar — all while supporting a regenerative food system. ‘Pay-What-You-Can’ tickets are available via Humanitix, here, or grab one at the gate.

SIX The Musical

SIX The Musical

When & Where: Thursday 27th February — Sunday 23rd March, The Civic

A global phenomenon, SIX the Musical reimagines history with a high-energy, 80-minute spectacle where the six fierce Tudor wives of the infamous monarch, Henry Vlll, reclaim their stories. Winner of 35 international awards, including Tonys, this electrifying show — which has captivated millions worldwide — is a spectacle not to be missed. Secure tickets here.

Black Grace – This is not a Retrospective

Black Grace — This Is Not A Retrospective

When & Where: Saturday 22nd March, Auckland Town Hall

Celebrating 30 years, Black Grace — This Is Not A Retrospective closes the Auckland Arts Festival with an electrifying, interactive dance party at the Great Hall. Expect high-energy performances, dynamic connections between artists and audience, and a night of movement, music, and celebration — continuing late into the night.

WONDERLAND by Katherine Throne

Deep Roots, Tall Poppies by Katherine Throne at Sanderson

When & Where: Wednesday 5th — Sunday 30th March, Sanderson

Katherine Throne’s Deep Roots, Tall Poppies at Sanderson Gallery reimagines floral painting with bold compositions and expressive brushwork. Inspired by her Wānaka garden, Throne’s still lifes subvert tradition, celebrating individuality and resilience. Her vibrant, untamed blooms reject conformity, embodying nature’s exuberance and the freedom to flourish.

Ready & Reset Wellness Farmhouse Day

Ready & Reset Countryside Reset

When & Where: Saturday 29th March, Clevedon

Set in a serene countryside location, Ready & Reset’s inaugural one day retreat on the 29th of March offers a transformative day of movement, mindfulness, and community. Led by founder Esther Cronin, the experience includes Pilates, sound baths, breathwork, and expert talks — designed to restore balance, clarity, and well-being.

Culture

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Left to right: Maritozzi brioche buns with ora king caviar, Chilli fried calamari

Andiamo does happy hour a little differently — here’s what you need to know

Otto Hour at Andiamo is still running, and is the perfect way to spend a languorous afternoon. Otto translates to lucky number eight in Italian, and lucky it is indeed, with an elevated selection of drinks during Otto hour priced at a modest $8.

Running the happy hour from 4-5pm daily was a considered choice, timed to inspire locals to make like the Italians and take a moment of repose to enjoy the warmth of the late afternoon sun.

On the food front, revellers will find a number of tasty deals sure to hit the spot as you sip on a refreshing Otto Spritz or a glass of whatever takes your fancy from the extensive menu. From chilli fried calamari, ‘bagna cauda’, with chilli oil and lemon to maritozzi brioche buns with parmesan custard and ora king caviar and a satisfying focaccia with goat’s cheese and walnut whipped butter with vincotto, the food on offer is sure to inspire you to stay for a little longer than just happy hour.

Open Tuesday through Sunday, we encourage you to perch at one of Andiamo’s highly sought-after outdoor tables surrounding their Jervois Road post and live la dolce vita.

andiamoeatery.co.nz

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A digital detox worth paying for — this is what we’re booking tickets to this week

To the uninitiated, the theatre might seem a little daunting. But, in an age of relentless screens and endless scrolling, live performance offers an experience I’m certain we’re all craving — one of connection, cultural immersion, and a reprieve from the digital overwhelm of modern life.

And, if you’ve been waiting for the perfect moment to dip your toes into the world of theatre (and earn some serious cultural clout in doing so), consider a mixtape for maladies the perfect foil.

Approachable, captivating, and perfect for a night out with friends, family, or your better half, this perspective-shifting saga is set to a soundtrack of nostalgia. Written by one of Aotearoa’s most gifted storytellers, the play follows Sangeetha and her family as they navigate the shifting tides of history. In a small Sri Lankan village, songs are the thread that holds Sangeetha’s world together — until civil war shatters everything she knows. Decades later, in Aotearoa, her son Deepan pieces together their past through an old mixtape, each track unlocking a memory long buried.

Poetic and deeply moving, a mixtape for maladies is a story of resilience and a testament to how songs shape our memories, marking the moments we never forget.

Sangeetha (bottom left) and her family. Photography by Abhi Chinniah

Unlike film or television, with its fleeting dopamine hits and ability to temporarily switch our brains off, live performance is a real-world experience — its immediacy and intimacy sweeping you up in a narrative, holding you there until the final curtain falls. And in a city that thrives on creativity and culture, engaging with the kind of art that showcases not only Auckland’s incredible pool of creative talent, but presents an opportunity to immerse yourself in an experience that enriches your mind and invites you to view the world from a different prescriptive, is essential.

So, if you do one thing this weekend, secure your spot to a mixtape for maladies and allow yourself a moment to disconnect from everything else and just be — present, engaged, swept up in something extraordinary, in real life, in real time.

Secure your spot at this unmissable showcase, here.

Auckland Theatre Company presents a mixtape for maladies
When: 4 – 23 March
Where: ASB Waterfront Theatre

atc.co.nz

Culture

A new way to experience Auckland’s cultural heart — together
Consult our guide to the best mom-centric movies to watch this Mother’s Day
Wondering what to watch this autumn? Discover these unmissable new shows & films

Lilian’s new private dining room brings Tim Webber’s bespoke craftsmanship to the fore

Nestled within the refined yet welcoming interiors of Lilian, the newly unveiled private dining room is an intimate retreat where craftsmanship and design converge. A collaboration between Tim Webber and acclaimed design studio CTRL Space, the space embodies meticulous attention to detail, pairing artisanal precision with contemporary elegance (Lilian’s hallmark).

Bespoke fluted leather banquette seating & stunning 2.2-meter diameter marble dining table

Tasked with creating bespoke furniture and joinery for the project, Tim Webber’s contribution is at the heart of the room’s aesthetic and functional appeal. Among the standout features is a 2.2-meter diameter marble dining table — a statement piece that anchors the room with its striking presence. The table’s sculptural form is defined by four precision-cut marble slabs, seamlessly supported by a tubular steel leg base. Engineered for both stability and refinement, the structure ensures a weightless visual balance while accommodating the logistical challenge of installation on the second floor with restricted access. A surrounding solid oak timber frame enhances the tactile contrast of natural materials, lending warmth to the cool elegance of the marble.

The custom marble dining table

Complementing this centrepiece is the custom inbuilt dry bar joinery and shelving, designed to blend seamlessly into the space while providing functional sophistication. The fluted leather banquette seating further reinforces the sense of intimacy, inviting guests to relax in plush comfort while immersed in the understated luxury of the surroundings. Despite the complexity of the project, Tim Webber’s team executed each element within an ambitious five-week timeframe — a testament to their expertise and commitment to excellence.

Custom crafted custom inbuilt dry bar joinery and shelving by Tim Webber

Speaking of which, Tim Webber’s design philosophy extends beyond ready-made collections, offering a fully bespoke service that transforms creative visions into reality. Whether adapting existing designs or conceptualising entirely new pieces, each creation is meticulously crafted to harmonise with its intended space.

From residential commissions to commercial fit-outs, Tim Webber’s bespoke offerings balance aesthetics with functionality. His signature approach — marked by clean lines, premium materials, and timeless appeal — ensures every piece is not only a statement of quality, but a seamless extension of its environment.

Experience Tim Webber’s exquisitely crafted custom pieces for yourself and book Lilian’s private dining room, here.

timwebberdesign.com

Design

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Liquid waves is the new hair trend worth knowing

Forget beachy ‘water waves’ or undone hair, liquid waves are taking over — a new trend inspiring us to lean into a more precise, polished look. Here, ultra sleek, uber high shine hair is waved into undulating, glossy ripples to create a glamorous, old Hollywood vibe fit for contemporary settings.

Here, we share how to achieve the luxe look at home.

Get the Look


This look is all about prep, prep, and prep. Wash and condition hair with moisture-rich products for a smooth, sleek base, following with a wash-out mask to ensure extra moisture and shine.

When your hair is close to dry, blow dry to finish, using a large round brush — spraying first with a heat protectant.

Then, when you’re ready to style into waves, use a larger barrel tong to shape hair into ‘S’ ribbons, using the barrel as a shape tool instead of wrapping hair in the tong itself.

Once cooled, lightly run through with a wide comb (or use your fingers), and set with a gentle hairspray, finishing with a shine spray for ultimate gloss and glamour.

Shampoo & Conditioners 


OUAI Fine Hair Shampoo & Conditioner from Sephora
Oribe Supershine Hydrating Shampoo & Conditioner from Moda Operandi
Moroccan Oil Hydrating Shampoo & Conditioner from Revolve

Brushes


Moroccan Oil Ceramic Round Brush from Sephora
La Bonne Brosse N.05 Round Hair Brush from Moda Operandi
Evo Bruce 22 Radial Brush from Adore Beauty

Hairsprays


AMIKA Rising Star Volumising Spray from Sephora
ColorWOW Dream Coat Supernatural Spray from Adore Beauty
Oribe Free Style Hair Spray from Cult Beauty

Wellbeing

We sit down with Lucy Caldwell and Bella Ireland, founders of the new self-tan-meets-skincare brand making waves
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Classic and cloud-like, the iconic Tufty Time sofa reminds us why comfort always prevails

The sofa is the most ubiquitous piece of furniture there is and the anchor of your living quarters, one which is imperative to quality cosy movie nights and indoor festivities alike. As such, choosing one should never be a decision made with haste. Rather careful deliberation should be employed, along with a conscious avoiding of the most common design blunder there is: forgoing comfort and practicality in favour of style.

It’s simple but sound advice — ensure you tick off practicality before considering the design and you will never be disappointed. A prime example of this ideology being put to good use is the Tufty Time, an instantly recognisable sofa — available locally from Matisse — that is renowned for its utmost attention to comfort.

The Tufty Time, and the reimagined Tufty Too, — crafted at the hands of Spanish designer Patricia Urquiola — are sofas that run the gamut of requirements for extreme comfort, checking off sprawling size, abundant seating space and plush materials. Much of the Tufty Time’s allure is down to its sectional design.

Like a game of Tetris where the winning prize is an unparalleled experience of comfort, the sofa joins together large square blocks — reminiscent of mammoth cushions — to create a finished product of any size and shape, whether that be an ottoman, a corner sofa, or a contemporary island piece designed for 360 degree seating — perfect for accommodating a house full of guests.

While comfort is the crux of the Tufty Time, that’s not to say the sofa isn’t easy on the eye. It’s able to be rendered in either plush fabric or buttery leather upholstery, in almost every hue on the colour wheel, and thus can be tweaked to suit all tastes and spaces.

Whether you’re yearning for a svelte, mustard piece to inject a dose of vibrant personality to your living space, or a sleek, leather camel addition to blend into your traditionalist motif, the Tufty Time can cater to all — just be sure to pick something that is suited to your own preferences as opposed to adhering to trends. Interior fashions come and go, but classic design, personal taste and, most importantly, unsurpassable comfort, are infinite.

www.matisse.co.nz

Matisse

130 Saint Georges Bay Road,
Parnell

www.matisse.co.nz

Design

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On a waterfront site in Sydney, Carter Williamson transforms a historic Victorian cottage into a residence as striking as its surrounds

Meet Ground Wine Bar — the new subterranean spot in the city with over 50 pours by the glass

Friends Aleks and Martin found common ground in their passion for great wine, and quickly discovered they both had a strong desire to share that passion with others. Enter: Ground Wine Bar — the duo’s cosy below-ground wine bar in the heart of city.

Tucked away beneath O’Connell Street, Ground is a haven for wine enthusiasts. With decades of experience and thousands of hours dedicated to tasting and studying wine, Aleks and Martin envisioned a tasteful space where great wine meets relaxed, approachable enjoyment. “Our main game is wine,” they share. “We offer a small range of beer and spirits, but wine is our passion. We have over 50 wines by the glass, with selections from all over the world — from the cradle of wine in Georgia to classic regions like Italy, Spain, and Greece, and even more obscure gems from Lebanon, Syria, and Peru.”

The atmosphere at Ground is warm and intimate. Soft blues and soul music play in the background, inviting guests to unwind in a comfortable setting. It’s a place to cosy up and read a book over a glass, settle in for a catch up with friends, and the perfectly intimate setting for a date.

On the food front, the menu is homey and simple, “Nothing fancy, just delicious nibbles,” as Aleks puts it. “What we serve is sourced from local small businesses and trusted friends, like Wild Wheat, Artisan Hub and Cazador.” As such, you’ll find charcuterie, cheeses, baked camembert, pâté, tapenade served with fresh bread and crackers — perfectly selected to complement the wines on offer.

Nestled below Cahn’s Wines & Spirits at 10 O’Connell Street, Ground is a hidden gem open six days a week, offering a laid-back yet world-class wine experience.

Opening hours:
Wednesday — Monday, 3pm until midnight

groundwine.co.nz

Ground Wine Bar

10 O'Connell Street
Auckland Central

Gastronomy

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Take happy hour to new heights at HI-SO Rooftop Bar

As the workday winds down and the city comes to life, there’s no better place to toast to the evening than HI-SO Rooftop Bar. Perched high above Auckland’s skyline, this sleek 16th-floor oasis offers an elevated alternative to the bustling bars below, boasting panoramic views, a curated selection of finely crafted drinks, and tasty food to pair.

Cocktails left to right: Chico Picante, Rae Rae & Lady Dahlia

Once the city’s pioneer in rooftop revelry, HI-SO has evolved beyond its high-energy beginnings, settling into a more refined rhythm. Think less bottle-popping and table top dancing, more intimate cocktails and refined bites — an inviting space where each pour and plate is carefully curated, and the vibe is perfectly suited to sophisticated sundowners.

For those seeking after-work indulgence, HI-SO’s new Sundowner menu makes the transition from day to dusk all the more delightful. Available weekdays from 3-6pm, you’ll find a handpicked selection of the bar’s finest tipples at an irresistible price. From Tommy’s Margaritas for $15 to a chilled flute of Col de’Salici Prosecco for $12, or a glass of Greywacke Sauvignon Blanc or Paikaka Pinot Noir for $14, whether you lean toward crisp whites, velvety reds, or something a little more spirited, HI-SO promises options for every taste and proclivity.

OYSTERs OF THE DAY with cocktails Rae Rae (front) & Hackney Spritz (back)

If we were to pick favourites, it would be a toss up between the ever-refreshing Hackney Spritz, pairing sloe gin with peach, blackcurrant, and lemon, the Lady Dahlia with gin, cherry, lillet rose, lime and egg white, or the quenching Rae-Rae — a heady mix of rum, mezcal, passionfruit honey, tonka, and lime. But honestly, each and every cocktail here is as refined and unique as the last.

And, beyond the drinks, HI-SO’s menu of refined bar snacks is designed for easy grazing. A dozen oysters with a splash of mignonette, truffle mushroom arancini, prosciutto with house pickles, or crispy chicken thighs with gochujang glaze — each dish is the perfect accompaniment to a relaxed evening above the city.

The space itself remains centred on imaginative design that is anything but ordinary. Crafted by Dutch design house Moooi, its origami-inspired Perch lights cast a warm glow over stone finishes that nod to Auckland’s mineral-rich underground, while flecks of gold throughout the space pay homage to the building’s history as the Former Reserve Bank of New Zealand, where the nation’s largest gold bullion was once stored.

As Auckland’s rooftop scene grows, HI-SO remains ahead of the curve — an effortlessly chic, sky-high retreat for those in the know. Whether you’re unwinding solo, gathering with colleagues, or slipping into the weekend a little early, this is where city-siders find their perfect post-work pour.

Opening hours:
Monday — Thursday, 3pm — 11pm
Friday & Saturday, 3pm — Midnight
Saturday, 11.30am — 9pm

hiso-rooftopbar.co.nz

HI-SO Rooftop Bar

SO/ Auckland
Level 16
67 Customs Street East
Auckland

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