Denizen’s Editor-in-chief Claire Sullivan-Kraus hosted an intimate evening at the Van Cleef & Arpels Auckland boutique, introducing guests to the maison’s exquisite Perlée collection — a celebration of all things small, spherical, and spectacular. Among the display of golden beaded jewels, guests indulged in an aptly decadent champagne and caviar tasting, a playful homage to all things petite and bubbly. The collection’s signature rounded forms proved irresistible, with each piece embodying the elegance and lightness that defines Van Cleef & Arpels’ expert artistry.
Come winter, when the inclement weather sets in and all you crave is comfort, a Sunday roast is perhaps the most satisfying, soul-warming salve on offer. Dating back to medieval England, what was once a post-church tradition has evolved into a weekly ritual at dinner tables across the country — and many of the city’s most loved eateries are stepping things up a notch to spare you the dishes and take the once-humble roast to delicious new heights.
Here, we round up the best elevated takes on a Sunday roast in the city, from speciality cuts with curated trimmings to all-out feasts, so all that’s left to do is see out the week in style.
Jervois Steak House has resurrected its famed wagyu Sunday roast, perfect for winter indulgence. Ending each week with a comforting feast, here, the star of the show is a 12‑hour slow‑cooked Southern Stations wagyu rump — tender, rich, and utterly melt‑in‑the‑mouth. It’s served with all the comforts of tradition: wagyu‑fat roasted potatoes, creamy potato gratin, pillowy Yorkshire puddings, seasonal veg, and a glossy house‑made jus. Priced at $79pp (minimum two), with a $15 house wine option, JSH’s roast is available from 5pm every Sunday through June, July, and August — first‑come, first‑served, so book early!
The Pantry at Park Hyatt Auckland takes Sunday roast up a notch with its cosy waterfront setting in Wynyard Quarter. Every Sunday from 5pm–8pm, guests can indulge in a rotating roast — think perfectly seared meats — accompanied by seasonal vegetables, golden potatoes, and rich house-made gravy, all for just $38 per person. Ideal for ending the week in style, this offering brings warmth and simplicity without compromise. Gather family or friends, book a table, and treat yourselves to a comforting, quality roast by the water.
Hotel Ponsonby’s take on the Sunday roast is as delicious as one would expect, given the lively spot’s reputation on the food front. Choose between roasted picanha with horseradish and pink peppercorn gravy ($36) or a slow-roasted butternut pumpkin version with mushroom gravy ($32) — both served with crispy potatoes, glazed purple carrots, and Yorkshire pudding. It’s a contemporary, flavour-forward update on tradition, best paired with a wine match or something from the aperitif list. For dessert, don’t miss the mezcal-laced sticky toffee pudding with miso caramel and fig cream, or the lemon tart with bay leaf mascarpone, accompanied by a digestif to finish with a flourish.
Ki Māha delivers a sumptuous coastal twist on the classic Sunday roast. Set against the fireside ambiance of Onetangi Beach, this winter’s offering features a slow-roasted Lumina lamb shoulder nestled alongside crispy duck-fat potatoes, golden Yorkshire puddings, and pan-seared broccolini — with ethically farmed meats and seasonal produce taking centre stage. Available all day, this hearty feast can be paired for two with a bottle of Ki Māha’s Black Label Syrah for $169.
While not a classic roast, Bivacco’s Sunday Feast is more than worthy of a mention on this list. From 11 am to 4 pm, this lavish buffet celebrates seafood, wood-fired pizza, handmade pasta and a succulent carvery featuring prime beef, pork belly and lamb leg roast stuffed with Italian sausage. Seasonal antipasti, roast veggies, and duck-fat potatoes ensure you won’t go hungry, before capping it all off at the dessert station with tiramisu, pavlova, carrot cake and more. Add cocktails, champagne specials, and live DJs for a truly lively Sunday experience — all for $85pp ($35 for kids).
Fresh off the back of a rather testing time — our Auckland home had just suffered extensive damage in the never-ending downpours, and my husband was recovering from shoulder reconstruction surgery after a particularly nasty accident — I didn’t need much persuading when the invitation to Flockhill arrived. The promise of a weekend in the South Island’s wild, wondrous high country, combined with our two great shared loves, Ruinart champagne and caviar, was too tempting to ignore.
The trifecta was made even sweeter by the setting. Flockhill sits proudly among the Craigieburn Ranges, a working sheep station since 1857 with an edge of luxury that’s hard to articulate. Think cinematic vistas, sophisticated design, and a team that makes you feel like you’re the only guest who’s ever mattered. This was somewhat of a homecoming for me; having grown up in North Canterbury, I spent winters skiing the nearby slopes of Porter’s Heights and Craigieburn. The sense of nostalgia ran deep.
We arrived late afternoon, driving from Christchurch through the breathtaking Porters Pass, although a helicopter is very much an option here. Our suite, one of the new villas tucked into the landscape, was everything you’d want from an alpine retreat: warm, chic, and designed for maximum comfort and views. A chilled bottle of Ruinart and a goodie bag immediately indicated that this would be no ordinary weekend.
Claire Sullivan-Kraus and Pablo Kraus with Ruinart’s charismatic Brand Ambassador, Dean O’Reilly
The evening began with an intimate fireside introduction hosted by Andrew Cullen, the lodge manager; Dean O’Reilly, Ruinart’s charismatic Brand Ambassador; and Hal from Caviar Mafia. Each guest was poured a glass of Ruinart Blanc de Blancs as Dean began to unravel the incredible history of this storied maison — the oldest established champagne house in France, dating back to 1729. He spoke about the unique characteristics of the Chardonnay grapes used in Ruinart’s portfolio of exceptional Champagnes and even the significance of the maison’s distinct bottle shape, which nods to its 18th-century origins.
The tasting, where Each Ruinart variety was paired with one of Caviar Mafia’s exceptional caviars
The real magic came with the tasting. Each Ruinart variety—Blanc de Blancs, Rosé, the vintage, and the prestige cuvée Dom Ruinart—was paired with one of Hal’s exceptional caviars. River Beluga, with its buttery richness, was a natural partner to the creamy Blanc de Blancs. The imperial oscietra, nutty and refined, brought a new dimension to the rosé. Each pairing was a revelation in how texture, salinity and effervescence can play together so elegantly. Relocating to the outside firepit at sunset, we bumped caviar off the back of our hands while savouring more of the special bottle of Dom Ruinart.
savouring bumps of caviar and Dom Ruinart by the outside firepit at sunset
Dinner that night was nothing short of sublime. Served in Flockhill’s restaurant, Sugarloaf, the setting was elegant but relaxed, with mood lighting, an open fire, and a buzz of anticipation from the open kitchen with its wood-burning fire. Chef Taylor Cullen’s menu took us on a journey across the region’s land and sea: dry-aged blue cod cooked over open flame and topped with Siberian caviar; wild-foraged mushroom tarts finished with crème fraîche and pearls of trout roe; and a perfectly aged lamb rack served with a delicate Ruinart rosé reduction. Each course came with a tailored champagne pour. A roaming caviar and Ruinart trolley made timed appearances to top us up at precisely the right moments. A live DJ played vinyl in the background, adding warmth and energy without disrupting the intimacy of the meal.
Chef Taylor Cullen’s menu will take you on a journey across the region’s land and sea
After dinner, we wandered down the path to the old miner’s cottage, which has been cleverly transformed into a games room and the perfect spot for a whisky. My husband and I rediscovered our competitive spirit here, playing round after round on the shuffleboard; my husband doesn’t like to lose, before wandering back to our villa under the kind of starlit sky you forget exists when you live in a city. The night air was crisp, the Southern Alps loomed dark and mighty, and the Milky Way was so incredibly bright I’d forgotten how beautiful the night sky is.
On Sunday morning, we took it slow. A walk to the lake. Coffee by the fire. Scrambled eggs (yes, topped with more caviar, because why not?). And time to reflect on just how restorative the weekend had been. This wasn’t just a getaway but a masterclass in how indulgence, nature, and culinary brilliance can align to create something truly unforgettable. So with the next indulgent Ruinart and Caviar Mafia weekend scheduled for Friday, 17th — Sunday 19th October, I can promise you, this experience is the palate cleanser your soul didn’t know it needed.
Book this exceptional experience for yourself,here.
The 2025 Iconic Auckland Eats list, featuring 100 of Auckland’s top dishes as nominated by the public, has just been released — giving Aucklanders and those visiting a comprehensive guide to what to eat across the region. Developed annually, the list sits as a celebration of Auckland’s incredible, diverse culinary scene, highlighting beloved dishes in Tāmaki Makaurau.
Now in its fifth year, Iconic Auckland Eats was established by Tātaki Auckland Unlimited as a way to showcase the vibrancy of the region’s gastronomic offering, highlighting legendary dishes that range from fine dining to budget-friendly bites — covering everything in between, too. The 2025 list includes long-standing favourites, hidden gems, and exciting new discoveries, and the dishes, submitted for consideration by locals, capture the essence of Auckland, embodying the cultural melting pot and richness that makes the region so special.
Masu’s wagyu kimchi gyoza
When it comes to what’s included, many Denizen favourites made the cut — from Bar Magda’s Noel’s charcoal steak with soy butter, scallion, to Amano’s famous scampi pasta (swoon), Depot’s fish sliders — unsurprisingly on the list for five years running, Masu’s wagyu kimchi gyoza, and Hello Beasty’s moreish prawn & crab toast, making a very welcome return.
Amano’s famous scampi pasta
Icons like Eden Noodles’ dumplings in spicy sauce, FishSmith’s battered Westmere Butchery pork sausage, Gemmayze Street’s babaganouj, Federal Delicatessen’s chicken salad sandwich, Huami’s fruit wood roasted peking duck, and Cassia’s pani puri all feature, too, in amongst quirkier additions — from Rhu’s honey toast with whipped yoghurt and fruit, to Metita’s handpicked beef scotch, 55 day dry-aged, with palusami purée and ravigote, San Ray’s quinoa toast with smoked fish and pickled egg, Goat by Sid Chopra’s slow cooked goat marinated in aromatic spices, mustard oil, garlic, and green chilies, Tala’s raw ramen, and Ragtag’s duck carnitas tacos (a must try).
Hello Beasty’s moreish prawn & crab toast
As has been the case since the initiative’s inception, the variety of cuisines on the list reflects the incredible mix of ethnicities in Auckland, and each nominated dish has a story behind the submission, with locals sharing insight into what the dish means to them. This year saw record number of entries, with over 3,000 nomination food stories coming in.
Goat’s slow cooked goat marinated in aromatic spices, mustard oil, garlic, and green chilies
While reading through the thousands of submissions, Iconic Auckland Eats judges select their favourite entries that embody the list’s ethos. This year, five stand-out stories were chosen, with the writer of each receiving $500 worth of vouchers to spend at their top five restaurants featuring on the list.
So, be it inspiration for a venue to visit, or a specific dish to satisfy a craving, Iconic Auckland Eats’ top 100 list rounds up some of the top spots and dishes on menus across the region — sitting as an incredible resource for locals or those visiting from further afield.
After years of pared-back minimalism and the omnipresence of beige, colour is making its triumphant return — and it’s not doing so quietly. Across interiors, we’re seeing a confident embrace of richer, moodier palettes, with deep, royal blues, jewel-toned greens and sumptuous terracotta reds ushering in a new chapter of visual decadence.
These hues aren’t simply decorative — they’re emotive. A deep blue stair or sumptuous sofa anchors a room with both calm and drama, while decadent green marble adds a calming sense of elegance to a kitchen or bathroom. Terracotta, once relegated to Mediterranean holiday homes, now feels utterly current — especially when rendered in plush upholstery or used on a feature wall, its warmth offering both comfort and depth.
Importantly, these colours aren’t being used timidly. Designers are embracing monochromatic palettes and tone-on-tone layering, allowing texture and materiality to bring nuance — think velvet, lacquer, brushed metal, and intricate marble playing off one another in a symphony of saturation.
The effect is both intimate and opulent. A shift away from sterile perfection, this return to rich colour speaks to a deeper desire for self-expression — and for interiors that feel personal, expressive, and lived in. Whether you’re ready to paint the walls or start small with soft furnishings, these shades offer a timeless richness that can totally transform a space.
While Kiwis have long looked east for their Australian escapes, to the beachy cities lining the coast, the wild majesty of the Kimberley awaits to the west — remote, rugged, and unlike anywhere else on the continent. For those seeking something beyond the expected, Ponant Explorations invites travellers to rediscover this extraordinary frontier in unmatched style.
Back by popular demand, Ponant Explorations’ Fly, Stay & Cruise package offers the most seamless way to experience the Kimberley region: return flights from major New Zealand cities, pre-cruise accommodation, and an all-inclusive, 10-night small-ship expedition aboard the elegant 184 Le Jacques Cartier or 264 passenger Le Soléal — all wrapped into one effortless journey. With Ponant Explorations’ signature French-inspired service, curated excursions, and rare access to ancient rock art, secluded reefs, and untamed waterfalls, this is adventure, elevated.
New for 2026, Australia’s West Coast Odyssey extends the journey from Broome to Fremantle (or reverse), unveiling UNESCO-listed wonders from Shark Bay to Ningaloo Coast. Here, sea lions, coral reefs, and centuries-old Aboriginal heritage coalesce in an 11-day voyage along one of the world’s most captivating coastlines.
Enjoy a Champagne Surprise on the King George River
The Darwin to Broome voyage (or reverse), Australia’s Iconic Kimberley voyage reveals a land shaped by time and tide. Over 11 days aboard Le Jacques Cartier or Le Soléal, guests are immersed in a cinematic landscape of towering gorges, ancient First Nation rock art (including a privileged visit to the sacred Gwion Gwion rock painting site estimated to be around 12,000 years old) and thriving wildlife. From the thunderous Twin Falls of the King George River to the crocodile-laced mangroves of the Hunter River, every day offers a new chapter in Australia’s last true wilderness.
Exploring the humbling landscape of the King George River on Zodiac
Whether tracing the King George River’s dramatic gorges or drifting through the Montebello Islands, every moment is infused with Ponant Explorations’ signature blend of luxury and immersion. Designed for those seeking stress-free adventure without compromise, these all-inclusive journeys take care of every detail — offering Kiwis a seamless, elevated way to discover Australia’s most remote and remarkable coastlines.
The Kimberley may be close to home, but it feels truly a world away.
*Package offer valid on new bookings only for 2026 Kimberley Luxury Expeditions itineraries. More conditions apply. Visit au.ponant.com/fly-stay-cruise-2026 for full terms and conditions. Advertised price is in Australia dollars (AUD), per person in a Deluxe Stateroom Deck 3. Price is correct at time of publishing and may change at any time without notice.
With yet another long weekend on the horizon, we’re loading up a cache of captivating new shows and planning a trip or two to the cinema. There is plenty to choose from on the new releases front, from Wes Anderson’s latest to side-splitting stand up, returning favourites back for a second season, and a romantic comedy that places Dakota Johnson in a love triangle with Pedro Pascal and Chris Evans — need we say more?
Materialists
When & Where to Watch: In cinemas now Starring: Dakota Johnson, Pedro Pascal, and Chris Evans
Dakota Johnson, Pedro Pascal, and Chris Evans star in Materialists, a sharp romantic comedy directed by Past Lives filmmaker Celine Song. Set in New York, the film follows a high-end matchmaker (Johnson) who becomes caught up in a love triangle of sorts with her ex (Evans) and her potential perfect match (Pascal).
The Phoenician Scheme
When & Where to Watch: In cinemas now Starring: Benicio Del Toro, Mia Threapleton, Michael Cera, Tom Hanks, and Scarlett Johansson
Wes Anderson’s latest film is a stylish espionage drama woven with betrayal and intrigue. Benicio del Toro stars as Zsa-zsa Korda, a wealthy patriarch entangled in a morally complex scheme alongside his daughter (Mia Threapleton), amid an all-star cast featuring Tom Hanks and Scarlett Johansson.
Echo Valley
When & Where to Watch: Out now, Apple TV+ Starring: Julianne Moore, Sydney Sweeney
In Echo Valley, Julianne Moore and Sydney Sweeney deliver a gripping thriller about a mother’s desperate fight to protect her daughter. When Claire (Sweeney) arrives bloodied and hysterical, Kate (Moore) unravels a harrowing truth, testing the limits of love and sacrifice. A taut, emotional journey from director Michael Pearce and writer Brad Ingelsby.
The Ritual
When & Where to Watch: Out now, Apple TV+ Starring: Al Pacino, Ashley Greene, and Dan Stevens
Al Pacino plays a seasoned exorcist in The Ritual, pulled into a harrowing case involving a possessed young woman, alongside Dan Stevens as a conflicted priest. Directed by David Midell, the film, inspired by true events, tows the line between psychological drama and supernatural horror.
Atsuko Okatsuka: Father
When & Where to Watch: Out now,Disney+ Starring: Atsuko Okatsuka
In Atsuko Okatsuka: Father, the acclaimed comedian returns with a disarmingly personal stand-up special that blends offbeat humour with heartfelt storytelling. Weaving tales of family, identity, and the surreal moments of everyday life, Okatsuka delivers a sharp, hilarious, and deeply human hour that cements her as one of comedy’s most original voices.
The Buccaneers — Season Two
When & Where to Watch: Out now, Apple TV+ Starring: Leighton Meester, Kristine Froseth, Guy Remmers, and Matthew Broome
The rebellious debutantes are back. In Season Two of The Buccaneers, alliances shift, hearts break, and the game of love grows even more treacherous. With Gilded Age glamour and biting wit, this glittering return dives deeper into the price of freedom — and what happens when girls refuse to play by the rules.
We Were Liars
When & Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Starring: Emily Alyn Lind, Caitlin FitzGerald, and Mamie Gummer
A dreamy summer. A privileged family. A terrible secret. We Were Liars unravels the haunting story of Cadence Sinclair Eastman and the fateful events that fracture everything she thought she knew. Atmospheric and emotionally charged, this adaptation of E. Lockhart’s bestselling novel is a slow-burn mystery about memory, love, and the lies we tell to survive.
The Waterfront
When & Where to Watch: June 19th, Netflix Starring: Holt McCallany, Maria Bello, Jake Weary, and Melissa Benoist
From Scream and Dawson’s Creek creator Kevin Williamson, The Waterfront follows the Buckley family as they fight to save their crumbling North Carolina fishing empire. With financial pressures mounting, they turn to dangerous alliances — like a volatile drug smuggler played by Topher Grace. Family, crime, and legacy collide in this gripping coastal drama.
Words Sammy Rohloff | PHOTOS Neil Rasmus | 17 Jun 2025
Tiffany & Co. recently gathered friends of the house for an intimate evening on The Landmark terrace in New York City, all toasting to the Tiffany HardWear collection and its stellar campaign starring contemporary painter Anna Weyant. With Ruinart flowing, Daniel Boulud’s culinary magic, and a guest list that read like a who’s who, it was undoubtedly a night where luxury met unbridled charm.
Anna Weyant
Phoebe Gates, Laura Harrier, Chase Sui Wonders, Anna Weyant & Karen Elson
Sean Connolly has once again expanded his horizons with the launch of Pavilion Bar & Kitchens. Framed by the dramatic backdrop of stunning scenery and humming with après-ski spirit, Pavilion Bar & Kitchens is Sean Connolly’s latest love letter to casual, yet elevated hospitality. Set in the heart of Queenstown, Pavilion is a lively, multi-sensory celebration of the beloved Central Otago region.
Sean Connolly
Open from early morning until late, seven days a week, Pavilion invites locals and travellers alike to gather, graze, and revel in the kind of generous, joyful dining that Connolly is renowned for. With three distinctly different offerings under one roof — Steak & Oyster Co., Ciao Brutto, and the Pavilion Bar — the venue is a spirited homage to both the culture and the landscape of this storied region.
Inside, the space is textured and tactile: natural basalt underfoot, aged leather banquettes fashioned from reclaimed sleepers, and glowing firepits set in boulders hauled from Timaru. Designed by Ignite with interiors by Izzard, the aesthetic draws directly from Queenstown’s alpine soul — raw, honest, and elemental.
Steak & Oyster Co.
At Steak & Oyster Co., Connolly’s signature tribute to surf and turf gets a Southern twist. Butcher-style counters and an open-fire grill set the tone for a menu of premium cuts and ocean-fresh seafood, all sourced from local growers and fishers who share Connolly’s reverence for quality, seasonal produce.
Ciao Brutto
Left: Pavilion Bar
Elsewhere within the sweeping space, Ciao Brutto keeps things rustic and raucous. Named after the affectionate Italian greeting, the pizzeria and pasta bar is anchored by twin wood-fired ovens with a dedicated dough room upstairs, producing up to 800 pizzas a day — each one a delicious ode to shared conviviality.
And then there’s the Pavilion Bar — a breezy, indoor-outdoor affair serving cocktails with local flair and a curated list of regional wines and craft brews.
Add to that a rotating line-up of live music, DJs, and local performers, as well as exclusive private dining and dedicated event spaces, and you’ve got a venue that hums from morning flat whites to night-time negronis.
Left to Right: Sean Connolly & Tomoya Kodera
Behind it all is Connolly’s trusted team, including Executive Chef Tomoya Kodera, whose Japanese roots and Italian training bring finesse to every plate.
At once intimate and expansive, Pavilion is Queenstown’s new communal hub — where the fire’s always lit, the plates are passed generously, and good times roll long into the night.
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