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As New Zealand Fashion Week sets the city abuzz from the 25th to the 31st of August, Auckland becomes a vibrant mecca, as the energy from the runway spills onto the bustling streets. In just 48 hours, you can immerse yourself in the city’s most chic corners, balancing shows with indulgent eats, luxe stays, and culture-rich diversions. Whether you’re here for the fashion, the creativity, or simply the vibe, this guide will help you make the most of your 2025 New Zealand Fashion Week.
Ease into your itinerary with a late-afternoon check-in at The Hotel Britomart, where considered design sets the tone for the evening ahead. Sip a pre-show cocktail at Kingi — the perfect spot to watch the city hum — before making your way to the Karen Walker x Adidas runway at 6pm. When the final looks have cleared the catwalk, keep the night alive with a late dinner at Soul Bar & Bistro, where harbour views and a lively crowd make for the ideal post-show backdrop.
Start the day immersed in ideas at the 8am Speaker Series, Skin Deep: How Wellness is Shaping the Fashion Culture, presented by Ready&Reset. From there, stroll to Amano for a leisurely brunch before heading up Queen Street, pausing to explore some of the city’s most coveted luxury fashion and jewellery houses. Your next stop is Hotel Indigo for the Rebe trunk show, followed by an afternoon at the Auckland Art Gallery. As the day winds down, enjoy a late lunch or early dinner at Darling, then cap it all off with an 8pm Into the Archives show (heading to Alma for a cocktail if you have it in you).
A year after first bringing its vibrant, French-inflected take on modern Vietnamese dining to Takapuna, Hanoi Haven has only deepened its appeal. With a menu refresh introducing inventive new plates alongside steadfast favourites, this is the perfect moment to revisit (or discover) what makes it such a local treasure.
For the purists, the signature Cha Ca La Vong remains a non-negotiable — market fish marinated with turmeric and galangal, served with rice noodles and fresh herbs in a dish that sings with bright, layered flavour. The much-loved Ba La Lot — chargrilled beef wrapped in fragrant betel leaves served with vermicelli noodles, fresh salad and a tangy fish dipping sauce — is another Hanoi classic that never disappoints.
Among the new arrivals, the Crispy Pork Belly offers an irresistible interplay of golden crackling and tender meat, while the Five-Spice Roasted Duck Cascade brings slow-simmered depth to succulent slices of duck in a rich oyster-ginger sauce. The Contemporary Stuffed Squid, filled with pork, prawns, and mushrooms then caramel-glazed, delivers a textural thrill that’s pure culinary theatre.
To start, a Roasted Duck Salad — fresh, zesty, and just sweet enough with grapes and carrot pickles — is a standout, while the Chilli Margarita offers a perfect hit of heat to sip alongside.
From long-held signatures to bold new dishes, Hanoi Haven’s menu reflects the same qualities that have carried it through its first year: flavour, vibrancy, and a knack for transporting you straight to the streets of Vietnam (no passport required).
Denizen’s Favourite Dishes
Left: New Crispy Pork Belly. Right: Hanoi Haven’s signature Roasted duck salad
For the uninitiated, Graff is one of the world’s most revered luxury jewellery houses, crafting covetable, rarefied pieces from the finest diamonds. Since its inception in the 1960s, Graff has built a reputation for working with some of the world’s most important and rare stones — with a particular emphasis on high jewellery that amplifies the inherent beauty of each gem.
Now, in a tribute to the decade in which the House was founded, Graff has unveiled a new high jewellery collection inspired by the hypnotic spirit of the sixties. Titled ‘1963’, this extraordinary chapter channels the era’s spirit of freedom, rebellion, glamour, and cultural revolution, refracted through the unrivalled brilliance of Graff diamonds.
At the heart of the collection, the 1963 necklace is a striking display of Graff’s exacting craftsmanship. Sculptural ovals ripple outward in hypnotic curves, framing oval diamonds that draw the eye with their luminous intensity. Subtle details elevate the piece, including a concealed line of pavé emeralds — a quiet flash of Graff’s signature green.
This bold, graphic rhythm continues in the matching bracelet, where a sweep of custom-cut baguette diamonds captivates with their clean, dynamic brilliance. Flickers of emerald peek through here too, adding an unexpected burst of colour that ties each piece back to the House’s heritage.
Completing the suite, statement earrings mirror the collection’s sculptural flow, uniting radiant diamonds and delicate emerald accents in a striking interplay of movement and light.
Ultimately, this high jewellery collection embodies both the spirit of the Swinging Sixties and the essence of Graff itself: an ode to heritage, an expression of transformative artistry, and a bold vision of what high jewellery can be. A hypnotic tribute to the decade that sparked a revolution in style and culture — and a thrilling new chapter in the House’s legacy of brilliance.
Now, with Graff setting up shop on our shores, we too can experience first-hand the magic and mastery of one of the world’s true jewellery greats — where legacy, artistry, and innovation converge in every luminous creation.
Sometimes, it’s the smallest shift that leaves the most lasting impression. The I Variegati collection by Fioranese offers exactly that — a simple yet impactful way to give your home a tactile transformation. Here, Italy’s centuries-old terracotta tradition is reimagined through the lens of modern industrial innovation, creating a porcelain stoneware that’s as durable as it is beautiful.
Inspired by the craftsmanship of Lombardia’s artisans, these tiles retain the distinctive streaks and tonal variations that make terracotta so enduringly captivating. The marble-like veining lends each surface a quietly decorative edge — never overpowering, always elegant — making them as suited to a serene kitchen backdrop as they are to a moody bathroom feature wall.
Offered in a palette of timeless earthy shades — Avorio, Cipria, Cenere, Cotto, Argilla, and Pece — the collection invites you to layer warmth and texture into your interiors. Each hue works in harmony with both classic and contemporary styling, from pared-back minimalism to richly layered, heritage-inspired schemes.
With their natural surface finish, these tiles are designed not just to be seen, but felt — the subtle undulations underfoot, the cool smoothness beneath your fingertips. It’s an understated luxury; a quiet conversation between past and present. And in bringing this material story into your home, you create a space that speaks with both history and modern confidence.
Auckland is known for its eclectic mix of cuisines from different cultures but Italian restaurants are undoubtedly one of the most popular. Now, delectable pasta and pizza have become staple foods in our diets and as such, we think it is crucial to know exactly where to find the best Italian cuisine in Auckland. Numerous eateries have come and gone but there are a few that have secured their place in our competitive restaurant scene. Here we round up the best of the best. Buon appetito!
Neighbourhood favourite Lilian’s menu draws from many European influences but it’s the Italian-inspirations that are almost impossible to overlook, with the wood-fired pizzas threatening to steal the entire show. The bases are cooked perfectly in a speciality pizza oven imported all the way from Italy. The toppings come in several different variations, ranging from the simple tomato, mozzarella and basil to the cult favourite potato, caramelised onion, parmesan, ricotta, and basil iteration that steals the show every time. 472 Richmond Road, Grey Lynn
Since opening with great aplomb at the end of 2022, Bivacco has become a go-to destination for a delicious long Italian lunch. Here, the food here is unparalleled, and is made even more perfect when enjoyed overlooking the sparkling waters of Viaduct Harbour with one of Bivacco’s delicious cocktails in hand. And while you really can’t beat the margherita pizza here, those craving something more lavish will find it in the goats cheese ravioli, adorned with endive, burnt honey and pistachio. Perfecto. 115 Customs Street West, Auckland CBD
In the heart of Ellerslie, Bianca brings a fresh, modern take to the Italian dining experience, blending the ease of a neighbourhood spot with the precision of fine cooking. The space hums with the sound of pasta being rolled by hand, the air rich with the promise of something both familiar and new. Warm, unfussy, and quietly confident, it’s the kind of place that turns a simple night out into a lingering, memorable occasion. 4/2 Robert Street, Ellerslie
At this chic inner-city spot, the Italian energy is dialled all the way up — think sleek yet laid-back interiors, and a menu that’s equal parts classic and contemporary, not to mention the wonderfully warm team both in front of and behind the pass. At Bossi, house-made pasta, glossy sauces and beautifully plated antipasti set the tone, while cocktails arrive crisp and considered. It’s a buzzy slice of Milan in the middle of the city — perfect for a little theatre-night indulgence. 10 Commerce Street, Auckland CBD
With its beautifully curved archways, rustic wall details and soaring, glass-roofed atrium, the dining space at Ada is striking yet welcoming, and the interior is just the beginning of all things marvellous. Ada’s menu comprises sharing plates that embrace the foolproof philosophy of simplicity done well, with a menu of seasonal, Italian-influenced dishes and approachable natural wine. Our recommendation is the pizza fritta, always, but we think the seasonal pastas are most definitely worth trying too. 454 Great North Road, Grey Lynn
This neighbourhood gem is not just a favourite among the locals of Herne Bay, but also attracts people from all over Auckland. When Foley Hospitality resurrected the Italian institution, it saw the return of Andiamo bigger and better than ever before. The menu features a wide selection of Italian cuisine from pizzas, pasta dishes and antipasti but the stand-out at this eatery is the meatballs. Whether made with grass-fed beef, or cod and crayfish, each delicious morsel is guaranteed to be juicy and full of flavour. The option of adding spaghetti as a way of soaking up the sauce is the real game changer as it elevates the appetiser to a full, indulgent main. 194 Jervois Road, Herne Bay
Chef Fabrizio Napolitano grew up in his grandmother’s kitchen, in both the north and south of Italy. With a passion for artisanal products that are steeped in history and respect, Fabrizio and his wife Taryne opened Spiga in the 1050 development at the back of the Remuera shops. Their contemporary classic starters, pizza and pasta are some of the best we’ve tried, although we also recommend always sampling the seasonal specials. The food is made all the better with Spiga’s comprehensive wine list that will take you on a tour of some of the finest Italian vineyards and spirits. Shop 1/E/415 Remuera Road, Remuera
Long established as one of the most popular eateries in town, Amano is a stalwart that exudes grandeur. With its marble fit-out, sky-high ceilings and floral hangings. Here, the menu is ever-changing depending on seasonal availability but the burrata is one item that has been there since the beginning — and we can’t see it disappearing any time soon. The dish is modified depending on the produce that is in-season but the perfectly-made ball of creamy mozzarella paired with housemade sourdough never fails to impress. 68 Tyler Street, Britomart
Nestled in Birkenhead’s charming main strip, Osteria Uno feels like a softly glowing Italian hideaway where heritage character meets modern ease. The moment you step inside its old-but-loved tiled walls and rich, banquette-lined interior, you sense that every detail — old stained glass, marble bar, warm lighting — has been chosen to make you linger. Behind the scenes, hospitality veterans Sarah and Jordan Macdonald have brought serious Italian passion and pedigree to the North Shore, with a kitchen led by a chef who has worked at Disfrutar, Lilian, Amano and Depot. The result is an inviting, unpretentious trattoria that delivers warmth, craftsmanship, and a convivial buzz that keeps locals and visitors coming back for more. 140 Hinemoa Street, Birkenhead
While never endeavouring to be the most authentic Italian joint in town, it would be remiss not to mention the pasta on offer at Soul Bar & Bistro. With more traditional dishes cementing themselves as classics, we always find ourselves gravitating towards Executive Chef Gavin Doyle’s pasta out of a sheer craving for comfort. Corner of Lower Hobson Street and Customs Street West, Auckland CBD
The humble yet incredibly delicious meals that can be found at the most unassuming neighbourhood trattorias were what originally inspired Karangahape Road favourite. Pici, from its intimate dining room to its mouthwatering menu which is designed to share. Here, you simply cannot pass up the cacio e pepe. Although the fettuccine vongole is also popular; full of flavour yet light and fresh with juicy local clams, chilli and herbs. While tables are limited, those lucky enough to dine here have nothing bad to say about this beloved spot. St Kevin’s Arcade, 183 Karangahape Rd, Auckland CBD
Don’t let the “spaghetti bolognese does not exist,” on the back of the waiters’ shirts put you off. Pasta & Cuore is an all-inclusive, welcoming restaurant with a friendly and warm ambience. The menu offers such a wide variety of handmade pastas and sauces, it’s almost overwhelming. When in doubt, go for the Spaghetti Gorgonzola. The thick pasta is cooked al dente which leaves it with a soft exterior and slightly firm centre to achieve a chewy bite. The sauce is a reduction of creamy gorgonzola cheese with crunchy walnuts scattered around the bowl to lend a beautifully nutty taste. 409 Mount Eden Road, Mount Eden
Sergio Maglione came to New Zealand more than 20 years ago, straight from Italy where he was working as a pizza chef. Farina, on Ponsonby Road, shows the versatility of Napoli cuisine all while nailing the classics. The pizza and pasta dishes are renowned for being the gold standard in Italian comfort food. Authentic and divine. but it’s the way Maglione works his magic with octopus that blows us away every time. 244 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby
At Commercial Bay’s heart, Gemmi feels like A sunshine-lit Italian hideaway — informal yet effortlessly stylish. David Lee’s pasta shop masterfully blends breezy conviviality with thoughtful elegance, where simple warmth meets sleek design and harbour views. Whether you’re swinging by for an after-work wine in the express-lunch rush or easing into a lingering evening, it’s a place that turns casual gatherings into lively, memorable moments. Commercial Bay, Level 2/7 Queen Street, Auckland CBD
With its warm and inviting space, adorned with surprising tones of peach and vibrant blue, Herne Bay’s Squisito Trattoria offers more than just simple and delicious Italian cuisine. The menu here is a fusion of culinary influences from all corners of the Mediterranean. Anchored in al dente pasta, perfectly-cooked meats, and wood-fired pizza. Notably, Squisito leaves out a wine list and encourages guests to choose their own by selecting from the extensive wine racks. 170A Jervois Road, Herne Bay
Tucked away at the end of Ponsonby Road is another humble Italian restaurant, Gusto Italiano. If you couldn’t already tell by its name, this restaurant prides itself on delivering authentic, Italian cuisine. In terms of pasta, it’s the Ravioli Verdi which steals the show. The housemade green parcels are stuffed with chicken and fresh spinach, before being are pan-sautéed with aromatic herbs and vine-ripened tomatoes, and topped with a decent helping of parmesan. 263 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby
While it’s rude to talk about a lady’s age, you have to admit that the much-loved NSP is looking remarkably good considering it originally opened its doors some 25+ years ago. The menu here is as versatile as the spaces within. From the bustling upfront bar to the cosy courtyard and main dining area. Our first order is always the calamari. The batter is light and tossed in fresh lemon juice to cut the richness of the fried coating. A melange of salt, cracked pepper and parsley are utilised to season the dish and is served with decadent aioli to offer a creamy balance. From there let your stomach guide you towards your favourite pizza, or just default to the classic NSP margherita. Whatever you choose here, you can’t go wrong. 1052/259 Parnell Road, Parnell
Despite opening back in 2022, you’d still be hard-pressed to find a table at this Dominion Road spot, which is a testament to it’s divine offering. Here, the traditional wood fire is the predominant method of cooking almost every dish, including (of course) Ooh-Fa’s delicious pizzas. Ideal for sharing, but the perfect size to keep to yourself. Our favourites are the tomato, garlic and oregano (with the essential added stracciatella), and the oyster mushroom, parsley butter, mozzarella and cavolo nero. Be sure not to look past the famed woodfired carrots, served with ricotta and pistachios — a totally moreish addition. We’d eat them every day if we could. 357 Dominion Road, Mount Eden
Serving its much loved take on Italian fare since 1986, Prego isn’t about to slow down any time soon. Over the many years, the Ponsonby institution has captured the hearts of locals. Forming a loyal base of patrons and a tight-knit community, ultimately making it one of the best family restaurants this town has to offer. 226 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby
At this beloved eatery, Italian-inspired food and wines fill the menu. You’ll find the likes of delicious beef short ribs, Karitane crayfish meatballs (there’s a whole section in the menu dedicated to the eatery’s hand-crafted meatballs), and countless handmade pastas amongst Baduzzi’s must-try dishes. Washed down with a glass of Italian Bianchi, of course. 10/26 Jellicoe Street, North Wharf
This iconic restaurant is small but mighty. Offering a curated and concise menu, and an intimate, calm setting, Ortolana is one spot to which we always find ourselves returning for dinner in the Britomart precinct. With a pre-show dinner menu, the service is swift (if needed), and the fresh pasta is always divine. 33 Tyler Street, Auckland CBD
At The Wine Room, even the midday meal is treated as a moment worth savouring. David Nash and Ryan Moore’s newly introduced Working Lunch makes a compelling case for elevating your next business meeting — proving that productivity and pleasure can share the same table.
Executive Chef & Partner, Ryan Moore
For $55 per person, the format is deliciously simple: a bite to begin, a main to sustain, and a perfectly matched wine to tie it all together. In the spirit of efficiency, both wine and water arrive as soon as you’re seated, ensuring conversation flows without interruption. Mains are timed to your preference, creating space for both the exchange of ideas and the enjoyment of exceptional food.
The Truffle Bao
While the menu is ever-changing, this week’s offers a considered pairing of comfort and craft. Think Truffle Bao — pillowy, fragrant, and irresistibly rich — followed by Cambridge Duck Leg with pumpkin seeds, nasturtium, and buttercup squash, a dish as textural as it is vibrant. To drink, you’ll be served a glass of 2023 Prophet’s Rock Home Vineyard, its layered depth and bright lift the perfect foil to the richness of the duck.
In true The Wine Room style, the menu shifts regularly, led by seasonality and availability, meaning no two working lunches need be the same. Whether sealing a deal, strategising the next big move, or simply carving out a civilised (or indulgent) hour in the day, this is a working lunch exactly as it should be, complete with great food, great wine, and a setting sure to impress.
Ready for your next film fix? This month’s lineup brings a mix of gripping thrillers, heartfelt dramas, and feel-good comedies — all either ready to stream or on the big screen. Whether you’re after edge-of-your-seat action or a comforting story to sink into, our edit of new releases has something to suit every mood.
Caught Stealing
When & Where to Watch: 28th August, In cinemas Starring: Austin Butler, Bad Bunny, Matt Smith
In Caught Stealing, Austin Butler plays Hank Thompson, a former baseball phenom turned bartender whose life gets hilariously derailed when he agrees to watch his neighbor’s cat — and ends up in the crosshairs of New York’s 1990s criminal underworld. Directed by Darren Aronofsky, the film boasts an star-studded cast including Zoë Kravitz and Bad Bunny.
When & Where to Watch: 29th August, In cinemas Starring: Benedict Cumberbatch, Olivia Colman, Allison Janney
The Roses brings a delightfully twisted take on marital mayhem. When Theo’s career collapses while Ivy’s soars, beneath their picture-perfect family life lurks fierce rivalry and simmering resentment. Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman lead this sharp, dark comedy directed by Jay Roach, with Allison Janney supporting.
When & Where to Watch: 15th August, In cinemas Starring: Liam Neeson, Pamela Anderson
The Naked Gun brings us back into hilariously absurd territory — now with Liam Neeson as bumbling detective Frank Drebin Jr. and Pamela Anderson as the irresistible femme fatale. It’s the movie that blessed us all with the pair’s real-life chemistry, making it one of this month’s most buzzed-about releases.
When & Where to Watch: 28th August, Netflix Starring: Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Ben Kingsley
The Thursday Murder Club is a murder-mystery comedy that follows four spirited retirees — played by Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Ben Kingsley, and Celia Imrie — who spend their Thursdays solving cold cases for fun. But when a real murder shakes their retirement community, their hobby becomes a high-stakes whodunit.
When & Where to Watch: November, Netflix Starring: Ralph Ineson, Mia Goth, Jacob Elordi
Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein arrives on Netflix this month with an emotionally charged, gothic retelling of Shelley’s classic. Oscar Isaac embodies the brilliant Dr. Frankenstein, while Mia Goth and Ralph Ineson support in key roles. Jacob Elordi’s Creature is a compelling mix of terror and pathos — del Toro’s most intimate monster yet.
When & Where to Watch: 21st August, In cinemas Starring: Matt Whelan, Sophie Henderson
Workmates is a heartfelt Kiwi rom-com-drama about Lucy and Tom, best mates running a broke little theatre whose future — and friendship — is thrown into jeopardy after an accident. Directed by Curtis Vowell and written by (and starring) Sophie Henderson, it’s warm, funny, and steeped in Tāmaki Makaurau theatre culture.
When & Where to Watch: In selected cinemas (NZIFF) Starring: Robin White, Ebonie Fifita, Taeko Ogawa
GRACE — A Prayer for Peace unites filmmaker Dame Gaylene Preston and artist Dame Robin White (Ngāti Awa) in an extraordinary creative journey across Aotearoa, Kiribati, and Japan. More than a portrait, it’s a luminous exploration of art, connection, and the urgent need to protect what matters — blending beauty, humour, and humanity into a quietly transformative cinematic experience.
When & Where to Watch: 20th August, Prime Starring: Madelyn Cline, Josh Lucas, KJ Apa
The Map That Leads to You is a charming romantic drama that follows new grad Heather (Madelyn Cline) as she embarks on a European adventure with friends — only to have her plans upended when she meets Jack (Kiwi actor KJ Apa), a spontaneous stranger retracing his grandfather’s journey.
When & Where to Watch: In cinemas now Starring: Julia Garner, Josh Brolin, Alden Ehrenreich
Weapons is a gritty, intense thriller featuring Julia Garner, Josh Brolin, and Alden Ehrenreich caught in a web of deception and danger. As alliances shift and secrets unravel, the stakes rise to a pulse-pounding climax.
When & Where to Watch: In cinemas now Starring: Jamie Lee Curtis, Lindsay Lohan, Julia Butters
Freaky Friday returns with Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan reprising their iconic mother-daughter swap in this hilarious and heartfelt reboot. Joined by Julia Butters, the film mixes comedy, chaos, and family fun for all ages. Now playing in cinemas — the perfect feel-good watch to brighten your day.
The world’s most spectacular diamonds have found a new address — and it’s right in the heart of Auckland. Graff, the storied British House renowned for acquiring, cutting, and crafting some of history’s most important stones, has officially opened the doors to its first New Zealand boutique — located at 45 Queen Street in the heart of the city’s luxury shopping district.
Inside, both the jewels and the space itself is like nothing New Zealand has seen before. Preserving the striking heritage building’s bones, the space has been entirely custom designed by Graff’s in-house design team, from the jewel-like display cases with faceted edges that echo the brilliance of the treasures within, to the serpentine counter that invites exploration, and the soft shimmer of celadon ceilings above.
Here, jewellery is treated as both art and legacy, exemplifying Graff’s position as a world leader in diamonds and gemstones of rarity, magnitude and distinction — an enduring family legacy which began when Laurence Graff founded the business in 1960.
A private VIP salon, discreetly tucked behind sliding doors and swathed in deep green and gold, houses Graff’s most extraordinary creations. Among them are one-of-a-kind high jewels that reflect the House’s rare ability to bring out the soul of each stone, a skill honed over decades and still overseen by members of the Graff family today.
Graff’s private VIP salon
Whether you’re seeking a piece to mark life’s grand milestones or simply looking to lose yourself in the world of wonder that is Graff, the Maison’s Queen Street boutique is an opulent portal into a world of brilliance and beauty.
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