For moments both intimate and grand, Treetops Lodge & Estate is a place to celebrate with heart

If a celebration is about bringing people together, Treetops makes sure they leave with a shared sense of awe. Tucked into 2,500 acres of pristine forest, this Rotorua retreat rewrites the rulebook on wilderness luxury.

This is where the adventurous come to celebrate with heart. Whether you’re toasting a significant birthday with all of your nearest and dearest, reconnecting the whole family, or just taking a one-on-one moment to recalibrate, Treetops offers something more profound than the standard five-star stay.

There are wild food cooking classes, horse treks through native forests, heli tours to remote rivers for fly fishing or hidden hikes, and guided foraging with a gamekeeper, not to mention a wilderness spa with dedicated treatment rooms both indoors and outside under the forest canopy, as well as luxe outdoor hot tubs.

Inside, timber-and-stone villas offer fireside luxury and privacy, while the spa and wellness treatments deliver deep restoration. The food? As local as it gets. Think game from the estate, trout from the stream, heritage vegetables, mānuka honey, and indigenous herbs.

With a kids’ club that genuinely delights and plenty of space to spread out, Treetops is a place for true connection and memory-making in its purest form.

treetops.co.nz

Milestones

For new mums, Walker & Hall’s sentiment-rich pieces are the ultimate gift
Inside Ashley & Jordan Elcham’s magical wedding in Rome
Denizen’s Definitive Milestone Birthday Gift Guide

For gifts that go beyond the ordinary, Sutcliffe Jewellery’s bespoke creations give moments lasting meaning

Timeless and poetic, master craftsman and internationally awarded jeweller Brent Sutcliffe’s bespoke creations are crafted to mark life’s special moments with rare beauty and personal meaning.

For over two decades, Sutcliffe Jewellery has been creating showstopping bespoke pieces with such meticulous attention to detail that every glance reveals something new. Under the eye of master craftsman Brent Sutcliffe, a goldsmith whose career spans New Zealand’s finest workshops to London’s elite Hatton Garden, each commission is a marriage of artistry and engineering.

More than 70 percent of Sutcliffe’s work is private commissions, often beginning with a carefully sourced gemstone and a hand-sketched design. From there, hundreds of hours of exacting craftsmanship transform it into a jewel that feels as personal as the story it represents.

“Bespoke commissions can be delicate and understated, such as a pendant to honour a new chapter. ”

Every piece is a true collaboration between jeweller and client. An exchange of stories, inspiration, and ideas shapes every curve and setting, ensuring that the end result is entirely one-of-a-kind and filled with personal and lasting meaning.

Fiore drop earrings from Sutcliffe Jewellery
Secret Springs Tourmaline ring from Sutcliffe Jewellery
The Arbor Reverie bracelet from Sutcliffe Jewellery

Bespoke commissions can be delicate and understated, such as sweet diamond earrings to mark an 18th birthday, or a pendant subtly set with birthstones to honour a new chapter. Others can be rich with symbolism, like a ruby or sapphire chosen for its personal significance and turned into a statement ring marking a once-in-a-lifetime achievement. Whatever the piece, the journey to create it is as unique as the jewel itself, ensuring it becomes more than an adornment — it’s an heirloom in the making, destined to be loved now and treasured for generations.

sutcliffejewellery.com

Milestones

For new mums, Walker & Hall’s sentiment-rich pieces are the ultimate gift
Inside Ashley & Jordan Elcham’s magical wedding in Rome
Denizen’s Definitive Milestone Birthday Gift Guide
Photo by Sapphire Studio

Why Ayrburn is fast-becoming one of the country’s most covetable places to throw a party

Once a working farm, now a multifaceted hospitality precinct with ambition and soul, Ayrburn is quietly becoming the South Island’s most charming place to throw a party.

Billy’s (top left) & The Barrel Room (bottom)

Choose your scene: The Barrel Room with its 56 ageing wine barrels and grand piano; The Woolshed for bistro-style feasting; The Manure Room (don’t judge it by the name) for wine flights and shared plates; The Dell for lawn games and large-scale gatherings. And then there’s Billy’s, where modern Chinese food is served in a space dripping with old-world elegance and a touch of irreverence.

Events here feel effortless, which is no accident. Ayrburn’s dedicated events team handles everything with polished calm, putting hosts at ease. Curated menus showcase local produce and bold, seasonal flavours. The wine list is stacked, the surroundings are stunning, and the energy is unfussy but fabulous.

Whether it’s an engagement dinner, a wedding with a twist, or a long-table birthday lunch on the lawn, Ayrburn nails the balance between rustic romance and design-savvy sophistication. It’s heritage reimagined for a new generation of celebration connoisseurs.

ayrburn.com

Milestones

For new mums, Walker & Hall’s sentiment-rich pieces are the ultimate gift
Inside Ashley & Jordan Elcham’s magical wedding in Rome
Denizen’s Definitive Milestone Birthday Gift Guide

21st on the horizon? Whether it’s your milestone or someone else’s, here’s what to wear to mark the occasion

Turning 21 is a milestone worth marking with intention, and as such, it warrants a wardrobe that feels elevated yet effortless — whether you’re celebrating your own foray into adulthood or someone else’s.

From chic jewellery to statement dresses and sharp yet playful tailoring, the vibe should be fun and fabulous. Here, we share an edit of what to wear to mark the occasion in fitting fashion.

What To Wear

Step out in standout style with fun and fabulous looks guaranteed to steal the spotlight.

Sabrina Carpenter in Loewe
Millenia clip earrings from Swarovski
Acne Studios Gathered mini dress from Net-a-porter
Cassidy sandals from Cult Gaia
Magda Butrym Sheer draped mini dress from Mytheresa
Sweet Alhambra earstuds from Van Cleef & Arpels
Jimmy Choo 72138 sandals from Farfetch
Jessica McCormack Ball n Chain Diamond bracelet from Simon James
OLIVER SPENCER Linen Suit Jacket from Mr Porter
Versace Medusa silk tie from Farfetch
Large Link bracelet from Tiffany & Co.
OLIVER SPENCER Tapered Linen Trousers from Mr Porter
Casablanca Sacred Stone shirt from Farfetch
Dart-Knee pleated trousers from Porter James Sports
G75 sneaker from Gucci

Milestones

For new mums, Walker & Hall’s sentiment-rich pieces are the ultimate gift
Inside Ashley & Jordan Elcham’s magical wedding in Rome
Denizen’s Definitive Milestone Birthday Gift Guide

Win two tickets to The Wine Room’s Le Club, an evening of Champagne, caviar, and late-night extravagance

On the last Friday of every month, The Wine Room is set to roll out the red carpet and shed its daytime sophistication in favour of something a little more daring. Partnering with some of the world’s most exclusive beverage houses, the alluring destination reimagines itself as a late-night playground where music, indulgence, and performance collide.

To celebrate the inaugural event, we’re giving away two tickets to Le Club’s debut on Friday, 26th September.

The event’s first iteration is in partnership with Dom Pérignon, so you know you’re in for a treat. The evening kicks off with a series of captivating live performances — unfolding in true cabaret spirit, from live music to dancers and a few surprise performers to keep things interesting. Resident house DJ Mac Mylo will also be on-hand to set the pace, spinning a soundtrack that carries the night seamlessly from golden-hour glamour to the small hours.

Ryan Moore

An oyster bar becomes the epicentre of extravagance — complete with Champagne, caviar, and creative cocktails, while chef Ryan Moore will of course keep the crowd well-fed with an ever-flowing menu of his signature refined canapés.

Tickets are $199 per person and include Champagne on arrival, chef-crafted canapés, an oyster and caviar experience, plus exclusive access to The Wine Room’s sumptuous setting. Doors open at 7.00pm and the party continues late into the night — then returns monthly, on the final Friday of each new month.

If you want in, secure your spot here, or enter below for your change to win two tickets to opening night on Friday 26th September.

This giveaway is now closed.

thewineroom.nz

Gastronomy

World-class hospitality and unrivalled golf tech collide at Flush Golf & Bar Ziti — Britomart’s new golfer’s playground
Have you tried? Taco Amaiz is serving up some of the best Mexican in the city
Chul’s is the tasty new Korean eatery in Commercial Bay that should be on your radar
Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell starring in A Bog Bold Beautiful Journey

Wondering what to watch this spring? These addictive series & movies belong on your radar

While winter may be behind us (at last!), and we should be making for the great outdoors come the weekend, sometimes there’s no better way to relax than to lose yourself in a great watch. Luckily, there’s a slew of captivating, cerebral, and comic new releases to keep us entertained. Here, we’ve rounded up an edit of the new films, series, and returning shows that have our attention.

New Movies


A Big Bold Beautiful Journey 

In cinemas now


Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell star in this whimsical romantic fantasy about two strangers who unlock a doorway to relive defining moments from their pasts. As Sarah (Robbie) and David (Farrell) embark on a sweeping, heartfelt adventure, they discover how their histories shape their present — and whether they can rewrite their futures together.


The Roses

In cinemas now


In this sharp reimagining of Warren Adler’s classic novel, Olivia Colman and Benedict Cumberbatch star as a couple whose perfect life begins to unravel when a career collapses. Directed by Emmy-winner Jay Roach, The Roses exposes the fierce rivalry and simmering resentments behind a polished façade.


One Battle After Another

Coming 25th September


Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, this thrilling drama stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Benicio Del Toro, and Teyana Taylor as former revolutionaries forced back into action when a long-buried enemy returns. Bound by loyalty and sacrifice, they must rescue a teammate’s daughter in a tense story of unfinished battles and hard-won redemption.


The Thursday Murder Club

Watch now on Netflix


Richard Osman’s famous novel is hitting the screen this August. A group of friends (including Helen Mirren and Pierce Brosnan) in a retirement home who gather to solve murders for fun find themselves embroiled in a real case — and they’re willing to risk everything, including their lives, to solve it.


Good Fortune

Coming late October


Keanu Reeves stars as Gabriel, a well-meaning but bumbling angel who swaps the lives of struggling gig worker, Arj (played by Aziz Ansari) and wealthy venture capitalist, Jeff (played by Seth Rogen). This playful comedy explores wealth, identity, and what really makes a life worth living. 


Caught Stealing

In cinemas now


Austin Butler leads this gripping drama as a burnt-out ex-baseball player drawn into the shadowy criminal world of 1990s New York. Based on the novel of the same name, Caught Stealing is a tense, propulsive story of redemption, survival, and confronting the past when it won’t let go.


Andy Warhol: American Dream

Coming 9th October


This intimate documentary traces Andy Warhol’s journey from the Slovak village of Miková to the heart of New York’s art scene. Through rare footage and candid interviews, it unravels the complexities of his persona, revealing how heritage, ambition and quiet introspection shaped one of the most influential artists of our time. 

New TV Series


Black Rabbit

Coming 18th September


Set in Manhattan’s seductive nightlife scene, Black Rabbit stars Jason Bateman and Jude Law as estranged brothers whose shared venture — a glamorous restaurant — becomes the stage for tension, trauma, and the fallout of their unbreakable bond.


The Lowdown

Coming 23rd September


In The Lowdown, Ethan Hawke plays Lee Raybon, a relentless Tulsa “truthstorian” whose latest exposé sparks a dangerous unraveling. Set in a crumbling city and a fractured family, this gritty new thriller is all about what happens when you know too much.


The Girlfriend

Watch now on Amazon Prime


In The Girlfriend, Laura’s picture-perfect life is upended when her beloved son introduces Cherry — a charming newcomer whose presence quickly sows suspicion. What starts as polite unease escalates into a gripping battle of wits in this taut drama about love, ambition, and the dangerous games people play.

Returning Series


The Morning Show Season 4

Coming 17th September


Power plays and countless political landmines set the stage in the fourth season of this beloved glossy newsroom drama. Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon return as co-stars, as rivalries flare and trust erodes in an industry where (let’s be honest) truth is always up for grabs.


Slow Horses Season 5

Coming 24th September

Based on Mick Herron’s London Rules, and off the back of a slew of Emmy nominations, Slow Horses returns for a fifth season with more blood, blunders, and blistering one-liners as Jackson Lamb (Gary Oldman) leads his team of outcasts into a new national security nightmare. 


The Diplomat Season 3

Coming 16th October

Season three of The Diplomat ups the stakes as Kate Wyler (played by Keri Russell) finds herself in the role she never wanted — with the power to match. With the president dead, and the vice presidency in reach, political ambition and personal fallout collide in explosive new ways.

Culture

Denizen’s October Culture Guide has everything worth adding to your calendar this month
From gripping novels to captivating non-fiction, these are the books we’re reading this season
These school holidays, make for Artland — an immersive exhibition the kids will love
Venison Bourguignon vol-au-vent

 Somm’s latest Guest in Residence sees the best of Central Otago brought to the table

Somm Wine Bar & Bistro’s celebrated Guest in Residence series returns this month with Central Otago’s Rockburn Winery taking centre stage. Known for wines of striking depth, finesse, and pure fruit expression, Rockburn embodies the extremes of its region, from rugged Bannockburn landscapes to cool Gibbston nights, and the singular intensity of fruit that thrives in these conditions. It’s a pedigree that has earned them accolades aplenty.

Rockburn Pinot Noir

From now until the 28th of September, Somm will showcase Rockburn through a bespoke wine flight and a limited-edition menu designed to highlight the best of both the cellar and the kitchen. The Rockburn Wine Flight offers four 75ml pours — an elegant snapshot of the winery’s varietals, anchored by the rare and award-winning Amber, available exclusively to sip at at Somm.

Chilli Salt Squid with sweet chilli jam and kewpie
Left: Grilled Chicken with parsnip, almonds and amber wine sauce. Right: Smoked Fish Cakes with Sauce gribiche, parsley and lemon

To complement, the wine bar and bistro has also crafted a $45 two-course set menu, brought together with Rockburn’s wines in mind. Expect moreish entrées to start, followed by hearty mains such as venison bourguignon or grilled chicken with Rockburn Amber sauce — dishes that play in harmony with the depth and character of the flight. Whether you choose the suggested pairings or opt to indulge in the full tasting, you’ll be in for a feast for the senses. Book here.

sommcellardoor.co.nz

Gastronomy

World-class hospitality and unrivalled golf tech collide at Flush Golf & Bar Ziti — Britomart’s new golfer’s playground
Have you tried? Taco Amaiz is serving up some of the best Mexican in the city
Chul’s is the tasty new Korean eatery in Commercial Bay that should be on your radar

Update your wardrobe with our edit of spring essentials

Give your wardrobe a timely update with the seasonal essentials that will see you through spring in style. From lightweight jackets to new season denim and the must-have accessories of the moment, this is everything you need to build a curated capsule for the season ahead.

Toteme Cocoon dress from Net-A-Porter

01.

White Dress

Nothing says spring quite like a breezy mid-length dress — perfectly primed to take you from the office to after-work drinks and beyond.

The Row Frank corduroy-trimmed jacket from MyTheresa

02.

Barn Jackets

This rustic-chic jacket’s popularity is showing no signs of wavering — a quintessential wardrobe all-rounder that pairs as well with jeans and a tee as it does a short skirt and boots.

Ulla Johnson The Bianca wide leg jean from Muse Boutique

03.

Wide Leg Denim

An enduring staple for a reason, a well-cut pair of jeans is a year-round essential, and the wide-leg flare is proving this season’s sartorial superhero.

Miu Miu Faded unlined suede loafers Farfetch

04.

Boat Loafers

Put your best foot forward in the shoe of the moment. Part boat shoe, part loafer — this is a hybrid that shouldn’t work in principal, but in practice proves effortlessly elevated.

Top bag: Loewe Punch Hole raffia tote from Farfetch. Bottom bag: Chloé Summer Banana raffia tote from MyTheresa

05.

Rafia Bags

Bringing a definitive air of laid-back luxury to any look, the rafia bag takes cues from summertime style while proving its prowess year-round. 

Gucci Geometrical frame sunglasses from Farfetch

06.

70’s Sunglasses

Finish your look with a flourish and embrace a 70s-inspired shade upgrade this spring — the undisputed frame of the season. 

Alaïa 75 suede wedge mules from MyTheresa

07.

Wedge Mules

Another shoe hybrid with strong fashion footing, this season, walk the walk in a chic wedged mule.

Magda Butrym Floral Print silk scarf from Muse Boutique

08.

Statement Scarf

A silk scarf paired with just about anything is proving a foolproof fashion formula. 

Wide-fit printed silk trousers from Max Mara

09.

Pyjama Pants


Embrace your inner Scandi It Girl and lean into pyjama dressing. ‘Just rolled out of bed’ never looked so chic.

Striped cotton shirt from Gucci

10.

Blue Shirt

The office shirt has been revamped this spring, with a few bells and whistles that will turn heads at both brunch and in the boardroom.

Coveted

Shop the boho-inspired bags we’re currently coveting
For new mums, Walker & Hall’s sentiment-rich pieces are the ultimate gift
La Famiglia: Demna’s Gucci begins

Solstice starts at Commercial Bay, with a four day celebration you don’t want to miss

After months of monochromatic wardrobes and early nights, there’s something about this time of year that feels like coming up for air. Solstice at Commercial Bay is back this September (18th—21st), and it’s shaping up to be the perfect excuse to shake off winter and step into something a little lighter. 

Anchoring the celebrations are two runway shows, styled by Karen Inderbitzen-Waller, with a line-up that leans into the optimism of the season. Think fresh collections from the likes of Wynn Hamlyn, Juliette Hogan, Sylvester, Coach and more — pieces designed to lift your mood and energise your wardrobe for the brighter days ahead.

Beyond the runway, the precinct will be buzzing. Harbour Eats welcomes exciting new arrivals — Mokki (serving ceremonial-grade matcha and açai bowls) and King Pow (your new go-to for dumplings and bao) — alongside spring dining offers from go-to favourites. There’s live music, exclusive in-store offers, and a very good reason to shop: one lucky visitor will take home a $5,000 spending spree.

Solstice is all about that shift in energy — the longer days, the return of colour, and the joy of reconnecting. It’s the reset we’ve all been waiting for: fashion, food, music and good company, all wrapped up in a celebration of the season to come.

When & Where: Thursday 18th — Sunday 21st September, Commercial Bay

commercialbay.co.nz/solsticeevents

Coveted

Shop the boho-inspired bags we’re currently coveting
For new mums, Walker & Hall’s sentiment-rich pieces are the ultimate gift
La Famiglia: Demna’s Gucci begins
Left to right: Willy Gresson, Hugo Baird and Petra Galler

Grey Lynn newcomer Mother brings soulful, European-inspired hospitality to the table

Across Auckland’s vibrant dining landscape, names like Hugo Baird and Willy Gresson have become shorthand for effortless yet elevated hospitality. From the laid-back charm of Honey Bones to the decidedly European sophistication of Lilian, to the bustling energy of Baird’s Hotel Ponsonby, the pair’s ventures have raised the collective bar with hospitality that feels both unpretentious and deeply considered.

This week, they’ve added a new all-day eatery to their oeuvre, anchored by the soulful cooking of Petra Galler, the baker-chef best known for Butter Butter’s cult following.

By day, Mother’s menu leans into European café culture with coffee, freshly-baked pastries, open sandwiches, and fresh, seasonal salads that can either be enjoyed on the go or lingered over. By night, it will soon shift gear into something more intimate, “Simple food made exceptionally well,” as Baird puts it. Expect Mediterranean-inspired small plates — food that is familiar yet somehow surprising, paired perfectly with an ever-evolving wine and cocktail list that follows the same ethos.

According to Baird, the name is less a branding exercise than a philosophy, “It’s a tribute to our three mothers who have shaped our journey, and a nod to the feeling of sitting down to something nourishing in every sense.” 

While the food takes centre stage, the setting refuses to play second fiddle. Interiors, crafted in close collaboration with the experts at CTRL Space, channel a lived-in yet modern European sensibility — stainless steel, butter yellow, earthy elements, and an unforced charm. “Mother is unlike anything else in Auckland, blending the bustling bakery-and-deli culture of Australia and the UK with the laid-back warmth of Europe’s most inviting wine bars,” says Baird. 

In a dining scene where novelty often overshadows nuance, Mother reads as a quietly confident reminder that hospitality, at its best, is an act of care.

Opening Hours:
Monday — Friday, 6.45am — 2.30pm
Saturday — Sunday, 7.30am — 2.30pm
Evening service launching soon

instagram/mother.akl

Mother

403 Richmond Rd
Grey Lynn
Auckland
1021

Gastronomy

World-class hospitality and unrivalled golf tech collide at Flush Golf & Bar Ziti — Britomart’s new golfer’s playground
Have you tried? Taco Amaiz is serving up some of the best Mexican in the city
Chul’s is the tasty new Korean eatery in Commercial Bay that should be on your radar