Hot off a wildly successful few years stateside, New York-based contemporary artist Natasha Wright is now set to take up residence at her New Zealand gallery Sanderson, with an anticipated new solo show entitled Main Character — scheduled to run from Wednesday, October 15, through until November 9.
The show will feature nine original works fresh from Wright’s Brooklyn studio. Each is a celebration of the sinuous female form, rendered through Wright’s multilayered social commentary. Through the tactility of paint, Wright’s sweeping canvases are awash in muddied pinks and warming honey hues, each stroke a celebration of womanhood at its most elusive.
Main Character, 2025, by Natasha Wright, Oil on canvas, 1220 x 1525 mm
Main Character “emphasises the interchangeability between the ideal woman and the physical and cultural history that shapes her long hair and lovely waist.” Wright is, and perhaps always has been, unpacking what it truly means to be living in your feminine.
Best known for “exploring the dichotomies of womanhood and the gender-driven power dynamics perpetuated in popular culture,” Wright is an artist whose message has continued to evolve in a captivating way. Living and working in New York for almost a decade, the New Zealander has developed a distinct creative language that marries various iterations of the female form with the rich qualities of oil paint. Wright’s pieces draw the onlooker in with calligraphic brushstrokes, evocative colours, layered techniques and compelling forms.
Waist – Deep, 2025, by Natasha Wright, Oil on canvas, 1525 x 1780 mm
For Wright, the main character’s humanity is firmly located in her body — and in a time when a woman’s right to choose is wildly under threat in the United States, Wright’s work feels more necessary now than ever.
See here for the Issue 50 cover story on Natasha Wright.
There’s no denying that I’ve had my dalliances with filler over the years. In capable hands, those tiny tweaks have done wonders to refresh this tired old face. However, I recently made a drastic decision to stop using them. After seeing clip after clip of face scans showing hyaluronic acid fillers lingering beneath the skin far longer than expected, my appetite for filler has disappeared entirely.
This clever innovation promises a “filler in a capsule” effect, and while that’s a bold claim, it actually makes scientific sense. Inside each biodegradable capsule lies a precise single dose of Size-Shifting Hyaluronic Acid — molecules 500 times smaller than traditional HA — allowing them to travel deep into the skin before expanding to plump from within. Once absorbed, they don’t just hydrate; they help the skin support its own ability to produce and retain hyaluronic acid over time. It’s hydration and structure, not just surface gloss.
The addition of a Peptide Complex helps to firm, fill and volumise by supporting natural collagen synthesis, while ceramides strengthen the skin’s barrier to lock all that newfound moisture in. In clinical trials, 100 percent of participants reported instantly plumper skin — which, I’ll admit, sounded ambitious until I saw the results reflected at me after my first use.
There’s something wonderfully ritualistic about twisting open one of those little golden pods. The serum feels silky and light, never oily, and leaves my skin immediately fresher and more elastic. Over the following weeks, that instant plumpness evolved into a noticeably firmer, more contoured appearance. It’s become my go-to before events, shoots or just mornings when my reflection needs a little resurrection.
The results only get better when paired with Arden’s Hyaluronic Acid + Peptides Ceramide Hydra-Plumping Water Cream. This lightweight moisturiser, powered by next-generation 5D HA technology, combines five molecular weights of hyaluronic acid to hydrate every layer of the skin. Over 16,000 peptides work to boost collagen and restore that supple, youthful bounce, while phytoceramides help seal in hydration. It keeps my skin looking dewy and fresh for days, not hours, with up to 240 hours of lasting hydration.
For me, this is the future of plumping: potent, science-driven skincare that works in harmony with the skin rather than against it. After years of relying on filler, I’m finally getting the same instant gratification — just without the long-term worry.
With a whole host of free exhibitions currently on show, read on to learn more about what’s on our radar this season.
celebrate the life and work of prolific New Zealand artist, Louise Bourgeois, at ‘Louise Bourgeois: In Private View’
01. Louise Bourgeois: In Private View
Louise Bourgeois: In Private View celebrates the life and work of prolific French American artist, Louise Bourgeois. This free exhibit — on show until May 2026 — brings together a selection of works sourced from a private collection, available to the public for the very first time. The exhibition spans over six decades of Bourgeois’ highly influential career, from early paint studies to a fabric piece from the final year of her life. Widely known for her sculptures and installations, Bourgeois’ work explored the surreal and the subconscious, often drawing from her own personal experience.
Wastelands: Wastelands – Brett Graham, Wastelands (installation view), 2024, wood, synthetic polymer paint, steel, found wagon wheels, macrocarpa wood, paint, oilbased acrylic lacquer, wax. Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, purchased with the assistance of the Patrons of the Auckland Art Gallery 2024
02. Brett Graham, Wastelands
Fresh off its presentation at the 60th Venice Biennale, gallery goers will be given the unique opportunity to get up close and personal with Brett Graham’s monumental sculpture, Wastelands. This commanding and historically significant piece — crafted from a combination of wood, steel, found wagon wheels, macrocarpa and acrylic lacquer wax — provides an emotive commentary on the Waikato-Tainui land conflict and the devastating effects on the tribal people and their land. Accompanied by a video installation, Graham’s work marks a significant acquisition for the gallery and is not to be missed.
03. Artland: An Installation by Do Ho Suh and children
Fit for the whole family, the whimsically collaborative, hands-on clay installation entitled Artland — designed by South Korean artist Do Ho Suh and his young daughters — is on show until July 2026. The installation features imaginative creatures and fantastical landscapes and invites visitors of all ages to sculpt their own creations.
Marvel at the eight-metre large fabric sculpture that appears suspended in space, hanging from the ceiling in the heart of the Gallery’s building. Identified as one of Suh’s most significant early pieces, North Wall is a vibrant green fabric sculpture, inspired by the artist’s father’s studio in Seoul and modelled after a traditional Korean scholar house. The piece — rendered using fabric techniques that have become synonymous with Suh’s practice — explores themes of longing, memory and cultural displacement.
Paul Gauguin Cow in Meadow, Rouen, 1884, oil on canvas, Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, gift of Julian and Josie Robertson through the Auckland Art Gallery Foundation, 2023
05. The Robertson Gift: Paths through Modernity
For the modernists among us, prepare to marvel at a 15-piece donation of iconic works, courtesy of the estate of New York-based philanthropists, Julian and Josie Robertson.
Works include Modernist masterpieces by the likes of Braque, Cezanne, Dalí, Derain, Gauguin, Matisse and Picasso and will be free to view until February 2026.
Don’t miss the final Open Late Night of the year
What’s more, on Thursday October 16, the Auckland Art Gallery will once again open its doors after dark, for the largest and final Open Late Night of the year — a free admission event — will see the gallery’s North Atrium transform into a hive of activity, with live music, an assortment of food trucks and the Bourgeois Bar keeping gallery goers satiated from six until 9pm. Shop art and NZ-made from Auckland Art Gallery Shop here.
We’re spoiled for choice when it comes to dedicated spaces for a more intimate gastronomic experience. No matter the occasion, there’s sure to be a private dining room that suits your needs, and with mid-year group gatherings high on the agenda, we’ve got you covered with our extensive guide to the best private dining rooms to book now.
Having opened its doors within the SkyCity precinct at the end of 2023, Metita occupies the space formerly home to beloved Gusto at The Grand, and it’s fair to say that it’s living up to the iconic nature of its address. Here, the offering is a new take on South Pacific cuisine, elevating traditional dishes with modern culinary techniques, inspiring a deeper reverence for our own heartland and connection to chef Michael Meredith’s native Samoa. When a special occasion is on the horizon, those looking for an intimate dining space to bring people together should look no further than Metita’s exceptionally well-appointed private dining room. The space seats up to 26, but can just as easily cater to small numbers, and brings the very best of Metita’s food offering and interiors into focus to create a seriously memorable affair.
Location: SkyCity, 90 Federal Street, Auckland CBD Suitable For: seats up to 26 guests
Tucked away within the refined surrounds of College Hill’s The Wine Room, the private dining area offers a quietly luxurious setting for everything from fireside birthday dinners to elevated events. Seating between two and twenty guests (with more space for standing gatherings), the space balances intimacy with sophistication — its soft lighting, timber finishes, and open fire providing a warm yet polished backdrop year-round. Here, menus are tailored to the mood, from champagne and caviar on arrival to masterfully grilled seafood and meats served family-style, with curated wine pairings that reflect the team’s reverence for European tradition and New Zealand terroir.
Location: 2/43 College Hill, Freemans Bay Suitable For: Seated Dining — up to 20 guests, Canapé Standing Events — up to 75 guests
The perfect beachside location for an end-of-year get-together, Azabu Mission Bay offers completely private dining in its adjacent Stonehouse or semi-private events in its open courtyard. From formal, sit-down dinners to casual drinks, this versatile venue offers a space for any kind of occasion.
Location: 44 Tamaki Drive, Mission Bay Suitable For: Stonehouse — 40 (seated) to 60 (standing) guests, The Courtyard — up to 60 guests (standing), Venue Exclusive — up to 200 guests
Beloved SkyCity eatery (and Auckland institution) The Grill made a triumphant return this year, and with its new iteration comes a striking new private dining space. If a special occasion is on the cards, the private dining room, perfect for up to 12 guests, is a sublime spot within which to entertain a crowd. Here, you’ll find a bespoke menu on offer, curated with the particular needs of larger gatherings in mind, and an extensive drinks list sure to inspire indulgence and set a convivial tone. There’s also a private ensuite just off the dining room, making the experience all the more seamless.
Location: Horizon by SkyCity, 85 Hobson Street, Auckland CBD Suitable For: 6 to 12 guests
Tucked beneath the heritage-listed Chancery Chambers, The Vault at Gilt Brasserie is a dramatic private dining space where marble, moody lighting, and soaring ceilings set the tone for truly memorable gatherings. Seating up to 45, or easily configured for smaller groups, it’s a versatile backdrop for everything from corporate functions to celebratory dinners. Paired with Gilt’s refined Euro-New Zealand menu and an exceptional wine list, The Vault delivers heritage charm with a distinctly modern edge.
Location: 2 Chancery Chambers, Auckland CBD Suitable For: Seated Dining — up to 26 guests, Canapé and Champagne — up to 45 guests standing
Tucked above the grand dining room of Commercial Bay’s elevated French restaurant Origine is a space perfect for an intimate gathering. La Mezzanine’s after-dark vibe, soft lighting and exceptional views over Downtown Auckland will set the perfect tone for a night with friends, one that will inevitably end in some convivial fun.
Location: Commercial Bay, Level 2/172 Quay Street, Auckland CBD Suitable For: up to 50 guests
A long-time go-to for corporate lunches and long-overdue catch-ups alike, bigger parties can also enjoy a ‘private’ piece of Soul by closing the bi-fold doors to what is usually the cocktail lounge. It’s perfect for seated parties that can indulge in Executive Chef Gavin Doyle’s fine cuisine via a set menu. Larger parties, on the other hand, can use the same space while also spilling out onto the famous deck and bar area for standing events.
Location: Viaduct Harbour, Corner of Lower Hobson Street &, Customs Street West, Auckland City Suitable For: up to 30 guests seated or 35 – 100 standing for cocktails and canapés
The private dining room at Jervois Steak House is located upstairs in the restaurant. The interior blends rustic elements from the building’s original heritage with modern warm tones & James Russ lighting. Relax into plush leather seating in a bespoke tan hue (called ‘Jervois Molasses’), and enjoy an authentic steakhouse experience for any special occasion.
Location: 70 Jervois Road, Ponsonby Suitable For: up to 12 seated guests
Set just across from Kingi’s main dining room is the restaurant’s private dining and meeting space, designed to bring people together for a feast or to do business. A light-filled space anchored by a breathtaking raw-edge swamp kauri slab table underneath a shimmering fish-scale chandelier, the room gives diners a unique view into the Kingi kitchens as the chefs prepare seasonal dishes, creating an immersive dining experience. At the room’s north end, a wooden sideboard conceals a 65″ screen, which can be used to host board-style meetings, intimate product launches or special presentations. The space is equipped with high-speed internet connectivity and state-of-the-art AV facilities, making it an ideal location for productive business meetings. Whatever your requirements are, Kingi Private is the perfect, multi-faceted space.
Bar Magda’s exclusive private dining room is a sanctuary of elegance. Thoughtfully and comfortably furnished, this secluded enclave is the perfect choice for corporate soirées or special celebrations like birthdays, where guests can enjoy Bar Magda’s impeccable service and indulge in the finest cuisine, knowing that every detail has been meticulously curated to meet expectations.
Location: 25b Cross Street, Auckland CBD Suitable For: up to 25 seated guests or if extended into the bistro, 50-60 guests
Tucked upstairs in Grey Lynn, Lilian’s private dining room is an intimate haven for 10–14 guests — ideal for festive lunches, seasonal gatherings, or milestone dinners. Centered around a striking marble-top table with plush leather banquette seating, the space feels both warm and refined. Guests can choose from family‑style set menus, or customise à la carte, all paired with wines from the curated cellar.
The outstanding inner-city Japanese restaurant offers a couple of different options if you’d like to go for a slightly more intimate experience. The Obi Room is a striking, semi-private space anchored by a solid wood table crafted from two pieces of suar hardwood and earthen walls decorated with spectacular vintage Japanese obi kimono prints. The Obi Room is framed by bubble glass which creates the impression of privacy and seclusion without being completely separated from the main dining area.
Otherwise, opt for the Chef’s Kotastu Table, another semi-private area set at the back of the main dining room and backdropped by the restaurant’s single piece of art, a large Japanese Dragon created by calligraphy master artist Ushio Sekiguchi.
Location: SkyCity, 90 Federal Street, Auckland CBD Suitable For: The Obi Room — up to 18 guests, Chef’s Kotastu Table — 8 to 10 people
Huami offers several different and equally appealing options for those wishing to dine in privacy. The Chinese restaurant, which boasts traditional cuisine with a modern twist, has three elegant private dining rooms. Rooms one and two seat 12 guests each and are adjoining, but can be divided. Room three caters up to six guests.
Location: SkyCity, 87 Federal Street, Auckland CBD Suitable For: 6 to 12 guests seated
For a memorable gathering in the heart of Wairarapa, The Runholder’s secluded private dining room offers an intimate, elegant setting for up to 14 guests. Ideal for special occasions or business meetings, this cosy space includes video conferencing capabilities and a 65” screen, seamlessly blending function with refined comfort. Guests can enjoy a family-style set menu—two courses or three — plus options for morning tea or canapés. Nestled within Te Kairanga Vineyard, The Runholder is a true homage to Martinborough’s bounty, combining stunning views with warm hospitality.
Location: 89 Martins Road, Martinborough Suitable For: up to 14 guests
Cassia’s home at SkyCity boasts several options for private dining and events. The main private dining area seats up to 20 people and is fully equipped for presentations. A large flat screen TV and connections enable the private dining space to be converted into a professional area to share ideas with business colleagues.
For larger groups of up to 40 guests, the mezzanine area is the perfect location for your next group booking. For all bookings for groups of 13 or more, Cassia offers a selection of set menus that can be tailored to suit your group’s requirements.
Location: SkyCity, 90 Federal Street, Auckland CBD Suitable For: private celebrations & events of up to 20 people, & group dinners of up to 40 people
Tucked away in the heart of Parnell, this exclusive private room is an intimate enclave that channels Napa Valley’s refined spirit. Designed for groups of 10–20, it embodies relaxed elegance with warm timber detailing, muted lighting, and richly upholstered seating. Expect beautifully plated dishes showcasing farm‑fresh Californian flavours — from seasonal seafood to premium grilled cuts — paired perfectly with estate‑level Napa wines. Fully serviced and effortlessly polished, this space is ideal for intimate wine dinners, milestone celebrations, or corporate tastings that linger well beyond the final sip. Or, if you’ve got a few more, NSP’s courtyard is the perfect spot to host a larger event.
Fans of Ebisu’s exceptional Japanese cuisine will be pleased to know the downtown favourite also offers private dining. Filled with natural light, the Nikko Courtyard features huge warehouse windows overlooking the Waitematā Harbour, a perfect space for a seated dinner or cocktail party.
Location: 116 – 118 Quay Street, Britomart Suitable For: up to 30 guests
Step into The Barrel Room, Ayrburn’s exclusive private event space designed for intimate gatherings and memorable celebrations. Surrounded by 56 aging wine barrels and centred around a grand piano, this hidden space offers a cosy, sophisticated ambiance perfect for seated soirées or lively gatherings for up for 50. Guests can indulge in a thoughtfully crafted shared plate menu in an atmosphere that marries opulence with privacy. With candle-lit seating and details that pay homage to Ayrburn’s heritage, The Barrel Room promises an unforgettable experience where time slows, and moments are savored deep into the night.
Location: Ayrburn, Ayr Avenue, Arrowtown Suitable For: up to 50 guests
Nestled in the heart of Hotel Britomart is The Libraries, a space that assumes literary comforts and leisure. Here there is an air of unpretentious exclusivity, where even in the middle of the city you couldn’t feel more removed from the world if you tried. The Libraries are not open to the general public to walk-in (they do not operate as a restaurant) however they are available for private events and functions, with tailor-made solutions to cater to any need. The crown jewel The Chefs Library (table), which is available for private dinners for up to eight people, making it perfect for an intimate and memorable affair.
Location: 29 Galway Street, Britomart Suitable For: 8 guests for degustation or family-style dining, 6 guests for cabaret
Tucked away to the east of Somm Wine Bar & Bistro is the venue’s lush & gorgeous semi-private area. This space is cleverly tucked behind the venue’s cellar, which displays an impressive array of library and large-format wines. The room is draped in heavy set ‘cabernet’ curtains which when drawn instantly transform the space into the cosiest of settings.
Location: Shed 22 Princes Wharf, Auckland CBD Suitable For: up to 12 guests
A relative newcomer to Auckland’s dining scene, Blue is fast becoming a favourite — for all occasions. Neatly situated off Franklin Road in Freeman’s Bay, the warm brick interior, impressive wine list and blink-and-you’ll-miss-it courtyard feel incredibly intimate. Blue offers up three separate dining space options, with capacity to seat up to 24 guests inside. In the courtyard, up to 50 guests can be accommodated for private functions. For larger groups of 12+ who want to dine, Blue offers four different set menus to choose from, across day and night.
Location: Unit 1/1A Franklin Road, Ponsonby Suitable For: up to 24 guests, exclusive venue hire for up to 50 guests in the courtyard
Consider hosting your next work event, milestone birthday or family gathering at the award-winning Mr Morris. Enjoy the gastronomic delights of the full menu, while working closely with the team to create an unforgettable event. Mr Morris can cater up to 28 guests seated or up to 35 for cocktails and snacks.
Location: Britomart, Corner of Galway & Commerce Street, Auckland CBD Suitable For: up to 28 seated guests, up to 35 for cocktails and canapés
The unassuming seaside suburb of Westmere has seriously stepped up its game in recent years, with neighbourhood darling Ragtag largely to thank. Boasting a refreshing menu with distinctly Spanish leanings — think octopus tostadas and chilli jam — Ragtag offers a cosy private dining option upstairs, away from the hustle of the main restaurant below. Suitable for up to 18 guests, this space is perfect for intimate gatherings and laidback family affairs.
Location: 162 Garnet Road, Westmere Suitable For: up to 18 guests
Holding pride of place on vibrant K-Road, informal Italian offering Otto caters to gatherings of various sizes. Boasting three separate private dining spaces — including a full basement level with its own private bar and capacity for up to 80 guests — all three private rooms come outfitted with dedicated sound systems. Guests are invited to dine off set menus, typically served as a rolling feast.
Location: 375 Karangahape Road, Auckland Central Suitable For: up to 80 on the basement level, 34 guests in the Legend room and 28 guests in the MC private dining room.
Overlooking the restaurant below, lush Italian eatery Bossi offer a private mezzanine area ideal for afterwork drinks or dinner parties, for 11 to 36 guests. For larger events, the entire restaurant can accommodate. What’s more, Bossi will work with you to build a custom menu, designed specifically for your event.
Location: 10 Commerce Street, Auckland Central Suitable For: up to 36 guests
If your idea of celebrating involves sweeping lake views, architectural drama, and a guest list with multiple VIPs, Kinloch Manor delivers with cinematic flair. Whether you’re hosting a marquee wedding for 250, a golden anniversary for 20, or a wintery long-table dinner for your inner circle, this is a venue that adjusts to your vision.
Designed by Andrew Patterson, with interiors by Virginia Fisher (translation: design pedigree for days), this Central North Island destination pairs grand scale with quiet restraint. Kinloch is an architectural wonder perched above Lake Taupō — dramatic yet grounded, luxurious yet relaxed.
The events team is calm, confident, and brilliantly capable. Menus are crafted with organic produce from its sister property, Treetops, and the wine pairings are spot on. Rooms have stone fireplaces, deep tubs, and neutral tones, making them the kind of spaces you never want to leave.
If exclusivity and elegance are the brief, Kinloch is the answer.
More maximalist than minimal, the proof is in the pudding that our home — or rather the way a home is designed —can and should make us happier.
Backed by neuroscience and popularised by TikTok, interior design that boosts your serotonin levels and releases oxytocin is the ultimate end goal. Enter dopamine décor — a glass half-full approach to design that’s more emotive than it is trend-based.
While dopamine dressing might feel a little more straightforward — wear what makes you happy, essentially —both philosophies ultimately share the same principles. Think vibrant colours and prints that immediately elevate not only your home’s aesthetic but also uplift your mood, simultaneously activating neural pathways and releasing the feel good love hormones we crave. Think sumptuous statement sofas like Studio Italia’s ZaZa, rugs that spark memory of a milestone vacation or fabrications that soothe your senses or regulate your nervous system — the opportunities are endless.
2:1 Residence by Róisín Lafferty
While colour can and should be approached through a pared back lens for the more subdued, bolder hues are making their mark in the modern home and imbuing interiors with more personality and pep than ever before. So go on, get happy.
Cartier’s enduring emblem of romance, the Love bracelet, continues to evolve while retaining its unmistakable symbolism: a union of passion and permanence. First imagined in 1969 by Aldo Cipullo, its locked oval form became an instant icon, an avant-garde declaration of devotion. Now, more than five decades later, the Maison unveils Love Unlimited, a new interpretation adorned with supple gadrooned links, designed to sit within the Love repertoire alongside the small, classic, and medium variations.
Polaroids by Sophia Coppola
To celebrate the collection’s arrival, Cartier has appointed Australian actor Jacob Elordi as its newest ambassador and reunited him with Academy Award-winning filmmaker Sofia Coppola, who previously directed him in Priscilla. Together, the pair channel the legacy of Love through a film shot on location in New York, a city that has always been central to the bracelet’s story.
Coppola’s film captures the quiet intimacy of a romantic weekend in Manhattan, following Elordi through a golden haze of light and emotion. Known for her ability to turn mood into narrative, Coppola approached the project with signature restraint. “Since it’s for love, it should feel close to him,” she explains. “It’s an idea of a romantic weekend in New York, when you’re with someone you love and you don’t want to do much but just hang out.” The result feels cinematic yet deeply personal, a modern meditation on connection, possibility and nostalgia.
The collaboration also bears a familial touch, with Elordi’s sister, photographer Isabella Elordi, capturing behind-the-scenes moments throughout the shoot. The candid images add warmth and authenticity that mirror the bracelet’s ethos: intimate, enduring, and quietly powerful.
“It’s my great pleasure to work with Sofia again,” Elordi shares. “It pays tribute to love, and to the artistic spirit of New York and the movies inspired by it.” That sentiment, love meeting art and memory meeting modernity, sits at the heart of Cartier’s creative evolution.
Q&A with Jacob Elordi
What was it like stepping into this creative journey? Shooting the project in New York was really special. LOVE has such a strong connection to New York and its cinematic history, and that’s the feeling we wanted to bring to life. Having my sister Isabella, there, capturing moments along the way, made it all the more personal for me.
How did it feel to reunite with Sofia Coppola on this project? It’s always a joy to work with Sofia. After Priscilla, reconnecting felt really natural. There’s an ease between us; we understand each other creatively and have a shared view of the work.
What speaks to you about the Cartier LOVE collection and its new ‘Unlimited’ twist? The LOVE bracelet has always had something iconic about it. It represents more than just a piece of jewellery. The new Unlimited version adds something unexpected and modern.
How does jewellery inspire you? I don’t think of jewellery as direct inspiration, but there are pieces I always wear because of what they mean to me. It’s not about their value, it’s about the memories attached to them. I like treasures and trinkets, they moor me.
What’s it like working with a maison as legendary as Cartier? I’m really excited about this new chapter. Cartier has such a rich legacy, particularly in cinema. It’s timeless, but also always evolving. It’s an honour to be part of their story in any way.
Is there anything quite as satisfying as tucking into a flavourful, vibrant plate of Mexican ? Luckily, in Auckland there are certainly no shortage of tasty taquerias and casual cantinas to find your fix, from cheap and cheerful to more elevated takes, and a veritable spectrum in between. Here, we round up a (non-exhaustive) edit of some of the best in the game, perfect for indulging in when the craving strikes.
If you’ve walked through Commercial Bay’s Harbour Eats recently, you’ll have noticed the queue — a sure sign that Mokki, the city’s newest wellness-meets-indulgence spot, has quickly found its following. Riding the dual waves of our ongoing matcha and açaí obsession, this sleek new spot is bringing both trends together under one minimalist, pastel-toned roof.
From the team behind the much-loved Oh Açaí market stall, Mokki takes its cues from matcha bars and açaí spots globally, bringing the two together with an emphasis on both quality and aesthetics. Here, ceremonial-grade matcha is whisked to velvety perfection in classic lattes or layered creations like the strawberry matcha, complete with real fruit purée, or the very well-Instagrammed ‘Matchamisu Latte’ — a tasty hybrid of dessert and drink that feels suitably decadent yet virtuous enough to justify a second round.
Matcha is accompanied by their signature organic açaí bowls. Mokki’s tasty, antioxidant-rich açaí soft serve base is topped with a host of fruit, granola, nut butters and more — a feast for the eyes as much as they are for the palette.
Whether you’re fuelling up between meetings or simply after a midday mood boost, Mokki offers the kind of easy, feel-good ritual Auckland’s been craving — and if the line out front is anything to go by, this is a spot worthy of your attention.
A landmark new residential offering, Pillars is set to redefine luxury living across two distinctive addresses: the urban elegance of College Hill, and the refined intimacy of Dublin Street.
Responding to the duality of our urban lifestyles, Pillars feels perfectly aligned as the development Auckland has been waiting for. A bold, design-led offering that responds to the growing desire for homes that are both architecturally striking and genuinely liveable. Conceived by award-winning developer Precinct, this exclusive collection of 20 two-three bedroom homes (with additional media rooms) unfolds across one of the city’s most picturesque ridge lines with it’s vantage point serving a visual symphony of both shimmering water, and our vibrant cityscape.
The coveted, top of the ridge site spans 2,364 square metres between College Hill, Freemans Bay and Dublin Street, St Marys Bay, affording the best of both worlds, with the vibrancy of Ponsonby on your doorstep, and the serenity of St Marys Bay in your backyard.
College Hill, Freemans Bay’s front facade
Embracing this theme of duality, the architecture and interior design, conceived by Jasmax, expresses two distinct interpretations of modern luxury, each tailored to its streetscape and united by a shared commitment to enduring design and exceptional craftsmanship. Each home is crafted with meticulous detail to enhance the rhythms of modern life while offering a sanctuary of calm, comfort, and privacy. These are homes that are still connected to the vibrancy of urban life, yet refined by a quiet elegance that feels entirely homely.
Pillars of College
At 99 College Hill, Freemans Bay, 16 light-filled apartments are set across four levels, many capturing awe-inspiring, sweeping harbour and city views that continually transform from sunrise to sunset, when the glittering lights of our vibrant skyline come to life.
Pillars of College, Freemans Bay
Elevating its presence further, the building’s sculptural façades, fluted concrete detailing, and generous balconies echo the rhythm of urban living. Refined, expansive, and effortlessly connected, these homes balance bold architectural presence with quiet, everyday luxury and ease. The curved, fluted forms of the exterior create a striking silhouette from the street, while also providing natural rhythm and privacy to the homes within. Taking everyday luxury lifestyle elements into consideration, details such as the depth of the balconies have been carefully conceived, maximising on the spectacular view while encouraging outdoor living.
Inside, Jasmax has curated homes that feel as timeless as they do contemporary. Dual-aspect floorplans allow sunlight to move fluidly through the interiors, while open layouts invite a sense of ease. Soft material palettes lend each interior a sense of calm, warmth and permanence, while modern essentials, such as secure parking with EV infrastructure, private lift access, abundant storage, and sustainability features that prioritise health, comfort, and long-term efficiency, are seamlessly integrated across both addresses.
Pillars of College’, featuring its northern façade and gardens
Four of the ground-floor apartments open onto private, landscaped gardens, ideal for those who want to rightsize, but not compromise on outdoor space.
Pillars of Dublin
For those seeking a more intimate expression of contemporary living, Pillars of Dublin in St Marys Bay offers just four boutique homes. Situated along one of Auckland’s most iconic villa-lined streets, here, the neighbourhood’s heritage cues are reimagined through a modern lens.
Pillars of Dublin, St Marys Bay
Pillar-like vertical accents reference the past; gabled rooflines and deep-set balconies hint at tradition. And yet, every material detail, from the botanical landscaping to the sumptuous interiors, speaks to a new era of understated luxury.
This address is a quiet revelation, one that feels at once connected and discreet. Designed with scale, privacy and light in mind, each home unfolds with clarity and grace. The north-facing living areas extend to lush gardens or elevated balconies, inviting a sense of openness rarely found in inner-city homes. Inside, the flexible floorplans cater to a range of lifestyles, with two-three bedrooms plus a media room, generous storage, and subtle zoning between private and shared spaces.
understated luxurious interiors
The architecture carefully respects the character of the street, but elevates it through refined detailing and contemporary composition. Ribbed concrete and GRC panelling create texture and rhythm, while internal finishes balance sculptural form with natural tactility. While the interiors lean warm and welcoming, with natural textures, soft tones, and an enduring palette setting the perfect backdrop for daily life. Sustainability, too, has a part to play, with the use of eco-certified materials and high-performance insulation ensuring year-round comfort and long-term efficiency.
The result is a series of homes that are deeply rooted in their context, yet quietly progressive in their execution. Places that speak to the elegance of the past while embracing the freedoms of modern life.
Step into a lifestyle of elevation without compromise
At its core, Pillars is designed for how people live now. Flexible enough to adapt to our evolving needs, yet timeless in its aesthetic. Whether you’re seeking the lock-and-leave freedom of apartment living, or simply looking to be closer to the vibrancy of Ponsonby, these homes offer a lifestyle of elevation without compromise. The outlooks are impressive, the detailing exquisite, and every line, surface and proportion has been designed to enhance daily life.
*All images are artist‘s impressions only. Subject to final design.
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