Café Hanoi, Kingi's pan-seared snapper & Ghost Street

Shake up date night with this progressive dinner across three of the city’s tastiest dining destinations

A feast for the curious and the epicurious alike, Taste of Tuawhiti is an immersive dining experience that brings together three of Auckland’s most celebrated restaurants — Kingi, Café Hanoi, and Ghost Street — for a progressive dinner like no other. Held on Tuesday, 19th August (after a quick-to-sell-out first event in May), this multi-course journey through Britomart’s Tuawhiti Lane offers a delicious blend of mystery, exceptional flavours, and seamless hospitality.

Britomart’s Tuawhiti Lane

The evening begins at The Hotel Britomart, where guests are welcomed with a glass of bubbles before discovering their first dining destination. From there, diners move between the three venues, experiencing a thoughtfully curated three-course menu with expertly matched wines.

Kingi’s Chickpea farinata

At Kingi, expect a celebration of sustainably sourced seafood, with plates like kingfish crudo with grapefruit, caper, and bay leaf or pan-seared snapper in a tomato crayfish bisque. Café Hanoi brings its signature Vietnamese flair, offering vibrant dishes like ginger galangal chicken and green papaya salad with shrimp. Meanwhile, Ghost Street delivers bold, Beijing-inspired flavours with honey-glazed cha shao pork and aromatic fried rice.

Ghost Street’s aromatic fried rice

With each course unfolding in a new setting, Taste of Tuawhiti is a true culinary adventure. A chance to connect with fellow diners, discover the rich culinary landscape of Britomart, and indulge in an evening of great food, fine wine, and a touch of spontaneity.

kingibritomart.com

Gastronomy

Denizen’s definitive guide to the best ramen bowls in town
Michelin-starred chef Matt Lambert opens his new Ponsonby restaurant
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Mary: The Birth of Frankenstein

Our August Culture Guide has everything worth booking tickets to this month

As we find ourselves eagerly awaiting warmer and lighter days, a calendar packed with cultural events is keeping us excited for the final month of winter. From exceptional exhibitions and captivating performances to live comedy and more, here we present our August Culture Guide, sure to satiate your creative cravings.

Mary: The Birth of Frankenstein

When & Where: Tuesday 19th August — Wednesday 17th September, ASB Waterfront Theatre

Step inside the storm-soaked night that birthed a legend. From playwright Jess Sayer and director Oliver Driver comes Mary: The Birth of Frankenstein — a blood-soaked, fever-dream reimagining of Mary Shelley’s infamous creation. Gothic horror collides with raw ambition and creative obsession in this unflinching and unmissable world premiere.

New Zealand Fashion Week

New Zealand Fashion Week

When & Where: Monday 25th — Sunday 30th August, Shed 10

New Zealand Fashion Week returns this August at Auckland’s Shed 10, transforming the iconic waterfront venue into a hub of style and creativity. Celebrating Aotearoa’s most exciting designers — from industry icons to rising stars — the week-long event will captivate local and international audiences with runway shows, installations, and unforgettable fashion moments.

Bromeliad Garden Nightscape, oil and embroidery on canvas 1500 x 1000mm

Molly Timmins — Moon Sown

When & Where: Now until Sunday 17th August, Sanderson Contemporary

Sanderson presents Moon Sown this month, a new solo exhibition by Molly Timmins (Ngāpuhi, Pākehā). Exploring nocturnal gardens alive under te marama (the moon), Timmins’ works blend textured brushwork, wild gestures, and sewn thread to reflect on ancestral ties, colonial landscapes, and evolving connections to whenua.

Diva Exhibition

Diva

When & Where: Now until Sunday 19th October, Auckland Museum

Direct from London’s V&A and showing exclusively at Auckland Museum, DIVA is a glittering tribute to the performers who’ve defined — and defied — culture. With over 280 iconic pieces spanning fashion, film, music and more, this landmark exhibition showcases the ambition, power, and legacy of stars from Maria Callas to Madonna, Cher to Rihanna. An unmissable celebration of the diva in all her forms — flamboyant, fabulous, and forever fascinating.

Workmates

Workmates

When & Where: Friday 1st August, The Civic

What if coming of age happens in your 30s? Set in Tāmaki Makaurau’s beloved Basement Theatre, Workmates is a romantic dramedy from real-life duo Sophie Henderson and Curtis Vowell. Henderson stars as Lucy, a chaotic co-manager of a crumbling theatre, emotionally entangled with her long-time colleague Tom (Matt Whelan). Brimming with wit, longing, and charm, this NZIFF gem is a late bloomer’s love story—and a heartfelt ode to the city’s vibrant, precarious arts scene.

Asia-Pacific and Oceania – Singles, Gabriel Medina at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Jerome Brouillet. World Press Photo Exhibition

World Press Photo Exhibition

When & Where: Now until Sunday 24th August, 131 Queen Street, Auckland

Powerful, poignant, and unflinchingly real — the World Press Photo Exhibition returns to Auckland, spotlighting the year’s most compelling photojournalism from across the globe. From conflict zones to climate protests, the images on display offer a striking lens on the world we live in, asking viewers to pause, reflect, and look closer.

Bloc Party

Bloc Party

When & Where: Tuesday 12th August, Spark Arena

Bloc Party return for a special 20th‑anniversary celebration, performing their iconic debut Silent Alarm alongside their greatest hits. This alternative‑indie rock live show features special guests Young The Giant. Expect an electrifying night that honours two decades of one of Britain’s most influential guitar bands.

Home, Land and Sea

Home, Land and Sea

When & Where: Now until Saturday 9th August, various locations country-wide 

Royal New Zealand Ballet’s Home, Land and Sea unites three evocative ballets exploring connection and identity. Featuring works by Moss Te Ururangi Patterson, Shaun James Kelly, and Stephen Baynes, the programme reflects on heritage, transformation, and what it means to find home through movement and storytelling.

Berthe Morisot, In the Garden at Maurecourt, 1884

A Century of Modern Art

When & Where: Now until Sunday 28th September, Auckland Art Gallery Toi O Tāmaki

A landmark exhibition of visionary painting, A Century of Modern Art arrived exclusively in Auckland in June. On loan from the internationally-renowned Toledo Museum of Art, the exhibition features 57 masterworks by 53 groundbreaking artists — including Monet, van Gogh, Cezanne, Picasso, and Frankenthaler — charting the evolution of modern art from Impressionism to Abstract Expressionism.

Angus Muir’s immersive installation (left) and one of Sala’s free outdoor wellness sessions (right)

By the Fire at Viaduct Harbour

When & Where: 1st — 31st August, Viaduct Harbour

This August, Viaduct Harbour is turning up the heat with By the Fire — a month-long celebration of the season across the waterfront precinct. Anchored by an immersive installation by artist Angus Muir, the event encompasses everything from flame-kissed menus and specialty cocktails to winter-inspired wellness experiences, spa packages, and soul-soothing staycations. At the centre of Muir’s precinct-wide installation is a sculptural bonfire in Market Square, animated by ambient light, drifting smoke, and the soothing sounds of a crackling fire — setting the tone for the month ahead.

Every Saturday morning, leading holistic fitness studio Sala steps in with free outdoor wellness sessions at Market Place — from HIIT pilates to dynamic yoga and run clubs — designed to get bodies moving. Yoga and Pilates participants will receive a complimentary gift bag full of wellness goodies. Elsewhere, Sofitel Viaduct Harbour is offering a transformative warming spa ritual, and QT Auckland is going all-out with a bespoke wellness-centric winter escape. Forget the winter blues, and make for Viaduct Harbour where the best of the season awaits.

See the full list of By the Fire offers at viaduct.co.nz

The Ballet International Gala VI

The Ballet International Gala VI

When & Where: Friday 29th August, The Civic

Ballet’s brightest stars take the stage for one night only as the Ballet International Gala makes its New Zealand debut. This unmissable event features world-renowned dancers from the Mariinsky, Royal Ballet, Staatsballett Berlin and more — performing beloved classics and contemporary works in a breathtaking evening of global ballet excellence.

Culture

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End your evening on a high note with The Grill’s Cognac & Cheese Trolley

This winter, SkyCity’s The Grill is inviting diners to end their evening with a ritual of refined indulgence. The new Cognac & Cheese Trolley offers a memorable table-side experience, pairing premium New Zealand cheeses with a warming pour of cognac or Armagnac — served either hot or cold, to suit your mood.

Presented with ceremony, the roving trolley features a curated selection of Aotearoa’s finest: Over the Moon’s Truffle Brie, Mercier’s Maasdam-style Gouda, Nelson’s Wildfire Camembert, and the bold Puhoi Blue. Add a cheese portion for just $18, served with thoughtful accompaniments, from walnuts and honey to cornichons and currants, marking the perfect end to what is always guaranteed to be an exceptional meal.

Available daily for evening service, round off the night with a finale that speaks to The Grill’s ethos: celebrating local ingredients and timeless hospitality.

skycityauckland.co.nz/restaurants/the-grill

Gastronomy

Denizen’s definitive guide to the best ramen bowls in town
Michelin-starred chef Matt Lambert opens his new Ponsonby restaurant
This long weekend, Ki Māha makes the case that the best holiday is 35 minutes away
Soul Bar & Bistro

Embrace the sunshine this weekend and lock in a midday soirée at one of the best long lunch spots in town

The first stretch of sunshine after a long bout of rain calls for a long, indulgent lunch. With the weekend forecast to stay on the up, it’s the perfect excuse to gather your favourites, dress for the weather (optimistically), and settle in somewhere special.

Whether you’re after a sun-drenched courtyard, a table by the fire with panoramic views, or a heated terrace that lets you pretend it’s already spring, these are the best places in town to while away an afternoon over good food, flowing drinks, and great company.

Gastronomy

Denizen’s definitive guide to the best ramen bowls in town
Michelin-starred chef Matt Lambert opens his new Ponsonby restaurant
This long weekend, Ki Māha makes the case that the best holiday is 35 minutes away

The modular sofa trend is redefining contemporary living spaces

When it comes to elevated lounging, modular sofas are hard to beat. Their flexible, customisable configurations make them perfect for open-plan living, growing households, or anyone who loves to entertain — and rearrange. At Dawson & Co., the modular offering spans sculptural statement pieces, plush cloud-like loungers, and refined European designs that deliver both comfort and style.

Whether you’re after a minimalist profile in tactile linen or something more sumptuous and deep-seated, this round-up explores the most versatile, design-led options in store now.

Natadora Furrow modular sofa Dawson & Co.
Tolv Pambula modular sofa from Dawson & Co.
Tolv Causeway modular sofa from Dawson & Co.

Molteni&C Augusto Sofa from Dawson & Co.

Timothy Oulton Scrambler Modular
Sofa from Dawson & Co.
Molteni&C Octave Modular Sofa from Dawson & Co.
Natadora Slipper modular sofa from Dawson & Co.

Design

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Non Solo Pizza

If a Euro summer isn’t on the cards, live la dolce vita at these Italian eateries

Just because you’re not in Italy this winter, doesn’t mean you have to act like you’re not. In Auckland, we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to exceptional Italian eateries with food, drink, and ambience that bring the laid-back yet convivial vibes of Il Bel Paese to life. Here, we round up three of our top spots to indulge in aperitivo, Italian eats, and a spritz or two to set the tone.

Bivacco

Make like you’re abroad and round off a long day at Bivacco, where aperitivo hour, running Monday through Friday from 4pm to 6pm, rivals anything on the Amalfi Coast. Settle in harbourside as the sky turns gold, and graze your way through the menu with a negroni or champagne in hand, tucking into the complimentary bites when the mood strikes. It’s Euro-chic, minus the currency conversion.

Book your spot here.

Non Solo Pizza

For those who like their pre-dinner ritual local, Parnell’s Non Solo Pizza presents a transformative journey where the Aperol flows, the Neapolitan-style pizzas are on point, and the energy rivals that of Capri in July. Here, an alluring aperitivo hour runs from 5pm to 8pm daily across the bar and osteria, with drinks specials on all of the best (Italian-approved) beverages, and complimentary bites to round out the experience. Gather la famiglia and make for NSP to live la dolce vita.

Book your spot here.

Amano

Celebrated for its impeccable day-to-night fare that never fails to send diners on their merry way suitably satisfied, Amano is a winter favourite for a reason. This season, gather a posse and settle into a cosy booth to sample the ever-changing (and always delicious) pastas, made fresh each day. From the simple but sublime pipe rigate cacio e pepe to the Auckland Islands scampi chitarra with tomato and chilli, this is comfort food at its finest. Bellissimo.

Book your spot here.

Gastronomy

Denizen’s definitive guide to the best ramen bowls in town
Michelin-starred chef Matt Lambert opens his new Ponsonby restaurant
This long weekend, Ki Māha makes the case that the best holiday is 35 minutes away

A Night of Nostalgia: Honouring Tom Hishon’s culinary legacy at Kingi

Since opening the doors of Kingi, Tom Hishon has been at the helm of one of Auckland’s most beloved kitchens — serving up food that’s both thoughtful and joyfully delicious. A champion of local ingredients and sustainable seafood, Hishon’s approach blends a laid-back sophistication with a deep respect for New Zealand’s land and ocean.

On the 4th of September, Kingi is throwing a one-night-only dinner in his honour, celebrating the flavour-packed favourites that have come to define his five-year run. Expect a four-course feast (snack, entrée, main with side, and dessert) showcasing the dishes that speak to Tom’s signature style: simple yet refined, ingredient-led, and brimming with heart.

Whether you’ve been a longtime fan of Kingi or are simply keen to experience a slice of Auckland’s modern dining history, this is a night not to miss. An evening of nostalgia, exceptional food, and a fitting send-off for a chef who’s helped shape the city’s restaurant scene.

Secure your spot to this unmissable event here.

kingibritomart.com

Gastronomy

Denizen’s definitive guide to the best ramen bowls in town
Michelin-starred chef Matt Lambert opens his new Ponsonby restaurant
This long weekend, Ki Māha makes the case that the best holiday is 35 minutes away

End the week well with Soul Bar & Bistro’s unmissable new yum cha offering

There’s something about yum cha that just feels right across the cooler months — comforting, indulgent, and made for long, leisurely weekend lunches. This August, perennial favourite Soul Bar & Bistro is giving that timeless tradition a fresh, playful spin with the launch of Soul Cha — a convivial yum cha service with a little extra soul.

Kicking off on Sunday 17th August, Soul Cha delivers all the joy of grazing, minus the rules. Expect your favourite luxuries with a fun twist — truffle fries in miniature form, crispy oysters that demand a second round, buttery crab toast, and spring rolls packed with all the satisfaction of a cheeseburger. There’ll be wagyu skewers that practically melt in your mouth, and plump chicken and prawn dumplings that are as addictive as anything you’d find on trolleys across the city.

The vibe is relaxed, and the pace inspires lingering. Grab a seat, soak up the views, and let the trays come to you — picking and choosing whatever you fancy as you go. Soul Cha runs from 11am — 2.30pm on Sundays weekly, with bites starting from just $8 each. No fixed menu, just good food, good company, and a Sunday well spent. Book your spot here.

soulbar.co.nz

Gastronomy

Denizen’s definitive guide to the best ramen bowls in town
Michelin-starred chef Matt Lambert opens his new Ponsonby restaurant
This long weekend, Ki Māha makes the case that the best holiday is 35 minutes away
Bamboo Silk Wool
Basket Weave Wool
Pony Braid Runner

Premium textile studio Nodi expands into new territory

Nodi, the Auckland-based textile studio renowned for its handcrafted rugs, is now stepping confidently into the world of natural carpet. An extension of its material-driven ethos, the debut collection redefines the category with warmth, texture, and architectural intention. Crafted from pure wool and inspired by the natural world, each piece is ethically made and thoughtfully designed to foster healthier, more grounded living.

Tip Sheared Wool

Guided by the belief that what we place underfoot fundamentally shapes how we experience our spaces, Nodi’s first carpet collection invites a more intentional approach to the home. Moving from the intimate scale of the rug to the architectural scale of carpet, this collection extends Nodi’s tactile sensibility into a more immersive design language — one that transforms not just rooms, but the atmosphere of living itself. Developed in close collaboration with the design community, the collection features a refined, natural palette and an inviting, textural tactility.

Nodi’s latest offering is crafted with pure wool construction

Founded in 2014 by textile designer Olivia Moon, Nodi has always celebrated craft, authenticity, and connection to place. This latest offering continues that philosophy with pure wool construction and ethical production accredited by GoodWeave.

Boucle Loop Wool Carpet

Durable, breathable, and free from synthetics, Nodi carpet creates a healthier, more meaningful foundation for everyday living — one that reflects a commitment to both design integrity and environmental care. Available online, in the Auckland showroom, and through select flooring retail partners, each piece is ethically made and thoughtfully designed to foster healthier, more grounded living.

nodi.co.nz

Design

This elevated Spanish villa is a masterclass in neutrality
The Easter table worth lingering over, and how to set one your guests won’t forget
Poliform’s Owen armchair makes a case for sculptural comfort

Is hojicha the new matcha? We investigate

If you’ve dipped your toe in the world of Japanese teas (or stepped foot in any café in Auckland worth their salt) you’re likely familiar with matcha — the punchy green powder found in everything from lattes to ice cream, baking, and smoothies. But there’s a new kid on the block contesting matcha’s reign. Hojicha — made from the same tea plant (Camellia sinensis) — is fast-gaining popularity, loved for its mellow and distinct roasted flavour and myriad health benefits, with much less caffeine.

While matcha is known for its vibrant, punchy taste and smooth buzz, hojicha is ideal for when you want comfort and calm. And while they may differ in taste, colour, and character, both have something unique to offer beyond the usual coffee hit. Here, we look at the buzz behind each.

How They Differ

Matcha

Best to Drink: when you want to have energy

Matcha is the finely milled powder of young, shade-grown green tea leaves. The leaves are steamed, dried, and stone-ground into a silky powder you whisk directly into hot water — meaning you’re drinking the whole leaf, not just an infusion as you would with green tea. It’s known for its vibrant green hue, rich umami flavour, and a unique balance of calm alertness (thanks to L-theanine and a gentle caffeine kick). Traditionally used in Japanese tea ceremonies, with origins dating right back to 8th century China, matcha has now firmly established itself as a go-to for wellness aficionados, lauded for its clean energy boost with and rich antioxidant content, particularly catechins like EGCG which can help protect against cell damage and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Hojicha

Best to Drink: when you want to relax

Hojicha takes a slightly different path. Instead of fresh young leaves, it’s made from more mature tea leaves, stems, and even twigs — roasted at high temperatures until they turn a toasty golden brown. The result is a warm, nutty, slightly caramelised flavour with almost no bitterness. It’s naturally low in caffeine and gentle on digestion, making it an ideal choice for evenings or when you crave something soothing. In fact, when it comes to health benefits, there are plenty, with hojicha packed with catechins and polyphenols which promote skin health and support the immune system, as well as L-theanine which is known to promote relaxation and reduce stress. Hojicha lattes are gaining ground, but you can also drink it straight, chilled over ice across the warmer months, or, we’re sure, many other creative ways which we’ll see cropping up in the months to come.

If you’re looking for a thoughtful alternative to coffee, both matcha and hojicha tick the box — with each rich in both flavour and health benefits. Matcha brings focus and clarity, while hojicha offers comfort and ease. And both look great in a mug.

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