Considering an anti-wrinkle injectable? Did you know there is more than one option available? Here are some that should be on your list

For many of us, a well-rounded skincare routine can be one that includes cosmetic procedures like injectables. Often utilised to give the impression of a more youthful appearance, what previously may have been an area of beauty that was kept under wraps has never been more open — and accepted. 

Globally, the demand for fillers and injectables is on the rise, with the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery reporting an 8.6 percent increase in non-surgical injectables in 2019. The most commonly used of these is, unsurprisingly, botulinum toxin, with the society reporting 6,271,488 procedures carried out across over 15 countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Russia and Japan (this includes both women and men). 

While these statistics for the last couple of years will undoubtedly have been disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic, anecdotally the demand for non-surgical treatments like anti-wrinkle injectables is widely reported to be thriving. Some interesting and previously unexpected factors have influenced the conversation. 

Many of us are spending more time on Zoom and FaceTime than ever before and as a possible result, we may have grown more accustomed than we’d probably like to all the nuances of our faces, including those we’re not too fond of. 

When it comes to the formulation of botulinum toxin products, all of these are effective, but there are differences on how they are made and their protein content. What many people might not know, is that resistance can form against these products, through the development of antibodies against the toxin proteins. Increasing therapeutic evidence and published clinical research show that some of the risk factors which influence the build up of resistance to botulinum toxins are high doses, frequency of treatment and level of protein injected.

This resistance may result in clients requiring larger doses to keep wrinkles at bay and having to get injections more regularly. Quite apart from aesthetic concerns, botulinum toxin resistance can impact potential therapeutic treatment for conditions including musculoskeletal disorders, blepharospasm or spasticity after a stroke, as resistance can last for a significant period of time. 

Aside from taking a lengthy break from injections, there is no immediate cure for resistance. Using the minimum effective dose, maximising the time between treatments and minimising the level of protein injected can all help minimise the risk of resistance. 

In New Zealand, a product from leading global company Merz Aesthetics has proven effective in numerous clinical studies. Named XEOMIN®, this purified* botulinum toxin product goes through additional purification steps in the manufacturing process to remove the complexing proteins, meaning the end product contains only the active part of the botulinum toxin. 

In treatment for severe glabellar frown lines, over 95 percent of patients responded by day 30, with the majority of patients maintaining a desirable effect up to four months on. Another study has also shown that XEOMIN® can help patients appear to others as looking younger and healthier.

Most of us are now, more than ever, aware of every little thing we put into (and on) our bodies — from food and drink to cosmetics, skincare and more. If this is something you put particular emphasis on, and are considering an anti-wrinkle injectable, ask your healthcare professional to see if XEOMIN® is right for you.

* XEOMIN® contains zero complexing proteins.

Xeomin® (Incobotulinumtoxin A) 50, 100 Units is a Prescription Medicine. Indications: In adults, for the treatment of cervical dystonia; blepharospasm; spasticity of the upper limb; upper facial lines: glabellar frown lines, lateral periorbital lines (crow’s feet), horizontal forehead lines. Xeomin® has both risks and benefits, consult your doctor if Xeomin® is right for you. Further information on the risks and benefits of Xeomin® can be found in the Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) available from www.medsafe.govt.nz or by calling 0800 822 310. Use strictly as directed. If symptoms continue or you have side effects, see your doctor, pharmacist or health care professional. Common side effects include: Headaches; nausea; tenderness, swelling, redness, numbness or bruising of the skin; dry eye; heavy feeling of eyelid/eyebrow/forehead; face/brow not symmetrical, drooping eyelids/eyebrows. Serious side effects are rare and include allergic reactions. Xeomin® is an unfunded medicine, prescription charge will apply. Normal doctor charges will still apply. Copyright ©2022. Pharmacy Retailing NZ Limited t/a Health Care Logistics (HCL) 58 Richard Pearse Drive, Mangere, Auckland 2022. All rights reserved. Xeomin® and Merz Aesthetics are registered trademarks of Merz Pharma GMbH & Co. KGaA. NZ_XEO_ADV_DEN_V1:MAR22 Date of preparation: March 2022. TAPS MR7602. For information about how Merz handles personal data, please see Merz General Data Protection Information Notice at www.merz.com/fin. Guideline for DTCA. Prescription medicines.

For more information on XEOMIN® and how to find your local clinic, visit –

Wellbeing

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Designer Oli Booth on the importance of collaboration and the impression of New Zealand architecture

Great architecture shapes the way we live. Not only does it orderly arrange our own reality, but with thoughtful consideration it can enhance our awareness of what else surrounds it.

This agility and sense of place is something Oli Booth learnt to appreciate ever since spending holidays around New Zealand, staying in tramping huts or family baches. “Perhaps being a younger country, we seem to be quite fluid in how we approach design,” he muses. “Less driven by style and more a responsiveness to our own culture and landscapes. It seems to be creating some special results.”

Having appreciated the arts and architecture while at high school in Waikato, the designer went on to study at the Victoria University of Wellington and worked for architecture firms in Auckland, before going out on his own in 2016.

“Starting a business on your own at 26 is always a challenge,” he reflects. “But it seems to be a lot more common these days, so it’s great to be able to share those experiences with people in similar positions.”

Ōmiha, Waiheke Island by Oli Booth

As with his approach to life, Booth’s designs are contextual. In responding to the environment, and the routines of its inhabitants, he can draw out the special moments and relationships that make a house a home.

In particular, Booth is drawn to projects that are collaborative and in their own conversation with the landscape. “I love designing with clients across different contexts,” he says. “Letting these elements shape your design is always a real pleasure.”

Lake Rotoroa, Hamilton by Oli Booth

And it seems homeowners are responding — his practice has a range of residential projects across breathtaking New Zealand locations lined up for this year, including from repeat clients.

As New Zealand housing inevitably becomes more populated, Booth hopes to alleviate our collective anxieties around crowding, quality and liveability. “We seem to be at a crossroads of trying to use existing models of density and affordability (which is pretty grim at times) and we are now trying to show how these spaces can in fact be beautiful and smart.”

A prime example of this is Booth’s recently completed home, which he worked on with his partner, and fellow designer, Libby Elmore. Putting his philosophy into personal practice, the Grey Lynn house has been an exercise in designing efficient, considered spaces that still feel generous. What could be more welcoming than that?

Image credit: David Straight

Design

We explore the life, work, and storied career of revered designer Pierre Paulin
Studio Jane reimagines New Delhi living with a refined, gallery-like apartment that whispers rather than shouts
Art Deco has been given a modern makeover — here’s how to employ this timeless trend in your home
D.C. Row House by Jeremiah Brent
Amsterdam Residence by Framework Studio
West London Townhouse by Banda

The latest interior trend to try is a dining bench sofa

Rewrite the rule book when it comes to dinner table etiquette and sidle up to your next meal on a soft sofa or booth seat. Sure to deliver a more convivial atmosphere, it is both casual and chic.

Left: New York Townhouse by Gachot Studios. Right: Middle Park by Flack Studio.
California Estate by Axel Vervoordt

Get the Look
For the ultimate social dinner setting at your place, we recommend an elongated table with welcoming curved arms in smooth marble. As well as a beautiful custom bench sofa, reach for statement armchairs that will hold their own.

Left to right: Chelsea dining chair by Rodolfo Dordoni for Molteni&C from Dawson & Co., Manta dining chair by Rodrigo Torres for Poliform from Studio Italia, Capitol Complex chair by Hommage à Pierre Jeanneret for Cassina from Matisse.
Top to bottom: Ufo with Lazy Susan dining table by Ferruccio Laviani for Emmemobili from ECC, Jane dining table by Jean-Marie Massaud for Poltrona Frau from Studio Italia, Esse dining table by Reflex of Italy from Sarsfield Brooke.

Design

We explore the life, work, and storied career of revered designer Pierre Paulin
Studio Jane reimagines New Delhi living with a refined, gallery-like apartment that whispers rather than shouts
Art Deco has been given a modern makeover — here’s how to employ this timeless trend in your home

This tiramisu Easter egg recipe creates the decadent treat your long weekend needs

With this recipe and a dash of alcohol, Easter eggs are put to good use as an adult indulgence. Liv Glazebrook from @kitchenoftreats has delivered a comforting recipe using any chocolate eggs that haven’t been devoured and simple tiramisu.

Tiramisu Easter eggs recipe
Serves 8

Ingredients
8 medium-sized hollow chocolate Easter eggs (or how many you wish to make)
6 large egg yolks, room temperature 
1 cup castor sugar
1¼ cup mascarpone, room temperature 
1¾ cup Lewis Road Creamery double cream
2 packets of Italian sponge fingers (each finger carefully chopped in half) 
1 cup strong coffee, cooled
½ cup Kahlúa coffee liqueur

Garnish
Grated chocolate 
Coffee Beans 

Method
1. To prepare the eggs, take each chocolate egg and break the top half of the egg open. Make sure that the opening is large enough so that you will be able to layer the tiramisu inside (refer to the recipe image for guidance). Set this broken chocolate aside, it will be grated and used as garnish later in the recipe. 
2. Combine egg yolks and sugar in the top of a double boiler, over boiling water using a whisk to mix. Reduce heat to low, and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring constantly with a whisk. Remove from the heat and continue to whip yolks until thick. Allow to cool briefly before mixing in mascarpone.
3. Add mascarpone to whipped yolks, mix through until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, using a hand mixer whip cream to stiff peaks. Ensure you whip your cream slowly, this will allow it to hold its structure.   
5. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture and set aside. 
6. Mix the cold coffee with the coffee liqueur.
7. Take a halved sponge finger, dip in the coffee liqueur (just long enough to get them wet, do not soak them!) 
8. Place in the base of each chocolate egg to create a layer, top the ‘base’ sponge fingers with 1-2 tablespoons of the mascarpone mix, then repeat with the remaining sponge fingers and mascarpone mix until you reach the top of the egg. The final layer should be the mascarpone mix.
9. Repeat with the remaining eggs (once you have filled your eggs, any remaining mixture can be assembled into small ramekins).
10. Garnish with grated chocolate and coffee beans on top of each Easter egg. 
11. Cover and refrigerate for at least two hours before serving (I like to make them the night before to allow the flavours to infuse.)


Image credit: Liv Glazebrook

Gastronomy

Bar Magda’s new approach is all about community, culture, and considered hospitality
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Press play on these excellent albums and lose yourself in the music

Whether you’re after vibey dream pop or 80s-tinged bangers, these new album releases will provide a musical mood for every occasion.

Dawn FM by The Weeknd
On his fifth studio album Abel Tesfaye, a.k.a The Weeknd serves 80s-tinged pop with a hefty smack of something far more fierce than pathos. Compulsive, multi-layered, clever and ultimately his most cohesive release yet, The Weeknd shows he’s far from done exploring the expansive range of his talent.

Run, Rose, Run by Dolly Parton
A companion to her upcoming novel of the same name, Dolly Parton’s toe-tapping new album is a celebration of both Parton’s iconic country sound and her prowess as a songwriter who has told hundreds of stories with her music over her multi-decades-long career.

Laurel Hell by Mitski
Dubbed “the most alluring and enigmatic musician in indie rock”, Mitski wields her quintessentially razor-sharp writing and melodic prowess within an album that has both fans and critics enchanted. From emotive ballads to deceptively peppy pop tracks, there’s far more to Laurel Hell than meets the eye.

Once Twice Melody by Beach House
With this new release, dream-pop duo Victoria LeGrand and Alex Scally lean into the lush, hazy arrangements that made them famous, while embracing an even more expansive sound thanks to a live string section. The resulting album is cinematic and immersive, becoming increasingly addictive with every play.


Motomami by Rosalia
With her acclaimed 2018 album El Mal Querer, Spanish musician Rosalía Vila Tobella was credited as bringing the flamenco sound to a new generation. Now a global star, her highly-anticipated third album introduces an even more innovative sound, avant-garde and unconventional. With it, Rosalía solidifies herself as a visionary artist with remarkable musical range.

Culture

Forget everything you thought you knew about Frankenstein — we’re giving away tickets to a riveting retelling
The Booker Prize Longlist has been announced — consider this your essential reading for the months ahead
Here’s everything we know so far about The Devil Wears Prada sequel…
Left: London home by Olga Ashby. Right: The Art House by Nina Maya Interiors.

Need something more? These consoles and sideboards enhance empty interior spaces

Gone are the days when furniture had to choose between being practical or attractive. Case in point is the contemporary console or sideboard, rendered in varying design styles that are poised to enhance in-between spaces. Entryways, hallways and unfilled walls become areas for both clever storage and eye-catching décor. 

Left: TCL Residence by Mim Design. Right: Toronto Home by Anne Hepfer.
Top to bottom: 505 UP sideboard by Nicola Gallizia for Molteni&C from Dawson & Co., Palmanova sideboard by Giovanni Luca Ferreri for Arte Veneziana from Sarsfield Brooke.
Top to bottom: Selvans sideboard by Christian Werner from Ligne Roset, Dia cabinet by Chi Wing Lo for Giorgetti from ECC, Index Sideboard from Tim Webber.
Top to bottom: Match console by Paola Vella for Arflex from Studio Italia, Holo Console by Kensaku Oshiro for Kristalia from Matisse.

Design

We explore the life, work, and storied career of revered designer Pierre Paulin
Studio Jane reimagines New Delhi living with a refined, gallery-like apartment that whispers rather than shouts
Art Deco has been given a modern makeover — here’s how to employ this timeless trend in your home
The Batman.

Get ready for action with these masterful new movies

After the events of late, we all have some escapism to catch up on. From the latest Guy Ritchie film Operation Fortune to Sandra Bullock’s rollicking The Lost City, these action-packed movies are here to whisk us away, at least momentarily.

Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre
For his next comedy-action film, Guy Ritchie is bringing out the big guns — namely Jason Statham as super-spy Orson Fortune. He must stop the sale of deadly weapons from another Ritchie regular, Hugh Grant, with the welcome yet wild-card addition of agent Aubrey Plaza and movie star Josh Hartnett. With elegance and an edge, this globe-trotting mission might just save the world — and the film genre. In cinemas now

The Batman
Robert Pattinson dons the cape in this new spin on Batman, where a young Bruce Wayne is taunted by a serial killer targeting Gotham’s corrupt wealthy citizens. Teaming up with the ever-coy Catwoman (Zoë Kravitz), to follow cryptic clues along with a trail of destruction, it’s an enticing new entry into the canon. In cinemas now

The Northman
Your hair will stand on end watching The Northman, and not just because it’s set in the freezing scenes of 10th Century Iceland. From director Robert Eggers, the vengeance film sees a Viking prince (Alexander Skarsgård) try to save his Queen mother (Nicole Kidman), while being distracted by a woman who can bend minds (Anya Taylor-Joy). In cinemas 21st April

The Lost City
Reality catches up with a reclusive romance-adventure novelist (Sandra Bullock) when she is kidnapped by an eccentric billionaire (Daniel Radcliffe) seeking an ancient lost city, and her handsome cover model (Channing Tatum) sets out to save her. Along with an appearance by Brad Pitt, The Lost City is a rollicking romp. In cinemas now

The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Nicolas Cage takes on the role of a lifetime: Nick Cage. Facing financial ruin, the fictionalised version of himself accepts a million-dollar deal to visit a superfan. Things take an unexpected turn, and Cage is forced to live up to his own legend, channelling his most iconic characters in an action-comedy for the ages. In cinemas 21st April

The Adam Project
Feel the joy of science-fiction again, and travel back in time with the irreverent Ryan Reynolds — as a time-travelling pilot who teams up with his doe-eyed younger self in order to save the future, while coming to terms with his past. Watch on Netflix

Whina
Te Whaea o te Motu Dame Whina Cooper was an inspiration. The story of Whina (played over time by both Miriama McDowell and Rena Owen) is told with the respect it deserves — a film about a woman who worked tirelessly to improve the rights of her people, and sought equality for all. In cinemas 23rd June

Culture

Forget everything you thought you knew about Frankenstein — we’re giving away tickets to a riveting retelling
The Booker Prize Longlist has been announced — consider this your essential reading for the months ahead
Here’s everything we know so far about The Devil Wears Prada sequel…

4 promising beauty trends to keep an eye out for in 2022

Tackle 2022 with your best foot (and face… and body) forward. Now, more than ever, we all want to feel our best — a fact reflected in the verifiably booming beauty and wellbeing industries. Increasingly, the cosmetics realm embraces an “anything goes” approach to reflect our individuality, but there are some noticeable skincare trends that are being placed at the top of the shelf.

Fermentation Station
Many of us drink kombucha or eat sauerkraut for inside-out health benefits, but now skincare that harnesses the power of fermented ingredients is set to be the year’s biggest trend. In 2021, the lean towards “microbiome skincare” grew by a huge margin, and fermented skincare plays into this with its barrier-strengthening properties. As with many of today’s beauty trends, this one originated in South Korea, and has been enthusiastically adopted by the West as fermented products not only protect the skin’s biome, but also have increased potency, and contain natural bacteria that prolong shelf life. Look to brands like Sunday Riley, Drunk Elephant, Fresh and Sothys, which all employ fermented techniques in their products.

Left: Dr. Barbara Sturm Haircare. Right: Augustinus Bader Haircare

Hair Today
In a well overdue move, haircare is now being treated with the same pure and potent ingredients as skincare on the rest of the body. Luxury skincare brands like Dr. Barbara Sturm and Augustinus Bader now offer shampoo, conditioner and treatments as part of their lines, with Sturm using ingredients like hyaluronic acid and Bader wielding its Trigger Factor Complex for glossy, strong locks and a healthy scalp.

Dry Run
The rise of products formulated without water has industry forecasters like WGSN questioning whether the future of beauty is sans aqua. Waterless products were initially introduced as super-concentrated formulas without filler (water is often number one on ingredients lists) but now it’s being looked at as a more earth-friendly approach. According to the WHO, a staggering one in three people globally are unable to access clean water. Taking the form of powders, concentrates, balms, bars and oils, many mainstream waterless products are activated in the shower or sink, but the thinking is that there’s already been a large reduction in the amount of water used through leaving it out of the production chain itself. Certainly a category to watch as it expands. 

Harry Styles’s Beauty Brand, Pleasing

Well Groomed
The men’s beauty and grooming sector is expected to generate global sales of USD$81.2 billion by 2024, a category on the rise as many male-marketed brands also set out to redefine masculinity in their branding and marketing direction. Men are more encouraged than ever to care for their appearance, and this goes beyond the traditional shaving and basic skincare regimes. Celebrities including Harry Styles, Machine Gun Kelly, and Tyler, The Creator have launched nail polish brands, while makeup brands include men wearing makeup in their advertising. The prevalence of e-commerce and an increase in men spending more time at home has also allowed the space for private experimentation, and social media provides a platform for community and inspiration.

Wellbeing

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Juliet Souter of Marle on the intricacies of fashion, style and building a successful business

When Juliet Souter launched Marle in 2015, she started with a mere ten knits. Having worked in the industry for many years — learning all aspects of the fashion game — she saw a gap in the market for modern, minimalist knitwear. Naturally, shoppers and stockists alike soon asked for more of her thoughtfully designed and sustainably-minded pieces, seeing Marle quickly grow into a fully-fledged fashion brand from its laidback base in Mount Maunganui. With the philosophy of everyday luxury, and a focus on impeccable details, exceptional materials and superior quality, Marle is the elevated epitome of conscious design.

Here, Souter shares her knowledge on fashion, style and building a successful career.

Experience is essential
From an early age, I knew I wanted to work in a creative industry. I was impelled to get as much experience as I could to identify my passion. I started doing work experience while I was at school for local designers and larger corporate companies — from picking and packing orders in warehouses and working in luxury retail, to putting lookbooks together for designers to send to buyers. All these experiences equipped me with the knowledge I needed to explore fashion design and running a business. I was very lucky to have an encouraging family. With their support I left school early to study fashion at AUT with the vision of one day creating a brand that was a reflection of my vision and values.

Try it on yourself
As a young girl, I was always experimenting with various pieces of fabric, creating things that I wanted to wear. I remember one day I found a piece of old denim, wrapped it around my hip, stitched a single seam and called it a skirt. I had a number of friends compliment me on it and little did I know at the time, this moment really solidified my confidence in creativity.

Marle Autumn 22 ‘A Seabird Knew Your Name’

Wear many hats
I think some people might assume I draw pretty pictures all day. In reality, no two days are the same and the actual ‘design’ part of my role gets smaller each year as our team grows and I work on different parts of the business. As Creative Director, I am across design, marketing, production, online and sales. We work with an external marketing and digital team and also sales teams so there’s a balance of international time zones and video calls and making sure everyone has what they need. I’m getting better at working out where to focus my energy.

Inspiration is everywhere
I’m inspired by all the wonderful people that are in my life. Nature and its raw beauty — I love getting out and enjoying what we are lucky to have on our doorstep as New Zealanders. I find architecture and interior design hugely inspiring — the forms, the materials and the special spaces.

Clothes are fibres first, and last
I have always loved natural fibres for the way they feel and behave — as well as their luxuriousness. They carry all sorts of beneficial properties, such as being breathable, warming and cooling. After learning of the effects on our planet from synthetic fibres, it became clear that working with fabrics that could gently return to the earth was the only way I wanted to work in the industry. While we have come a long way, there is still limited availability of materials, so I start with what is available to me and what I can create from it.

It’s timeless
Design to me is about creating pieces people want to wear over and over again, wearable pieces that are not attached to a season. We see it as combining simplicity with luxury.

The importance of a signature piece
The Mimi Jumper is a standout. It helped us to gain a lot of brand awareness as our customers came to trust in the quality of our products. It continues to grow in popularity.

Continue the design conversation
We deliberately include some of our most loved pieces in every season, perhaps updating a detail or colour, with the intention of adding to your Marle wardrobe each year without the need to replace. Marle is a considered brand that encourages mindful consumption. It’s important to stay in our own lane.

Create looks that last
I constantly update my wardrobe with iterations of the Jo Jumper and Ida Pant. Both effortless and wearable, they have been well loved pieces in Marle collections since the beginning. They are simple in design and functional in form, which means they can be worn in many ways for many occasions — which for me, epitomises everything I want Marle to stand for and be known for.

It’s paramount to create with intention and integrity
We see fashion as more than just a passing trend. Marle isn’t for one person, one age group or one style — our considered cut, fit and silhouettes can be worn and loved by many. They allow the wearer to make it their own in terms of personality, lifestyle and individual aesthetic, which I love.

On family
I’m a working mother with two beautiful children. I want to create a brand and a business that helps to care for the world I am raising them in and equally, I want to create a space for our team where they know their home life is supported, in all ways. I am motivated and inspired to be part of the change I hope to see.

A culture of success
Creating the culture we have at Marle has been something truly important to us. Our small but growing team spends a lot of time together so our hope is to create a loving, inspiring, nurturing environment. There is a lot of trust between us all and Marle wouldn’t be what it is today without those in our office and our wider team. Together, we create the success of the brand, which is one of my proudest achievements.

Every season presents an opportunity to do things differently
I would love to explore working with more obscure fibres such as banana fibre, coconut fibre and pineapple silk. I’m excited to see the developments in the years to come.

A great outfit
For me, I need to feel comfortable and to feel like myself. There’s not one thing that is more important than the other, it’s about putting on something and recognising how it makes you feel.

I still find it special to see women wearing our pieces
We dedicate so much of our time and energy to Marle, so knowing that our customers resonate with our brand is something I will never tire of.

Sustainability is a journey
Our intention was always to be ethical and sustainable and from inception, we’ve done things intentionally. We’re constantly learning of new developments or approaches and applying these to every facet of the business. It’s a work in progress — one we’re wholeheartedly committed to.

The future of fashion, I hope, is bright
I don’t see sustainability as something brands could do, I see it as something all brands should do and I am hopeful that conscious creation will start to be as important as commercialism. Our world is finite and it’s our responsibility to recognise rather than ignore that.

Image credit: Cam Neate & Adrian Price

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Mason.

Escaping the city this Easter? Here’s where to wine and dine across the country

With winter chills on the horizon, Easter often feels like that last glimpse of summer. It’s four days where we can escape the city to the beaches, take a holiday with our nearest and dearest and indulge in delicious food along the way. The holiday looks different for us all — especially if you have children — but an Easter escape is one that we look forward to every year, and this year, there’s so much further afield to discover.

Sage Restaurant at Paroa Bay Winery, Sugo.

Sage Restaurant at Paroa Bay Winery
When the weather ebbs between hot and cold, we flock north. Paroa Bay Winery — owned by the visionary team behind The Lindis Group — is perched on the hills above the Bay of Islands, with luxury villas that take you into the clouds. And while the wine is an easy libation, the real treasure is the restaurant. Nominated as one of ​​the Best Out Of Town Eateries in Denizen’s 2022 Hospo Heroes, this dining experience is one you’ll always remember. The menu is crafted with the idea of offering New Zealand’s best delicacies on a plate, and the wine pairings are a welcome addition. With three individual residences, it makes for the perfect family escape, or a romantic getaway if you’re inspired.

The Shack, Raglan
If you want to escape to the renowned break this long weekend, refuel here post-surf with a menu that is just the right amount of unique, boasting a roasted broccoli toastie, chilli egg bun, waffles and more. In true Raglan fashion, it’s a little Byron-esque, with an inspired, wholesome brunch menu that could run up against the big leagues.

Sugo, Tauranga
You’d be forgiven for looking past Sugo, as it doesn’t sit on the shores of Tauranga’s famous beaches, but Sugo is no less worthy of an Easter weekend visit. While the locally-sourced menu is fresh and inspired, the bottomless brunch is the eatery’s main attraction. And when on an extended weekend escape, is there a better way to spend it?

Central Fire Station Bistro, Mason.

Central Fire Station Bistro, Hawkes Bay
If you’re looking for something different from the usual winery-based dining in Hawkes Bay, Central Fire Station Bistro in Napier is serving up a crowd-pleasing menu. In one of the art deco buildings that make the city so quaint, and like all good eateries, there’s a strong focus on local, seasonal produce, a fitting choice as the region is abundant with its offerings. We recommend the spiced lamb rump, just as the weather begins to cool off.

Mason, Wellington
Tucked away in the capital’s Newtown, the suburb that emits an effortless aura of cool, is Mason. It prides itself as a restaurant masquerading as a bar and offers a Middle Eastern inspired approach to food. The menu is ever-changing but be sure to try the current crudo on offer — one of the best in the city. While you’re in Wellington, there’s never been a better time to explore New Zealand Portrait Gallery Te Pūkenga Whakaata’s latest exhibition, curated by Brian Wood — Raymond McIntyre: Portraits. 

Hopgoods & Co, The Store.

Hopgoods & Co, Nelson
Nelson’s city is an eclectic mix of arts, travellers and early retirees, and when you come to embrace it, you can appreciate the city for all of its divine offerings (not just as a gateway to the great outdoors). Hopgoods & Co is a Nelson institution, with the bistro taking up residence in the heart of the city, serving seasonally based bistro-style food with the best of the region’s artisan produce.

The Store, Kekerengu
Found on the coastline between the Marlborough Sounds and the expanse of Christchurch is Kekerengu’s The Store. Some 60km north of Kaikoura, the rugged coastline makes for a beautiful holiday drive, and The Store is the perfect pitstop. It’s been a mainstay for 28 years, serving much of the same locally sourced fresh fish. The breathtaking views of the beaches beyond are just a welcome addition you can expect to find around these parts.

Bessie, Fairlie Bakehouse.

Bessie, Christchurch
Bessie marks a new stage in Christchurch’s dining journey. Traditionally ruled by a few key players, the scene in Christchurch is evolving and this excellent spot offers a unique taste of the South Island that needs to be on your radar. Bessie specialises in dry-aged cuts, so vegans need not apply, and trust us, they’re not exaggerating when they claim to be ‘Canterbury’s best’. With a complimentary wine menu that promises to keep you perfectly libated, Bessie is a Christchurch favourite.

Fairlie Bakehouse, Fairlie
While pies aren’t always our road trip snack of choice, these delights are a contender for the country’s most famous. These pies are the perfect marriage of buttery, flakey crusts, with locally-sourced tender beef steak, Aoraki salmon, creamy hearty vegetable, and of course a classic mince and cheese. Nothing less than a southern essential, these pies could dethrone Ferg Burger, and if you’re passing by — or in the vicinity — they’re a must-eat on any road trip. 

Del Mar, Esplanade.

Del Mar, Oamaru
Oamaru’s Del Mar looks past the traditional steampunk approach of the town and offers up a refreshingly cool waterfront venue that specialises in superb seafood. The crispy squid is arguably one of the best takes on inspired seafood in the country, and the view across the harbour is simply delightful. If you’re in for dinner service, time it around the little blue penguin arrivals that take place just around the corner, a truly once-in-a-lifetime viewing experience.

Esplanade, Dunedin
An impeccable Italian restaurant at Saint Clair Beach, Esplanade serves up a slice of the good life. With interiors by Cheshire Architects, it’s cosy even when the waves are crashing. Here, you can finally take in a different side of the city, away from the bedlam of student life, and watch as surfers don their thickest wetsuits and brace the southern waters, while you enjoy Italian so good it warms you from the inside.

Gastronomy

Bar Magda’s new approach is all about community, culture, and considered hospitality
This month, Amano is hosting a one-night-only collaborative event with Wet Jacket Wines — secure your spot now
Queens Rooftop has unveiled an epic, limited-time menu, and we have a dining experience for four up for grabs