There’s nothing that quite ruins a day of fun in the sun like a swarm of mozzies and a body covered top-to-toe in bites. Ditch the dodgy DEET, and opt for these tried and true natural alternatives.
Apple Cider Vinegar
An effective mosquito-repelling drink, dilute 1-2 tablespoons of ACV in water or mix up a batch of switchel. Alternatively, dilute with water in a spray bottle and spritz skin regularly.
Lavender
The bloodsuckers aren’t fans of the calming fragrance of lavender. To keep them outside, add lavender oil to a ribbon and place around open doors and windows, or apply lavender body oil to keep them from bugging you.
Garlic
Not for the faint of heart, by increasing your garlic consumption, the garlic oil that’s eventually released from your pores provides a natural barrier between your skin and the pesky pest.
Light Colours
Attracted to objects found in nature such as foliage-like dark blues, greens and blacks or flower-like brights, donning light or neutral coloured clothing in white, khaki or beige, will divert their attention.
Neem Oil
The vegetable oil is a known natural insecticide. To use, place a few drops in an oil burner to release it into the ether or apply sparingly as part of a coconut oil mix on skin.
Coffee Grounds
Keep mozzie numbers to a minimum by sprinkling coffee grounds over ground wherever there’s stagnant water. The layer deprives mosquito eggs of oxygen killing them before they hatch.
Forget soggy sandwiches this summer; take your cues from our delectable selection of food-on-the-go for the ultimate outdoor culinary adventure.
Condiments
Add European flair to your picnic basket. Pesto or salsa adds pizzazz, as does a smattering of pâté. Slather some arrabbiata pesto or salsa verde onto a crostini and top with creamy goat’s cheese, or embrace the exotic flavour of a Moroccan chutney — the perfect accompaniment to a delicious slice of cured meat.
Cheese
Ditch the plastic stuff; this is no place for cheese slices. Instead, opt for a selection of hard and soft cheeses that will accommodate everyone’s palate. A mild cheese such as emmental blends perfectly with semi-dried cherry tomatoes, or try the classic flavour of piccalilli. For those who adore pungent cheeses, opt for a strong gorgonzola perched boldy atop a fresh baguette.
Meat & fish
An interesting selection of cured meats and fish will keep even the most seasoned picnic-goer happy. Try layering anchovy fillets with fresh tomato slices on a generous hunk of bread for a classic bruschetta. Or go for bold flavours by pairing sliced salame finocchiona with pepperoni and cheese.
Bread/crostini/crackers
The best picnics involve as little cutlery as possible. We suggest you turn composite carbohydrates into edible vessels on which to serve your gastronomic selection. A fresh loaf of rustic artisan bread works well with the deliciously simple pairing of olive oil and thinly sliced Iberico Bellota ham, or use crostini as a base for delectable canapés. If you’re after a little something different, try sweet olive oil tortas with softer cheeses for a mouthwatering combination of sweet and savoury.
Sweet treats and fruit
There’s always someone who needs a little sweetening up, and a delicuious Danish pastry from any good bakery is bound to do the job. Always remember to throw in some fresh seasonal fruit too: fresh melon complements the saltiness of cured meat perfectly.
Drinks
Whilst champagne is always appropriate, you should also consider the versatile Prosecco. Turn this dry sparking wine into a popular and refreshing Spritz,by adding a dash of Aperol, or bring a bottle of peach nectar and whip up a delicious summery bellini.
Utensils
Although you are in nature, there is no need to act like a Neanderthal. Having the right utensils is essential for a perfect picnic: cheese knives, serving bowls and tongs, and a sturdy cutting board will be your saving grace when dining outdoors.
It’s not a real celebration without the clinking of champagne flutes, and how you pop the cork can be just as important as the label on the bottle. Below, we present four ways to pop a bottle — select your method wisely.
The Classic
for the discerning
Grip the cork between your thumb and index finger and using your other hand, twist the bottle until you feel a discreet ‘pop’. There will be no spillage if executed perfectly; merely a small puff of champagne scented mist.
The Celebration
for the victorious
Grasp the bottle tightly with one hand while gripping the bottleneck with the other. Hold the bottle at a 45° angle away from any human targets. Dig thumb under the cork and pop the cork off. Hold hands and bottle victoriously above your head as if you’ve just won the Formula 1.
The Old School
for the show off
Acquire a sword (crucial). Hold the bottle with one hand at a 45° angle, away from your face. Ensure your fingers are tucked in and away from the blade. Press the blade against the side of the bottleneck, then glide upwards in one smooth, swift sweep. Put the sword away before imbibing.
The Launch
for people with boats
A floating vessel and a good length of ribbon is required. Tie one end of the ribbon around the prow of said vessel and attach the other end around the bottle. Swing the bottle forcibly against the vessel’s body. Plant a suave kiss on a nearby damsel as cheers erupt.
Few vistas come close to the outlook under the pitched roof of Ki Māha, occupying a prime position on Waiheke Island’s Onetangi Beach. Under the expert guidance of head chef Vicky Shah, this is beachside dining at its most revered — a celebration of provenance, craft, and the island’s abundant seasonal offerings.
Ki Māha beckons us all year, but spring and summer bring a special kind of enchantment to dining on Waiheke. To celebrate the season’s arrival, the restaurant has expanded its acclaimed menu with succulent seafood, tender meats, and colourful vegetarian dishes bursting with flavour. Every visit promises a feast of choices from the first bite to the last.
Left: Smoked Old-Fashioned. Right: Wagyu skewer with spiced emulsion and soft herb salad
Aperitifs and creative cocktails set the mood, with standouts like the ‘O-ne-tangi’—a heady mix of pineapple, dark rum, amaro di angostura, and yuzu. The wine list guides guests through celebrated regions, highlighting local varietals with fresh, seasonal fare.
Tuna crudo with radish, sea grapes, chilli-verjus dressing
Ki Māha seafood platter
Seafood lovers can indulge at Ki Māha’s renowned raw bar, then savour creations like tuna crudo with radish, sea grapes, and chilli-verjus dressing. Shareable snacks abound, from scallop ceviche in coconut dressing that sings with Southeast Asian flavours to goat’s cheese fritters drizzled with hot honey, lemon, and thyme. Pair these delights with a glass of Cloudy Bay Perolus Sparkling and let the afternoon drift by with the ebb and flow of Onetangi’s shoreline.
Entrees range from a reimagined caprese — heirloom tomatoes with buffalo curd and basil — to bold game, such as wild venison with watercress raita and macadamia. Mouthwatering mains set the table for family-style feasts: saffron tagliatelle with tomatoes, parsley, chilli oil, and prawns; market fish with burnt-leek butter; harissa-roasted chicken; marinated lamb loin; and dry-aged duck breast with earthy oyster mushrooms, dates, marmite and cashew cream — a sweet and salty symphony.
Front: Dry-aged duck breast with oyster mushroom, dates, marmite and cashew cream. Back: Seasonal greens
From the grill, the Tora Bay crayfish—sustainably sourced just for Ki Māha—stands out, as does the succulent Skull Island king prawn, ready to enhance any dish. The Wagyu eye fillet, aged to perfection, headlines a selection of beef cuts sure to delight any meat lover.
As you settle into island time, let the dessert menu tempt you with the affogato, rich chocolate ganache, or perfectly executed vanilla bean crème brûlée. Or, forgo the sweets entirely and end on a savoury note with a curated cheese board of melty Brie de Meaux, tête de moine AOP, Roquefort, honeycomb, walnuts, and crisp crostini.
Left: Violette Dream Signature Cocktail. Right: Dark chocolate ganache with hazelnut and raspberry
Before you return to the mainland and leave Ki Māha in the rearview — if only for a little while — be sure to pause and savour the feeling, that elusive blend of contentment, satisfaction, and coastal calm. This uniquely Waiheke dining destination consistently delivers all three.
There’s something magical about stumbling across a deserted beach, lake, waterfall or swimming hole. Tranquil, secluded places where (if you’re lucky) your only company is the echoing bird calls from the surrounding trees, secret swimming spots are something to be cherished. After sharing a few of our favourites a little while ago, we thought it time to update our list and let you in on some more of our top, isolated spots.
Lonely Bay, Shakespeare Reserve, Whitianga
Located in the Shakespeare Cliff Reserve, a short five-to-ten-minute walk down from the track car park sits Lonely Bay — a breathtaking spot surrounded by pōhutukawa trees and far more private than its often-busy neighbour, Cooks Beach. To get to Lonely Bay, drive to the end of Cooks Beach, turn right up a steep gravel road to Shakespeare Scenic and Historic Reserve and park in the area on the right, near the top of the road.
Peachgrove Bay.
Peachgrove Bay, Great Mercury Island
Though you will need a boat to reach this idyllic bay, your hard work will pay off in spades. Sheltered by thick pōhutukawa covered hills, the crystal clear, turquoise waters are almost tropical and are clear down to four metres. A short walk from the beach, there is also a freshwater river that runs from the beach to a delightful waterfall and swimming hole.
Blue Pools Track, Makarora River.
Blue Pools Track, Makarora River, Mt Aspiring National Park
An hour from Wanaka lies the Makarora River where you can wander through native forests and over swing bridges to reach the pristine Blue Pools, which are as blue as the photographs promise. The river runs clean from the nearby mountains in Mt Aspiring National Park, making it the perfect place for a (very) refreshing dip.
Lake Crucible.
Lake Crucible, Mount Aspiring National Park
A plunge into this alpine lake is exhilarating, to say the least. Dotted with icebergs and found at the top point of Wanaka’s Gillespie Pass Circuit (a 58-kilometre loop hike that takes between three to four days to finish) this dip might take some courage and perseverance, but we can assure you it’s worth it.
Puheke Beach, Doubtless Bay.
Puheke Beach, Doubtless Bay
With nothing but the great sweep of the coast, the white stretch of sand and the undulating sand dunes for company, Puheke Beach on the Karikari Peninsula is the perfect spot for some crowd-free relaxation. To get there, turn off the State Highway 10 onto Inland Road leading to Maitai Bay and follow the road signs.
Whale Bay.
Whale Bay, Matapouri
An exquisite spot for snorkelling, swimming or a day of sunbathing, this white sand beach surrounded by bush is accessed only by foot. Park up in the Matapouri Road car park and follow the track down.
Smugglers Bay.
Smugglers Bay, Bream Head Scenic Reserve, Whangarei Heads
Drive around three hours from Auckland and you’ll reach the Bream Head Scenic Reserve, offering a number of walking tracks. Park at the Urquhart Bay car park and wander across beautiful farmland to reach Smugglers Bay. The white sandy beach is surrounded by lush greenery and is the perfect spot for a picnic and a refreshing dip.
Waewaetorea Island, Russell.
Waewaetorea Island, Russell
Crystal clear, turquoise waters surround this stunning island, and with plenty of captivatingly beautiful, secluded beaches, too — there’s a good chance you’ll have this place to yourself. Waewaetorea Island can only be reached by boat.
Paynes Ford Pools.
Paynes Ford Tramline Track Pools, Golden Bay
A beautiful walking trail that follows an old tramline that was once used to transport timber, the Paynes Ford Track is dotted with a number of superb waterholes. An easy hour-long round trip that allows dogs (on leash), you’ll find the entrance at 1886 Takaka Valley Highway, State Highway 60.
New Chums Beach, Whangapoua.
New Chums Beach, Whangapoua
From the car park at the north end of Whangapoua Beach, cross the stream and walk along the rocky shoreline and over the headland to reach New Chums Beach — a stunning secluded treasure in the Coromandel.
The Eel Hole, Murchison, Tasman.
The Eel Hole, Murchison, Tasman
Don’t be put off by its nickname; this local waterhole is the perfect summer swimming spot — rope swing and all. To reach it, follow the road north of Murchison town for 1km then turn left onto Riverview Road, continuing past the holiday park until you hit the Buller River.
Elliot Bay, Bay of Islands.
Elliot Bay, Bay of Islands
Located just out of the Bay of Islands you’ll find this privately-owned stunning white sand beach with punchy fun waves, ideal for surfers looking to beat the crowds. Head north on Western Hills Drive, State Highway 1, turn right onto Russell Road before turning right onto Rawhiti Road and continuing round to Elliot Bay. Cross the private property to access the beach and pay your way via the honesty box.
Lake Wainamu.
Lake Wainamu, Waitakere, Auckland
Inland from Te Henga / Bethell’s Beach, Lake Wainamu resides with its sweeping black sand dunes and picturesque surroundings. Park up at the Lake Wainamu car park on your left, a little before you reach the main Te Henga car park, and follow the stream/path to this freshwater lake. You’ll want to take your shoes off for this, as you’ll be walking through water (the stream itself is the path), however make sure you have slides or footwear that’s easy to slip on as that black sand can be scorching. From the car park to the lake takes about 30 minutes, so make sure you take everything you need to park up lakeside for as long as you want.
Cleopatra’s Pool – Abel Tasman Regional Park
At the base of the Torrent River lies Cleopatra’s Pool, a short detour from the Abel Tasman Coast Track. Framed by moss-covered waterfalls that are often utilised as a natural slide, this ethereal and otherworldly forest oasis is the perfect place to cool off when walking along one of the country’s most beautiful trails.
Rock Pools – Tawharanui Regional Park
At low tide, when the roiling ocean ebbs from the shore, Tawharanui’s secret swimming spot is revealed; the rock pools hewn into the stone at the south end of the beach. These idyllic mermaid pools are placid pockets of peace for a dip on a hot day.
Waiau Falls – Coromandel Peninsula
Need a break from the beach in the Coromandel this summer? Point yourself in the direction of Waiau Falls. A short 500 metre walk through Kauri forest will bring you to this idyllic swimming hole filled by the Waiau Falls, framed by ferns and native flora.
Oh you shouldn’t have! There’s the good, the bad, and the just plain wrong when it comes to festive gift giving. Take heed of these timely tips to ensure no feelings are hurt when Santa Claus comes a’ knocking.
AIM LOW
Greedily ripping open the wrapping paper, expecting to find an original Andy Warhol, will just set you up for blatant disappointment. In the days leading up to the yuletide season, keep expectations low and cheat your brain into thinking that a grim garden gnome from Mitre 10’s bargain bin is standard fare. Can Aunty Susie give good gifts? Of course she can’t.
REACT WITH HASTE
The first 30 seconds after the big reveal are crucial. You would have appreciated a sweet-smelling candle instead of the floral-shrouded wall calendar, but hey, what goes around comes around, right? Now is the time to smile, nod eagerly (or laugh depending on the giftee’s intention) and say thanks — a lot.
LIE
Moral compass aside, one should absolutely tell white lies in the face of a bad gift. Lie to your grandparents, lie to the next-door neighbour and lie to the mother-in-law who generously gifted a shower cap. If your face tends to read like an emoji smorgasbord, focus your gaze on the gift and find something to say, such as wow, this will come in so handy!
All that stands between you and your summer holiday is the ever-changing speed limits on State Highway 1. Fasten your seat belt, connect your phone to the Bluetooth, ready yourself to pretend the entire stretch is a 110 zone, and let’s hit the road.
You’ve probably packed too much, you can’t really afford the time off, and it’s far too hot to be in the car for five hours. Everything is perfect. Without checking if there’s anyone driving down the road behind you, you back out of the driveway and head on your way. While driving past the point of no return (the end of the street), you take both hands off the wheel and slip on your Balenciaga Panther Masks to block out the glow from the overcast day. It is only now, following this symbolic gesture, that the journey has officially begun.
Time is of the essence, so when the ute in front of you at the local petroleum outlet is taking too long, you express your need for immediate attention by engaging your horn. When making your payment, you’re as sure as ever to never buy the chocolate on offer at the checkout. Like any educated, health-conscious city dweller, you know giving into such cheap persuasions is like feeding fresh, artisanal bread to a seagull. Besides, there’s an emergency block of Whittaker’s in the car. Just in case.
Full of fuel, you bound towards freedom by way of the motorway. You adjust your mirrors accordingly, at first directing them to the backseat to check on your passengers, then back to your face for another look at those sunglasses, and begin entry. Your tactic du jour is a near-literal dive into the chosen lane. This move causes quite a splash. It is noted that many of the other drivers congratulate your skilful display by waving their hands frantically. Despite the success and popularity of the manoeuvre, you’re given a score of just one finger by the unappreciative audience.
Driving on, you notice a merging sign on the horizon and remember that zips are outdated — it’s all about buttons this season. Thus, you adopt the zip-lock trend of remaining entirely straight so that not even a sliver of air will make it past your bonnet. Under no circumstances do you let any other motorist in, readying in your mind a line of clever expletives for the enjoyment of your passengers should one dare try.
After some kilometres, a few unremarkable townships, another fuelling stop, and an undesirable toilet break, the vast concrete belt turns off and thins out into a rural highway.
Regardless of personal time constraints, or lack thereof, it is well known to you that on rural highways you must overtake as many people as possible. This theory demands that you consider the elderly, mini-vans, camper vans, livestock, rental cars and cars with trailers to feature in the road lice category of road users, meaning the speed of these vehicles is to be assumed intolerable (irrespective of reality) at all times. As such, you overtake so many vehicles that it causes you wrist-lash. Uncertain as to whether or not wrist-lash is a genuine ailment, you suffer in silence and take a bullet for your oblivious passengers.
During all of this, you use your horn liberally and never allow yourself to be overtaken, for being overtaken would put you in the road lice category. You make sure to speed up as soon as a passing lane approaches.
After the last kilometres of the journey, you near the township of your bach. It smells like salty grass clippings and the coffee you just spilt.
Finally, as the sun goes down and you pull up next to the much-missed house, take both hands off the wheel to gracefully remove your sunglasses, and pick the empty chocolate wrapper out of the cup holder…and the journey is complete.
5 Tips for the Modern Road Trip
01. WiFi
Holding your phone outside the window of the car will not increase your chances of obtaining internet connection, but it will increase the chances of you losing your phone.
02. Taking phone calls
Talking into the bottom of your phone like a walkie-talkie while driving does not constitute a hands-free system. Talking into the bottom of your phone like a walkie-talkie while someone else holds it, however, does.
03. Staying charged
Take the car-munist approach and share an in-car charger equally with all vehicle occupants, no matter their status in the vehicle hierarchy (clockwise rotation from the nearest birthday is good general practice). And when using your phone for the sole purpose of providing music, switch to flight mode to maintain a longer battery life.
04. The playlist
Simply putting your playlist on shuffle says to everyone else in the car that they weren’t worth your time and consideration. Take time, put some thought into it, and for goodness’ sake, check the Bluetooth connection before you leave the driveway.
05. Re-live and learn
When it’s all over, and the memory is even more distant than Huntly itself, look back on your various social media feeds and re-live your road trip. What did you learn for next time? Probably to encourage an open-toed footwear policy.
As the long, languid days of summer beckon, so too does the pleasure of getting lost in a truly compelling read. Whether you’re stretched out by the pool or unwinding between holiday gatherings, a well-chosen book remains the season’s most reliable indulgence.
Marilyn Monroe lived under the world’s gaze but carried burdens few ever saw. Here, James Patterson and Imogen Edwards-Jones chart her transformation from Norma Jeane to Hollywood icon, while probing the unsettling questions surrounding her final hours.
When a young mother walks out on her family, what starts as ten days of freedom stretches into years of reckoning. Fierce, funny, and written in lyrical prose, The White Hot is a tender letter of abandonment and awakening, and an exploration of the messy pursuit of selfhood.
In 1974 Venice, a young English artist is drawn into Danilo Donati’s dazzling world of Fellini and Pasolini. A love story and noir thriller in one, The Silver Book explores desire, illusion, and the sometimes dangerous intersection of art and life.
In this sweeping novel, a century-old shipwreck exposes a family secret that reshapes everything a journalist thought she knew about her past. Spanning the Canary Islands, Cuba, and New York, Deeper than the Ocean is a luminous story of love, loss, and maternal devotion.
From Bombay neighbourhoods to English universities, Salman Rushdie’s dazzling new stories confront love, mortality, and legacy with wit and imagination. At once elegiac and exuberant, The Eleventh Hour ponders how we say farewell to the people and places that shape us.
Drawn back into espionage, Gabriel Dax uncovers a conspiracy reaching from Guatemala to Berlin — and a chilling plot to assassinate JFK. Boyd’s The Predicament is an elegant, twisting novel of betrayal, obsession, and dark temptations that can upend a life.
As Tagore’s death brings 1940s Calcutta to a halt, lives entwine inside the Great Eastern Hotel. Spies, soldiers, artists, and fugitives alike come together in Ruchir Joshi’s exuberant, atmospheric, suspenseful novel centred on survival in a world on the brink.
What shapes a writer’s life? From wild Quebec forests to The Handmaid’s Tale, Margaret Atwood traces the path of her imagination. Witty, candid, and expansive (like the woman herself), Book of Lives links lived experience with the worlds she’s conjured on the page.
After The Last Waltz, Robbie Robertson found himself on Martin Scorsese’s doorstep. What followed was four decades of friendship, excess, and transformative art. Insomnia captures their remarkable collaboration and the soundtrack it gave to American cinema.
From condemned housing to the canals of Michigan, Patti Smith charts a life shaped by love, grief, and, above all, art. Bread of Angels is her most intimate memoir yet — a luminous testament to the potent power of memory, devotion, and imagination.
Inspired by the author’s own uncertain celebrity paternity, this daring debut follows a son returning to his dying mother, still searching for the truth of her romance with Bob Dylan. A moving portrait of identity, inheritance, and a mother’s love.
In 1950s suburbia, Lulu Mayfield strives to be the perfect housewife, until the birth of her second child shatters her carefully constructed façade. When a mysterious new neighbour moves in, Lulu’s fixation unravels dark truths that threaten her sanity, and survival.
The end of the year is nigh, so alongside planning your various New Year’s Eve celebrations (or preparing to attend one of the epic parties happening around Auckland) it’s time to start thinking about your look. Outfits aside, New Year’s Eve offers the perfect opportunity to try out something new on the beauty front, whether it’s a bold eye, a standout lip or colours you wouldn’t usually dare to wear on a normal night out. It is an evening of celebration, after all.
Here are five easy-to-do makeup looks that will have you turning heads this New Year’s Eve.
Make it Metallic
Giving classic New Year’s Eve glamour a decidedly futuristic edge, this beauty trend is all about making the eyes stand out and embracing a sleek, metallic look.
Half Magic Glitterpill Glitter Eye Paint & Liner from Mecca
Crystal Eyes
Spotted everywhere from international runways to backstage beauty looks, gems on the eyes are the ultimate end-of-year statement — subtle sparkle placed at the inner corner, along the lash line, or beneath the brow for instant impact with minimal effort.
Embellish By Rowi Elevate Multi-Gem Pack from Sephora
Trade the classic, demure cat-eye for this bold iteration and command attention at any party. When trying this look at home, don’t be afraid of using a heavy hand. The trick here is a thick, dark line, extended beyond the bounds of your natural eyes to make them look dark and mysterious.
Napoleon Perdis Sketch Pot Gel Eyeliner from AdoreBeauty
BENEFIT COSMETICS Roller Lash Mascara from Sephora
Sisley Paris Ligne Noire Eyeliner from Moda Operandi
Whiteout
Another futuristic beauty trend, holographic hype is transforming our makeup from minimalist matte to light-reflecting radiance with the flick of a brush. Designed to give your eyes an ethereal pop, this trend is for those who want to stand out in a more subtle (but no less effective) way.
Huda Beauty Icy Nude Eyeshadow Palette from Sephora
M·A·C Cosmetics Dazzleshadow Liquid Eyeshadow from Mecca
This season, lips are all about effortless impact. Lip stains deliver a long-wear, just-bitten look that lasts through cocktails, dancing, and midnight selfies — the perfect mix of subtle sophistication and party-ready confidence.
For anyone who has decided not to escape the city for the New Year period, there’s an array of rousing events, delicious dinners and unmissable parties taking place on New Year’s Eve guaranteed to ensure a very warm welcome to 2026. Whether it’s a long, languid lunch, a delightful dinner with family, or an entirely uproarious party that you seek, here’s where to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Auckland come December 31st. Secure your spot now, and bid adieu to 2025 in style.
Few rooftop bars in Auckland possess a view quite as impressive as the one at Queens Rooftop. Sitting pretty 21 floors above the city, you have it all, from the harbour bridge to the Waitakere Ranges. You’ll ring in 2026 literally on top of the world, with the debut Music First event headlined by Nathan Haines. Start the year on a high for the best omen around.
Savour the final hours of 2025 in Kingi’s stunning dining space, indulging in a tasty four-course dinner. The seafood-focused degustation-style meal will celebrate seasonal, local produce and sustainably caught seafood, alongside hand-picked wines from Kingi’s impressive cellar and a selection of celebratory beverages. Menu highlights include Mills Bay mussels, market fish with caulini, and Stefania’s tiramisu – plus a glass of Louis Roederer to get the party going. Toast the New Year at one of the two evening seatings at 5.30 and 7.30. ($199 per person).
With a bottle of NV Orban Blanc de Noir Brut Champagne to share between two, a special four course feast, and sweeping views of the Waitemata Harbour, Origine is the place to be this New Year’s Eve if you like your end-of-year celebrations with a side of high vibes and front row seats to the revelry happening on the water and beyond.
This year, SkyCity and its dazzling array of dining experiences and event-hosting facilities are promising to take any and all festivities to another level. Come New Year’s Eve, SkyCity’s vibrant venues promise a night to remember, from Michael Meredith’s Metita’s bespoke NYE menu sure to surprise and delight to a tantalising five-course Japanese feast at MASU by Nic Watt to Orbit 360’s sky-high celebrations, and plenty of options for private dining, SkyCity is the place to be come December 31st.
Find yourself wanting to tick off more than one venue each night? Head to Commercial Bay where they’re throwing a vibrant party across three venues — Kemuri Hi-Fi, Reign & Pour and Ghost Donkey. There will be nine DJs spinning throughout the night, playing everything from house to disco and proper party tunes. Three times the space and three times the fun.
Andiamo is the perfect spot to soak up the last of the summer sun on an average day; but on New Year’s Eve, this Jervois Road mainstay will be the ideal place to bid adieu to 2026. Grab a group of friends, set the tone with a welcome glass of champagne, and settle in for a three-course feast for $120 per person.
Holding prime position, with tables overlooking Viaduct Harbour, there is simply no better place to park up and celebrate the year that’s been than at Soul. Revellers can delight in delicious cocktails, a plate or two of delicious food from 11am, and tunes sure to get the party started. DJ Andre is on the decks from 4pm, and DJ Javed is taking over from 8pm to see us into 2026. Book tables for lunch and dinner, or try your luck at the bar, which is taking walk-ins all day and night.
Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Advieh with an evening of exceptional dining and festive cheer. Nestled in the InterContinental Hotel Auckland and led by lauded chef Gareth Stewart, enjoy a curated sharing-style menu that delights the senses. For $199 per person, start with bubbles and savour a culinary journey to welcome 2026 in style.
Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Gilt Brasserie — where the martinis are poured from 11.30 am and the Champagne is always flowing — and bid farewell to 2025 in style. Whether it’s your ultimate destination or a stop before or after the city’s fireworks, Gilt is a great spot for celebrations. Drop by for lunch during the day, or indulge in an exclusive $175 set menu, timeless cocktails, and immerse yourself in the always-lively vibe as you toast to 2026.
Mark the end of the year with an impeccable dinner at the Park Hyatt Auckland’s lauded restaurant, Onemata. For $398 per person, festive punters will be greeted with a cocktail hour and canapés, before indulging in a four-course dinner with a bottle of champagne to make sure you ring in midnight properly. With live DJ entertainment and breathtaking views of the fireworks at midnight, it’s an unforgettable black-tie evening to welcome 2026.
Celebrate New Year’s Eve with a night of glamour and gastronomy at Wallace Mua’s Trivet. Indulge in a gourmet menu paired with a glass of NV Ruinart Champagne on arrival before savouring exquisite dishes like Te Matuku oysters, kingfish tataki, and lamb belly with gochujang. At $145per person, it’s a sophisticated start to your New Year’s celebrations.
Welcome 2026 in style at Sunset Rooftop Bar’s exclusive New Year’s Eve celebration. Enjoy breathtaking city views, live DJ beats, and curated cocktails, kicking off with a glass of champagne. From sultry house grooves to disco-fuelled energy, revel in a vibrant atmosphere with gourmet bites and signature drinks. Tickets are limited — secure your spot for an unforgettable night above the city.
Fancy ringing in the new year looking out over the water, but don’t want to commit to a ticketed event? Head to Bivacco for a dinner of elevated Italian classics like beef carpaccio with truffle and salsa verde, prawn mafaldine in a spicy, chilli-spiked sauce, and the show-stopping whole lamb shoulder. Head al fresco just before midnight to soak up the fireworks and frivolity – starting 2026 as you mean to go on.
For a front row seat to the fireworks and some of the best food in the city, head to Josh Emett’s Onslow. With two sittings — an early sitting at 5pm for $190 per person, and a late sitting at 8.30pm for $260 per person — you’ll get a feast of epic proportions, and a glass of Ruinart champagne upon arrival.
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