The casualness of summer entertaining needn’t mean it’s time to wheel out the plastic servers. Keep things classy outdoors and level up your entertainment station with the addition of the latest in outdoor appliances and serveware.
From humble beginnings in small-town Australia to the giddy heights of global runway shows to taking advice from Nicole Kidman, and a starring role in Netflix’s Dynasty, Maddison Brown’s journey has been nothing short of a whirlwind. But now, the actress and model is stepping back from Hollywood’s spotlight to focus on growing her sunscreen and skincare brand, Outside Beauty & Skincare — a venture that represents her most personal challenge yet. In this next chapter, she’s prioritising fulfilment over fame, embracing change with refreshing candour.
For Australian actress, model, and entrepreneur Maddison Brown, while a life in the spotlight was perhaps always inevitable, ultimately, that was never the end goal, “Growing up, I was always very naturally creative.” Brown explains, “Acting quickly became a way for me to express that part of myself, but it was always the creative aspect that I was drawn to.”
Brown grew up in the semi-rural suburb of Dural (45 minutes north-west of Sydney), where she talks of a quintessentially Aussie, relatively prosaic upbringing spent beneath the ever-present sun and never far from the ocean.
With a natural confidence since childhood, Brown’s foray into performance came about at the age of five, when she and her siblings (two older sisters) were encouraged by their parents to give acting classes a go. Her innate talent was quickly recognised, and she was signed by an agent soon thereafter. From there, momentum built organically, “I just started doing it. One thing led to another: classes turned into commercials, commercials turned into TV, and TV turned into movies.” But, in between that final step, she began modelling — another creative outlet that, by her own account, set her up for success in all of her future endeavours. How? Affording her grit, nerves of steel, and sense of independence that would pay dividends later in life. “My agent suggested I try modelling when I was around 13, and by 16, I was living in New York modelling full-time,” Brown explains. It was then she realised that, perhaps, she could make something of herself in a world notoriously fickle and hard to break into that felt a million miles from small-town Australia, “I think modelling made me realise that [global success] was possible; that it can happen to people like me.” But, acting was a long-term goal, “I thought, when I’m 28 and too old to model, I’ll really get into acting,” she tells me with a laugh, “Which is funny because I’m now 27, and don’t feel old at all.”
As it happened, it was a little sooner than 28 that Brown would find herself on the big screen. At just 16, she landed a role in the independent Australian film Strangerland, playing Nicole Kidman’s daughter. “Working with someone like Nicole [Kidman] opens a lot of doors,” says Brown. In fact, it was Kidman’s encouragement that convinced her to take a reluctant step back from modelling and go all-in with acting, “I felt like I was pulled in two different directions,” she recalls, “I really wanted to throw myself behind [my acting career], but I felt like I was leaving behind modelling if I did.” She continues, “But Nicole was very encouraging. She said to me, you’re good at this, you should keep doing this. And that coming from an actress of her standing was pretty incredible.” She pauses, “When Nicole Kidman gives you advice, you take it.” Acting quickly became her focus, leading her to LA, and she’s been in America — and on our screens — ever since.
“I never expected to actually go to America and act — I don’t think I ever thought that would be possible for me… I was just a girl from the suburbs… people like me didn’t go to Hollywood.”
I’m interested to know whether, given Brown’s early foray into acting, she could have predicted her path, “When you’re a kid, you think… I’m going to be an astronaut, I’m going to be a zoologist,” she says with a laugh, “I never expected to actually go to America and act — I don’t think I ever thought that would be possible for me.” She continues, “I was just a girl from the suburbs…. people like me didn’t go to Hollywood.” Giving me a jolt of nostalgia, she quips that growing up, the pinnacle of success was landing a role in the enduring Australian soap, Home and Away, “[Home and Away] was as far as I thought it could ever go. It was the final destination.” But, regardless of whether she could have foretold the future, she certainly worked hard to make things happen. Following Strangerland, Brown went all-in, “The path opened up for me, and I just went for it.” And it paid off.
Following the film’s release, it wasn’t too long before the actress landed a starring role in Dynasty — an American comedy-drama series based on the 80s soap opera of the same name, centred on an ongoing feud between two of America’s wealthiest families. For four years, Brown played Kirby Anders, daughter of the Carrington family’s majordomo. “I was so young when I got that show, and it taught me a lot,” Brown muses, “I had just turned 21, and I was on a plane to Atlanta. I thought I would be there for three months and ended up being there for four years.” Despite the remarkable opportunity the show presented from an exposure and growth perspective, Brown talks of the lasting relationships she forged on set being the highlight, alongside the mentorship of her female castmates, “It was so nice to have these confident, strong women on set that I felt I could connect to and ask for advice.” She tells me that Michael Michele and Daniella Alonso were particularly supportive, and remain close friends.
Dynasty resonated with people in a way Brown tells me she could never have anticipated, becoming somewhat of a cultural phenomenon during the pandemic, providing escapist entertainment at a time when viewers needed it most. “[Dynasty] meant a lot to a lot of people, and it’s amazing to have been a part of something like that,” she says in earnest. “Everything was over-the-top and campy and wild — it was this hyper-real world, and I think during the pandemic when people just wanted to escape, we were the perfect show for that.” We discuss the series ending, and Brown candidly shares that she’s happy with where it finished up. She was ready to move on to her next challenge.
“Working with someone like Nicole [Kidman] opens a lot of doors… She said to me, you’re good at this, you should keep doing this. And that coming from an actress of her standing was pretty incredible.”
Brown’s drive has extended to the way in which she’s approached her journey into entrepreneurship. Alongside her sister Allyson, Brown launched Outside Beauty & Skincare in 2022 — an environmentally-conscious sunscreen and skincare brand that has quickly found success both within Australia and abroad. When I ask whether founding a brand was a long-held goal, Brown tells me that, for her, it’s simply another creative outlet through which she can express herself. She approaches business ownership in the same way she does acting and modelling — with creativity as her nucleus. “I’m just happy if I’m being creative,” Brown reasons, “Whether that’s acting, whether that’s working on my brand — they’re kind of the same in terms of exercising that part of my brain and having an outlet.”
Not only has Outside Beauty & Skincare afforded Brown a whole new perspective on creativity, but also a sense of stability that, as time goes on, she’s found herself craving outside of the ebbs and flows of Hollywood, “At 27, I’m starting to think about the future — having kids, and what kind of life I want to give them,” she says. “I think my approach has evolved in the sense that I want my life to be secure and kind of completely separate from the industry, so that the inevitable peaks and valleys don’t have such an impact on my personal happiness.” In fact, Brown tells me that, in this chapter of life, happiness is her single marker of success. “Now, I just want to be happy. And if I’m on a great series and happy, that’s a win. If I’m working on my brand and happy, that’s a win, too. But happiness is the end goal.”
As our conversation runs on, I become increasingly aware of the fact that Brown is certainly not shy of hard work and finds joy in building something — be it a character, a business, or a life outside of it all. When I mention this, she immediately agrees, “I’m a really hard worker. I love building things, brick by boring brick. I find it so rewarding.” She adds that she’s been building her career for such a long time, and now, her focus has shifted to doing the same with her life.
She does make a point of telling me that it’s hard, as a public figure, to make that shift, “When you’ve grown up in the spotlight, you wonder — am I allowed to evolve? Do I need to announce that I’m changing, or my priorities are shifting, or can I just let it happen organically?” To me, it seems as if she’s striking a graceful balance between the former and the latter, letting her dedicated fan base in — but not too far in, so as to still keep a sense of autonomy and self-preservation. “I love acting, I always will, and it’s always going to be a priority for me. But I think I have to also make myself a priority too,” she states with candour, adding that, while she’s currently staying open to opportunities, she’s certainly not putting her life on hold waiting for something to come up.
“I’m a middle-class Australian, and I think we’re all very entrepreneurially spirited people.”
And that’s where Outside Beauty & Skincare comes in. “I feel very empowered at the moment,” she states with pride, telling me that Hollywood is going through a weird moment in time. “You can’t control what happens from one day to the next — you’re just a piece of a very complicated puzzle,” Brown explains, adding, “So [with Outside Skincare & Beauty], I feel very empowered that I have something in my life that is within my control, and that acting can then just be a creative outlet.”
Building the brand, Brown tells me, has been an exercise in delayed, long-term gratification and an incredible learning curve. “You plant a seed, and then, years later, the seed blooms, and it’s the best feeling in the world. But all that time, you’ve been waiting, watering, tending. Whereas with acting, your life can change tomorrow.” But both have their upsides, “There’s such an incredible sense of excitement with acting, and there is also that same sense of excitement with building a brand, but I think it’s a much more long-term payoff.”
On the topic of longevity, we discuss the future and whether, given the brand’s success and growth thus far, she feels a certain responsibility to go all-in, turning her back on acting opportunities for the time being. “Everything’s a trade-off at the end of the day,” she pragmatically states, “With a big acting job, there’s press and leverage that benefits the brand, but then I’m not on the ground helping it to grow.” She pauses, “There will always be pros and cons, but, ultimately, it would come down to what would make me the happiest at the time. I’m old enough to recognise that happiness is success.”
I can’t help but think that Brown and her sister’s brand has been a catalyst for this shift in priorities, drawing her focus back to Australia, to the laid-back outlook and low-key lifestyle Australians are known for. Brown has long been a proud Australian patriot and still calls Sydney home, despite having lived abroad for over a decade. She talks of being exposed to ‘The American Dream’ at a young age, saying that the ‘more, more, more’ mentality never sat well with her, while ‘The Aussie Dream’ felt more relatable. “As a culture, Australians are this larrikin, loud, warm, and embracing group of people who are go-getters,” she states with pride. “We love to reach for more, but not in a way that feels greedy or overly economically driven. It’s about building your own little empire around what works for you.”
“I love acting, I always will, and it’s always going to be a priority for me. But I think I have to also make myself a priority too.”
Brown adds, “I’m a middle-class Australian, and I think we’re all very entrepreneurially spirited people.” She admires the sense of community and pace of life in Australia, “We have our flaws, don’t get me wrong. But I think Australia is a safe, clean, beautiful country, and a great place to live and be… I’m a very proud Australian. Every time I come home, I feel so peaceful and content.”
As such, unsurprisingly, Brown envisages her future children growing up as she did — in Australia, with “good, Aussie values.” When I asked her what that looks like, her answer succinctly sums up both her aspirations for her future family and her own character: “A solid work ethic, confidence, being loud and funny and happy in who you are, and having respect and reverence for nature.”
Nature, it seems, has been a fundamental part of Brown’s life since childhood — and remains as foundational to her life now as it was growing up. Her passion for nature preservation and ocean ecology is widely known, and, in part, shaped her vision for Outside Beauty & Skincare. Brown feels a keen sense of responsibility to do her bit when it comes to the environment, driven by a respect that was instilled — as it is for many Australians — in her from a young age, growing up immersed in nature. “I grew up feeling very connected to nature,” she reasons, “I think a lot of Australians grow up with that same level of respect and a sense of responsibility for the environment.”
“Our products are skincare, with sunscreen as a bonus. If you don’t care about wearing sunscreen, at least this is a great skincare product that’s also protecting your skin.”
It was also during her early years that Brown learned of the virtues of sun protection, “The importance of sun safety was instilled in us at a young age,” she tells me, “My dad lost his best friend to melanoma at around the age I am now, so it was really important to him that we were sun smart.” Brown and her family lived at the beach over summer (as most Australians do) and, by her own account, were “those kids” with coloured zinc smeared in thick lines across their faces, wearing rash vests and never far from a shade umbrella.
This, coupled with a career that has seen the actress/model sitting in the chairs of some of the world’s leading experts on skin health, laid the foundations for Outside Beauty & Skincare: a brand that blends SPF 50+ sunscreen with potent skincare, making sun protection a daily ritual. “If you’re not wearing sunscreen, there’s no point doing anything else to your skin,” Brown states with conviction, “It is the most important form of skincare, and the most preventative product that you can use in your routine.” She pauses, “You can throw out all your fancy creams if you’re not using sunscreen.”
“I’m just happy if I’m being creative…Whether that’s acting, whether that’s working on my brand — they’re kind of the same in terms of exercising that part of my brain and having an outlet.”
Brown feels passionately about developing two-in-one products for those who aren’t as privy as she is to the necessity of a daily SPF, “Our products are skincare, with sunscreen as a bonus. If you don’t care about wearing sunscreen, at least this is a great skincare product that’s also protecting your skin.” Given her upbringing, she now feels a sense of responsibility to educate people on how important it is to not only wear sunscreen, but an SPF 50+, “SPF 50 filters out 98% of UVA and UVB rays, and it also protects you for longer than SPF 30.” Brown explains, “Given [in Australia and New Zealand] we live under a hole in the ozone layer, that’s quite an important difference.” In an industry largely dominated by artifice, Outside Beauty & Skincare stands out as a brand focused on solving a problem and contributing to positive change. Given how many celebrities are pivoting into beauty for profit over progress, Brown’s passion and genuine commitment to developing an environmentally conscious and socially responsible brand is a breath of fresh air.
When it comes to the future, Brown is focused on growing Outside Beauty & Skincare, with a host of exciting developments she can’t wait to release into the world, “I’m finding growing the brand so rewarding; seeing momentum build, launching new products,” she says with pride, adding that the next chapter of the brand will see an expansion into skincare — something that, unsurprisingly, given her impossibly flawless skin, has long been a passion.
As for what comes next on the acting front? It’s still up for debate, “For the first time in my career, I really don’t know what the future holds. And that feels good.” For now, in this next chapter of her life, after a solid decade of prioritising work, Brown is shifting the focus back to herself, “For me, at this stage in my life, success isn’t anything external. I just want to do whatever makes me happy.” In a world that often prioritises fame and fortune, she’s choosing fulfilment, taking the time to build something meaningful — brick by boring brick.
Hair: Chris Hunter Makeup: Nicole Thompson
Cookbooks are hardly a new revelation — the first recorded ‘cookbook’ is said to be four clay tablets from 1700 BC in Ancient Mesopotamia, and by the 1300s, cookbooks were a norm for kings and nobles. But today’s iterations are a breed unto themselves, serving a purpose that goes well beyond a kitchen companion. Modern cookbooks not only offer an aesthetic addition to shelves, with their beautifully captured covers and glossy, coffee table book-esque layouts, but are now also written and structured in a way that inspires you to read them cover to cover — not simply leaf through in search of a relevant recipe.
Here, we round up six of the newly-released cookbooks that are on our Christmas wish-lists.
by Benjamina Ebuehi
From author, food stylist, and Guardian Feasts baking columnist Benjamina Ebuehi comes a new cookbook brimming with easy-to-make desserts for any occasion. Spanning 70 recipes, from desserts made in one dish to sweet treats that are easy to transport, this is the only dessert book you will ever need. With a range of vegan, gluten-free, and crowd-pleasing recipes, from quick treats to show-stoppers, consider this your new dessert bible.
by Yotam Ottolenghi with Helen Goh
Ottolenghi’s latest book redefines comfort food with over 100 flavourful, homely recipes. Blending childhood memories and global inspiration, Comfort transforms familiar classics into vibrant, heart-warming dishes that evoke a sense of home and togetherness.
by Sonoko Sakai
In Wafu Cooking, Sonoko Sakai’s globally influenced recipes redefine Japanese cuisine. Blending international flavours with traditional techniques, this cookbook celebrates cultural exchange with a fresh take on fusion recipes, showcasing the versatility and modern evolution of Japanese cooking for today’s interconnected world.
by Carolina Gelen
In Pass the Plate, viral food influencer Carolina Gelen presents 100 easy, flavourful recipes inspired by her Romanian upbringing. Known for her breezy style, Gelen’s debut cookbook offers creative yet comforting dishes using everyday ingredients. From week night meals to festive feasts, these simple, crowd-pleasing recipes promise big flavours with minimal effort, perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
by Giorgia Goggi
In Moroseta Kitchen, chef Giorgia Goggi reimagines Italian cuisine with a vibrant, modern approach. As the resident chef at Italy’s celebrated Masseria Moroseta — a boutique farmstay, restaurant, and cookery school in Puglia — Goggi crafts approachable yet inventive recipes that bring the flavours of each season to life. Her debut cookbook showcases dishes like grilled asparagus with gremolata and lemon-scented tomato risotto, celebrating the essence of homegrown ingredients. Accompanied by evocative essays and striking photography, this book invites readers into the rich culinary traditions of Italy.
by Andreas Papadakis
Chef Andreas Papadakis shares over 80 irresistible recipes from his cult Melbourne pasta bar in Tipo 00. Famed for its exceptional dishes and endless queues, the restaurant’s ethos shines through in every recipe, from handmade pasta techniques to standout sauces. This book invites you to recreate Tipo 00’s magic at home, elevating your culinary repertoire in the process.
The season for giving is upon us, and while selecting the perfect presents for our families and friends is one of life’s greatest joys, giving to those less fortunate is perhaps an even more fulfilling feat. This Christmas, consider the latter and support one of the worthy causes we’ve rounded up here.
This December, The Kindness Collective’s Christmas Joy Store is bringing holiday magic to families in need. As New Zealand’s first social toy store, TKC invites the caregivers of over 20,000 children going without to select gifts and groceries for free, offering them both the joy of giving and the
dignity of choice. With persisting financial challenges, many families face a Christmas without presents or even a festive meal. Support the Joy Store by donating new toys, giving online, or contributing to food hampers — every gift helps create a brighter Christmas morning for a child in need.
kindness.org.nz
Bringing a little sunshine and hope to New Zealand’s most vulnerable children, Foster Hope collects new Christmas presents for those in care throughout New Zealand, delivering them a gift in time for Christmas. Sadly, the festive season is a peak time for children needing support from protection agencies and emergency service facilities, so this year, brighten the day of a child in need and donate a present via one of the drop-off points (you can call ahead and see what they need the most). The sooner the team can gather gifts, the more time they have to distribute them to social workers around the country, so get in early and foster hope this Christmas.
fosterhope.org.nz
We all know of the exceptional work Starship does year-round, but at Christmas time, their focus is turned to getting as many sick or injured little ones home to their families for the festive period — kids are the beating heart of Christmas, after all. A donation at this time of year goes a long way towards world-class paediatric care, lifesaving treatments, research, and training to help to ensure the team at Starship are fully equipped across this period to get more kids well enough to make it home and enjoy the holidays with their families. We can’t think of a better cause than that.
starship.org.nz
There’s a huge amount of food waste and food poverty happening in New Zealand, and the incredible team at Everybody Eats are tackling these issues head-on, one meal at a time. Across three venues (two in Auckland, one in Wellington), the charity serves chef-prepared, pay-as-you-feel food, using ingredients that would otherwise be destined for the bin. This Christmas, they’ll see even more families in need through their doors, and salvage even more unused or unsold food, and they need your support to keep up the good work. You can help them by making a donation online, giving gift cards to family and friends (every $10 spent feeds two people in need), signing up to volunteer at one of their locations and more.
everybodyeats.nz
Sonya Wilson’s charity Kiwi Christmas Books has one objective — to ensure that no child goes without literature. We’re all aware of just how essential reading is to the growth and development of young minds, but sadly, books are something that many don’t have access to across New Zealand. Luckily, Kiwi Christmas Books is here to help, rallying New Zealanders who are already in the gift-giving spirit to buy and donate books this Christmas. The charity accepts baby books, picture books, chapter books, middle grade, young adult and everything in between — even better if they’re by a local author or illustrator. The donation scheme runs until mid-December, so head out to your local independent bookstore and change the Christmas of a deserving Kiwi kid.
kiwichristmasbooks.org.nz
It’s heartbreaking to think that domestic violence peaks during the holiday season. While many of us are making Christmas dinner plans and deciding on the perfect gifts for our loved ones, many New Zealanders are simply looking for a safe place to spend the festive season with their families. Women’s Refuge do incredible work in this space, housing women and children subject to domestic violence, and they’ve made it exceptionally simple to support them in doing so, this Christmas and beyond. By donating just $20, you can ensure a safe night for someone experiencing family violence, including a place to stay, hot meals, security, and advice. Gift as many nights as your means will allow, and together we can make sure no New Zealanders are at risk this holiday season.
safenight.nz
Providing endless entertainment and bringing boundless joy, a bookshelf with plenty of good books is fundamental for building small imaginations. From humorous to insightful, these new kids’ books are to be cherished — and make for the perfect gift this Christmas.
by Tina Oziewicz and Aleksandra Zajac
From anxiety to joy, gratitude to patience, this stunning, heartfelt book paints a captivating and tender picture of the feelings that make us who we are, inviting grown-ups and kids alike to explore the emotions that live inside all of us.
by Hervé Tullet
A liberating and exhilarating tour de force from the internationally bestselling creator of Press Here and Mix it Up!, Dot! Scribble! Go! invites readers of all ages to join in the fun and endless creative possibilities of dots, lines, and scribbles.
by Mimochai
Join Emme and Hamstarcat on a magical exploration through the alphabet by beloved LA-based illustrator Mimi Chao. Each letter features an illustration and alliterated sentence that shares a message of creativity, courage, and mindfulness, with beautiful illustrations for imaginative little ones.
by Kobi Yamada and Gabriella Barouch
Kobi Yamada’s Why Not? inspires readers to embrace life’s endless possibilities with courage and heart. Featuring Gabriella Barouch’s stunning, photorealistic illustrations, this empowering sequel to Maybe encourages readers of all ages to boldly pursue their dreams and change the world for the better.
by Elly MacKay
In this enchanting winter tale, dragon expert Miriam and curious Celeste explore their snow-covered garden, where a mysterious snow dragon might be hiding. Elly MacKay’s luminous diorama art and sweet sibling story create a magical, heartwarming adventure — perfect for fans of Frozen.
by Peggy Thomas and Cookie Moon
This poetic, read-aloud book introduces young children to the wonders of forests. With a stunning, accordion-style format that unfolds into an eight-foot forestscape, A Family of Trees visually illustrates how trees share, care, and create homes together. Vivid illustrations explore diverse forests globally, creating an educational and enchanting read.
Transforming just about anything into ice cream, sorbet, milkshakes, and more at the touch of a button, the Ninja Creami Deluxe Ice Cream Maker takes homemade desserts to a new realm of ease. Whether you crave creamy ice cream, refreshing sorbets, or decadent gelato, this appliance delivers tailored treats in just four simple steps.
Start with your chosen base — anything from dairy-free alternatives to rich, full-cream blends — and let the Creami Deluxe work its magic. With 11 one-touch programs, including Ice Cream, Gelato, and the innovative ‘Creamiccino’, you’ll enjoy endless possibilities for dessert creations. Its unique halfway processing feature even lets you craft two flavours from one base for twice the variety.
Compact and thoughtfully designed, the Creami Deluxe is a seamless addition to your countertop or cabinet. Clean up is effortless with dishwasher-safe parts, while its versatility ensures options for every dietary preference, from keto to vegan.
Unleash your creativity with mix-ins, from chocolate chips to fresh fruit, nuts, or sweet treats for a fully customised experience. With the Ninja Creami Deluxe, dessert-making becomes an effortless art form, giving you complete control over flavour, texture, and ingredients — bringing sweet dreams to life.
From Sienna Miller to the Olsens, boho has long-been a celebrity go-to, and for good reason. A perfect play for mastering effortless dressing and that ever-illusive ‘undone’ look (that, in reality, is very considered indeed), boho strikes a careful balance between refined and relaxed.
This season, bring the boho vibe to a beach near you, for a look that exudes fashion without the fuss.
As one of Australia’s most revered editorial hair stylists and co-owner and director of lauded Sydney-based hair salon Willomina, Chris Hunter is well versed in the art of using hair styling tools to achieve the most effortlessly glamorous of looks. For this issue’s cover shoot with Maddison Brown, Hunter opted for two contrasting but equally stunning 70s-inspired looks — styled using Shark’s range of powerful and versatile hair tools. Here, he talks us through the easy recreation of these 70s-inspired looks, using Shark’s styling tools at home.
In our latest three-part series on Hawke’s Bay, we delve into everything this beautiful destination has to offer, from world-class wine to delicious food, exciting happenings, and all of the most special places to stay. Offering a truly multi-faceted experience to anyone who visits, Hawke’s Bay will quickly feel like a home away from home — provided you know all the best places to go. That’s where we come in.
A region known for its bountiful, natural produce and acclaimed wineries (recently awarded one of the world’s most immense accolades for wine tourism destinations — becoming the newest Great Wine Capital of the world), Hawke’s Bay is a foodie haven, boasting a raft of exceptional food and beverage destinations for hungry punters of any persuasion.
From fine-dining experiences to understated but delicious hidden gems, the culinary landscape here is varied and wonderfully vibrant. And whether you consider yourself a gourmand or not, we promise you’ll find something to sink your teeth into here with our comprehensive list of the best eats in Hawke’s Bay.
Located in one of Napier’s most impressive Art Deco buildings, this popular bistro was founded by a husband-wife duo (a chef and pastry chef, respectively) and offers an exquisite, ever-changing menu that harnesses the flavours of fresh local produce. Here, the ingredients are the hero, with simple but elevated dishes that never try too hard. Trust us when we say, this is one worth making time for.
Seafood is the hero at this flavoursome eatery. Showcasing the freshest local ingredients and dishes that shine a light on Hawkes Bay’s bountiful kai moana, the variety of seafood on offer at Hunger Monger is astounding. From mouthwatering sashimi and oysters to crab and scallops and squid and, of course, perfectly-cooked fish, this is the place to go if you have a hankering for a taste of the ocean, where you can partake in the tasty menu or pick up some fish and chips to enjoy by the water nearby.
Serving up delicious, vibrant food from its modern Thai menu, Sai Eatery should be on everyone’s list as the perfect place to drop into for a leisurely bite. Founded with the idea of offering authentic dishes that give traditional Thai cuisine a modern twist, this eatery boasts a raft of tasty options to suit any proclivity, from flavoursome slow-cooked curries to satiating noodles and a few enticing sweet treats to finish.
Get your health fix at Hapi, an organic cafe and grocery store serving an array of tasty foods and drinks that are as good on the palate as they are good for you. At the cafe, enjoy perfectly-brewed coffee, fresh juices and smoothies, delicious grab-and-go lunches and guilt-free treats (including vegan desserts and soft serve) — the perfect stop-in to replenish the soul after one-too-many winery tours, we think.
If it’s a casual bite you’re after, look no further than Napier hotspot, Vinci’s, serving up pizza pie just as it should be; big, thin-crusted and extremely tasty. Available by the slice or whole, we can never pass up the aptly-named ‘Banger’, arriving with seasoned cream, mozzarella, parmesan, red onion and sausage or the ‘Five Cheese’, with seasoned cream, mozzarella, parmesan, ricotta, blue cheese, and mascarpone with a delightful sesame seed crust.
At this widely-acclaimed Hawke’s Bay stalwart, Michelin-quality food is served in a relaxed atmosphere, with focus placed on freshness, flavour and dishes that promise to surprise and delight diners. Offering a set, five-course menu that changes daily (depending on the ingredients available), this restaurant is the kind of elevated dining experience that puts a unique twist on classic fine dining.
Drop into this fun, lively wine bar and wine shop for a glass of whatever takes your fancy, whether it be a bottle of something from overseas or a lauded local — the extensive wine offering here is highly-curated and ever-evolving. Alongside its wine list, Matisse offers tasting sessions, a seasonal menu of delectable sharing plates and tapas, and an array of cocktails, craft beers and ciders.
At this under-the-radar, laneway-style bar, enjoy a glass of the best from a Hawke’s-Bay-heavy wine list or a creative cocktail or craft beer, if that’s more your style. There is also a delicious, tapas-style food menu, perfect for sharing among friends as you soak up the laid-back, convivial, open-air vibe.
Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Mister D is a fuss-free, unpretentious eatery that puts the focus on good food and friendly service. Here, everything served is of the highest quality and is usually made in-house, with the various pasta, bread and pastries made by Mister D’s chefs daily, and a wine list curated to offer the best of the best of the Bay.
With a tasty menu designed as a ‘homage to Hawke’s Bay,’ this laid-back daytime cafe is the perfect spot to pop into for a coffee and a bite. Serving all-day breakfast (if you’re craving some 2 pm toast or granola, you know where to go) and all-day lunch (where flavoursome takes on classic dishes offer elevated lunchtime fare), F.G. Smith offers something for any proclivity.
This sustainably-minded aperitivo and cocktail bar has fast gained a loyal following and for a good reason. Born from the idea of bringing a world-class cocktail bar to Hawke’s Bay, Teresa celebrates local, seasonal produce, creating its exceptional beverage offering via sustainable practices and locally-sourced ingredients. Being a small, walk-in-only venue (of 25 seats, with a smattering of outdoor tables too) Teresa offers an intimate, boutique vibe and some of the best drinks you’ll likely have ever tried.
Shining a light on locally-sourced, seasonal, organic produce, St Georges has built its reputation on innovative, enticing food that focuses on provenance and sustainability. Helmed by award-winning Head Chef Francky Godinho, who grows 90 percent of all the ingredients used for St Georges’ dishes in the restaurant’s on-site garden, this unique farm-to-table destination has been designed to connect its guests with the food on their plate and with the environment around them. This ethos extends to its open-air setting, with luscious, grapevine-hung patios set against the arresting view of Te Mata Peak. Embodying the essence of Hawke’s Bay dining in every way, St Georges is a memorable foodie experience that should undoubtedly be on everyone’s list.
More than just a wine bar, Cellar 495 is a haven for anyone who loves exceptional wine. Started by local wine master Michael Henley, this chic spot is a tasting room and bottle shop by day and bistro and wine bar by night, and aims to demystify wine culture by offering customers up-close-and-personal experiences with some of the best wines in the world, all in a welcoming, laid-back environment.
Started by a couple with an extensive background in winemaking, Hastings Distillers is New Zealand’s first producer of certified, organic artisan spirits and liqueurs, which have garnered a reputation for being deliciously complex and entirely unique. At the distillery’s Tasting Room in Hastings, customers can sample the brand’s products via a casual drink and a bite to eat or book in for a tasting or a more in-depth, bespoke experience with the master distiller.
Born from its founders’ desire to take a home brewing enterprise to the next level, Brave Brewing Co. initially opened as a small craft brewery and has since expanded into a significant operation with its very own taproom and eatery attached. The taproom is open five days a week, with a casual, walk-in vibe and tasty food to be enjoyed there or taken away, and its very own flagon-filling facility for craft-beer enthusiasts.
It is fitting that ‘Sazio’ means ‘full’ or ‘satisfied’ in Italian because that is exactly how you’ll feel after dinner at this delicious Hastings restaurant. With menus that hero delicious pasta and authentic, Italian dishes, Sazio’s food shines in its simplicity, with a focus on good quality ingredients and exceptional flavours. Expect it to be busy — for good reason.
Set inside the Toitoi (Hawke’s Bay’s Arts and Events Centre), part of Hastings’ Municipal Building, Craft and Social is a bustling, welcoming bar and eatery that will immediately immerse visitors in the area’s warm hospitality. Offering a menu of elevated, bistro-pub fare (from sharing plates and satiating mains to pizzas and sweet treats) alongside a line-up of wines, craft beers and ciders, this local favourite promises good food, great drinks and a relaxed, convivial vibe.
At this simple neighbourhood restaurant, expect to enjoy utterly delicious food and wine in a cosy, laid-back atmosphere. On the menu, classic dishes collide with modern flavours, with a variety of dishes to suit any persuasion (including a dedicated kids section). Alongside your dinner, enjoy a glass of wine from Mary’s award-winning line-up or a cocktail or two if you’re that way inclined.
A beloved Havelock North stalwart, Pipi has long been loved in this neighbourhood for its delicious pizza menu and eye-catching, pink interiors. Here, you can expect to be surrounded by locals as you sink into Pipi’s cosy, bustling vibe while enjoying a tasty bite and a wine or two.
Passionate about traditional Neapolitan pizza, Alessandro’s serves up some of the most authentic pizza you’ll likely have ever tried. Topped with only the freshest ingredients and wood-fired to perfection, the food here is smoky, flavoursome and simply delicious.
You would be hard-pressed to find a more spectacular view of Hawke’s Bay than at this local favourite eatery and venue. Set on Te Mata Peak Road, overlooking the whole of Hawke’s Bay, Peak House is as known for the panoramic views its lawn offers as it is for its simple, delicious food and community vibe.
If it’s Japanese food you’re craving, look no further than Piku. At this delicious Izakaya-style restaurant and cocktail bar, indulge in sashimi, sushi, Yakitori and perfectly-grilled meats alongside a raft of thirst-quenching cocktails.
Set behind Porters Boutique Hotel, the beautifully designed Smith & Sheth Oenothèque offers a series of world-class wine experiences and tasty charcuterie and sharing menus to provide the perfect gourmet escape in the heart of Havelock North.
Offering a decidedly modern take on the classic, local watering hole, Giant Brewery’s Havelock North Pub serves housemade craft beer, delicious wines, fun cocktails and a raft of tasty bites by Good Company Catering.
Designed as a place in which all are welcome, Deliciosa balances its come-as-you-are vibe with utterly delicious food, exceptional wine and warm, welcoming service. From its bean bag-lined front lawn to its more intimate, cosy dining room, Deliciosa offers something for everyone and has garnered a reputation as the place to go for a laid-back and flavoursome bite.
Get your health fix with Pixie Bowls’ range of antioxidant-packed smoothie bowls, toasts and wholesome treats. Shining a light on simple ingredients and superfoods Pixie Bowls’ plant-based menu is all about nourishing yourself from within — a worthy pursuit, we think.
This Havelock North gallery is one of Birdwoods’ two locations in the country (the other is in Arrowtown) and showcases a range of stone and metal sculptures, textiles, collectibles, furniture, jewellery, ceramics and more. Alongside the gallery space is a delicious restaurant and cafe as well as a very sweet, old-fashioned lolly shop.
Helmed by a chef who cut his teeth working in Michelin-starred restaurants overseas, Malo serves modern restaurant food with a sophisticated twist, harnessing the potential of seasonal local produce to offer a fresh take on European-inspired cuisine.
Attached to this renowned roastery is one of the cutest espresso bars we’ve ever come across. Helmed by award-winning baristas who churn out some of the best java around, this coffee shop is certainly a worthy drop-in.
Heading to Hawke’s Bay? Consult Denizen’s Insider Guide on all the best places to stay in the region here, as well as Denizen’s Insider Guide on all the best wineries to visit, here.
With seasonal celebrations filling up our calendars for the weeks and months ahead, the call for a closet brimming with party-approved attire has never been more apparent. From dress codes that call for black-tie glamour to a pop of colour destined for summer cocktail hour, put your best foot forward this party season with our editors’ line-up of outfit ideas for any kind of occasion — all of which can be found at Muse Boutique, our go-to destination for elevated wares from some of the world’s top designers.
Just in time for party season shopping, Muse is extending its hours in the lead-up to Christmas — launching a late night weekly shopping evening, with both the Ponsonby and Newmarket boutiques open until 6pm every Thursday from now until December 19th, with bubbles and Christmas treats on offer for those visiting. ‘Tis the season for indulgence, after all.
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