Quiet luxury has found its way into our beauty routines, inspiring us to turn our backs on bold beauty in favour of a ‘no make-up’ make-up look. Here, less really is more, and polished minimalism takes centre stage. Think: fluffy brows, hand-smudged blush, understated pigments, and a glowy base, with a light touch of powder to take the look from day to night.
As it celebrates its 160th anniversary, Partridge Jewellers stands as an enduring testament to resilience and legacy. From a single Timaru shop in the late 1800s to a national luxury name, Partridge has flourished through family dedication, craftsmanship, and continuous evolution. Marking 160 years of the family-run company, this year has seen a period of rapid evolution — from launching a new flagship store in Wellington and extending their presence in Queenstown with a bold new boutique to welcoming additional family members into the business and launching the Partridge Laureate programme.
The business’s new generational leadership, helmed by Grant Partridge, has expanded the brand’s scope and community impact further. As Partridge enters its sixth generation, its commitment to excellence and heritage — woven through its jewellery, philanthropy, and dynamic team —cements its role as a pioneering force in New Zealand’s luxury landscape.
To mark this significant milestone and enliven this next chapter of Partridge Jewellers, Grant and his team have unveiled the Partridge 160th Collection, born from a series of precious, unheated gemstones and exceptional diamonds. The collection — which marries Partridge designs with pieces from some of their most significant brand partners, comprises an exquisite series of one-of-a-kind jewellery inspired by the New Zealand landscape and Partridge’s multi-generational story. Each piece embodies a truly unique design, telling a story of craft and heritage using the New Zealand landscape as its lens. Here, we look at an edit of the striking pieces.
Arguably, the showstopper in this special collection is The ASHOKA Infinity Necklace for Partridge, which showcases remarkable ASHOKA® diamonds at their absolute finest and embodies the strength and legacy of its namesake emperor. This stunning necklace, crafted in-house by Partridges’ team of experienced jewellers and designers, features 69 ASHOKA® diamonds with a total weight of 39.05ct. The versatile piece transforms seamlessly from a striking necklace to a refined pendant or an elegant ring, highlighting Partridge’s dedication to timeless design that celebrates enduring beauty and power.
The Deep Flora ring by Partridge captures the essence of Te Uruwera’s ancient forest, the ancestral land of the Tuhoe. Centred around a stunning, no-heat emerald set at a 45-degree angle, this piece features diamond-encrusted ferns, evoking the lush, timeless beauty of New Zealand’s East Cape in a tribute to natural heritage and craftsmanship.
The Ortus Solis necklace by Partridge features a radiant topaz centrepiece, capturing the vibrant hues of an East Coast sunrise. Inspired by New Zealand’s unique position as the first to see the sun, this pendant symbolises new beginnings, blending natural beauty and craftsmanship in a tribute to dawn’s breathtaking colours on the horizon.
The Pohutukawa Ring by Partridge captures the spirit of New Zealand’s summer coastlines with a vivid 1.91ct no-heat ruby at its heart. Adorned with rose gold and diamond details echoing the iconic Pohutukawa flower’s unique structure, this ring celebrates natural beauty and enlivens the artistry Partridge is known for.
The Flora Manuka Ring by Partridge captures the elegance of New Zealand’s beloved Manuka flower. At its heart, a 1.0ct white oval diamond is gracefully set, framed by delicate pink and white diamonds that mirror the flower’s soft beauty. Inspired by the golden ratio, this piece embodies harmony and refinement.
Bending, twisting and contorting mediums including bronze, steel and carbon fibre, Ray Haydon is a master of materials, and one of New Zealand’s most revered sculptors. Creating sinuous, fluid forms, the artist unlocks the kinetic rhythms of air, movement and time. Here, we chat to Ray and his wife Sarah, as they share insight into their unique creative world.
What does a typical day look like for you?
I go to the workshop every day. I have worked on my own for many years, and when Sarah went out to work full time, there would be days where I didn’t speak to anyone! That all changed when she started to work less hours and mainly from home. For the last few years, we’ve gone out first thing for a coffee and twalk (talking and walking) on the beach. By the time we have done this, shared coffee and lunch together, it doesn’t leave many hours for work. This isn’t the case coming up to an exhibition of course though, when I usually get so involved in what I am doing, I forget about mealtimes completely.
What is your favourite material to work with?
I don’t have one favourite, as I love working with a variety of materials. I work in wood, stainless steel, corten steel, cast steel, carbon fibre and bronze. I’m always trying something new. Generally I can make it work somehow but if there is a better way, I’ll try to find it. I frequently think “I’ve cracked it” and then the next day find out that I haven’t — this tends to inspire me. I drive my suppliers insane asking them questions about paints, glues, products, machines and deflect the constant question that they ask me “what do you want to do with it” by saying “not the usual”. There is almost nothing “usual” about anything that I do. People ask me “how long did it take you to make that” and my answer is “a lifetime of experimentation”.
You’re married to Sarah Haydon, who has worked in finance for many years and was recently awarded a Queen’s Birthday award. How has your wife impacted your work?
From the day we met, Sarah has been my biggest supporter. She encouraged me to show my sculptures, when I had not been brave enough to show anyone. We’ll never know, but I might not have had the career I’ve had, if I hadn’t met her. Sarah was the initial driving force and is an integral part of my practice. The best thing of all is that she is good at what has always stressed me out — the finance and the logistics — so she does all that allowing me just to focus on making the art. I realise how lucky I am to have Sanderson as my agent, my daughter Francee running my website, and Sarah doing everything else.
Sarah has her own career as a company director and I was so proud of her when she was recently honoured as an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for over 25 years volunteer work with Riding for the Disabled.
Sarah, what is it like being married to an artist?
In many ways I would think it’s no different from being married to someone who is passionate about what they do, whatever their thing is. Ray chatters away telling me how he is developing some new sculpture or tool; his the latest experiment in stains or oils, or some item he has seen that he cannot live without (how many chisels can a man possibly need?)
He can make or fix anything, so its been excellent being married to someone who will deal to more or-less any issue around the house! I have a secret list of “things for Ray to do” which I can bring to mind at a moment’s notice, if a window of opportunity arises, when I can get him away from his latest artwork or boat project.
Can you tell us a bit about your house and the parts that Ray has worked on?
The house was built about 20 years ago and features wooden posts and beams throughout that came from the old Devonport Wharf. Built into the slope of the land, we are nestled below the prevailing westerly winds with a stunning view of Kawau Island. Completely renovated in our first year here, Ray has added many individual touches including oak handrails, carbon-fibre/iron oxide light shades and bronze door handles. Being a fine woodworker, Ray has made a lot of the furniture — American white oak dining chairs, side tables and mirrors. There is a lot of art in the house — both Ray’s and other New Zealand artists — and his model boats and cannon.
How long have you both lived in Sandspit and had your sculpture garden?
We are lucky enough to have lived in Sandspit for seven years. We are in a large area of native bush overlooking hundreds of mature Kauri trees.
The house renovation and driveway replacement essentially took us back to square one on the gardens surrounding the house, so we had a blank canvas to work with in this part of the landscape. All the garden work has been done by the two of us — hauling tonnes of steel, rock, earth and plants. We’ve built steps, pathways and plinths allowing placement of Ray’s bigger sculptures.
Sanderson has led tours around your sculpture garden in the summer months. What have these been like?
Busy! Supposedly restricted to 30 per tour group, I don’t think there have ever been less than 40 in each, with the last sculpture tour weekend topping out at around 170 visitors over the two days. It was a lot of fun, the weather was great, so people enjoyed the sun, house, garden and sculptures.
After the last tour it took us a while to build up the outdoor collection again and we still have a couple of spots to refresh before next spring when we expect to host the next event. Our biggest problem can be getting the men out of the workshop, they tend to linger in what is a ‘dream man cave’.
Ray, can you tell us a bit about your exhibition that has just opened at Sanderson?
For every exhibition I try to do at least three things…. continue my current main series of work, demonstrate a development in another series, and include a new idea that may develop into a future series.
The main body of work in the exhibition continues my current series of ribbon-like forms in carbon fibre, timber and corten steel. A new development in an existing series is Voyage III — I was keen to try the iron oxide finish in this series — the biggest challenge for this was turning the work constantly while the iron oxide cured on the work. It was worth it though and I think this piece is one of the most successful Voyage pieces that I have made.
My new idea has been going round in my head for a year or more — pieces in solid timber rather than veneer, and titled ‘Drift’. This series was inspired by an older work of mine that I came across, which I had made about 15 years ago with the same name. The works look like drift wood collected at the beach and have a flow, like waves folding over one another. I’m looking forward to getting feedback on how these are received.
What are some of your career highlights to date?
I love making beautiful things and enjoy seeing the pleasure my artworks bring to other people. As a jeweller and silversmith in the days before mass machine produced products, I excelled at detailed work. I moved into making things for superyachts for some time and really enjoyed that. I never thought I could be a full-time artist but it happened, and I pinch myself sometimes when I realise that is my life now.
We were so excited when Sanderson sold the first piece I sent them — a bronze called ‘Advance’ — in 2005. Then I got the surprise chance to put on my first exhibition in early 2006 — one of their artists couldn’t complete their exhibition work as they had been injured, and I only had two months to get it all ready. Everything sold in the first week, it was amazing, and I never looked back. I transitioned to being a full-time artist as soon as I could.
Tell us one thing we wouldn’t know about you already?
Life has been complicated over the last year by prostate cancer. A chance discussion with my doctor led to detection before it was too late. Surgery and recovery meant I could only do very light work during a four-month period. Some of the smaller pieces in my new exhibition — the Twist series — were made during this time. I’m in the all clear now but wish I had taken more notice of the signs. Men need to take more care of their health!
Check out Ray’s new exhibition at Sanderson here: sanderson.co.nz
And register your interest in the Ray Haydon Sculpture Garden Tour in 2025 here: [email protected]
Park Hyatt Auckland is set to dazzle this festive season with its indulgent new Christmas collection, meticulously crafted by the hotel’s esteemed Executive Pastry Chef, Callum Liddicoat and his talented team. This year, an opulent array of delicious delights promises to captivate palates and evoke nostalgic Yuletide memories, making this season’s celebrations a delectable affair for the whole family.
Chef Callum Liddicoat’s inspiration for the collection stemmed from his most cherished childhood moments. Reflecting on his upbringing, where Christmas was a huge celebration, Liddicoat has recreated the same joy and wonder through the artistry of his culinary creations, dreaming up a collection that is perfect for all of our festive hosting needs.
Park Hyatt Auckland’s Christmas collection boasts an assortment of treats brimming with summer berries, tropical fruits, plenty of nuts, chocolate, and spices in the perfect blend of treats for the whole family to enjoy.
Ranging from the return of the ever-popular roulades — this year in both gingerbread iteration and a vanilla and raspberry number, to a new take on trifle, showcasing a mouthwatering array of tropical and seasonal fruits (as well as a more classic mixed berry variation), to a tantalising selection of summer tarts, including Summer Berry and Chocolate and Cherry iterations, each a harmonious blend of seasonal ingredients and luscious creams.
The stunning ‘Cover Me in Strawberries’ cake comprises four layers of gluten-free baked ricotta and raspberry butter cake layered with a whipped vanilla mascarpone cream and raspberry confit. The cake is then covered in the best strawberries from Clevedon Strawberries, making for a perfect festive centrepiece.
There is also a wreath-like gingerbread cake packed full of spices with a sour cream drip icing and hand-made gingerbread stars and fondant snowflakes.
And, for those who adopt the ‘taste a bit of everything’ approach (we’re with you), the Petit Gateaux collection is for you. Featuring four mini Christmas-inspired treats, including a tropical fruit, coconut cream, and rice crispy wreath, a gingerbread, caramel, and burnt vanilla roulade, a hazelnut, cherry and vanilla sponge ‘candle’, and a summer berry and almond ‘Santa’s Hat’, this selection is a true taste of the festive season.
Park Hyatt are accepting orders from now, with a minimum of 48 hours’ notice required for pick-up. Simply visit hyattpantry.co.nz to secure your festive treats.
Once again, we summoned the denizens of Auckland to show our collective respect in recognising the efforts of those who make our day-to-day lives a little easier. It gives us great pleasure to share the most publicly admired businesses in the community. Congratulations to our 2024 Everyday Heroes.
Survival of the fittest has been the name of the hospitality game this year. It comes as no surprise that Viaduct Harbour stalwart Soul Bar & Bistro took out the top spot in this competitive category. If there’s one place we can always rely upon for fantastic hospitality, sensational food, and a rousing good time, it’s Soul. Coming in at an incredibly close second place is everybody’s favourite all-day and night Italian eatery, Amano, which continues to serve consistently delicious pasta and Italian cuisine after eight solid years of operation. While back in Viaduct Harbour, Asian-fusion eatery Hello Beasty has become a favourite of many. Small in size but mighty on flavour, there’s a reason it’s hard to snag a table here without a reservation.
Andiamo
Herne Bay
Here, the clever and friendly team and ever-changing menu satisfies even the most frequent of diners, making Andiamo an undeniable community favourite.
Azabu
Ponsonby/Misson Bay
Everyone’s favourite Japanese eatery, Azabu, continues to draw the crowds for its delicious and consistent take on Peruvian-inspired Japanese classics.
The Blue Breeze Inn
Ponsonby
After 12 solid years of serving fantastic steamed pork buns and soup dumplings, Mark Wallbank’s Blue Breeze Inn continues its reign of Ponsonby Central.
Ragtag
Westmere
A relative newcomer that’s small in stature, but bold in flavour, Ragtag has justified its high ranking amongst some of Auckland’s most iconic eateries.
Duo
Birkenhead
Solidifying their status as the go-to in Birkenhead, Duo has captured the hearts (and stomachs) of discerning diners in the local neighbourhood, in a big way.
Summer is almost upon us and thus begins the tedious process of sunscreen selection (those who really carry out the precaution throughout the dead of winter are, admit it, few and far between). This year, instead of coating your face in a substance that resembles PVA glue or slathering it in a greasy, sticky formula — add one of these mighty formulations to your arsenal. Trust us, you will never look back.
Once again, we summoned the denizens of Auckland to show our collective respect in recognising the efforts of those who make our day-to-day lives a little easier. It gives us great pleasure to share the most publicly admired businesses in the community. Congratulations to our 2024 Everyday Heroes.
Up against what has been further challenging economic times, despite the odds, this year has still seen some exceptional new openings. Gareth Stewart’s Middle Eastern-inspired eatery, Advieh in Commercial Bay, was the resounding winner, and for good reason. After a 30-year culinary career, Stewart is playing his finest tune yet. Advieh honours the flavour-filled nuances of Middle Eastern cuisine and enhances them further by employing locally sourced, seasonal ingredients to magical effect. While in Ellerslie, Hayden Phiskie (co-founder of Cotto and Ada) opened Bianca with a menu that dances with the seasons, as Phiskie builds dishes with vibrant, in-season ingredients, ensuring a constantly changing and delicious meal every visit. Parnell’s new addition Rhu, has evolved from just a daytime eatery to offer an exceptional evening service where the entire menu feels exciting. Here, seasonal and intriguing ingredients combine for a creative and immersive dining experience.
Metita, SkyCity
Michael Meredith’s homage to his Pasifika community and the culmination of his decades-long career in cooking brings the richness of Polynesian culture to life on the plate, making it a crowd favourite.
Queens Rooftop, Commercial Bay
Queens’ prime position makes it one of Auckland’s most popular and central spots for every occasion and one of the best locales to take in the city’s stunning surroundings.
San Ray, Ponsonby
From the duo behind Cazador, newcomer San Ray offers vibrant, flavourful dishes
that can be enjoyed from day to night. Winning early praise, this eatery is set for a long, bright future.
Trivet, CBD
In our opinion, anything Chef Wallace Mua has a culinary hand in is well worth eating. Clearly, the public agrees, as his new venture, the impressive all-day bistro, Trivet, is drawing attention to Mua’s world-class culinary repertoire.
Nami, Ponsonby
Taking inspiration from record bars of the 80s, this bar and casual eatery proves that we love laid-back establishments, too. Here, the cocktails transport you to far-flung places, while the food is centred on Korean cuisine.
Precinct Properties has unveiled a series of beautifully-appointed, architecturally-designed office suites, conceived to meet the demands of high-end businesses seeking an elevated workspace in Auckland’s CBD.
Offering a refined office solution perfect for smaller teams (with capacity for up to 20), these architectural spaces provide a seamless, move-in-ready experience. With lease terms beginning at two years, businesses can quickly settle into an elevated space with no additional investment in fit-outs — in a number of the city’s most desirable locations.
Precinct Suites combines the best of environment and design, with the latest two locations strategically nestled within Commercial Bay’s iconic Deloitte and Aon Centre office towers. Commercial Bay is home to over 10,000 of New Zealand’s leading talent, creating a thriving hub for collaboration — going beyond an office to present a platform for growth. Moreover, the bustling precinct makes for a vibrant working environment, with everything you need directly on your doorstep — from hospitality to retail, fitness, entertainment, and accommodation, with sweeping views of the Waitematā Harbour.
Elegantly appointed in partnership with some of the country’s top designers, each suite has been carefully curated in partnership with Harrows. The shared lobby spaces on these exclusive floors feature custom pieces from the likes of Simon James and Tim Webber, enhanced by art from Kiran McKinnon and sculptural works by Walk in the Park.
With prime offices now available within both the Deloitte Centre and Aon Centre — with three spaces remaining in each, and five suites within a soon-to-launch Wynyard Quarter locale, Precinct Suites offers businesses a chance to establish themselves in some of Auckland’s most desirable business hubs, where sophistication meets practicality, and potential meets possibility.
To learn more, or to capitalise on this incredible opportunity and secure one of the last remaining spaces, contact Precinct Suites directly on 0272593309.
The delicate balance between heritage allure and modern comforts characterises this meticulously restored Victorian terrace, where each element tells a unique story, combining to create something unique to its discerning inhabitants.
Drawing inspiration, in part, from Yarraville’s industrial roots, Wren House embraces a somewhat traditional aesthetic, utilising brickwork painted white to match the Victorian heritage frontage, achieving a harmonious blend between the restored and modern sections of the house. Dark window frames provide a striking contrast, while fluted glass at the rear of the first floor ensures privacy. The design team focused on retaining the home’s original configurations and period-specific details, and while there was a lot of restoration to undertake, maintaining the home’s character was key.
“Luxurious materials and striking furniture pieces add a touch of glamour, while soft textures and subtle hues create an ambiance of tranquillity and warmth. ”
To accommodate the growing family’s needs, Mim Design replaced the cramped lean-to with a modern, two-story brick extension. This new addition features ample storage and maximises the modest site, creating a spacious, open-plan kitchen, living, and dining area on the ground floor, with two additional bedrooms and a bathroom on the upper level. The transition from timber floors to chalk in-situ concrete opens up the space dramatically, with floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the interior with natural light.
The interior unfolds as a testament to the homeowners’ passion for design and Mim Design’s commitment to personalisation. Vintage Murano glass, original fireplaces, sash windows, and intricate ceiling roses pay homage to the home’s history, preserving its timeless appeal while reflecting the owners’ discerning taste.
At the heart of the home lies an open-plan living area bathed in natural light, with floor-to-ceiling windows inviting the outdoors in. Luxurious materials and striking furniture pieces add a touch of glamour, while soft textures and subtle hues create an ambiance of tranquillity and calm.
Throughout Wren House, the use of cohesive colour brings a warmth and depth to interiors, bridging the old and new spaces seamlessly. Integral to the interiors was accommodating for the owners’ extensive collection of designer furniture, artwork and ceramics. From bold prints to soft hued furniture, objets d’art to striking accents (such as a blush marble in the ensuite), each element contributes to the home’s harmonious balance of elegance and exuberance.
Mim Design’s intimate collaboration with the homeowners ultimately led to a highly personalised sanctuary that embodies their unique lifestyle and idiosyncratic aesthetic. By preserving the home’s heritage charm while integrating contemporary character, Wren House stands as a timeless testament to transitional design, poised to enrich the family’s lives for years to come.
Wren House is built on the traditional lands of the Bunurong People of the Kulin Nation.
With the sun shining brightly and the hum of sunny optimism that the promise of summer brings in the air, there’s never been a better time to indulge in Friday drinks with your colleagues. And when it comes to choosing the perfect spot, these are the establishments we’d never look past — from rooftop bars to quaint neighbourhood locales and everything in between, here, we round up the best of the best. Salute!
Location: Britomart
Although one of our favourite inner-city haunts for a delicious dinner, Alma is also the perfect place for an after-work drink, too. This Britomart spot offers a burgeoning wine list and reliable cocktails (including a 0% alcohol list for sober friends), and a number of spots that are the ideal possie to watch the world go by.
Location: Herne Bay
Otto hour is a must at Andiamo — you’d be hard-pressed to find a better way to spend a Friday afternoon. Between 4-5pm daily, revellers can enjoy an elevated selection of drinks priced at a modest $8 (Otto means eight in Italian). We encourage you to perch at one of Andiamo’s highly sought-after outdoor tables surrounding the Jervois Road post and live la dolce vita.
Location: Ponsonby
Those lucky enough to nab a seat at this Ponsonby Road wine bar have something to celebrate. With a menu that focuses mostly on wine, and just enough on the ever-changing aperitivo menu to accompany it, here you’ll find the ideal place to mark the end of the week (while escaping the inner city crowds).
Location: Newton
It’s no secret that Bar Magda is a favourite amongst Team Denizen, and a more than perfect spot for after-work drinks. With an extensive, ever-changing wine list and some of the very best cocktails in town, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better spot to celebrate the week that was. We’ll see you there.
Location: Mount Albert
For those who work in the Inner West, Bar Martin has you covered. A perpetually popular, bustling neighbourhood bar with a larger-than-life wine menu, and a few favourite beers, this humble spot has put Mount Albert on the map.
Location: Ponsonby
Ponsonby’s Beau is always busy after the work day ends. Part-restaurant and part-wine bar, the courtyard makes a gorgeous place to send off the week. With an extensive wine menu and utterly delicious food to match, it’s just another of the inner-city’s great offerings when it comes to after-work drinks.
Location: Auckland CBD
The perfect setting for summer satiation, with tasty food, seasonal drinks, and often a DJ spinning lively tunes, Bivacco is the perfect post-work locale. Here, as the sun goes down, the volume goes up.
Location: K’Rd
K’ Road’s Candela brings a taste of Spain and Latin America to the vibrant strip, perfect for after-work drinks. With chef-owner Matt Ross crafting refined Latin-fusion small plates and a cosy, inviting space, Candela channels the lively spirit of a Spanish tascas, with epic cocktails, wine, and a playlist to match the night’s energy.
Location: Auckland CBD
A crown jewel on Auckland’s waterfront is Park Hyatt’s Captain’s Bar. Offering a number of fine rums, and extensive cocktails to be enjoyed on the terrace with views to rival the City’s best, this is an under-the-radar spot for an end-of-week wind-down.
Location: Auckland CBD
Boasting a sprawling, sun-soaked terrace (the largest in Central Auckland), rotating DJs, a stunning fit-out, and a meticulously crafted food and drink menu (no wonder too, with hospitality maestro Fraser Kirby at the helm) — with a brand new menu for the summer season, Darling on Drake is the hottest new opening in Auckland and is the perfect place to be for some post-work sundowners.
Location: Viaduct Harbour
Esther Courtyard at QT Auckland is the city’s newest locale perfectly befitted to after work drinks. With Mediterranean-inspired bites, wood-fired pizzettas, and refreshing cocktails, it’s a slice of European seaside charm right on the harbour. Relax under striped umbrellas and soak in the sun with friends, savouring the vibrant flavours and laid-back atmosphere that make summer evenings unforgettable.
Location: Ponsonby
For those who work near Three Lamps, one of the City’s favourite after-work drinks spots is right on your doorstep. We’re talking about Hotel Ponsonby of course. When that post-work sunset hits the courtyard on a Friday afternoon, there’s nothing better than having a Coconut Margarita in one hand and a bowl of crisp fries in the other… this is work drinks done right.
Location: Ponsonby
When the weather heats up, there’s only one thing for it come Friday afternoon… a frozen margarita, of course. Luckily for us, at Inca, the frozen margs are a modest $10 all day, every day — and they also happen to be among some of the best in town.
Location: Commercial Bay
In a subterranean spot beneath Commercial Bay sits Kemuri Hi-Fi, a bespoke basement lounge bringing the essence of Tokyo’s jazz kissas to the heart of the city. Here, you’ll find an intimate, vibrant hub where high-quality drinks and curated music take centre stage (with a few Japanese bites thrown in for good measure) — a perfect spot to shake off the working day. The focus is on whisky, with an unmatched selection on offer, but the cocktails are world-class, and the champagne list is one of the best in the city.
Location: Auckland CBD
Fondly dubbed ‘Culprit’s mischievous younger brother’, this locale offers a hole-in-the-wall take on drinks. Yet the scale is what makes the venue so palpable (alongside the famed cocktails), and the location is truly the cherry on top.
Location: Ponsonby
Located in the iconic space which once housed conch, Nami Record Bar blends 80s nostalgia with modern flair, bringing a soulful energy to Ponsonby Road. From vibrant cocktails and organic wines to Korean-inspired bites, this laid-back yet lively spot serves up good vibes alongside a curated selection of tunes. Come sundown, DJs spin records, setting the stage for an evening of laid-back revelry beneath the disco ball.
Location: Parnell & Britomart
NSP’s aperitivo hour has us regularly spending late afternoons in its famed courtyard, enjoying a delicious drink and a selection of complimentary finger foods to tease our appetites. For those a little closer to town, Bar Non Solo is an extension of NSP’s offering, a Britomart mainstay that puts a sophisticated spin on after-work drinks. Here again you’ll be able to make the most of the legendary aperitivo hour, enjoyed with live DJs in a lively inner-city spot.
Location: Auckland CBD
If you’re looking to change up your after-work drinks and try something new, look no further than Luke Jones and Dave Lincoln of Honest Rum’s collaboration with Dan Pinto of Passa Passa — Norma Taps. Here, you’ll find mouthwatering bites, satiating seasonal drinks (all served on tap), live music and more, in a relaxed but sophisticated and very welcoming space.
Location: Commercial Bay
Commercial Bay’s magnifique French destination Origine serves consistently delicious French fare with spectacular views to match, but it’s perhaps a lesser-known fact that they also have one of the best drinks lists in town. The eatery’s master mixologists have crafted an exceptional cocktail menu that sits alongside the most impressive French wine selection in the city. Round up your colleagues, select your satiation, and soak up the stunning vista. Santé!
Location: Britomart
Open from early morning until late into the night, this intimate, cosy spot is suitable for any situation — after-work drinks included. Sitting pretty in the heart of Britomart, you’ll do well to nab one of the outside tables and take in the bustling energy of the square, drink in hand. And if you’re setting up for a night on the town, be sure to order their take on an espresso martini with licor 43, reposado tequila, spiced syrup, it’s sublime.
Location: Auckland CBD
Whether you’re seeking a cosy, after-work drink or a convivial catch up with friends, Palmer’s inviting interior gives way to a sweeping terrace that provides the perfect al fresco spot to revel in a beautiful afternoon. And even as the sun goes down, a roaring fire takes centre-stage outdoors, offering night-long warmth for those who choose to indulge in another round.
Location: Viaduct Harbour
The only thing better than a rooftop bar is a rooftop bar as the sun goes down. Here, on the edge of Viaduct Harbour, Rooftop at QT is simply the most beautiful place for after-work drinks. Open seven days a week, it’s conveniently close enough to the office to warrant dropping in, but far enough away to feel like the ideal space to wind down.
Location: Viaduct Harbour
Adored by many for its live music offerings, this Viaduct Harbour mainstay is the perfect blend of sea views, beer, wine & cocktails, live entertainment and a mouthwatering locally inspired menu — everything we crave when it comes to the end of the day.
Location: SkyCity
Set on the 50th floor of Auckland’s most iconic landmark, SkyBar takes after-work drinks to a whole new level. A luxurious hideaway promising an exceptional culinary offering, inventive cocktails and a multi-sensory experience.
Location: Princes Wharf
For those seeking an afternoon escape, paradise is found at Somm this summer, with a delicious happy hour running from 4-6pm daily. Know off work a little early to sip, savour and soak in the sunshine with a number of $8 drinks to choose from, as well as $11 cocktails. A considered selection of local wines is available, spanning all of the usual varietals (they are the experts, after all), alongside ice-cold Little Creatures larger, and the infamous Somm Spritz.
Location: Viaduct Harbour
Viaduct Harbour stalwart, Soul, is perfect for a convivial drink with colleagues and friends alike. After all, its waterfront location offers incomparable views which, when paired with the atmosphere of a busy venue, makes for the beginnings of a very fun night.
Location: Auckland CBD
Perfectly positioned to celebrate the spectacular beauty of Auckland’s landscape from above, Sunset is a place to which city-dwellers can escape after a long day in the office for a relaxing beverage or two. Here, satiating drinks and tasty food collide in a sumptuous setting — all the makings of a perfect sundowner spot.
Location: K’Rd
Set in an atmospheric spot within St. Kevin’s Arcade on K’Rd, Tappo is a laid-back wine bar with an exceptional menu of snacks and an even better drinks list. Here, the focus is on showcasing wines from small, biodynamic, and organic producers from around New Zealand and Italy, and the always knowledgeable staff are on hand to recommend something perfect for every taste, proclivity, and mood.
Location: Britomart
The Britomart precinct has a new lease on life with the return of people to the city post-holidays, and The Brit Pub & Eatery is a fitting place to unwind over an after-work beer (or whatever you fancy, the bar staff aren’t fussy). The cocktail jugs are perfect for sharing, and it’s a nice place to watch the day turn into night.
Location: Commercial Bay
Housed in the most convenient of locations, this Commercial Bay outpost draws us in for after-work drinks thanks to its cosy atmosphere, satiating drinks and delicious menu by renowned Chef Matt Lambert.
Location: Auckland CBD
Set in an atmospheric, underground spot on Queen Street, The Nightcar evokes after-dark sophistication with a film noir edge — with an impeccably crafted drinks list and late-night contemporary Chinese bites plus a number of tasty desserts. Open until 3am, this subterranean sanctuary is an ideal spot to make a night of it.
Location: Parnell
Twofold in Parnell brings a fresh twist to the classic pub experience, blending retro Americana charm with a curated drink selection, including tap beers, wines, and inventive cocktails. With an approachable menu of bright bites, hearty plates, and elevated bar snacks, this light-filled spot is perfect for gathering with friends, indulging in great flavours, and unwinding in a lively yet laid-back setting.
Location: Britomart
Tyler St Sport brings a fresh vibe to Britomart, combining elevated pub fare with the buzz of live sports. With inventive share plates, tap beers, and a cocktail list that shines, this is a spot where fans and foodies alike can gather in style. Heritage brick, open ceilings, and an inviting atmosphere make it a go-to for game day or any day.
Location: Commercial Bay
Recently opening on a rooftop within the Commercial Bay precinct, Queens Rooftop boats 270-degree views of the Waitematā Harbour, delicious food, and one of the best drinks lists in town. Open from 11am ’til late seven days a week, here, you can grab lunch, a post-work bite and glass of wine, or a late night (or two) — taking in the incredible views from the comfort of the well-heated and always-lively rooftop terrace.
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