There is something almost religious about our pull toward Soul Bar & Bistro during the spring and summer months. Like clockwork, once the weather turns, the allure of our favourite convivial terrace is almost too much to bear.
Soul Bar & Bistro
Few institutions on Auckland’s dining scene can lay claim to the culture or clout of Soul. This is waterfront dining at its very best. The cult favourite stands firmly on its own after 24 years of culinary consistency. This speaks, perhaps, to the dedicated team and stellar service that keep us coming back year after year. The popular viaduct locale has played host to countless milestones over the decades, from birthday celebrations to showers of every iteration, to long-awaited reunions and family get-togethers that, after much deliberation, finally make it out of the group chat.
crumbed pork with kumquat mostarda and chilli sambal
It’s met with excitement, then, to learn that Soul has just updated their tried-and-true dining menu. The update comes right on time for the long-awaited season of outdoor dining and plentiful holiday get-togethers. Alongside some firm favourites and hero dishes with a devout following, lean into seasonal updates like the tuna crudo with watermelon gazpacho, rockmelon, and mint. Try the succulent crumbed pork and kumquat mostarda doused with chilli sambal — a fast favourite among Soul staffers, we’re told.
curious croppers tomato salad with hummus, garlic yoghurt
Classic Italian mainstays receive a boozy refresh, like the Negroni rigatoni: pasta with meatballs in a tomato and basil sauce inspired by the flavours of the classic apertivo. For lighter lunch alternatives to share, preferably over a glass of chenin blanc, we suggest market fish served with sundried tomatoes, almonds, and a bright vinaigrette.
Negroni rigatoni with meatballs, tomato and basil
If you’re bringing your appetite, sink your teeth into the sublime Hawke’s Bay rack of lamb. It comes with falafel, labneh and smoky eggplant kasundi. This flavour-filled, Greek-inspired dish can transport you to Crete with a single mouthful. While the new menu boasts several shareable sides and snacks, we’d be remiss not to call out the beef tartare by name. It’s beautifully balanced with a dollop of oyster mayo on a golden potato galette. For the sweet tooth among us, we can attest that the new dessert additions leave no crumbs. The strawberry tres leches cake, complete with pillowy matcha sponge, is the kind of dish you’d devour among friends as the afternoon slips away with what’s left of the sun.
left: vanilla bean crème brûlée with apple crumble and rhubarb ice cream. Right: strawberry tres leches cake with matcha sponge and strawberry gum jam
Soul Bar is the kind of place where the shoulders drop and memories are made. This is where champagne is always a good idea. Here, the best of the Auckland gastronomy scene comes to the fore. If you’ve been ruminating about where to dine now that better weather is finally upon us, consider lunch beneath the flowers firmly in the calendar.
There’s a special kind of synergy that happens when design, sustainability and community intersect. For visionary property developer Patrick Fontein, his new Mangawhai Hills development is the rare kind of project that encompasses all three.
Patrick Fontein
Fontein has spent the last decade researching how the best master-planned, future-led communities work — and how their lessons could shape a self-sustaining, regenerative community here in New Zealand. “Across the USA, Canada, Europe, Asia and Australia, I’ve studied neighbourhoods where infrastructure, ecology and design work seamlessly together,” Fontein says. “We’ve brought that integration home, in a way that reflects New Zealand’s landscape and values.”
Situated just over an hour out of Auckland’s CBD and sprawled across a breathtaking 185 hectares of natural landscape, Mangawhai Hills presents a new blueprint for how New Zealanders can live well.
Far from another set-and-forget coastal property development, Mangawhai Hills has been conceived with purpose. From day one, every element of this new residential community has been shaped to work with time, not against it. The site has been master-planned with urban-design-led precision, ensuring each home, street and green space connects seamlessly with the land around it — environmentally, architecturally and socially.
Stage One sections, ranging from 1,100 – 1,800 square metres, have just been released to the public for the first time – large, solar-ready sites immersed in native bush and rewilded wetlands, connected by over 15 kilometres of walking and cycling trails. Around half the site is devoted to native restoration and open space, ensuring the landscape remains the heart of the community.
Architectural concept of Patrick Fontein’s Mangawhai Hills project
To ensure the landscape is honoured from start to finish, design guidelines provide a timeless coastal aesthetic that marries with the environment — homes that sit within the land, not on top of it. A simple design-review process safeguards character, consistency, and long-term value. The result is a neighbourhood that will feel curated, considered and deeply connected to place. “Good design isn’t just what you see – it’s how a place works decades from now,” Fontein says. “Every decision here is made with that horizon in mind.”
Mangawhai Hills stands as a mission-driven initiative that goes far beyond strictly residential. Think of a future where design and ecology not only comfortably coexist but future-proof for the generations to follow.
Fontein and his team are pursuing an ambitious goal for the community: full independence across five essential systems—water, wastewater, energy, carbon, and stormwater. Each has been proven internationally, but their integration and adaptation for New Zealand conditions make Mangawhai Hills a genuine first in this country.
From launch, each site is connected to on-site water, wastewater, and solar networks, allowing the community to operate with minimal external impact — and with the confidence that resilience is hard-wired into its infrastructure.
Mangawhai Golf Club
What surrounds Mangawhai Hills is every bit as appealing as what lies within. Just 95 kilometres north of Auckland, Mangawhai has become one of Northland’s most dynamic lifestyle destinations — celebrated for its beaches, golf, boutique eateries, vineyards, wellness offerings, outdoor pursuits, and creative energy.
“Mangawhai is close enough to stay connected to Auckland, but far enough away to truly switch off and feel the land around you,” Fontein says. “That balance – between access and space, community and coast – is what makes it special.”
With limited Stage One sections now available to purchase, ranging from 1,100 to 1,800 square metres, with house-and-land options also offered, Mangawhai Hills invites you to be part of a community shaped by design, grounded in nature, and built to last.
Finding the right chef to lead a global kitchen is rare. This was the case for SkyCity’s culinary director, Lee Sugiandi, who, after a worldwide search, appointed Huami’s new head chef, He Jia.
Originally hailing from Nanjing, China, He Jia’s storied culinary career includes honing his craft at internationally recognised kitchens, including Hakkasan at Emirates Palace, the Shangri-La, the Four Seasons, and the Rosewood Abu Dhabi. Most recently, He Jia led the kitchen at the world-renowned Mr Chow. The passionate chef’s culinary interest was first sparked in childhood, as he closely shadowed his father in the kitchen, himself a talented chef who cooked for former Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping.
Huami’s new Head Chef, He Jia
In addition to welcoming a brand new visionary behind the scenes, guests can expect a range of new additions to an already robust pan-Asian menu. While hero dishes like the crispy Peking duck and tobasco prawns aren’t going anywhere in a hurry, new additions include wok-fried New Zealand beef in black pepper sauce, succulent Hokkaido scallops in XO sauce, and sautéed green river shrimp. Among the vegetarian offerings, wild mushrooms with macadamia nuts or spinach egg tofu with oyster mushrooms serve as hearty meat-free alternatives.
teriyaki lobster tail with manuka honey pepper sauce
“Our goal is to be the very best Chinese restaurant in New Zealand,” explains chef He Jia. “We’re focused on technique and tradition working hand-in-hand, and I can’t wait to welcome guests through our doors.”
“He Jia stood out immediately,” adds Lee, of the anticipated new appointment. “His dishes have real character, and he brings that same artistry into every plate at Huami.”
Huami’s Yum cha lunch spread
Huami is SkyCity’s grand homage to Chinese gastronomy, wrapping authentic flavours in contemporary style. The menu spans regional Chinese delights: from fluffy bao that burst with broth to fiery kung pao seafood. The dining room is lavish yet inviting — rich jade tiles, an open duck oven, and the spirited clatter of a busy dim sum service. With an extensive wine and baijiu list and impeccable service, Huami elevates Chinese dining to special-occasion territory while keeping every bite comfortingly authentic.
double fresh chilli quick wok beef tenderloins
The inspired new menu items — now available for guests to enjoy — are positioned as a “journey through China”, combining elements of Cantonese and Shanghai cooking through modern techniques and unique flavour profiles.
“Each dish draws inspiration from regions across China,” says He Jia. “From the bold spice of Sichuan to the refined balance of Huai Yang cooking that I learned from my father — every flavour adds to the story.”
Stay on schedule (and sartorially sound) with a carefully curated wrist stack. Our edit of heirloom-worthy arm candy takes the guesswork out of timeless timekeeping and luxury jewellery combinations.
From the iconic to the decidedly trend-forward, the right watch and bracelet combination should reflect both your style and sensibility. Here are six of the very best stacks, bound to stand the test of time, from now until eternity.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Land-Dweller Watch from Partridge. Lock narrow bangle from Tiffany & Co.
Cartier Panthère de Cartier watch from Partridge. Love bracelet from Cartier
As we barrel towards the end of the calendar year, an itinerary packed with cultural events keeps us satiated for the remainder of spring. From exceptional exhibitions and creative collaborations to local theatre, live comedy, and major headliners, here we present our November Culture Guide — the only reference you need to satisfy your creative cravings and unleash your inner thespian.
When & Where:Saturday 15th November, Spark Arena, Auckland
For the first time ever, Lenny Kravitz lands in Aotearoa with his Blue Electric Light Tour — taking to the stage at Auckland’s Spark Arena on November 15th. Fans can expect all of the iconic hits from the Fly Away singer, alongside new favourites, and that signature Kravitz swagger. Don’t miss out on securing tickets to what’s set to be a career-spanning, high-octane show from the rock legend himself.
When & Where:Tuesday 11th November — Saturday 15th November, Q Theatre, Auckland
Bringing her one-woman show direct from London, celebrated New Zealand thespian Ellie Smith will take over Auckland’s Q Theatre, presenting her solo show, Life on a Loop, from November 11th until November 15th, produced by Peach Theatre Company. Written by and starring Smith, Life on a Loop is a “tender, funny and deeply human look at life in a rest home, told through the eyes of a devoted carer with a big heart.” Smith’s long-awaited return to the local stage marks a milestone moment for New Zealand theatre. Prepare to laugh, cry and be utterly entertained.
When & Where:Thursday 30th October — Saturday 20th December, various locations country-wide
The Royal New Zealand Ballet reimagines The Nutcracker for a Kiwi summer, set against the nostalgia of pōhutukawa blooms, barefoot cricket, and ice creams by the bach. Choreographed by Ty King-Wall, this magical production blends Tchaikovsky’s timeless score with uniquely local traditions for a dazzling festive season.
When & Where:Saturday 8th November until March 2026, Auckland Art Gallery, Auckland
A must-see for art historians, Pop to Present features a staggering back catalogue of American pop art, on loan from the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Opening with an iconic 1948 drip painting by Jackson Pollock, this unparalleled collaboration will feature 52 compelling works that have shaped American art and culture, dating back to 1945. Guests can expect an up-close and personal view of works by Andy Warhol, Benny Andrews, Rosalyn Drexler, Elaine de Kooning, Willem de Kooning, Helen Frankenthaler, Roy Lichtenstein, Mark Rothko, Kiki Smith, Clyfford Still, and Cy Twombly, among others. Officially open to view from Saturday, November 8th, Pop to Present will be exhibiting at the Auckland Art Gallery until March 2026.
When & Where:Tuesday 4th November — Sunday 23rd November, ASB Waterfront Theatre, Auckland
Auckland Theatre Company’s revolutionary stage adaptation of the landmark Witi Ihimaera classic Tiri: Te Araroa Woman Far Walking, will officially open on November 4th, at Auckland’s ASB Waterfront Theatre. Seamlessly weaving te reo Māori and English, the Katie Wolfe-directed play tells the story of Tiri Mahana — a kuia born on the day the Treaty of Waitangi was signed. While intersecting dialects, Woolfe’s all-star cast — masterfully led by Miriama McDowell — confronts race relations, shame, language loss, and sovereignty, while uplifting mana wāhine and celebrating the strength of whakapapa. Expect a no-holds-barred political examination of our history, inviting audiences to “walk alongside Tiri as she faces the turning points that shaped our nation.” Tiri is poised to be one of the most talked-about and poignant theatre events of the year.
When & Where:Saturday 29th November, Western Springs Stadium, Auckland
Marking the first stop on their global Inhale/ExhaleTour of 2025, summer festival favourites Rüfüs du Sol will set Auckland’s Western Springs ablaze on November 29th, taking fans back to where it all began. Experience the whole back catalogue of anthems alongside their groundbreaking new album, with all of the atmosphere and energy we’ve come to expect from the electronic trio. The live set will feature a carefully curated mix of new tracks,Music is Better,Lately, and Pressure, alongside iconic crowd favourites like Innerbloom and Underwater.
When & Where:Auckland: Sunday 23rd November, Monday 24th November, Auckland Town Hall Wellington: Wednesday 26th November, Thursday 27th November, St James Theatre
Boasting a metier that includes some of the most influential alt-rock albums of the past three decades, indie music darlings the Pixies will perform four consecutive New Zealand shows, in Auckland and Wellington, this November. Fans can expect pure nostalgia during night one, with albums Bossanova (1990) and Trompe Le Monde (1991) played from start to finish, followed by a career-spanning set that also highlights their new album, The Night The Zombies Came. The critically acclaimed band behind anthems such as Where Is My Mind will first play Auckland’s Town Hall on November 23rd and 24th, followed by Wellington’s St James Theatre on November 26th and 27th.
When & Where:Throughout November until May 2026, Auckland Art Gallery, Auckland
Visit the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki to experience Louise Bourgeois: In Private View, a celebration of the life and work of the prolific French-American artist. This free exhibit — on show now until May 2026 — brings together a selection of works sourced from a private collection, available to the public for the very first time. The exhibition spans over six decades of Bourgeois’s highly influential career, from early paint studies to a fabric piece from the final year of her life. Widely known for her sculptures and installations, Bourgeois’s work explored the surreal and the subconscious, often drawing from her own personal experience.
When & Where:Saturday 30th November, Auckland Town Hall, Auckland
Hot off a Glastonbury headline, groundbreaking British artist Loyle Carner will perform in New Zealand for the very first time, taking to the stage at Auckland’s Town Hall on November 30th. Carner, whose unique style blends introspective jazz elements with contemporary British rap, has enjoyed a multitude of career highs this year, including a coveted nomination for the Best Rap Act at the 2025 Brit Awards. With a back catalogue that explores the layered complexities of new fatherhood and childhood memory with positivity and an upbeat flow, Carner’s easy-listening new album, Hopefully!, is well worth a spot on your summer playlist.
Pierre Bonnard, Compotier des Pommes (Bowl of Apples), 1930
When & Where: Throughout November until February 2026, The Auckland Art Gallery, Auckland
For the modernists among us, prepare to marvel at a 15-piece donation of iconic works, courtesy of the estate of New York-based philanthropists, Julian and Josie Robertson. Works include Modernist masterpieces by the likes of Braque, Cezanne, Dalí, Derain, Gauguin, Matisse, and Picasso, and will be free to view until February 2026.
Immerse yourself in outer space this Spring at Auckland’s Stardome. Among this month’s cultural offerings is an immersive starry-eyed experience set to Pink Floyd’s iconic 1973 album The Dark Side of the Moon. On Tuesday nights throughout November, join a presenter-led, 360-degree interactive session exploring Ngā Whetū o Kōanga (The Stars of Spring) to gain an introductory understanding of Māori astronomy and the maramataka (Māori lunar calendar). Little ones will be delighted by the return of Starry Storytime, back by popular demand on November 15th at 10 am. The relaxed parent-and-baby sessions will feature read-alouds of beloved children’s stories, such as Flit the Fantail by Kat Quinn.
When & Where:Throughout November, Sanderson Gallery, Auckland
Aptly named to celebrate his seventy-fifth year, mixed-media sculptor Ray Haydon’s Seventy Five will exhibit at Sanderson throughout November. The forthcoming exhibition explores the artist’s expansive metier, spanning over two decades. Haydon’s practice, which utilises negative space through flowing, spiralised lines of bronze, corten steel, wood, and carbon fibre, captures the very essence of movement and the dynamic nature of the three-dimensional. Among the standout pieces on show is Advance — a scaled-up version of an early piece Haydon exhibited with Sanderson in 2005. The stunning work is made of bronze and finished with the patina of Māori greenstone or “Pounamu” and loosely inspired by the work of iconic American sculptor Richard Serra.
When & Where: Thursday 6th November — Sunday 9th November, Academy Cinema, Auckland
Auckland’s Academy Cinema will play host to The Japanese Film Festival from November 6th to November 9th. Throughout the anticipated three-day event, six Japanese films will be screened (with English subtitles), spanning diverse genres. Among this year’s standouts is Yudo — an offbeat, Wes Anderson-esque comedy penned by Oscar-winning screenwriter Kundō Koyama (Departures). Set in a provincial bathhouse called Marukin Hot Springs, the film explores the revered Japanese ritual of bathing with unexpected humour and wit. Through sharp dialogue and visually stunning cinematography, the film examines the unusual guests while exploring the tension between business partners and brothers, Shirō (Tōma Ikuta) and Gorō (Gaku Hamada). Piqued as the “perfect entry into the quirks of discipline in Japanese culture,” we highly recommend a watch.
When & Where:Thursday 20th November — Tuesday 9th December, Foenander Gallery, Auckland
Seek creative respite at Föenander Galleries Summer Edition, opening November 20th through December 9th. The show will feature an impressive cohort of like-minded collaborators, including artists Jess Swney, Andrea Bolima, Nick Herd, Roger Mortimer, Monica Rani Rudhar, and Monique Lacey. From tactile canvases to smaller painterly studies and thought-provoking textiles, relish in the unique opportunity to surround yourself with this calibre of artistry under the same roof.
When & Where:Friday 21st November, Civic Theatre, Auckland
Taking centre stage at Auckland’s Civic Theatre on November 21st, New Zealand’s seminal dance troupe Black Grace will perform a double bill. Audiences will experience If Ever There Was A Time — a world premiere by director Neil Ieremia, ONZM, alongside the late choreographer Paul Taylor’s seminal Esplanade, to celebrate its 50th anniversary. Esplanade is one of modern dance’s most influential works, and November marks the very first time a local dance company has been licensed to perform it. Dynamic, diverse, and profoundly moving — don’t miss the unique opportunity to enjoy Black Grace’s artistry firsthand.
With its 2025 holiday campaign, Tiffany & Co. reaffirms its place as the ultimate house of love and luxury — starring actor Anya Taylor-Joy in a cinematic celebration of connection, heritage, and timeless beauty.
Few boxes in the world hold as much meaning as Tiffany’s — the iconic Tiffany Blue symbolises not just luxury, but pure emotion. In its 2025 holiday campaign, Love Is a Gift, the storied jeweller turns that feeling into film, enlisting global ambassador Anya Taylor-Joy to lead a dazzling ode to love in all its forms.
Shot in Los Angeles by director Jonas Lindstroem, with stills by Carlijn Jacobs, the campaign unfurls like a cinematic love letter — equal parts glamour, sentiment and modern storytelling.
Taylor-Joy, radiant and effortlessly poised, embarks on a journey from New York to London, Tokyo and beyond, tracing the paths of Tiffany’s Blue Boxes as they pass from hand to hand, heart to heart.
Anchored by the campaign’s central motif — a flowing white satin ribbon — the narrative captures the many expressions of love: romantic, familial and self. Each moment finds its visual echo in the jewels Taylor-Joy wears, from the sculptural forms of Tiffany HardWear to the elegance of the Lock, T and Knot collections. There’s also a luminous preview of the Bird on a Rock collection — a signature design reinvented for a new generation of collectors.
Yet what makes the campaign so compelling is its intimacy. Amid the grandeur of the season, it reminds us that the most precious gifts are not material, but instead felt in the exchange itself — a sentiment sealed in Anya’s closing words: “And whether shared with another or with ourselves, love, in all its facets, is the most precious gift of all.”
Concluding on the snow-dusted streets of New York City, outside Tiffany’s iconic Landmark store, Love Is a Gift captures the rare balance of nostalgia and newness that defines the house today. It’s a campaign that doesn’t just celebrate jewellery — it celebrates the emotion that inspires it.
Tiffany & Co. once again proves that love, like craftsmanship, never goes out of style.
Minotti’s 2025 Sofa Collection celebrates the brand’s mastery of modern living with two new silhouettes that perfectly balance artistry and comfort. Each piece captures the Italian atelier’s signature ability to merge form and function, creating interiors that feel both deeply personal and effortlessly refined.
The Bézier system, designed by Studio MK27, redefines modular seating with fluid, organic lines that can be endlessly configured. Inspired by parametric curves and Brazilian modernism, its sculptural rhythm transforms any space into a living landscape.
Meanwhile, the Coupé Sofais a statement in sculptural simplicity. Defined by rounded, overlapping volumes and an elegant nod to 60s and 70s design, it offers an invitingly deep seat enhanced by an ergonomic incline, padded headrest, and tailored lumbar support. Subtle tone-on-tone stitching and couture-inspired details reflect the house’s uncompromising craftsmanship.
The complete 2025 Collection is now available to view at Minotti Studio, ECC Auckland
As we finally start to thaw out and look ahead to long lunches and revived spring menus, preferably with a seat in the sun, there’s no time quite like the present to fill the calendar with November dining events. From annual wine pop-ups to much-anticipated culinary collaborations, we like to think of spring as the perfect precursor to the festive season ahead. In a bid to keep you well-fed from start to finish, consult our dining guide for the best foodie happenings to know about (and book into) throughout November.
Celebrate spring’s most appropriate pairing — flowers and champagne — at a special afternoon of Bubbles and Blush. Huami’s Perrier-Jouët Garden Bar transforms into a floral atelier, part sensory escape, part social indulgence. Guests are invited to create something beautiful, guided by the floral artistry of talented florists from Blush, with a glass of Perrier-Jouët Champagne in hand, set against a lush garden backdrop. Expect a fun afternoon of fragrance, florals, and effervescence, as you sip, snip, and savour delicious dim sum while crafting your own arrangement to take home. Book here.
Saturday 22 November, 11.30 am to 1.30 pm Limited seats available $95 per person
– Guided fresh floral workshop, with an arrangement and a posy bowl to take home – Glass of Perrier-Jouët Champagne – Hand-crafted dim sum basket
After a typically wet and weary Auckland winter, warmer climes and lighter spring menu edits usher in a welcome change. In keeping with their expansive local wine list (conveniently available by the glass) and a plethora of gastro offerings to boot, Somm’s October menu edit has arrived at precisely the right time. What’s more, to kick start the summer season in one of our favourite seaside locales, Somm Sundowns has officially returned, offering an extended happy hour menu from 4 pm until 6 pm daily.
‘Tis the season for tasty little morsels from Knead on Benson
‘Tis the season for tasty little morsels, courtesy of Remuera’s favourite local bakery. Available from October 27 right up until Christmas, this year’s seasonal selection includes a nostalgic runlist of tried and true gems — think house-made fruit mince tarts, the biscuit selection, Christmas cake and the almost too-pretty-to-eat gingerbread tree.
SkyCity’s epic food festival, Served, will return this November. Among this year’s seasonal standouts, the Perrier-Jouët Garden Bar at Huami will return on November 5, running right through until February 1. Sip and savour a PJ flute or bring your appetite and indulge in the Bird Cage Platter for $45, including four standout dishes from the dim sum menu.
It’s the season for giving — and dining out has never felt more rewarding. From November 1 to December 31, 61 of the country’s favourite restaurants are joining forces for the 13th annual DineAid Christmas campaign, proving that a little generosity can go a long way. The initiative encourages diners to add a $3 donation to their bill, or $1–$3 to a featured dish or cocktail, with every cent going directly to City Missions across Aotearoa.
Thanks to the generous backing of Precinct Properties, one hundred per cent of donations raised will help fund food banks and community kitchens through City Missions in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, reaching more than 135 distribution points nationwide. It’s a deliciously simple way to do good while enjoying a long lunch or festive dinner out.
Founder Mark Gregory says, “We’re so grateful to the restaurants and diners who show up for DineAid each year — their kindness makes a tangible difference to families in need.”
So this festive season, eat, drink and give generously — because every bite counts.
The DineAid Christmas Campaign runs from November 1 to December 31, 2025. For a full list of participating venues, click here.
Treat your resident whiskey connoisseur or brush up on your own knowledge at one of Ayrburn’s Whiskey Flights. Guests will enjoy a range of artisanal drops from time-honoured distilleries in both Ireland and Central Otago. Designed to be enjoyed at your own pace, the full flight allows guests to sample the very best on offer, alongside a curated selection of cheeses and gourmet chocolate. No booking required, settle into Ayrburn’s Vintner’s Bar and let the atmosphere take hold. Available from 11:30 am, 7 days a week.
A firm fixture on our spring calendar, the one-and-only Maison Vauron is back with their hotly anticipated Rosé Market Day — just in case that European holiday was starting to feel very far away. This free event will take place on Saturday, November 8, and features over 20 rosé wines from boutique producers across regions like Provence, Méditerranée, Bandol, Bordeaux, Loire, Beaujolais, and the Languedoc. Guests will be treated to live music, an array of French food trucks, and cheese from La Fromagerie, served alongside fresh cafe fare from L’Atelier du Fromage. We can’t think of a better way to spend a Saturday.
Nothing says “summer’s beckoning” quite like a Spritz. Kicking off on Friday, the 7th of November and scheduled to run for seven full weeks, Campari will take over Bar Ziti’s iconic laneway for the Campari Laneway Sessions series. Expect resident DJs from 5 pm until 8 pm every Friday, a curated selection of spritzes and aperitivo hour between 4 pm and 6 pm.
One for the entire family to enjoy, Kohi Beach will resume its Fish & Chips Pop-up from the end of October. Make full use of the extended daylight hours and treat little gourmands to the full line-up of Kiwi classics — think fish burgers, prawn toasts, hot chips and cray rolls.
Officially reopening to a steadfast and true loyal following on Wednesday, October 22, the beloved Auckland eatery has quite literally never looked better — with a fresh new spring menu to boot. Diners can expect to be thoroughly impressed by the additions, including the melt-in-your-mouth bruschetta toasts topped with smoked fish, green tomatoes and capers, or the deliciously shareable Vitello Tonnato with rose veal, tuna mayo and caper berries. Sitting neatly alongside hero dishes with cult followings, the newest gastronomic delights further bolster a menu that, quite frankly, needs no introduction.
Our go-to for a well-balanced Bibimbap or impromptu takeaway night, Gaja has fast become one of Auckland’s best Korean eateries. What’s more, the Ponsonby Central mainstay has just released a new, improved spring menu, featuring no dishes over $20. We suggest you gather your friends and indulge in Seoul’s authentic flavours.
Bar Magda’s fourth vintage — 2024 Magda “heart breaker”
Tucked down a Cross Street staircase, Bar Magda feels like a sultry little secret — a low-lit lair where Aotearoa’s seasonal bounty meets Filipino soul. Chef Carlo Buenaventura’s menu never misses, and with a $65-per-person set menu and no corkage fee, it’s high time to pay a visit (if you haven’t already). What’s more, this hidden gem has recently introduced their very own vintage, the 2024 Magda — a tannin-rich, chilled red blend, produced by Brood fermentation in Nelson, in collaboration with chef Carlo — we strongly suggest keeping Bar Magda in steady rotation.
Enjoy High Tea in the Libraries and devour an array of sweet and savoury delights
Offering a curated combination of art, design, and culinary delights, High Tea in The Libraries at The Hotel Britomart is back, featuring a whole host of contemporary delicacies crafted by executive chef Andrew Lautenbach. Drawing inspiration from his favourite childhood sweet treats, guests will be welcomed to the space with a glass of No1 Family Estate Assemblé, followed by a selection of teas from Zealong. An afternoon in The Hotel Britomart, devouring an array of sweet and savoury delights — sounds heavenly.
Wine-lovers, mark your calendars. Lawson’s Dry Hills’ chief winemaker Marcus Wright and Kingi’s head chef Stefania Palermo will come together to host a casual, free-flowing tasting on November 26 in the Kingi courtyard. For $57 per person, guests can expect tailored food and wine pairings alongside insights into both the vineyards and intricacies of the winemaking process, celebrating the very best of the Marlborough region.
In a bid to keep spirits high until summer, make a beeline to Commercial Bay to enjoy the welcome return of Advieh’s Happy Hour. Available daily from 3 pm until 7 pm, the new and improved menu includes an impressive lineup of cocktails and bar snacks. Hero libations include the Wild Dahlia Roots — a refreshing combination of gin, crème de cassis, pomegranate shrub, lemonade, coconut and lime foam. Chef’s kiss.
Treat yourself to flavours from around the globe in the very heart of Auckland’s CBD, with Silo Park’s beloved Auckland Night Market, now back in full force. Open every Saturday from 4 pm until midnight and Sunday from 4 pm-11 pm, the city comes to life throughout summer withcolourful stalls, live music, and a mouth-watering array of street eats.
Set against one of the city’s most breathtaking backdrops, the much-loved Queens Rooftop is turning up the excitement this November, all to champion a worthy cause. From November 28 at 12 pm to November 29, DJ Tim Richards will spin non-stop for 24 hours. The aim: raise $10,000 for men’s mental health, suicide prevention, and prostate and testicular cancer.
All weekend long, Queens will come alive with music and community happenings, from a ticketed late-night party to a sunrise breakfast featuring Allpress coffee, Morning Made matcha, and a rolling Bloody Mary cart. The festivities will finish strong with the Queens Record Fair, where crate-digging and good vibes take centre stage.
Queens is also joining forces with DineAid this November and December, giving $1 from every Balter sold at Takapuna Surf Club and Queens Rooftop to support food banks this Christmas. There’s never been a better reason to raise a glass as the festive season approaches.
From the arrival of Victoria Beckham beauty on local shelves to Assouline’s iconic Library Collection, here are the new launches worthy of your wishlist, alongside everything that’s captured our attention this week.
Hot off the back of a wildly successful Netflix documentary special, Victoria Beckham is the name on everyone’s lips — and we’re so here for it. For the first time in Australia and New Zealand, the fashion designer’s much-lauded beauty collection will be available to purchase, both in-store and online, at Mecca from October 21. From cult-favourite products like the viral Satin Kajal Eyeliner to signature skin staples like The Foundation Drops with TFC8 (formulated in collaboration with Augustinus Bader), this one deserves to occupy both your beauty bag and your top shelf.
By the time November rolls around, we could all use a little rest and relaxation. Piqued as “the antidote to modern life”, Allume is Queenstown’s premier holistic spa destination, offering a restorative and ritualistic environment to rejuvenate and reset. Visit for a soak or reap the benefits of the thermae floating sauna on offer here — this is one wellness destination not to be overlooked.
Described as “an ode to the fine art of perfumery”, Loewe’s divine new signature scents feel like a welcome change from the headier top notes typically worn throughout winter. With a trio of standalone scents that work beautifully alone or layered together, Loewe’s new fragrances include Roasted Vanilla, Bittersweet Oud, and Iris Root.
A little of this liquid gold goes a long way, literally. Touted as one of Elizabeth Arden’s longest reigning skin saviours, the iconic Hyaluronic Acid Peptides Ceramide Capsules promise to instantly plump skin by up to 39 per cent — while reinstating hydration and increasing elasticity. There’s a legitimate reason cult products stand the test of time, and this is one hero we can well and truly get behind.
Representing an iconic moment in history, the Mini Apollo is a scaled-down version of the Apollo spacecraft, artfully reimagined by the London-based Timothy Oulton Studio. Made in-house by a team of skilled craftsmen, the Mini Apollo stands at 1 metre high and commands your full attention with its high shine, polished stainless steel shell, and bespoke leather interior. Complete with tufted banquette seating, ebony floors and an Odeon pendant — we’re calling it “extraterrestrial chic.”
1. The Row Classic Dune Sandal from MyTheresa. 2. Chloé Tpu Jelly Sandals from Net-A-Porter. 3. Miu Miu Riviere Cord Sandal from Farfetch. 4. A.Emery Jalen Sandals from Net-A-Porter. 5. Christopher Esber Jo Thong Sandals from MyTheresa
These are the most sought-after sandals of Summer
Call them thongs, flip flops, sandals or jandals — whatever your moniker of choice — summer’s sleekest sandal edit feels elevated, carefree and ultimately off-duty. The Row’s iteration of the beachwear classic feels like a daring new direction for the brand, and we can’t get enough of it.
Long-time purveyors of the perfect coffee table book, Assouline’s coveted Library Collection feels like the ideal gift for your favourite bibliophile. A carefully curated selection of objects to decorate your library and living spaces, this heirloom-worthy 45-piece collection serves as “an artistic conversation between coffee table books and decorative elements.”
Getting thirsty waiting for that longed for tipple? Follow these guidelines to ensure you’re served swiftly, time and time again.
Be on your game. Space is at a premium when you are bar side. There is only a fleeting moment before the tiny slice of space left behind some other reveler is swallowed up by a bar goer with better reflexes, so it’s best to be nimble.
Once you’ve established prized bar real estate, it’s time for initial eye contact. Please don’t linger and stare seductively, quick eye contact will suffice. Bartenders have seen every trick in the flirt-to-get-drinks book. Try and wink, snap fingers or worse yet, bang on the bar, and you’ve got yourself a 20 minute wait. Also, no gesturing wildly please, you’re not haggling at a fish market. Bartenders have remarkable peripheral vision, so when you think they haven’t seen you they are probably just ignoring you.
Finally, once you’ve got their attention, remember that simple drink orders communicated clearly and politely always win over awkward winks, brash yelling, absent manners or complex mixology.
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