After what feels like a lifetime of anticipation, summer is here in all of its sandy, salty, sun-soaked glory. To ensure your seaside look is as effortless as the season itself, dive into our edit of swimsuits made for embracing the season in style.
If you thought you knew Waiheke, think again. One year on from its debut, Man O’ War’s Forest Flight has fast become one of the island’s most extraordinary experiences, offering a rare, elevated journey through untouched canopies, ancient kauri and sweeping coastal vistas that reveal a side of Waiheke few ever see.
Set on the island’s remote eastern edge, the Forest Flight unfolds across three tandem ziplines spanning more than 900 metres, linked by 660 metres of gently winding boardwalk through the historic Man O’ War Forest, an ecological sanctuary with more than 300 years of natural heritage. This is not the usual adrenaline-fuelled zipline; it’s an immersive, almost meditative way to experience the wild beauty of Waiheke from above. A full-sit, hands-free, forward-facing harness ensures a smooth, comfortable glide (no spinning, no lurching), while the dual layout lets you share every gasp-inducing moment side-by-side.
Your adventure begins with a short drive through the property’s forest and vineyard, arriving 210 metres above sea level to panoramic views across the Hauraki Gulf and out toward the Coromandel Peninsula. From here, your descent winds through native bush as knowledgeable guides share stories of the land, its flora and fauna, and the enduring majesty of the kauri that rise above the boardwalks. The rhythm shifts between tranquil strolls beneath dappled light and exhilarating flights across the treetops, culminating in a final, soaring sweep that delivers you to the ridge above Man O’ War Bay.
The experience continues, Man O’ War’s beachfront cellar door and restaurant offer one of Waiheke’s most unforgettable settings. Here, the sun-soaked lawn spills onto golden sand, long communal tables shaded by pōhutukawa and the gentle soundtrack of waves meeting the shore. Man O’ War’s award-winning wines are the natural order of the afternoon, poured alongside a menu designed for sharing (and lingering). While kingfish crudo and harissa chicken are perennial favourites, the most coveted orders are the pizzas. Think pepperoni with tomato and mozzarella, classic margherita, indulgent fungi with truffle oil, or the prosciutto with stracciatella and pickled melon.
As the afternoon unfolds, Man O’ War’s lively summer sessions set the tone across select days in December and January, as some of the country’s top DJs add an appropriate soundtrack to lazy days that stretch happily towards sunset.
All of which culminate in one fantastic way to spend a day, exploring the forest, savouring one of the country’s most celebrated wines, lounging under trees, and cooling off with a dip in the beautiful Man O’ War Bay. This is the kind of New Zealand summertime experience that we wait for all year.
Getting to this idyllic corner of the island has never been easier. Explore now offers direct sailings from Auckland’s Viaduct to Man O’ War Bay in around 90 minutes, delivering you straight to the beach with no transfers required. Book Man O’ War Forest Flight here.
Man O’ War Opening hours:
Forest Flight: Monday – Sunday: 9.00 am – 3.00 pm
Tasting Room & Restaurant: Monday – Sunday: 11.00 am – 5.00 pm
The end of the work year doesn’t exactly inspire an abundance of festive spirit. As we ready ourselves for the summer break, spending our days tidying up our to-do list and emptying our inboxes, it’s easy to let the joy of Christmas pass us by. With just a fortnight until the big day, should you find yourself needing a healthy dose of yuletide magic, head on down to Commercial Bay. Ticking off both Christmas shopping and all the Hallmark-esque fun of the silly season, this is the ultimate antidote to Advent apathy.
Want to add a fashion-forward note to the annual Santa portrait? Commercial Bay’s Santa’s Studio adds a chic touch to the festive set. Designed by Wonder, the studio brings winter wonderland to life, with a snow-white bouclé sofa, soft drapery, life-size snowmen, and a custom-designed Santa suit by Kylie Cooke. Book your portrait here.
Nothing gets us in the Christmas spirit quite like the magic of a well-designed Christmas tree. For the full experience, head to the courtyard outside Commercial Bay anytime between 6pm and 10pm for the Te Manaaki light show. The 18-metre tree is topped with 10,000 LED lights, 4000 Pōhutukawa flowers and 200 baubles for a festive display that is sure to soften even the Grinchiest of hearts.
Help bring wishlist writing to life for little ones with a visit to Commercial Bay’s magic mailboxes. Whether they’re after a Barbie dream house or a Labubu, kids can rest assured Santa has received their letters safely at the North Pole. Each one posted goes into win a $1000 Commercial Bay gift card – thanks, Santa.
Imbue evening Christmas shopping with a vibrant sense of fun with Commercial Bay’s Deck the Halls. Running from 5pm until 8pm on Thursdays and 12pm til 4pm on Saturdays, some of the city’s best DJs will be bringing the party to your shopping session, with sets from MESSIE, Groovy T, Beccie B, Hyan, Hamish Crocker, and more.
The Sky Tower is the beating heart of Auckland. The City of Sails’ north star. It dominates the skyline, and helps you orientate yourself in the maze of city streets. Seeing its familiar aerial stretch high into the sky as you come into land is an apt reminder that you’re home. Fittingly, the area in and around the Sky Tower has become a hub for drinking and dining in Auckland. So many of our favourite bars and restaurants call the precinct home, and this summer, SkyCity is set to become your one-stop shop for everything from festive feasting to al fresco gluttony.
From now until March 1st, the SkyCity Summer Garden pop-up is open daily from 8am at the base of Auckland’s most iconic building. Bringing the classic Kiwi backyard BBQ to the heart of the city, this multi-purpose space has everything from cocktails and ice cream, to live music from the likes of Mal Lakatani, John Blackburn, Manoah Pickering, Lee Gray and Richard Murray, and bagels from Al Brown’s Fed Deli. From morning pastries and coffee in the day’s early rays before you head to the office, to impromptu post-work drinks with friends, expect your social compass to be firmly pointing to the Sky Tower this summer.
Should all that time outdoors get you thirsty, embark on the Margaritas Around the World trail, which sees restaurants and bars across SkyCity creating their own signature summer margarita with Patrón. Head to Depot for the hibiscus and lime leaf margarita crafted with house-made hibiscus syrup infused with kaffir lime, pop next door to Fed Deli for their refreshing watermelon margarita, and take a quick journey up to the 50th floor for SkyBar’s roots margarita made with golden kumara. Sip on a passionfruit, perilla and vanilla margarita at Masu, or the refreshing coconut and lime pour at Huami. Finish up at Metita for a Talofa Sunrise, made with cacao and Koko Samoa-infused Patrón, triple sec and spiced orange and lime.
Meanwhile, at Cassia, the courtyard has been taken over by Malfy Gin, bringing a slice of the Amalfi Coast to Midtown. Think tall, ice-cold gin cocktails and an interactive gin and tonic station, all fueled by Sid Sahrwat’s $45 classic snack platter or pick your own. And for after-work fun, Metita’s much-loved Afi Afi hour returns Tuesday – Saturday from 5pm til 7pm with refreshing drinks that capture the essence of the ocean side from $12.
For city-siders entertaining at home this festive season, SkyCity has you covered there too, with Christmas at Your Table by The Grill. Executive Chef Patrick Ikinofo and the award-winning team at The Grill have crafted feast boxes that take the hassle out of hosting guests. Whether you go for a glossy, glazed ham, an impressive whole roast turkey or the classic aged beef scotch, these boxes come with all the accoutrements for an impressive festive feast. Pre-orders are open now.
Since its debut in 1975, the Graff Butterfly has evolved from a singular high jewellery creation into one of the House’s most cherished signatures. Over the decades, it has been reinterpreted in a range of pieces that capture the lightness and poise of this captivating creature. Today, the Butterfly collection continues to flutter between artistry and wearability, offering exquisite rings, earrings, bracelets and necklaces adorned with Graff’s exceptional diamonds.
While the original high jewellery masterpieces remain at the pinnacle of the House’s craftsmanship, it is the contemporary interpretation of the Butterfly that allows collectors and admirers alike to share in this magic. Each piece distils the same spirit of transformation and grace into designs that can be worn every day, reflecting Graff’s ability to make the extraordinary beautifully accessible.
The collection showcases the Maison’s unmistakable mastery of diamonds. Brilliant and marquise-cut stones are meticulously arranged to capture the delicate symmetry of a butterfly in motion. Some pieces are defined by pavé-set diamonds that shimmer with every gesture, while others feature a single, perfectly proportioned stone at the centre, radiating quiet confidence and elegance.
Beyond its dazzling design, the Butterfly holds deep symbolic meaning. It represents renewal, optimism and the power of metamorphosis, making it an emblem of personal growth and self-expression. To wear one is to carry a touch of that transformation, a reminder that beauty lies in evolution.
At the Graff boutique in Auckland, the Butterfly’s story continues to unfold. Here, visitors can experience first-hand the artistry, innovation and heritage that have defined Graff for over six decades. From the brilliance of the high jewellery collections to the timeless refinement of the Butterfly pieces, each creation offers a glimpse into the world of one of the most prestigious jewellery houses on earth. A legacy of light, movement and mastery that continues to take flight.
The good old-fashioned dinner party is experiencing somewhat of a revival. Back from the 80s minus the fondue sets and the awkwardness of house keys left in a bowl at the door, the new at-home entertaining is a sophisticated yet still revelrous affair.
While the food is a key ingredient of the occasion, the true essence of a great dinner party lies in the social aspect of bringing people together to “break bread” while they marvel at your culinary prowess, obviously. As with any good social occasion, though, the dinner party ritual is one that comes with a few dos and don’ts. These handy hints, if abided by, will ensure that both host and guest have a memorable evening.
The guest list should be a healthy mix of old friends and new acquaintances, and, if you’re
feeling really dangerous, a mixture of friends with contrasting opinions to really get the lively debate going. Enforcing a seating plan will further display the wonders of your social engineering tactics.
The essence of a great seating plan follows a few simple rules: Quiet people should be seated next to, or in between, the rowdy. Less intellectual people should never be seated near the intelligent. Likewise, the dull should never be seated next to the clever. Singles should, at every opportunity, be seated together to guarantee your name check in any potential wedding speeches.
Ensure that the menu consists of something a little out of the ordinary – bordering on the extraordinary. Be mindful, though. Despite how undeniably impressive it might seem, embarking on one of Heston Blumenthal’s liquid nitrogen-infused molecular gastronomy recipes may well result in a disaster of epic proportions, à la Bridget Jones’ infamous blue soup. Also, be mindful that anything that can be prepared well in advance will do wonders for your composure on the evening, and will instil a sense of overwhelming control in your gathered guests.
For a truly memorable experience, you may wish to consider selecting wines that match each of the courses you are serving. While this may seem a little over the top, your guests will appreciate the fact that they don’t have to endure a green sauvignon blanc brought by another guest with your hearty rendition of Chateaubriand.
As a host, you have the responsibility to maintain order. If you have embarked on a journey of extreme social engineering, it is also your responsibility to play umpire. You will need to ensure that the conversation remains a reasonable debate rather than morphing into an ugly, or, heaven forbid, violent rage.
Telltale signs: Constant yawning, sallow eyes, and a slightly stale aroma. No one cares how awesome last night’s party was when your breath stinks and you’re sweating a lot. While it’s great that you’ve shown commitment and turned up, may we suggest that perhaps it’s time you went home and got some sleep.
Telltale signs: Never shows interest in anyone else’s thoughts or opinions. Plays conversation king for the entire evening, chewing off the ear of anyone who will listen with stories of his tenure as captain of his High School’s first fifteen, two decades ago.
Telltale signs: Asks what you’re planning to cook when you pose the invite. Asks if you need any help. Arrives and immediately checks your cooking progress, and comments on what you could be doing wrong. In extreme cases, the foodie will, in fact, take over all cooking tasks, leaving the host to turn to drinking in shame in the corner.
Bringing barista-quality coffee to the comfort of home, the Ninja Luxe Café is the future of your sacred coffee-making ritual. With the bandwidth to make espresso, cold brew, and filter coffee and neatly bundled into the one sleek design, the Ninja Luxe opens up a world of coffee possibilities. As summer beckons, we’ll be utilising ours to craft espresso martini cocktails by the beach or to refuel with a cold brew over ice the morning after. While going off-grid for the holidays might mean farewelling your favourite cafes, bars and eateries for the interim, there’s absolutely no need to forgo cafe-quality coffee while you’re out of town. Available in finishes like Stainless Steel, Midnight Black, Gunmetal, and Cyberspace, the Ninja Luxe Café is as sleek as it is multifunctional.
It’s not often the luxury jewellery space gets a genuinely revolutionary new design, but when Fope, exclusively available at Partridge, launched its signature Flex’it bracelets in 2007, the world of wristwear was forever changed. Engineered with tiny gold springs built into the Novecento weave, Fope’s signature flexible bracelets offer a modern way to elevate your everyday accessories.
Not requiring any clasps or openings, these feats of design simply stretch to slip easily onto your wrist, despite being made of solid gold. Worn individually, they are understated and elegant, but stacked together, they create an opulent statement that moves with the wearer. Each bracelet is crafted in Italy with Fope’s distinctive mesh design, delivering comfort, fluidity, and a sense of luxury. Whether mixed in various widths or featuring different metals and diamond accents, the effect is effortless and chic.
For Gucci Pre-Fall 2026, Demna presents Generation Gucci, a collection he describes as “a lookbook shot… of an imaginary Gucci show that never happened.” The idea sets the tone for a body of work that feels cinematic, self-aware and deeply connected to the House’s visual memory. “It combines different generations of product and imagery into one aesthetic narrative,” he explains, positioning the collection as both a reflection and a preview of the vision he will fully unveil in February.
The opening looks set the mood with lightweight tailoring in archival silk faille, woven to “simulate an aged handfeel.” These pieces carry a sense of quiet heritage. Buttons disappear in favour of minimal clasps, creating a fluid new take on the two-piece suit and Gucci’s definitive pencil skirt.
Outerwear arrives with unexpected softness. Textured coats, crafted from strips of shearling, silk, goat hair and feathers, have the airy ease of a peignoir. Eveningwear leans into sensuality with underwear-inspired garments paired with silk blousons, draped miniskirts, and liquid gowns in jersey and chiffon that glide rather than cling.
Demna’s ongoing study of Gucci’s visual codes is evident in the reimagined 1970s and 1990s signatures. Racer jackets carry a sharp Web stripe. Full leather and suede details evoke the brand’s hedonistic edge, and equestrian-print silks are worn with cool confidence from head to toe.
The accessories offer a glimpse into Demna’s forthcoming direction. The Lunetta Phone+ bag combines monogrammed canvas with chainmail for a practical yet sharp everyday piece. The Jackie 1961 appears in a compact rectilinear silhouette or enlarged and softened in calfskin and croc.
With Generation Gucci, Demna doesn’t simply reference the past. He reorganises it, reshapes it and filters it through a contemporary lens. The result feels like a prelude: a quiet but confident signal of what his Gucci will look like when he unveils his full vision in February.
The sun is out in full force this week, which means that sun protection is at the top of the agenda. Instead of coating yourself in a substance that resembles PVA glue or slathering your skin in a greasy, sticky formula — add one of these mighty formulations to your arsenal. Trust us, you will never look back.
Here, we round up the best protectants for your face, body, and hair this season.
For more exclusive access to what the city has to offer, engaging content, excellent imagery and thought provoking commentary on the life that surrounds you, subscribe to Denizen magazine now.
SUBSCRIBE NOW
Get the latest and greatest happenings in Auckland delivered straight to your inbox every Wednesday morning.
Kindly share a little more insight into who you are below and one of our team will be in touch soon.
