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We’re spoiled for choice when it comes to dedicated spaces for a more intimate gastronomic experience. No matter the occasion, there’s sure to be a private dining room that suits your needs, and with mid-year group gatherings high on the agenda, we’ve got you covered with our extensive guide to the best private dining rooms to book now.
Having opened its doors within the SkyCity precinct at the end of 2023, Metita occupies the space formerly home to beloved Gusto at The Grand, and it’s fair to say that it’s living up to the iconic nature of its address. Here, the offering is a new take on South Pacific cuisine, elevating traditional dishes with modern culinary techniques, inspiring a deeper reverence for our own heartland and connection to chef Michael Meredith’s native Samoa. When a special occasion is on the horizon, those looking for an intimate dining space to bring people together should look no further than Metita’s exceptionally well-appointed private dining room. The space seats up to 26, but can just as easily cater to small numbers, and brings the very best of Metita’s food offering and interiors into focus to create a seriously memorable affair.
Location: SkyCity, 90 Federal Street, Auckland CBD
Suitable For: seats up to 26 guests
Click here to book now
Tucked away within the refined surrounds of College Hill’s The Wine Room, the private dining area offers a quietly luxurious setting for everything from fireside birthday dinners to elevated events. Seating between two and twenty guests (with more space for standing gatherings), the space balances intimacy with sophistication — its soft lighting, timber finishes, and open fire providing a warm yet polished backdrop year-round. Here, menus are tailored to the mood, from champagne and caviar on arrival to masterfully grilled seafood and meats served family-style, with curated wine pairings that reflect the team’s reverence for European tradition and New Zealand terroir.
Location: 2/43 College Hill, Freemans Bay
Suitable For: Seated Dining — up to 20 guests, Canapé Standing Events — up to 75 guests
Email [email protected] to book now
The perfect beachside location for an end-of-year get-together, Azabu Mission Bay offers completely private dining in its adjacent Stonehouse or semi-private events in its open courtyard. From formal, sit-down dinners to casual drinks, this versatile venue offers a space for any kind of occasion.
Location: 44 Tamaki Drive, Mission Bay
Suitable For: Stonehouse — 40 (seated) to 60 (standing) guests, The Courtyard — up to 60 guests (standing), Venue Exclusive — up to 200 guests
Click here to book now
Beloved SkyCity eatery (and Auckland institution) The Grill made a triumphant return this year, and with its new iteration comes a striking new private dining space. If a special occasion is on the cards, the private dining room, perfect for up to 12 guests, is a sublime spot within which to entertain a crowd. Here, you’ll find a bespoke menu on offer, curated with the particular needs of larger gatherings in mind, and an extensive drinks list sure to inspire indulgence and set a convivial tone. There’s also a private ensuite just off the dining room, making the experience all the more seamless.
Location: Horizon by SkyCity, 85 Hobson Street, Auckland CBD
Suitable For: 6 to 12 guests
Click here to book now
Tucked beneath the heritage-listed Chancery Chambers, The Vault at Gilt Brasserie is a dramatic private dining space where marble, moody lighting, and soaring ceilings set the tone for truly memorable gatherings. Seating up to 45, or easily configured for smaller groups, it’s a versatile backdrop for everything from corporate functions to celebratory dinners. Paired with Gilt’s refined Euro-New Zealand menu and an exceptional wine list, The Vault delivers heritage charm with a distinctly modern edge.
Location: 2 Chancery Chambers, Auckland CBD
Suitable For: Seated Dining — up to 26 guests, Canapé and Champagne — up to 45 guests standing
Email [email protected] to book now
Tucked above the grand dining room of Commercial Bay’s elevated French restaurant Origine is a space perfect for an intimate gathering. La Mezzanine’s after-dark vibe, soft lighting and exceptional views over Downtown Auckland will set the perfect tone for a night with friends, one that will inevitably end in some convivial fun.
Location: Commercial Bay, Level 2/172 Quay Street, Auckland CBD
Suitable For: up to 50 guests
Click here to book now
A long-time go-to for corporate lunches and long-overdue catch-ups alike, bigger parties can also enjoy a ‘private’ piece of Soul by closing the bi-fold doors to what is usually the cocktail lounge. It’s perfect for seated parties that can indulge in Executive Chef Gavin Doyle’s fine cuisine via a set menu. Larger parties, on the other hand, can use the same space while also spilling out onto the famous deck and bar area for standing events.
Location: Viaduct Harbour, Corner of Lower Hobson Street &, Customs Street West, Auckland City
Suitable For: up to 30 guests seated or 35 – 100 standing for cocktails and canapés
Click here to book now
The private dining room at Jervois Steak House is located upstairs in the restaurant. The interior blends rustic elements from the building’s original heritage with modern warm tones & James Russ lighting. Relax into plush leather seating in a bespoke tan hue (called ‘Jervois Molasses’), and enjoy an authentic steakhouse experience for any special occasion.
Location: 70 Jervois Road, Ponsonby
Suitable For: up to 12 seated guests
Email [email protected] to book now or call (09) 376 2049
Set just across from Kingi’s main dining room is the restaurant’s private dining and meeting space, designed to bring people together for a feast or to do business. A light-filled space anchored by a breathtaking raw-edge swamp kauri slab table underneath a shimmering fish-scale chandelier, the room gives diners a unique view into the Kingi kitchens as the chefs prepare seasonal dishes, creating an immersive dining experience. At the room’s north end, a wooden sideboard conceals a 65″ screen, which can be used to host board-style meetings, intimate product launches or special presentations. The space is equipped with high-speed internet connectivity and state-of-the-art AV facilities, making it an ideal location for productive business meetings. Whatever your requirements are, Kingi Private is the perfect, multi-faceted space.
Location: Tuawhiti Lane, 29 Galway Street, Britomart
Suitable For: 14 guests for degustation
Click here to book now
Bar Magda’s exclusive private dining room is a sanctuary of elegance. Thoughtfully and comfortably furnished, this secluded enclave is the perfect choice for corporate soirées or special celebrations like birthdays, where guests can enjoy Bar Magda’s impeccable service and indulge in the finest cuisine, knowing that every detail has been meticulously curated to meet expectations.
Location: 25b Cross Street, Auckland CBD
Suitable For: up to 25 seated guests or if extended into the bistro, 50-60 guests
Email [email protected] to book now
Tucked upstairs in Grey Lynn, Lilian’s private dining room is an intimate haven for 10–14 guests — ideal for festive lunches, seasonal gatherings, or milestone dinners. Centered around a striking marble-top table with plush leather banquette seating, the space feels both warm and refined. Guests can choose from family‑style set menus, or customise à la carte, all paired with wines from the curated cellar.
Location: 472 Richmond Road, Grey Lynn
Suitable For: 10 to 14 guests
Email [email protected] to book now
The outstanding inner-city Japanese restaurant offers a couple of different options if you’d like to go for a slightly more intimate experience. The Obi Room is a striking, semi-private space anchored by a solid wood table crafted from two pieces of suar hardwood and earthen walls decorated with spectacular vintage Japanese obi kimono prints. The Obi Room is framed by bubble glass which creates the impression of privacy and seclusion without being completely separated from the main dining area.
Otherwise, opt for the Chef’s Kotastu Table, another semi-private area set at the back of the main dining room and backdropped by the restaurant’s single piece of art, a large Japanese Dragon created by calligraphy master artist Ushio Sekiguchi.
Location: SkyCity, 90 Federal Street, Auckland CBD
Suitable For: The Obi Room — up to 18 guests, Chef’s Kotastu Table — 8 to 10 people
Click here to book now
Huami offers several different and equally appealing options for those wishing to dine in privacy. The Chinese restaurant, which boasts traditional cuisine with a modern twist, has three elegant private dining rooms. Rooms one and two seat 12 guests each and are adjoining, but can be divided. Room three caters up to six guests.
Location: SkyCity, 87 Federal Street, Auckland CBD
Suitable For: 6 to 12 guests seated
Click here to book now
For a memorable gathering in the heart of Wairarapa, The Runholder’s secluded private dining room offers an intimate, elegant setting for up to 14 guests. Ideal for special occasions or business meetings, this cosy space includes video conferencing capabilities and a 65” screen, seamlessly blending function with refined comfort. Guests can enjoy a family-style set menu—two courses or three — plus options for morning tea or canapés. Nestled within Te Kairanga Vineyard, The Runholder is a true homage to Martinborough’s bounty, combining stunning views with warm hospitality.
Location: 89 Martins Road, Martinborough
Suitable For: up to 14 guests
Click here to book now
Cassia’s home at SkyCity boasts several options for private dining and events. The main private dining area seats up to 20 people and is fully equipped for presentations. A large flat screen TV and connections enable the private dining space to be converted into a professional area to share ideas with business colleagues.
For larger groups of up to 40 guests, the mezzanine area is the perfect location for your next group booking. For all bookings for groups of 13 or more, Cassia offers a selection of set menus that can be tailored to suit your group’s requirements.
Location: SkyCity, 90 Federal Street, Auckland CBD
Suitable For: private celebrations & events of up to 20 people, & group dinners of up to 40 people
Click here to book now
Tucked away in the heart of Parnell, this exclusive private room is an intimate enclave that channels Napa Valley’s refined spirit. Designed for groups of 10–20, it embodies relaxed elegance with warm timber detailing, muted lighting, and richly upholstered seating. Expect beautifully plated dishes showcasing farm‑fresh Californian flavours — from seasonal seafood to premium grilled cuts — paired perfectly with estate‑level Napa wines. Fully serviced and effortlessly polished, this space is ideal for intimate wine dinners, milestone celebrations, or corporate tastings that linger well beyond the final sip. Or, if you’ve got a few more, NSP’s courtyard is the perfect spot to host a larger event.
Location: 1052/259 Parnell Road, Parnell
Suitable For: Courtyard — 100 standing or 50 seated, Private Dining Room — 22 seated
Click here to book now
Fans of Ebisu’s exceptional Japanese cuisine will be pleased to know the downtown favourite also offers private dining. Filled with natural light, the Nikko Courtyard features huge warehouse windows overlooking the Waitematā Harbour, a perfect space for a seated dinner or cocktail party.
Location: 116 – 118 Quay Street, Britomart
Suitable For: up to 30 guests
Click here to book now
Step into The Barrel Room, Ayrburn’s exclusive private event space designed for intimate gatherings and memorable celebrations. Surrounded by 56 aging wine barrels and centred around a grand piano, this hidden space offers a cosy, sophisticated ambiance perfect for seated soirées or lively gatherings for up for 50. Guests can indulge in a thoughtfully crafted shared plate menu in an atmosphere that marries opulence with privacy. With candle-lit seating and details that pay homage to Ayrburn’s heritage, The Barrel Room promises an unforgettable experience where time slows, and moments are savored deep into the night.
Location: Ayrburn, Ayr Avenue, Arrowtown
Suitable For: up to 50 guests
Email [email protected] to book now
Nestled in the heart of Hotel Britomart is The Libraries, a space that assumes literary comforts and leisure. Here there is an air of unpretentious exclusivity, where even in the middle of the city you couldn’t feel more removed from the world if you tried. The Libraries are not open to the general public to walk-in (they do not operate as a restaurant) however they are available for private events and functions, with tailor-made solutions to cater to any need. The crown jewel The Chefs Library (table), which is available for private dinners for up to eight people, making it perfect for an intimate and memorable affair.
Location: 29 Galway Street, Britomart
Suitable For: 8 guests for degustation or family-style dining, 6 guests for cabaret
Click here to book now
Tucked away to the east of Somm Wine Bar & Bistro is the venue’s lush & gorgeous semi-private area. This space is cleverly tucked behind the venue’s cellar, which displays an impressive array of library and large-format wines. The room is draped in heavy set ‘cabernet’ curtains which when drawn instantly transform the space into the cosiest of settings.
Location: Shed 22 Princes Wharf, Auckland CBD
Suitable For: up to 12 guests
Click here to book now
The weather outside may be frightful, but a fire can make the outdoors utterly delightful. If you’re lucky enough to have a covered terrace or a bit of extra space outside, make the most of it by centring the space around a fireplace or fire pit. Let the flicker of flames set the tone — anchoring plush furnishings, inviting conversation, and conjuring comfort and calm, despite the chill.
An outdoor fireplace brings a certain ambience to your dedicated open-air zone. Prized since time immortal, come winter, there’s nothing quite like sitting with a hot drink or glass of something delicious in front of a roaring flame. With endless options to fit any aesthetic vision, consider this your first port of call when planning an outdoor update.
Centralise your outdoor living space around a contemporary firepit to add a communal, connective element to social gatherings. With myriad options on offer, tailor your heating to your terrace’s layout, adding a functional, design-led edge to any space.
Designed as a celebration of delicate golden beads, Van Cleef & Arpels’ Perlée collection takes the spotlight in our Winter Issue fashion editorial, paired with a line-up of looks from the newest collections.
A joyful expression of individual style, the Perlée collection centres on creations with harmonious and radiant curves — with golden beads gently illuminating jewels that sit at the intersection of simplicity and sophistication.
Model: Nuria at Priscillas. Hair: Max Serrano. Makeup: Monique Jones.
Celebrated for its impeccable day-to-night fare that never fails to send diners on their merry way suitably satisfied, Amano is a winter favourite for a reason. This season, gather a posse and settle into a cosy booth to sample the ever-changing (and always delicious) pastas, made fresh each day.
Below, we round up the seasonal sensations that currently have our attention, from the simple but sublime pipe rigate cacio e pepe to the Auckland Islands scampi chitarra with tomato and chilli. This is comfort food at its finest.
Amano’s pipe rigate cacio e pepe has been a go-to for some time now, pairing creamy pecorino, cracked black pepper, and perfectly al dente semolina pasta — simple, soulful, and made for winter indulgence.
Delicately sweet Auckland Islands scampi meets silky ribbons of egg pasta in a dish that feels both luxurious and comforting — a wintery ode to the sea, done just right.
Plump Cloudy Bay tuatua and perfeclty al dente semolina pasta come together in a dish that’s both comforting and clean — a quietly luxurious nod to New Zealand’s coastal bounty.
Sweet Pukekohe butternut melts into semolina pasta, offering a velvety, wintery richness in a dish that’s earthy, nourishing, and just the thing for cooler days.
Hearty and full of soul, this pappardelle pairs tender Hawke’s Bay lamb ragu with olives and pangritata — a rustic classic made for wintry evenings.
Naturally, immunity becomes top of mind as the temperatures drop. With winter comes a fresh wave of seasonal bugs, and now more than ever, supporting your body’s natural defences feels essential.
Ultimately, immunity comes back to the foods you eat. What’s on your plate at breakfast, lunch, and dinner, or your go-to snacks throughout the day… these are all opportunities to strengthen your immune system. With a regular dose of nutrient-rich foods, you’re not just nourishing yourself for the season ahead, but making winter wellness a daily ritual to feel good about.
Not to be missed on any immunity list is the coveted vitamin C — a winter staple that has been in family medicine cabinets for as long as we can remember. Although typically speaking, most would reach for a glass of cold pressed OJ for a daily vitamin hit, some studies have shown one of the highest fruit sources is the camu camu berry, which comes as a powder form that can be added to a morning smoothie for an extra hit of goodness. You can also get this vitamin powerhouse in capsule form, making a daily dose even simpler.
As if we needed another excuse to overindulge on oysters, but nonetheless, here it is. Oysters are known to be a rich source of mineral zinc, as well as a number of other important nutrients like iron and vitamin D (which play a key role in immunity too). Zinc acts as a barrier in the body, which prevents pathogens and viruses from entering the cells that surround your organs. It’s a lot of science-speak, but the key takeaway here is that there’s no such thing as too many oysters.
This root is golden in more ways than one. Praised by the wellness community for decades, turmeric has truly made a name for itself in recent years. If you haven’t tried a turmeric latte, it’s a vibrant alternative to a chai or your daily coffee, and it brings the powerful nutritional benefits of turmeric to the table. The spice is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which can relieve chronic pressure on the body’s immune system. Turmeric is one of those remedies that is both preventative, and offers longevity — win, win.
One of our country’s greatest resources, mānuka honey oozes with health benefits that you’re hard pressed to find anywhere else. Like turmeric, the delicious honey offers preventative and protective benefits, all the way from its antimicrobial properties to the simple way it soothes a sore throat like nothing else.
Medicinal mushrooms are another superfood to add to your radar, if they haven’t been there for some time already. These aren’t the kind of mushrooms that will produce any psychoactive effects, but rather the immune-supporting benefits that we’re all craving right now. Shiitake mushrooms can be enjoyed in a broth and ramen, or reach for powdered reishi which can be blended into a smoothie or a superfood latte.
There are so many beautiful benefits that come with a daily dose of probiotics; a healthy gut, effervescent glowing skin, enhanced immunity… And they’re so easy to work into any meal. What makes probiotics truly unique is that each food introduces a different culture of healthy bacteria to your system. So have some kefir or yoghurt with breakfast, kombucha for morning tea, sauerkraut on your salad and a side of kimchi with your next dinner out to reap the myriad benefits.
These tiny fish punch well above their weight on the health front. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, calcium, and selenium, sardines can help to reduce inflammation, support immune function, and strengthen the body’s natural defences — crucial during the colder months when viruses tend to thrive. They’re also one of the best dietary sources of vitamin B12, which plays a key role in energy production and keeping your nervous system resilient. Sustainable, shelf-stable, and deeply nourishing (not to mention delicious), sardines are a smart staple for winter immunity.
This vibrant blue-green algae is a cold season secret weapon. Packed with immune-supporting nutrients like vitamin C, iron, zinc, and chlorophyll, chlorella helps the body fend off winter bugs while supporting detoxification at a cellular level. Its antiviral and antioxidant properties make it especially valuable during winter, and it’s also rich in plant-based protein and B vitamins to help maintain energy when the days are short and our levels are waning. Whether taken as a powder or tablet, chlorella is a potent, natural boost.
In a sun-soaked visual ode to both heritage and evolution, Gucci unveils its latest campaign celebrating the enduring allure of the GG Monogram. Starring Emily Ratajkowski and shot in Cannes, the campaign is a curated portrait of quiet moments and subtle style — from street corners to the promenade’s golden hour.
Photographed by Daniel Arnold, the campaign unfolds with a quiet kind of confidence — at once grounded and effortlessly in motion. It charts a rhythm between the city’s gentle chaos and the stillness of the sea. At the heart of it all is the Gucci Monogram, worn in many different iterations by Emily Ratajkowski — less as a motif, but more as a signature of identity.
Here, heritage finds new form. From the archival leanings of the Gucci Savoy line — classic travel pieces reinterpreted for now — to the debut of the Gucci Giglio handbag, there’s a through-line of craft, care, and quiet innovation. The Giglio, first revealed at the Cruise 2026 show in Florence, draws on the city’s emblematic lily — a motif reimagined in soft curves and sculptural detail.
Created within the walls of the Gucci Archive, where over a hundred years of design lives and breathes, the campaign becomes a study in continuity — of shapes, codes, and identities redefined.
Adding further dimension is a new chapter of the Ophidia collection, revisiting silhouettes from the late ’70s. Signature Web stripes, soft GG canvas, and gold-toned Double G emblems define the edit.
More than a campaign, this is a meditation on evolution — where heritage is not static, but living. As Gucci reimagines the monogram with Emily Ratajkowski front and centre, it reflects a quiet obsession with craftsmanship and identity, and highlights the ever-relevant power of an emblem.
You’ll never catch any judgement from us for a good rewatch. In fact, here at Denizen, we recognise that there’s something deeply comforting (even therapeutic) about slipping back into a show you once adored. As winter settles in, we’re leaning into nostalgia with a line-up of series that deliver all the drama, charm, and chaos we forgot we missed. Expect old flames, unforgettable theme songs, and fashion moments that are worth the multi-season journey alone.
California, here we come… again. From the sandy drama of Newport Beach to Seth Cohen’s lovable neuroticism, The O.C. still holds up as the ultimate early-2000s teen dream — angst, indie tracks and all. It’s a show that understood the chaos and complexity of growing up before we did, and somehow made it look impossibly cool.
Rewatching Sex and the City is like pulling on a pair of beloved (and probably impractical) heels — familiar, a little uncomfortable, but undeniably fabulous. The dating dilemmas might feel hilariously outdated, but the friendships? Still golden. It’s a time capsule of brunches, breakups, and bold opinions — and will forever be the ultimate comfort watch.
Before social media ruled everything, there was Gossip Girl: omnipresent, omniscient, and deliciously cruel. The fashion! The betrayals! The Upper East Side opulence! It’s over the top in the best way — and somehow even juicier now in hindsight.
Heartbreakingly human, Gilmore Girls is the kind of comfort TV that wraps you in a Stars Hollow-sized hug. The witty repartee still sparkles, but it’s the tender mother-daughter bond that keeps you coming back — especially when life gets messy.
Don Draper and the era of three-martini lunches, where nothing was as polished as it seemed. Mad Men is cinematic, sharp, and quietly devastating. Rewatching it now reveals just how deeply it explored identity, desire, and the American dream — all with impossibly good tailoring.
A show about nothing that somehow manages to be about everything. Seinfeld is observational comedy at its finest, with a rhythm and tone that still feels oddly modern. Jerry, Elaine, George and Kramer are neurotic icons — forever stuck in their own little world, and endlessly rewatchable for it.
Wisteria Lane may have looked pristine, but Desperate Housewives was anything but. It’s juicy, campy, and darkly funny — a murder mystery wrapped in mid-2000s suburbia with just enough soapiness to keep things delightfully unhinged.
Messy, funny, and deeply emotional — Offspring gave us Nina Proudman and a wonderfully chaotic Melbourne world where love, grief, and career crossed paths in gloriously unpredictable ways. It’s one of those rare series that makes you feel like you’ve grown alongside its characters, and is always guaranteed to make you both laugh and cry, a lot.
Wild, raw and genuinely heartbreaking, Skins captured British youth culture with all its rough edges intact. It’s flawed, provocative, sometimes painful — but that’s also what makes it feel so real. Watching it now feels like opening an old diary you wrote in another lifetime.
The Hollywood fantasy through a very mid-2000s male lens, Entourage was brash, glossy, and wildly escapist. The bro-energy may feel slightly dated now, but there’s still something irresistibly nostalgic about the fast cars, fast talk, and fast deals.
Mysterious island? Check. Smoke monster? Check. Emotional damage? Double check. Lost was chaotic, gripping and occasionally maddening — but when it worked, it really worked. It ushered in a new era of ambitious storytelling, and yes, we’re still debating that ending.
Lena Dunham’s Girls was messy, self-aware and divisive — and that’s exactly what made it interesting. It captured a kind of post-college floundering that still rings true, balancing raw vulnerability with biting humour. The perfect rewatch ahead of the release of Dunham’s upcoming Netflix series, Too Much.
Complex, brooding, and in a league of its own, The Sopranos is essential viewing — not just for its Mafia mythology, but for what it revealed about masculinity, power, and inner conflict. Tony Soprano walked so prestige TV could run.
Ab Fab is champagne-soaked chaos at its most hilarious. Patsy and Edina are gloriously self-destructive, endlessly quotable, and still feel like the original blueprint for fashion-obsessed fabulousness. It’s satire with stilettos — and it’s still absolutely brilliant.
Over-articulate teenagers feeling everything at volume 100. Dawson’s Creek was peak late-‘90s melodrama — earnest, angsty, and irresistibly nostalgic. It’s a time capsule of crushed velvet, love triangles, and that Paula Cole theme song we all still kind of know.
A basement. A circle. A killer soundtrack. That ‘70s Show nailed the awkwardness and absurdity of adolescence with retro flair and just enough heart to keep things grounded. It’s sitcom comfort food — with bell bottoms.
Quirky, charming, and quietly profound, New Girl gave us a loft full of lovable weirdos, led by Zooey Deschanel’s offbeat optimism. It’s feel-good television that doesn’t talk down to you — just the right amount of silly, with surprising emotional depth.
Often forgotten but utterly charming, Men in Trees was like Northern Exposure meets Sex and the City — a relationship writer in Alaska, navigating love, snow, and small-town strangeness. Cosy, a little corny, and weirdly therapeutic.
Still one of the most quoted series ever, The Office balances cringeworthy workplace antics with genuine emotion. Its charm lies in the mundanity — where the workday consists of ego clashes, inappropriate behaviour, tedium and romance, and of course Rickey Gervais’ razor-sharp comedy.
The Mentalist paired murder investigations with Patrick Jane’s offbeat charm and haunted past. It’s procedural TV with a side of psychology — satisfying, stylish, and quietly addictive.
Bikes, brotherhood, and Shakespearean levels of betrayal. Sons of Anarchy is gritty, emotional, and occasionally brutal — but what lingers most is its exploration of loyalty and identity. It’s Hamlet in leather.
A chemistry teacher turned kingpin — Breaking Bad remains one of television’s most masterful )and most watched) descents into darkness. It’s tightly plotted, beautifully acted, and still manages to shock, even on rewatch. Every detail matters, and nothing is wasted.
More than just a high school drama, One Tree Hill had a way of turning every emotion up to eleven — heartbreak, ambition, forgiveness, grief. It gave us epic basketball games, even bigger love stories, and a surprisingly enduring emotional pull. Revisiting it now feels like catching up with old friends.
Part sitcom, part love story, HIMYM mixed slapstick humour with emotional storytelling — and yes, the finale remains divisive. But it’s the journey (and the friendships) that still hold up, especially when you just want something familiar to fall into.
When the temperature drops, there’s nothing quite like the lure of a flickering fire, especially when paired with a glass of something full-bodied and a plate that warms the belly. Across the city, eateries light up the night with flame-grilled fare and enticing fireside dining, and these are the tops spots doing just that.
In Andiamo’s back dining room, the fireplace throws a steady, comforting heat — just the thing on a cold winter’s night. Tucked away from the buzz of the bar, it creates a quieter, more intimate setting, perfect for lingering over a delectable bowl pf pasta and a good glass of red.
At Jervois Steak House, you can sink into a cosy seat and warm up beside the hearth with a prime cut and a glass of Central Otago pinot, a pairing that needs no improvement. The menu is unapologetically classic — think scotch fillet with béarnaise, truffle mac and cheese, and thick-cut fries — made all the better when enjoyed in the glow of an open fire.
Down at the waterfront, Somm Wine Bar & Bistro delivers cellar door energy, with waterfront views and the kind of fire-lit atmosphere that makes the experience more authentic. The menu leans into European-style fare, while the wine list heroes local producers, with plenty available by the glass for leisurely sipping fireside.
At Britomart’s Kingi, settle near the glow of the open hearth and indulge in seasonal and seafood-forward dishes, often cooked over flames. Here, flames aren’t just for show, but central to the kitchen’s approach, adding depth and smokiness to everything from sustainably caught fish to fire-roasted vegetables.
In a coveted waterfront spot in Kohimarama sits Beachhouse — a trio of luxury apartments designed by Cheshire, offering unhindered access to Kohi beachfront and a life well lived.
Rarely does the opportunity arise to inhabit the shoreline so completely. Beachhouse is a singular trio of refined beachfront apartments nestled on Tāmaki Drive in Kohimarama, conceived not just as homes, but as enduring sanctuaries. Designed by Cheshire — one of New Zealand’s most lauded architectural practices — and brought to life by Gosling, this exclusive project distills decades of design intelligence into three quietly confident residences. The result is a celebration of coastal living, elevated by architectural grace and unbridled attention to detail.
Far from the gaudy essence of beachfront living present around the world, Beachhouse does away with showiness, opting instead for a language of understated luxury (without a marble accent in sight). Instead, finely textured brick, crafted timber, and softly tactile finishes echo the surrounding land and sea. Cheshire’s hallmark restraint is on full display — warm, earthen materials, carefully proportioned volumes, and moments of intimacy balanced with expansive views. Each home — distinct yet complementary — engages with the environment differently, but all are imbued with a serene sense of calm and composure.
Apartment One, The Shoreline, is grounded in lush gardens, offering direct connection to the coast. The Canopy, Apartment Two, is enfolded by the sculptural limbs of pōhutukawa, a sanctuary amidst the native canopy. Apartment Three, The Horizon, commands near 270-degree views — a top-floor retreat that feels almost airborne, where sea and sky dissolve into one.
“Each home — distinct yet complementary — engages with the environment differently, but all are imbued with a serene sense of calm and composure.”
At the heart of each home is a sleek kitchen by Molteni&C — the Italian design house known for crafting spaces where utility becomes art — which sets the tone for the considered interiors. Gaggenau and Sub-Zero appliances, alongside carefully crafted (and expansive) Molteni&C wardrobes, complete the picture of refined daily living. Throughout, Beachhouse is shaped by a reverence for longevity — a belief that beauty and quality must not only coexist, but endure.
From a sunrise paddleboard a stone’s throw from home to sipping a coffee in the sunlight spilling across a winter garden terrace, this is a home as fluid as life itself — offering the rare privilege of true beachside living with the city’s cultural and commercial heart just moments away.
At Beachhouse, a life of elegance and ease unfolds. Meticulous architecture meets a rare coastal setting, spaces are designed for both solitude and connection, and every detail, from the crafted interiors to the curated landscape, speaks to a refined sensibility — all just minutes from the city, yet in its own world entirely.
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