Captivated by nature’s timeless allure, Van Cleef & Arpels invites you once again into its inspired garden with the enchanting Flowerlace collection. The Maison reveals exquisite new jewellery and watches that capture the poetry of flowers in radiant designs, each piece a testament to Van Cleef & Arpels’ mastery of gemstones and artistry. Flowers, a wellspring of inspiration since the Maison’s founding, have flourished in countless forms, each crafted with techniques that celebrate its High Jewellery legacy.
Combining the radiance of yellow gold with the sparkle of diamonds, each piece’s petals shine with intensity, as if bathed in natural sunlight. The lines that form an elegantly rounded flower evoke the fluidity of ribbon, heralding another enduring Van Cleef & Arpels theme, couture.
Five creations come to life in this sought-after new collection: a ring, a Between the Finger ring, a pair of earrings, a pendant, and a versatile clip pendant that adapts to your style. To breathe life into each piece, the Maison’s artisans blend their expertise, beginning with the ancient art of lost-wax casting. Sculpted in wax, each motif is reborn in molten gold, carefully shaped, adorned with precious stones, and finally, polished to a luminous finish.
These latest masterpieces pay homage to the iconic Silhouette clips of the late 1930s, when Van Cleef & Arpels reinterpreted flowers with the sleek sophistication of Art Deco. Fine gold threads outline each blossom, their forms animated by the dance of sparkling stones and shifting light. The ribbon motif, a signature woven through the Maison’s history, honours the timeless connection between fashion, art, and jewellery.
The newly minted Flowerlace pieces herald the eponymous High Jewellery collection, which also combines nature with couture. Created in 2007, it presents a dialogue between white gold and diamonds with timeless, enduring appeal.
Flowerlace is both a tribute to nature’s boundless muse and a salute to the Maison’s rich legacy, honouring Van Cleef & Arpels’ illustrious past while inspiring its future.
At OYF Remuera, Pilates meets far infrared (FIR) heat to create a uniquely restorative fitness experience. Founded by Nera Fernando, the studio blends movement with holistic wellness in an environment designed to nourish both body and mind.
“I wanted to build a space that made people feel elevated the moment they walked in,” says Fernando. “OYF is more than a fitness studio — it’s a sanctuary.” With soft lighting, welcoming staff, and a strong sense of community, the vibe is intentionally grounding. But the heat is where the magic happens.
Nera Fernando
“Our classes are held in far infrared (FIR) heated rooms,” explains Fernando. “Unlike traditional heat, FIR penetrates deeper, helping with detoxification, circulation, pain relief and inflammation. It also calms the nervous system — so you leave feeling energised, not depleted.”
Fernando was inspired to bring OYF to Auckland after experiencing its transformative effects while in Canada. “It combined everything I was looking for — intelligent movement, genuine community, and a focus on wellbeing.”
Alongside Pilates, OYF offers heated yoga, strength classes, and a full calendar of wellness workshops. “Our events are designed to deepen understanding and create connection. Whether it’s postnatal recovery or hydration education, it all feeds into a more holistic practice.”
Fernando believes movement is a powerful re-entry point for anyone feeling burnt out or disconnected, “People think self-care is indulgent. It’s not. It’s essential. When you prioritise yourself, you show up better for everyone else.”
Her current go-to? “Tone & Sculpt. It uses resistance bands and weighted bars in a heated space. It’s dynamic, effective, and leaves you glowing.”
With new reformer classes launching soon in Ōrākei and plans to expand across Auckland, OYF is just getting started. “Our mission is to build a wellness network that’s inclusive, empowering, and deeply connected to the community.”
From tanning-friendly hair removal methods to unleashing the charming conversationalist within, here are the pointers poised to prepare you for the forthcoming festivities.
Prime with a peel
Ideal for those who may have left it a little late, with an extensive range of peels on offer to suit every skin type and concern, a peel is the best way to achieve a glowing visage quickly. Using clinically proven next-generation retinols, L-lactic acid, AHAs, BHAs, and other anti-ageing ingredients, peels exfoliate, detoxify and stimulate cellular turnover and collagen production. Think of them as ‘medi facials’. For discreet efficacy, you can even surrender your skin to the non-invasive powers of a peel on the day of your soirée, and be ready to put your best face forward by sundown.
Don’t forget to hydrate
While knocking back electrolytes is quite likely already a habit of yours, you’d be wise to pay special attention to your water intake when there’s the prospect of a late night ahead. Why? It’s all too easy to lose track of how many beverages you’ve imbibed throughout the evening, but by ensuring you’re well hydrated beforehand, you can soften the blow of the monster hangover in your future. For an extra defence against the dreaded morning after, consider Seoul Tonic, the drink designed to be drunk before drinking.
Think of three things
Specifically, three positive things you did this year in preparation for the age-old question destined to make an appearance in polite conversation: “So, what have you been up to?” Ideally, aim for noteworthy endeavours outside of work. Everything from how you’ve been training for your first ultramarathon, to your new passion for seeking out and reviewing the city’s best matcha will be better than saying ‘same old, same old’ — lord knows we’re all too familiar with the conversation-killing abilities of such a statement.
Sugar then spray
You’re probably well aware that after a session at the waxers, spray tanning is a no-no for at least the next 24 hours. Alas, wait time isn’t an issue after the ancient Middle Eastern hair removal practice known as sugaring. Done via a natural paste or gel made from ingredients like sugar, water, lemon juice, and sometimes honey, salt and essential oils, many find the process less painful than waxing. Naturally, this translates into less irritation, which means once you’re done, you can go ahead and get your glow on, no wait time necessary.
Eat something
Because you know — from snippets your friends have regaled — what happens when you don’t. The key is to choose the right foods that also take into account the outfit you have in mind. Give dairy (known for its bloating effects) a miss and opt for oat milk in your coffee instead. Potassium-rich foods like bananas or sweet potatoes are good too, as they help fight bloat while keeping you satiated without feeling heavy. When in doubt, opt for lean proteins like chicken, which are less likely to lead to grazing on sugary stuff later.
For Van Cleef & Arpels, spring has always been a moment of renewal. It is a time when nature’s quiet poetry takes form in precious materials. The Maison’s Lucky Spring collection captures this sentiment with exquisite finesse, artfully intertwining symbols of nature and luck in a celebration of lightness and optimism.
Delicate ladybirds, blossoms, flora and fauna come to life in rose gold, white mother-of-pearl, onyx, and carnelian. Each detail is a tribute to the grace of awakening nature. Steeped in symbolism, these creations offer more than adornment — they are wearable charms of good fortune, imbued with the Van Cleef & Arpels’ inimitable craftsmanship.
Adding to this sense of joyful renewal is the artistry of Alexandre Benjamin Navet. Through vivid illustrations, Navet infuses the season with painterly energy. His floral motifs, rendered in bold hues and soft lines, echo the warmth and vibrancy of Lucky Spring, serving as a dialogue between fine art and high jewellery that feels distinctly of the moment — radiant, romantic, and full of possibility.
As the world shifts towards digital investment and cryptocurrency, one crucial question continues to challenge even the most tech-savvy investor. Where do you safely store the information that underpins your wealth? Passwords, seed phrases, and recovery codes are often scattered across devices or scribbled on slips of paper, far from the level of protection they deserve.
Enter Commonwealth Vault, a state-of-the-art facility at 30 Hargreaves Street in Central Auckland that redefines the concept of security for the modern age. Purpose-built beneath ground level, the vault houses thousands of safe deposit boxes protected by layers of advanced defence, from biometric face and fingerprint recognition with 24/7 surveillance, motion sensors, and on-site guards monitoring from a bulletproof control room. Its three-tonne steel door and reinforced concrete construction are complemented by undisclosed security measures known only to a select few, ensuring absolute confidentiality and peace of mind.
Designed for a new generation of investors, Commonwealth Vault also offers digital cold storage for cryptocurrency data, providing a secure, offline solution for passwords and recovery phrases in accordance with global best practice. Alongside this, it offers an elegant answer for those seeking to safeguard jewellery, heirlooms, bullion, documents, or any item too precious to leave at home.
Adding to its comprehensive services, Commonwealth Vault also facilitates the buying and selling of bullion on-site. Clients can purchase or sell precious metals securely within the facility, depositing their holdings straight into their personal safe deposit box without the bullion ever leaving the premises, offering an unmatched level of convenience and security.
Importantly, this level of protection is remarkably accessible. Safe deposit boxes can be rented annually, with small boxes starting from just $330 per year, or purchased outright for $3,300, providing ownership for an extraordinary 74 years.
Beyond its state-of-the-art design, the vault also offers the benefit of reducing insurance requirements, as valuables stored on-site are considered to be significantly lower risk by most insurers. Discreet underground parking and confidential entry ensure privacy at every step, creating a seamless experience that feels as considered as it is secure.
Whether protecting the digital keys to your future or the irreplaceable artefacts of your past, Commonwealth Vault stands as a sanctuary for all that matters most. A fortress of calm in an unpredictable world.
Despite their functional benefits, wetsuits are undeniably the most difficult of clothing items to remove from the human body. A task hopefully made easier with these simple pointers. Take heed of the below to avoid giving everyone (yourself included) the ‘ick’ this summer.
Take it slow
Unless you’re competing in triathlons, it’s unlikely that you’ll need to whip your wetsuit off at a speed comparable to Usain Bolt’s 150m sprint. Keeping your movements controlled and steady will help you avoid floundering in the sand.
Use your thumbs
The ends of a wetsuit can feel like handcuffs for your ankles, locking them in nice and tight. This is ideal for keeping icy-cold water out, but not so great when you want to take it off. Once you have peeled the neoprene off your upper body and have pulled it down to your feet, dig your thumbs between your ankle and the neoprene to create an air bubble, which helps pop the ends of the suit off.
Location and balance
Taking your wetsuit off in knee-deep water seems like a breathtakingly brilliant idea at the time. There is no sand, grass or car park debris to contend with using this ingenious method of wetsuit removal. The hidden problem lies in the very thing you’re at the beach for. Waves. These tricky beasts are rather adept at causing you to flail about in a mangled mess of limbs before toppling over. The white wash usually thunders onto shore at the exact moment that your wetsuit is around your knees. Unless you possess a cast-iron balance, we suggest you remove the slippery bastard on land, where your car, a kind friend, or even a conveniently positioned pole can assist you in this all too tricky manoeuvre.
Auckland’s dining scene has waited a long time for an elevated teppanyaki of a calibre, that’s far removed from the clattering spatulas and theatrics many are familiar with. Kureta, now open within JW Marriott Auckland, marks the arrival of a sophisticated new dining experience. A modern, exacting interpretation of teppan mastery shaped by New Zealand’s elemental landscape, delivered with restraint and extraordinary skill.
Chef Akihiro Nakamura
At the helm is Chef de Cuisine Akihiro Nakamura, who began his training in Tokyo at eighteen and brings more than twenty years of Japanese culinary discipline to the grill. His approach draws on omakase principles, where ingredients lead and technique follows. Here, the heat, steel and precision of traditional teppan cooking meet the southern oceans and volcanic lands of New Zealand, resulting in a menu that feels both authentic and distinctly localised.
right: Wagyu Katsu
Premium wagyu sourced from New Zealand, Australia and Japan anchors the offering, alongside prized cuts aged and displayed in Kureta’s dry-ageing fridges. Relationships with local fishermen, farmers and artisans inform each changing menu for a repertoire of dishes that are grounded in seasonality and flavour. Kureta sets out to embrace the global shift toward authentic and experience-led dining. The new offering will pay homage to the core teppanyaki techniques of flame and heat, while elevating the concept with locally sourced ingredients, refined presentation, and a deep connection to nature and craft.
CRISPY SKIN MARKET FISH
right: whitebait
Four marble teppan tables shape the room, each surrounded by seating that affords guests a front row seat to the craft and artistry at play. The experience is intimate without tipping into spectacle, allowing the food and the chef’s technique to speak for themselves. Kureta’s interiors parley this confidence. The room is wrapped in burnt yakisugi timber, its charcoal tones offering warmth, while hammered bronze introduces subtle movement and light. Marble, leather and patinaed surfaces create a tactile environment. With seating for just thirty, the restaurant feels purposeful rather than crowded, inviting both quiet dinners and celebratory gatherings, as well as being able to be booked out for private events.
left: KOMBU CURED SASHIMI
The beverage offering leans toward Japan, with a curated selection of sake, aperitifs and distinctive pours supported by standout New Zealand wines. Every detail has been considered, every choice intentional. An exciting new addition to Auckland’s dining landscape, Kureta sets the benchmark for Japanese culinary skill on display.
Creatives across every discipline are bound by universal themes — such as transformation, memory, and the search for meaning — that transcend style. As Föenander Galleries’ Spring/Summer Edition exhibition arrives, the subtle threads connecting eight distinct New Zealand artists become more apparent. Though each artist’s approach is strikingly different, their work resonates with shared philosophical commonalities.
Israel Tangaroa Birch, Pigments and Lacquer on Etched Steel panel (2025)
From November 19th through December 3rd, the turn of the seasons will usher in a highly anticipated new showcase at the acclaimed Parnell space. Following the gallery’s much-lauded participation in the Melbourne-based Spring 1883 Art Fair, a follow-up exhibition will present a tightly curated body of work, featuring pieces by some of the country’s most innovative practising artists. Including select work by Israel Tangaroa Birch, Andrea Bolima, Lottie Consalvo, Nick Herd, Monique Lacey, Roger Mortimer, Monica Rani Rudhar, and Jess Swney, the forthcoming exhibition marks a significant collaboration between Jess Swney and Roger Mortimer.
Monique Lacey, Held as True (2025)
Though varied in form and vision, the works pulse with a shared sense of emotional and philosophical curiosity. For many of the artists involved, this exhibition feels like a homecoming, a collective journey into desire, tradition, longing, and loss. Together, they unravel memories both real and imagined, reaffirming art’s unique ability to hold space for transformation.
Nick Herd, Sabi
Nick Herd, Studio Roses
Among the highlights, Sydney-based expressionist Nick Herd animates the canvas with his signature tactile, impasto energy and lacquered application. Wabi and Sabi’s grand sunflowers evoke nostalgia and spark creative reflection, as Herd both honours and disrupts the still life tradition. Jess Swney and Roger Mortimer join forces in a visually arresting, oversized textile that celebrates Mortimer’s myth-making and cartography while scaling up Swney’s tufted rug technique to trace the subtle journey of self-discovery and societal expectation. Swney’s practice examines the intricate realities young women face as they navigate social pressures, revealing how experience and expectation often shape paths to self-assertion.
Jess Swney, Brood, Hand Tufted Wool on Monk’s Cloth (2025)
Jess Swney & Roger Mortimer – Low Shores in Diaphanous Folds (2025)
This exhibition could not be more timely. As the year draws to a close in a flurry of activity, Föenander’s collaborative showcase invites visitors to pause, breathe deeply, and reflect, inspiring gratitude for the sheer breadth of homegrown talent. The showcase radiates warmth, energy, and a sense of aliveness that defines both the season and that pivotal moment when artists fully come into their own.
Exhibition dates: 19th November – 3rd December 2025
Whether you are planning a lavish office party or a cosy Christmas dinner with your nearest and dearest, Auckland is brimming with private dining spaces to suit every celebration. Consult our guide to uncover the ideal setting for your special event, regardless of size. Here, we’ve curated the city’s most exceptional private dining rooms, each waiting to be booked so that you can savour, celebrate, and be merry this festive season.
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 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
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. With Christmas parties 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, bringing 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
Tucked away within the refined surrounds of College Hill’s The Wine Room, the private dining area offers a quietly luxurious setting for elevated end-of-year events. Seating for two to twenty guests (with 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
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 festive hosting 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 curated with the particular needs of larger gatherings in mind, along with 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
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 festive celebrations. 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
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 Christmas lunches, where guests can indulge in Executive Chef Gavin Doyle’s fine cuisine via a set menu. Larger holiday 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
Tucked above the grand dining room of Commercial Bay’s elevated French restaurant Origine is a space perfect for an intimate Christmas lunch. 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, festive fun.
Location: Commercial Bay, Level 2/172 Quay Street, Auckland CBD Suitable For: up to 50 guests
The private dining room at Jervois Steak House is discreetly located upstairs. 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 a cosy, curated Christmas feast.
Location: 70 Jervois Road, Ponsonby Suitable For: up to 12 seated guests
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 beneath a shimmering fish-scale chandelier, the room offers 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 that 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 end-of-year client hosting. Whatever your Christmas party requirements, Kingi Private is the perfect, multifaceted space.
Bar Magda’s exclusive private dining room is a sanctuary of elegance. Thoughtfully and comfortably furnished, this secluded enclave is the perfect choice for silly season soirées, 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
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 end-of-year dinners. Centred around a striking marble-topped 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.
The outstanding inner-city Japanese restaurant offers a couple of options if you’d like a slightly more intimate experience. Masu’s 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 adorned with spectacular vintage Japanese obi-kimono prints. The Obi Room is framed by bubble glass, which creates the impression of privacy and seclusion without completely separating it 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
Huami offers several options, each equally appealing, for those wishing to celebrate the year that was in privacy. The Chinese restaurant, which boasts traditional cuisine with a modern, elevated 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
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 festive hosting. A large flat-screen TV and connections enable the private dining space to be converted into a professional area for sharing ideas with business colleagues and clients.
For larger groups of up to 40 guests, the mezzanine area is the perfect location for your next group booking. For all group bookings of 13 or more, Cassia offers a selection of set menus that can be tailored to 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
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, the space 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 Christmas parties, milestone birthdays, or client celebrations 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 festive party.
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 large warehouse windows overlooking the Waitematā Harbour, making it a perfect space for a seated Christmas dinner or cocktail party.
Location: 116 – 118 Quay Street, Britomart Suitable For: up to 30 guests
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 Christmas functions, with tailor-made solutions to cater to any need. The crown jewel, The Chef’s Library (table), is available for private dinners for up to eight people, making it perfect for an intimate and memorable end-of-year affair.
Location: 29 Galway Street, Britomart Suitable For: 8 guests for degustation or family-style dining, six guests for cabaret
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
A relative newcomer to Auckland’s dining scene, Blue is fast becoming a favourite for all occasions. Neatly situated off Franklin Road in Freeman’s Bay, the warm brick interior, impressive wine list and blink-and-you’ll-miss-it courtyard feel incredibly intimate. Blue offers three separate dining spaces, seating up to 24 guests. In the courtyard, up to 50 guests can be accommodated for private parties. For larger groups of 12+, Blue offers four set menus to choose from, available day and night.
Location: Unit 1/1A Franklin Road, Ponsonby Suitable For: up to 24 guests, exclusive venue hire for up to 50 guests in the courtyard
Consider hosting your next Christmas party or family gathering at the award-winning Mr Morris. Enjoy the full menu of gastronomic delights while working closely with the team to create an unforgettable event. Mr Morris can cater for up to 28 seated guests or up to 35 for cocktails and snacks.
Location: Britomart, Corner of Galway & Commerce Street, Auckland CBD Suitable For: up to 28 seated guests, up to 35 for cocktails and canapés
The unassuming seaside suburb of Westmere has seriously stepped up its game in recent years, with neighbourhood darling Ragtag largely to thank. Boasting a refreshing menu with distinctly Spanish leanings — think octopus tostadas and chilli jam — Ragtag offers a cosy private dining option upstairs, away from the hustle of the main restaurant below. Suitable for up to 18 guests, this space is perfect for intimate festive celebrations and laidback family reunions.
Location: 162 Garnet Road, Westmere Suitable For: up to 18 guests
Holding pride of place on vibrant K-Road, the informal Italian offering Otto caters to gatherings of various sizes. Boasting three separate private dining spaces — including a full basement level with its own private bar and capacity for up to 80 guests — all three private rooms come outfitted with dedicated sound systems. Guests are invited to dine off set menus, typically served as a rolling, festive feast.
Location: 375 Karangahape Road, Auckland Central Suitable For: up to 80 on the basement level, 34 guests in the Legend room and 28 guests in the MC private dining room.
Overlooking the restaurant below, the lush Italian eatery Bossi offers a private mezzanine ideal for after-work drinks or smaller Christmas parties, accommodating 11 to 36 guests. For larger events, the entire restaurant can accommodate. What’s more, Bossi will work with you to build a custom menu, designed specifically for your event.
Location: 10 Commerce Street, Auckland Central Suitable For: up to 36 guests
InteriorDesigner — Lamarc Studio Photography — Mateo Soto
Miami’s signature style is elusive, yet instantly recognisable. Lamarc Studio’s latest project, located just ten minutes from the pulse of South Beach, distils the city’s essence, weaving chrome accents, Nero Marquina marble, and classic travertine into a bold new vision. Located in Key Biscayne, this expansive three-bedroom, four-bath retreat strikes a harmonious balance between peaceful seclusion and city convenience. Reimagined as a living gallery, the home serves as a tapestry of art, stone, and light, each element telling part of a unified story. Drawing inspiration from the shimmering coastline, the design transforms this second home into a curated sanctuary where modern luxury feels both purposeful and tranquil.
When Marcela Restrepo, designer and founder of Lamarc Studio, took on the project, she embraced the chance to collaborate with clients who truly loved design, albeit with totally different styles.
“They truly appreciate design. They respond to new and unexpected ideas, which made the creative dialogue inspiring and rewarding,” explains Restrepo. “The apartment we found, however, looked nothing like what you see today. What began as a leap of faith became a transformation built on trust. For me, the true anecdote lies in that moment: when clients see a designer’s vision before they can see it themselves. It’s proof that design is about architecture and finishes, but also about safeguarding heritage, creating beauty, and investing in a future they can call home.”
Today, the home’s expansive rooms echo a dialogue between the owners’ unique sensibilities. One gravitates toward classical styling — think crystal, intricate mouldings, and enduring art. The other is captivated by the clean lines of contemporary design. The outcome is a harmonious blend, a home where tradition and innovation live side by side, ornament and simplicity, history and now, merging effortlessly.
A private elevator glides open to reveal an entryway wrapped in panoramic views of the ocean and Miami’s unmistakable skyline. It’s a breathtaking welcome to this 264-square-metre sanctuary. Conceived as both a tranquil hideaway and a lively stage for entertaining, the home unfolds across a single level. The open-plan living, dining, and bar areas are awash in a muted ecru paint. Sophisticated textures, statement art, and handpicked designer touches elevate the space, bringing a welcome dash of colour.
One main challenge was reshaping the living area to create a dedicated laundry zone and a larger kitchen. The answer lay in transforming a narrow powder room with surprising elements: an antiqued floor mirror and a floating travertine sink. These features play with proportion and link the space to the foyer. As Restrepo shares, the aim was to infuse the home with striking, unforgettable details while preserving a sense of airiness and coastal calm.
Symmetry, clean lines, and bright, bold art are defining elements. Light-toned materials, textures, and natural light convey warmth, freshness, and a sense of ease while serving as a blank canvas. “We drew inspiration from the sand tones of the beach, using very light ecru walls contrasted subtly with crisp white mouldings,” Restrepo explains. “We kept the floors and veneers in soft, natural shades. This allowed the stones — particularly the Viola and Hermitage — to stand out as sculptural statements.”
Thoughtful contrast shapes the private spaces. The bedrooms are serene retreats, layered with natural textures and muted colours. These choices encourage calm and promote rest. The same restraint allows the artworks and furniture to shine. Neutral, taupe tones create an atmosphere that feels calm and quietly sophisticated.
Every detail, from the Poliform sectional to the Tom Dixon light fixtures and the Lalique sculpture, was chosen with purpose. The result is a living story, layered in design. A curated gallery of life, where art, stone, and light unite to form a space that speaks to its surroundings.
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