A meeting of form, function, and feeling, the Terra Basin by sculptor Gidon Bing and Raumform studio is a sculptural piece rooted in the landscapes of Aotearoa. Handcrafted from locally produced vitreous stoneware and offered in four evocative glazes, it blends traditional plaster turning with modern 3D modelling to present a piece that beautifully balances modernity and tradition. Minimal yet expressive, it reflects Raumform’s pursuit of material honesty — and Bing’s quiet mastery, honed in a seaside boatshed and admired the world over.
Terra 380 Round Vessel Basin Manuka from Plumbline
Terra 380 Round Vessel Basin Pumice from Plumbline
As Paris unfurled its gilded salons for Fall 2025 Couture, the runway became a stage for reverie and rebellion in equal measure. This season, the maisons dialled up the emotion — showing craftsmanship not just as spectacle, but as statement. From sculptural silhouettes to whisper-thin sheers, and embroideries so intricate they blurred the line between garment and art, the collections were a testament to the enduring power of couture in a world craving substance. Whether quietly poetic or unapologetically theatrical, this was high fashion with high intention — each stitch stitched with purpose.
Glenn Martens’ couture debut at Maison Margiela was a masterclass in tension—between ruin and refinement, elegance and edge. Set in a shadowy, near-silent salon, the show unfolded like a whispered secret, with veiled models moving through the space as if haunted by history and haunted by beauty.
The silhouettes were deconstructed but deliberate: sharp shoulders softened by frayed hems, spliced coats that merged the codes of biker and bourgeois, organza layered over sculptural tailoring like a barely-there memory. Inside-out seams, visible linings, and distressed finishes weren’t flaws—they were the point.
This was couture with something to say, even if it didn’t shout. A darker, more introspective glamour—quietly radical, immaculately made. It was Margiela, through and through: raw, cerebral, and quietly unforgettable.
Schiaparelli Fall 2025 Couture: Surrealism Rewired
At Schiaparelli, Daniel Roseberry rewrote the rules — again. This season, the designer peeled back the theatrics (just slightly) to reveal a sharper, more refined surrealism, rooted in the house’s archival spirit but tailored for now. Think: reversed tailoring, sculptural silhouettes, and heartbeats — literally — worn at the throat.
Set against a noir-heavy palette, with flashes of blood red and optic white, the collection channelled pre-war Paris elegance through a modern, cerebral lens. Bias-cut gowns skimmed the body with precision, while contoured suiting, exposed back-closures, and trompe-l’œil details offered a wink to Elsa’s legacy. The pièce de résistance? A satin column with a fake torso draped backwards and a rhinestone heart pulsing like performance art.
The front row was equally head-turning — Cardi B cradling a (live) crow, Dua Lipa, Hunter Schafer — adding a charged energy to a show that felt intimate, clever, and quietly confrontational.
Schiaparelli reminded us: couture doesn’t need to scream to be unforgettable. Sometimes, it’s the whisper of fabric, the flip of a hem, or the thrum of a heartbeat that leaves the deepest mark.
Demna’s final couture collection for Balenciaga was less a send-off, more a cinematic epilogue—equal parts restrained and radical. Set against a shadowy backdrop, silhouettes swung between extremes: impossibly voluminous puffers, sculpted suiting worn by bodybuilders and featherweight waifs, and gowns so diaphanous they floated like smoke.
The codes were unmistakably Demna—hyper-tailoring, subversion, and a wink at nostalgia. Kim Kardashian’s headline moment in cream lace and 250 carats of diamonds channelled Elizabeth Taylor with a Balenciaga twist. Elsewhere, feathered opera coats and deconstructed corsetry hinted at Old Hollywood glamour, but warped just enough to keep you off balance.
The front row was equally high-wattage: Naomi Watts and daughter Kai, Lorde, Nicole Kidman, Michelle Yeoh, Cardi B and Katy Perry all in attendance, lending the show the mood of a final act worth witnessing.
This was couture not chasing beauty, but redefining it. Part satire, part sincerity, and all Demna—delivered with gravitas, humour, and an architect’s eye. A fitting farewell to a designer who never played it safe.
Giambattista Valli’s Fall 2025 Couture collection was a romantic whisper with real-world resonance. Shown in the intimacy of his Paris atelier — fresh from being honoured as Officier des Arts et des Lettres — it felt more like a love letter to the craft than a runway show.
Silhouettes floated, pleated and bloomed in his signature ultra-femininity: soft pastels, cloud-like tulle, sculptural bustiers and millefeuille skirts that looked like they might lift off the floor. Each piece was its own fragrant reverie, inspired by florals not just in print but in energy — Valli’s world smelled like roses, felt like silk, and moved like poetry.
But beneath the sugar-spun fantasy was a sharper statement: this wasn’t couture for decoration, but for the intelligent, self-assured woman who wears beauty like armour. No spectacle, no theatrics — just quiet drama, masterful craft, and a subtle celebration of strength.
For its final couture collection before Matthieu Blazy’s highly anticipated arrival, Chanel’s in-house studio delivered a quietly exquisite farewell — rooted in heritage, elevated in tone. Staged in a softly lit salon above the Grand Palais, the setting mirrored the original spirit of 31 rue Cambon: intimate, understated, impeccably Chanel.
The collection paid tribute to Coco’s love of the Scottish countryside — tweed coats in earthy tones, feathered capes, sheepskin bouclé, and mohair suiting all grounded with stompy boots and pastoral polish. But this was no costume drama. The palette was refined: cream, tobacco, forest green, plum. Every detail — an oversize bow, a gold wheat motif, a camellia appliqué — whispered craftsmanship over theatrics.
Eveningwear softened the mood, with frayed tulle skirts, gauzy chiffon blouses, and a finale bride cradling a wheat-sheaf bouquet in place of tradition.
The front row was a study in cool grace: Lorde, Naomi Campbell, Paris Opera étoile Hannah O’Neill, Jennie Kim, and Sofia Coppola each brought their distinct presence — effortless, thoughtful, and unmistakably Chanel.
This was Chanel doing what it does best: quiet confidence, with intention. A closing note, before a new era begins.
Hannah O’Neill
Lorde
Naomi Campbell
Iris van Herpen Fall 2025 Couture: Where Science Meets Surrealism
Iris van Herpen’s Fall 2025 Couture collection is a hypnotic fusion of art, technology, and craftsmanship—pure innovation woven into fabric. This season, the Dutch designer plunges into the interplay between the organic and the engineered, crafting garments that feel like wearable sculptures from another dimension.
Think shimmering 3D-printed textures layered with ethereal organza, delicate lace dissolving into unexpected architectural shapes, and a palette that oscillates between muted earth tones and flashes of electric cobalt. Each piece pulses with movement, as if caught mid-transformation.
Van Herpen’s mastery lies in her refusal to be bound by convention. Instead, she invites us into a future where fashion bends physics—where garments breathe, ripple, and respond. It’s couture reimagined for the curious and the bold.
For those who crave more than just clothes—who seek statements that push boundaries—this collection is a siren call.
Maria Grazia Chiuri returned to her roots for Dior’s Fall 2025 couture show, transforming the gardens of Rome’s Villa Albani Torlonia into an ethereal tableau. The guest list, dressed entirely in white, set the tone for a collection that felt more like a whispered memory than a fashion spectacle.
What followed was a procession of impossibly delicate looks—diaphanous silk gowns, openwork lace, gilded embroidery and trompe-l’œil florals—all in a palette of ivory, sand, and soft gold. Chiuri’s silhouettes held a quiet strength: structured coats softened by flowing hems, sheer layers grounded by precise tailoring.
This was couture as ceremony. A deeply personal ode to Roman elegance and feminine resilience, told through clothes that spoke in soft tones but left a lasting impression. It wasn’t about shock or scale—it was about the emotional weight of restraint, and the kind of craftsmanship that doesn’t shout for attention, but earns it.
And the front row? Just as captivating. Natalie Portman embodied quiet grace in sheer Dior organza, while Rosamund Pike, Alexandra Daddario, Ashley Park, and Han So-hee offered masterclasses in monochrome elegance.
An increasing appetite for the golden days of slow travel is deeply rooted in nostalgia for a bygone era. Gentle journeys aboard exquisitely furnished carriages that traverse picturesque villages and magical vistas are experiencing a long overdue renaissance.
Europe
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
Positioned firmly at the top of many travel bucket lists, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is an icon of luxury travel. An heir of the legendary original Orient Express, luxury hoteliers Belmond has expertly revived this historic train, offering more than just a passage through Europe’s breathtaking landscapes, but a portal to an era of unparalleled glamour and romance. Whether it’s a decadent two-night escape or a more leisurely four-night sojourn, imagine gliding through the romantic canals of Venice, the majestic peaks of the Swiss Alps, or the charming French countryside, all from the plush comfort of this moving palace.
Cabin Suite
L’OBSERVATOIRE SUITE
GRAND SUITE
“Onboard, time slows, inviting you to savour exquisite cuisine, unwind in luxurious cabins, and lose yourself in the melodies of the grand piano in the bar carriage as night falls.”
From the meticulously restored 1920s carriages, adorned with polished wood and lustrous fabrics, to the bespoke service and the convivial hum of the Champagne bar, every detail celebrates a bygone era of elegance, seamlessly blended with modern comfort.
Dining Room
In-room dining service
Onboard, time slows, inviting you to savour refined cuisine, unwind in luxurious cabins, and lose yourself in the melodies of the grand piano in the bar carriage as night falls. Lean into the experience and pack an exquisite wardrobe, with white tie and gowns seeming appropriate.
A far cry from Japan’s infamous Bullet trains, southern Japan’s Seven Stars train is a luxurious, exclusive locomotive that accommodates just 20 guests. The train’s interior has been meticulously crafted by expert local artisans, from hand-carved beds, bathroom sinks, detailed woodwork, and porcelain dinner plates, affording guests an intimate experience with the very best of Japan’s revered craftsmanship.
“The train travels around Kyushu, stopping at renowned shrines, onsens, porcelain studios, and other cultural attractions, presenting passengers with a truly authentic experience far from typical tourist destinations.”
Deluxe Suite
Traditional Cuisine on board
On board entertainment
The train travels around Kyushu, stopping at renowned shrines, onsens, porcelain studios, and other cultural attractions, presenting passengers with a truly authentic experience far from typical tourist destinations. Perfect for those wanting to be utterly immersed in Japanese nostalgic culture, this is a once-in-a-lifetime, bucket list journey that requires entering a lottery to secure a coveted room on.
Prepare to rediscover the soul of Britain aboard the Britannic Explorer, Belmond’s inaugural first-of-its-kind luxury sleeper train exclusively traversing England and Wales’ diverse and captivating landscapes. Departing from London, choose a three-night immersion into the dramatic coastlines and artistic havens of Cornwall, the breathtaking glacial valleys and shimmering lakes of the Lake District, or Wales’ ancient, myth-laden hills and vibrant culture.
On Board Restaurant
“Within its elegant blue carriages lie 18 exquisite suites, promising an intimate experience blending timeless rail heritage with contemporary British flair.”
On Board Bar
Dedicated Wellness Suite
Entertainment Area
Within its elegant blue carriages lie 18 exquisite suites, promising an intimate experience blending timeless rail heritage with contemporary British flair. Michelin-starred chef Simon Rogan crafts seasonal menus inspired by these unique regions, enjoyed in dining cars mirroring the beauty outside, while a botanically-infused bar and dedicated wellness suite enhance the journey.
GRAND SUITE
Curated off-train excursions offer deeper immersion into the UK’s cultural and natural highlights, from Cornish boat tours to Lake District hikes and Welsh historical site tours.
Whether cosied by the fire or sprawled in the sun, there is always occasion for a good book, no matter where the season may take you. Here, we deliver a line-up of recently released, unmissable reads that run the gamut from moving memoirs to gripping novels to escapist reads.
Captivating Reads
Novels to Inspire Escapism
Finding Grace
by Loretta Rothschild
Finding Grace is a poignant debut about resilience, redemption, and the unexpected paths to healing, within which protagonist Honor’s picture-perfect life shatters when a devastating event upends her family’s future — the ramifications of which have a lasting impact.
From the author of American Dirt comes a heart-wrenching novel about three generations of women navigating love, regret, and belonging. As a deadly storm strikes Puerto Rico, a mother races to mend fractured bonds and bring her family back together before it’s too late.
In the high-stakes art world, Enka’s obsession with her brilliant friend Mathilde spirals when a new technology promises to heighten empathy, at a dangerous cost. Immaculate Conception is a chilling exploration of art, identity, and the boundaries of human connection.
In this sharp, funny, and bittersweet novel, 41-year-old Sarah, once a wild party girl, embarks on a whisky-fuelled road trip across Scotland with her sister. As past obsessions and teenage dreams resurface, she navigates midlife, nostalgia, and the search for something more.
A killer seeking revenge. A vigilante targeting a feminist icon. As Holly Gibney investigates two chilling cases — one a cryptic mass murder threat, the other a rising stalker — these twisted narratives collide in King’s gripping new tale of justice, obsession, and deadly reckoning.
In Bitter Sweet, a young book publicist embarks on a magnetic affair with her literary idol — only to discover how power, desire, and disillusionment can entwine. Set in London’s publishing world, this emotionally charged debut explores ambition, vulnerability, and the high cost of loving the wrong person.
Set against the backdrop of NASA’s 1980 Space Shuttle program, this gripping novel follows a physicist as she pursues her dream of spaceflight. Amid intense training, unexpected love, and deep friendships, one fateful mission forces her to confront the limits of ambition.
In a rainy Connecticut town, Hai, on the brink of despair, is saved by Grazina, an elderly widow battling dementia. Their unlikely bond becomes a journey of healing, survival, and profound love, exploring the transformative power of second chances and chosen family.
A gripping novel of love, ambition, and second chances, Ordinary Love follows Emily as she reconnects with her former best friend and first love, Gen. Torn between desire and duty, Emily must decide if risking everything is worth rekindling a once-lost romance.
Tour de force of cultural criticism Sophie Gilbert explores how pop culture distorted feminism, turning a generation of women against themselves. Through sharp analysis, she reveals how hyper-objectification and internet culture reshaped societal attitudes, with lasting consequences that impact us all.
With her signature warmth and scientific clarity, Dr Libby’s Fix Iron First is a vital wake-up call to one of health’s most overlooked culprits. Insightful, compassionate, and deeply practical, it reframes iron as a foundation for energy, clarity, and lasting wellbeing.
Author Geoff Dyer’s memoir paints a vivid portrait of his working-class childhood in postwar England, exploring the pivotal moment that shaped his future. Through humour and reflection, Homework traces his journey from school misadventures to a blossoming love of literature and life.
A deeply moving testament to resilience, Notes to John offers an intimate glimpse into Joan Didion’s private reflections during a turbulent time. With her signature precision and clarity, she chronicles therapy sessions in notes meant for her husband, revealing a raw, questioning, yet courageous voice amid profound personal reckoning.
Restaurateur Keith McNally’s memoir is witty, candid, and unexpectedly poignant, tracing his journey from a rough London childhood to shaping New York’s dining scene with Balthazar and Pastis. Through humour and sharp insight, he reflects on fame, family, reinvention, and resilience after a life-altering stroke.
John & Paul is a fresh, emotionally rich portrait of Lennon and McCartney’s complex bond — part friendship, part rivalry, all genius. Tracing their creative highs and personal fractures, Ian Leslie explores how two young visionaries reshaped music — and each other — through collaboration, conflict, and an enduring musical dialogue.
For Auckland’s most discerning car enthusiasts, a new era has arrived — a private enclave where luxury, classic, and race vehicles find their home. Matchbox is an invitation-only sanctuary designed for those who demand more than simply storage.
For the true automotive aficionado, a car is more than just a mode of transport — it’s an extension of identity, a piece of history, a work of art. Enter Matchbox, New Zealand’s first members-only premium car storage facility, where the passion for luxury, classic, and race vehicles is both safeguarded and celebrated. The brainchild of Mark Francis and Zlatko Filipchich, the concept has been years in the making. “Feedback from our immediate network has been overwhelming — we just hope we can provide a space for them all.” says Francis.
Left to right: Zlatko Filipchich, Mayor Wayne Brown & Mark Francis
Designed to be more than just a storage space, Matchbox is a meticulously curated environment that offers state-of-the-art security, climate-controlled conditions, and discreet access. Advanced surveillance ensures your vehicle is always protected, while optimal temperature and humidity settings preserve the integrity of paintwork, leather, and mechanical components. Located just 500 metres from the motorway, and a short drive from both Auckland Airport and the CBD, it is the perfectlocation for those seeking both securityand convenience.
Going beyond storage, Matchbox provides a seamless experience with an on-site valet and concierge service, WOF checks, registration renewals, detailing, or full-scale restoration, a dedicated team of specialists is on hand to maintain your vehicle to the highest standard, ensuring your car is ready to go whenever, and wherever you are.
But at its core, Matchbox is a lifestyle, not just a facility. Members gain access to an exclusive lounge, private lockers and an event space, fostering a community where like-minded enthusiasts can connect. A comprehensive automotive library adds to the experience, offering a curated selection of books and magazines dedicated to motoring excellence, while regular member events, exclusive networking opportunities, and curated driving experiences further enhance the sense of camaraderie. As Matchbox co-founder Mark Francis puts it, “Car enthusiasts are a breed, a like-minded tribe, and this space caters to their every need.” This is not just a place to store cars — it’s a club where passion, expertise, and a shared love for motoring create lasting connections.
If you’re heading south to Queenstown this winter, you likely have plans to hit the slopes, but there are plenty of other worthy pursuits to further your journey of discovery into this ultimate winter wonderland. From sky gazing to e-bike trails to thrill-seeking adventures, we round up a few of the off-piste activities worthy of your attention.
Aurora Australis
A wintertime highlight that very few have the luck of experiencing. During the months of April through to September, the electromagnetic phenomenon known as the Southern Lights puts on a spectacular display in the night skies. Best seen from a high vantage point and looking south, the atmospheric show can be seen in the early morning (many of the recent displays have been between 4am and 6am) on a clear night, typically during the waning (darker) phases of the moon. Get updates from a local group of Aurora enthusiasts by following the Queenstown Aurora Australis Facebook group.
Oxbow Adventures
Set amid the spectacular backdrop of Nevis Bluff in Gibbston Valley, Oxbow offers an unforgettable day of adventure like no other. Upon the banks of the Clutha River, land owners Lloyd and Julz Ferguson have set up the ultimate thrill-seeker’s playground on their expansive farm, with the idea of creating an unmatched experience that inspires fun, adventure, and camaraderie among friends and family. Offering a full day of activities including jet sprinting around a purpose-built lake, clay target shooting, and ultimate off-roading vehicles, Oxbow is the adrenaline junkie’s paradise.
For another great friends and family adventure among beautiful scenery, head into Arrowtown to one of the many bike rental shops, and saddle up on an e-bike for a picturesque peddle through the Gibbston Valley. The e-bikes take away any need for serious exertion, allowing you to take time to marvel at the beauty as you bike alongside the Arrow River. Traverse swing bridges, ride past vineyards and through valleys, to your final destination— Gibbston Valley Winery, or the Gibbston Tavern. After a gentle one hour ride, settle in for a well deserved lunch and a glass or two of the region’s finest wines. Then simply call to have your bikes and yourselves transported back to Arrowtown.
Offering a raft of intrepid day-trips including heliskiing and guided hikes, as well as scenic flights over some of Central Otago’s most exquisite landscapes — including the Milford Sound, Fiordland, Dusky Sound and the Mt. Aspiring glaciers — Alpine Helicopters are the experts to turn to if you want to get out of Queenstown and immerse yourself in the surrounding areas.
Embark on a half-day adventure through Mt. Aspiring National Park with the Wilderness Jet. An exhilarating ride that will see you take in breathtaking scenery along glacial rivers, you’ll also learn about the Māori legends attached to the landscape, and be given the opportunity, when the boat moors up, to explore the ancient beech tree forests on foot.
Consider this your shortcut to off-duty polish. Whether you’re running errands, grabbing a coffee, or just leaning into laidback luxe, this shopable edit has you covered. From chic sunglasses and statement-making accessories to elevated sneakers and timeless trenches, each piece is designed to add instant edge to your everyday. Think relaxed, but refined.
Art Direction Amber Armitage Photography Melanie Jenkins
This season, embrace the calming quality of sage green. Subtle yet sophisticated, it’s the perfect hue to refresh your home with balance, softness, and a touch of nature-inspired tranquillity. In a world where stillness is increasingly coveted, sage green is emerging as a serene staple in modern interiors. The shade’s muted, misty palette evokes a sense of rest and renewal — offering a gentle, grounded antidote to overstimulation.
Understated but never dull, this verdant shade captures the quiet luxury of nature and lends itself effortlessly to both minimalist and layered aesthetics. More than just a trending tone, sage green has become a go-to for its unique ability to soften spaces without sacrificing style. Whether enveloping a living room in organic calm or adding freshness to a bathroom or bedroom, sage shades feel both elevated and approachable.
To enhance its quiet charm, pair soft hues like Resene Peace with dusky whites, pale timber, and warm metallics. For a more defined contrast, look to pair deeper tones like Resene Spanish Green with natural textures — think stone, linen, or rattan. The beauty of sage lies in its adaptability: equally at home in a country-style kitchen as it is in a sleek, modern space.
Its cool undertone keeps things airy, while its green base subtly connects the indoors to the natural world. Balanced, bold, and ever-relevant, sage green is the modern neutral that brings fresh perspective — no matter the room or inhabitant’s aesthetic leaning.
Chaise Longue À Réglage Continu by Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret and Charlotte Perriand for Cassina, Clarissa armchair and Gogan sofa by Patricia Urquiola for Moroso, Capitol Complex chair by Pierre Jeanneret for Cassina from Matisse. Esedra ottoman by Monica Förster for Poltrona Frau from Studio Italia
Reimagining a grand Victorian villa with a thoughtful contemporary addition, Mim Design’s Adelaide Villa draws its stunning surrounds in, elevating the experience of home.
Nestled in Melbourne’s bayside suburb of Brighton, Mim Design’s Adelaide Villa transforms a grand Victorian home into a modern family sanctuary, harmoniously blending historical charm with contemporary design. The clients, captivated by the house’s period allure, enlisted Mim Design to expand the residence into a light-filled haven, with the business of family life in mind. Enveloped by lush gardens, the home plays into its incredible surrounds, maximising the outlook at every turn.
Capturing views across the garden was key, according to Charlotte McGill, Director of Interiors at Mim Design — part of the clever team tasked with the home’s architecture, interior design, furniture, and styling. Mim Design approached the project holistically, opening up and expanding on the back of the home, while ensuring a seamless transition between old and new.
The Victorian villa’s original scale and potential is honoured in the new addition, with lofty ceilings creating a sense of openness and inviting light into the home.
At the street frontage, a simple concrete wall introduces the pared-back and sleek design codes of the property, continued in the extension that, while calling on contemporary materials, mirrors the original home’s grandeur. The Victorian villa’s original scale and potential is honoured in the new addition, with lofty ceilings creating a sense of openness and inviting light into the home.
Cab chair by Mario Bellini, Sengu table by Patricia Urquiola both for Cassina from Matisse
Tre Pezzi armchair by Franco Albinifor Cassina from Matisse
At the home’s entrance, an ornate, arched hallway, lined with bedrooms, a bathroom, and a reading room, preserves the home’s traditional elegance, meeting the extension with steel-framed, full height windows. Bridging the gap between old and new, oak hardwood floors and lofty 3.5 metre ceilings seamlessly connect the historic front with the contemporary addition. By creating a material separation between the extension and the existing home, Mim Design was able to maintain the full scope of the heritage home’s integrity. An airy atrium at the intersection between old and new acts as a conduit, borrowing elements from each to create a stunning and seamless separation.
Capitol Complex chair by Pierre Jeanneret for Cassina from Matisse
A richly finished study, designed to embrace the view of the lush verdant gardens designed by Kate Patterson Landscapes sits to the east, offering a refined retreat. While the addition’s open kitchen, living, and dining spaces feature a pared-back monochromatic palette, complemented by sculptural furniture, delicate pendant lighting, and contemporary art punctuating the serene ambience and hinting at its inhabitants’ character. In the light-filled kitchen, a monolithic Bianco Lana marble island serves as an anchor point; its design echoing the charred, timber-clad Sugi Ban blades of the home’s rear facade. Expansive glazing connects the interior with the outdoor landscape and pool, while a garage and discrete studio apartment rendered in concrete and timber offers a private retreat for guests at the property’s end.
Roll armchair by Patricia Urquiola for Kettal from Studio Italia
Throughout, Adelaide Villa’s cohesive and calming palette, softened by considered landscaping, unifies the home’s disparate parts. Mim Design is known for their thoughtfulness and finesse when it comes to giving new life to heritage buildings, and here, in Adelaide Villa, the team has masterfully bound the old and new, judiciously creating and evolving the home’s unique narrative.
Adelaide Villa is built on the traditional lands of the Bunurong People of the Kulin Nation.
For anyone who covets the intoxicating, opulent taste of truffles, you will be pleased to know that the time has come, once again, to celebrate gastronomy’s black gold in all its glory. Whether showcased in a dedicated dining experience or shaved over a bowl of handmade pasta, the truffle takes centre stage across a number of exceptional dining venues in Auckland, offering a raft of irresistible creations that celebrate the best of the season.
Truffle season has arrived — and Kingi is celebrating in style. On Thursday 31st July, settle in for a one-night-only, four-course dinner where black and white truffles take centre stage (yes, even in dessert). Jax Lee-May of Kings Truffles — Kingi’s supplier and truffle expert — will share stories, secrets, and her passion for these coveted delicacies. Grown organically in North Canterbury, her truffles are among the country’s finest. Secure your spot for $189 per person.
At Ben Bayley’s beloved Commercial Bay restaurant (where seasonal, locally-sourced fare is given an innovative, culinary twist), fresh truffles can be added to any dish on the menu for an additional $10. Promising to enhance this restaurant’s already-impressively interesting and balanced flavours, Ahi’s optional truffle topping is the perfect way to elevate your next meal here.
At Queens Rooftop, truffle season arrives with a decadent twist. Their truffle pasta layers hand-rolled saffron fettuccine with a rich creamed pāua bolognese, finished with a generous shaving of black Périgord truffle. A lush, uniquely local take on the season’s most luxurious ingredient.
Truffle season has arrived at Soul, and the team is making it a moment — serving fresh truffle tableside for an irresistibly indulgent upgrade. Add it to the signature mac & cheese (a cult favourite for good reason), the rich duck risotto, or any dish of your choosing. In truth, the possibilities are endless — because everything tastes better with a little truffle on top.
One place that is leaning into truffle season in a big way is Esther. Outside of the eatery’s ‘Dinner Delicacies’ — comprising rotating truffle specials and the option to add extra truffle to anything you fancy, Esther’s infamous truffle lunch is back and better than ever, with Tewnion Truffière from Canterbury and George’s Truffles from Riwaka both featuring across the menu. A treat for all the senses, guests are invited to dig into a six-course menu laced with extra truffle oomph. Chef Sean Connolly and Executive Chef James Laird have created a menu that sets the divine delicacies centre stage for midday dining throughout the season, for just $69 per person (min two diners). Available Wednesday to Friday, between 12–3pm.
The Grill is celebrating truffle season in full flavour. Choose the indulgent five-course truffle menu ($150pp), with an optional cheese course for $20, launching next week. Crayfish lovers can opt for the Surf & Turf special: half a fresh New Zealand crayfish with garlic butter, paired with a Maple & Marble grass-fed sirloin and a side, for $125 — with the option to add freshly shaved truffle for $20. And for the true truffle devotee — fresh truffle shavings can be added to any dish for $20.
At Remuera’s Spiga, the truffle season offering keeps beautiful Italian food at the forefront, where diners can indulge in a special stuffed pappardelle with freshly sliced truffle on top, or simply add fresh truffle — shaved to order — to any dish that takes your fancy, taking the always-excellent experience of dining here up a notch.
Bossi’s beloved Fettuccine alla Ruota — tossed in a Parmigiano Reggiano wheel and finished with truffle oil — gets an extra flourish this season with freshly shaved truffle for $12 a gram. In fact, you can add fresh truffle to any dish on the menu. Whether you’re after a subtle hint or full, flavour-packed indulgence — they’ve got you covered.
Huami brings a luxurious twist to a signature favourite with its black truffle peking duck — crispy, succulent, and infused with earthy richness. For an extra hit of indulgence, fresh truffle shavings can be added to any dish for $20. A bold, flavour-packed way to experience truffle season with a Chinese fine-dining flair.
One of the best places to go for a taste of delicate truffles is always Elmo’s. This Ponsonby Road hotspot pulls out all the stops in honour of truffle season, with delectable pizza taking centre stage. The ‘in truffle we trust’ pizza pairs béchamel, wild thyme, mushrooms, black truffle, chives, mozzarella, and egg yolk — and is not to be missed. We recommend booking a table at this Ponsonby Road hotspot immediately.
Where better to celebrate the indulgence of truffle season than at one of our favourite Auckland dining destinations? Viaduct Harbour’s Bivacco is embracing winter truffle season wholeheartedly, offering a number of tasty ways to celebrate the arrival of these delectable morsels in fitting fashion. An edit of exceptional dishes highlighting freshly shaved Périgord Truffles are joining the menu — from delicate beef carpaccio with truffle, salsa verde, pickled baby onion, chive, and ricotta salata, to the mushroom pizza with truffle, gorgonzola, walnut, and rocket.
Gilt is unsurprisingly celebrating the season in style with a decadent Riwaka truffle spaghetti, pairing freshly shaved truffle with butter and parmesan. This delectable dish is available on the menu for lunch or dinner — providing a sophisticated salve for the gloomy weather.
Takapuna Surf Club is serving up a coastal spin on comfort with their neapolitan cacio e pepe pizza. Topped with shaved black truffle, cracked pepper, and a golden egg, it’s a simple yet indulgent ode to truffle season — best enjoyed with sea views and a crisp glass of something delicious.
Truffle season has arrived at Voco, bringing earthy indulgence to Mozzarella & Co. and rooftop favourite Bar Albert. Celebrate winter with the trattoria’s signature truffle pizza or add freshly shaved truffle to any main for a decadent upgrade. At Bar Albert, sip the exclusive truffle cocktail — an elevated blend of vodka, Amaro and citrus — or top off bar snacks with a $12 hit of black gold.
While the details are yet to be announced, we have it on good authority that Lebanese Grocer has received their first truffle delivery of the season, and we can’t wait to see what they whip up. Known for turning out some of (if not the) best Lebanese food in town, we’ve got high hopes.
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