Now’s the time to feel the wind in our hair and sand between our toes. Get set for beach season with a sun-shielding bucket hat or elevated cap sure to see you through the summer and beyond.
On a balmy afternoon when the sun is high, it doesn’t get much better than gathering some friends, packing some yummy food and heading to one of the best picnic spots in Auckland. Whether heading out and about with friends or that special someone, it’s time to pack up some delicious treats and refreshing drinks and head to one of these picturesque spots — they may just be the best in the city.
Location: 79/133 Wilson Road South, Warkworth
Darkly beautiful with its eroding buildings and lush green surrounds, New Zealand’s first cement manufacturing plant has become the pinnacle of off-piste picnicking since the late 1920s.
Location: Via Rosecamp Road Foreshore Reserve, Beach Haven
If it is a picturesque sunset meal you desire, this west-facing bay is the answer. A lack of signposts makes a hidden gem that the masses are unaware of, but the track — once found — is easily navigable and a breeze to walk.
Location: Muriwai
A beautiful hidden gem located south of Muriwai Beach, Maukatia Bay is the perfect spot to park up for a picnic. Remote, wild and undeniably beautiful, this bay is the ideal place to watch the sun go down, just make sure you have all the essentials on hand.
Location: 24 Omana Ave, Epsom
While Mount Eden is arguably one of Auckland’s most popular picnic destinations, those in the know skip the climb and head to the 5.5-acre, flower-filled garden at its base.
Location: Corner of Stanley Point Road and Second Avenue, Devonport
Set down a narrow accessway on a quiet suburban street, you’ll often find this Pohutukawa-sheltered beach completely deserted, making it an easy contender for one of the best picnic spots in Auckland.
Location: Point Chevalier
Coyle Park, nestled in Point Chevalier, is a perfect picnic destination for families. With sweeping grassy areas, playgrounds, and breathtaking views of the Waitematā Harbour, it offers a serene coastal escape. After picnicking, enjoy a leisurely stroll along the scenic coastal walkway or explore the playgrounds.
Location: Corner of Beaumont Street and Jellicoe Street, Wynyard Quarter
Silo Park, overlooking the Waitematā Harbour, combines urban charm with waterfront serenity, making it an ideal picnic spot. Featuring grassy areas, picnic tables, and seasonal open-air cinema, it offers a vibrant atmosphere and stunning cityscape views for families to enjoy Auckland’s bustling waterfront.
Location: Te Henga / Bethells Beach
Lake Wainamu, near Bethells Beach, is a tranquil spot surrounded by towering sand dunes and lush native bush. Enjoy a lakeside meal before exploring the dunes, where adventurous families can try sandboarding for an exhilarating experience amidst the serene beauty of this hidden gem.
Location: Park Road, Parnell
Auckland Domain, near the city center, is a historic park perfect for family picnics. Enjoy lush surroundings, charming rose gardens, and serene duck ponds. After your meal, stroll along picturesque pathways or visit the Auckland War Memorial Museum to explore its captivating exhibits.
The fact that Auckland is known as the City of Sails is a testament to our widespread enthusiasm for boating, particularly over the summer season. After all, when so many boats are moored just a hop-skip-and-jump from the central city and with access to the sparkling waters of the Hauraki Gulf mere minutes away, it makes sense that boating is a favourite pastime for many who call Auckland home. But, for every languid, leisurely day spent on the water comes the need for some serious maintenance behind the scenes, whether that be packing supplies or keeping one’s vessel adequately clean. We therefore present a product no boat owner should go without — Ecostore’s dedicated Boat Wash.
Made to remove salt and grime from a range of surfaces, including fibreglass, vinyl, plastic, metal, wood, rubber and glass, Ecostore’s Boat Wash is a seafaring essential. Formulated with all-natural ingredients, it is gentle on precious marine environments and any sensitive skin it comes into contact with.
Ecostore’s new addition has been used as the boat wash of choice for some of the world’s most prestigious superyachts, like the 69-metre Feadship Samaya and the world’s largest aluminium sail ship, Sea Eagle II — a reliable solution to marine maintenance that doesn’t let its low-impact footprint get in the way of some of the most impressive results we’ve ever seen.
The biodegradable formula is available in Ecostore’s signature packaging, which is sustainable and refillable. The concentrated boat wash is economical to use and space-efficient to store, too, with five litres of concentrate able to make 200 litres of solution — more than enough for the summer days ahead.
A designer hold-all tote bag that fits all your summer essentials is a summer essential in itself, and is a sure-fire way to elevate any beach ensemble. From raffia and leather to crochet and canvas, this season, there’s plenty to choose from on the tote front — perfect for a last-minute request from Santa.
There’s nothing quite like a hit of fresh air and immersing yourself in nature to boost your mood, and taking your furry friend along for the ride makes the ritual all the more enjoyable. Auckland has no shortage of walks and hikes that are easy enough for you and your dog to enjoy together — a number of which we’ve rounded up below.
Duration: 1.4km / 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy
Dog: On leash
A dramatic trail that weaves its way around some of Auckland’s highest sea cliffs in Piha, the views from Mercer Bay track are exceptional. A brilliant way to tire the dog out while enjoying some indulgent aesthetics, be careful on this one after a downpour as it can get slippery.
Duration: Up to you
Difficulty: Easy
Dog: Off leash
If your canine had a choice on how to spend its days, we’re relatively sure that bolting about at this Point Chevalier dog park would be it. A fenced area in the centre of Meola Reserve, this is true puppy paradise. A fun one for the whole family, just be careful if you’re taking wee ones along as the dogs can get a tad over-excited and aren’t always known for looking where they’re going.
Duration: Up to you
Difficulty: Easy with some steep sections
Dog: Off leash areas
Though most people tend to head out West when they feel like a weekend wander, there is no shortage of outdoor adventures to be had elsewhere. Southbound, Māngere’s Mountain Path (Te Pane o Mataoho / Te Ara Pueru) is one of our top picks. With paths leading around the volcano’s crater and right up to the rim where stretching views of the Manukau Harbour await, it’s a fresh place for you and Fido to explore.
Duration: 10km / 4 hours but you can do smaller sections
Difficulty: Easy-moderate
Dog: Off leash areas
A versatile outing, the sprawling Waikōwhai Walkway offers bush trails, beachfront, off leash areas and more. With an extensive map that covers the entire area and the different trails available for download here, Hillsborough’s coastal walkway is an adventure for all.
Duration: 5km / About an hour
Difficulty: Easy
Dog: Off leash areas
With a well-maintained trail taking care of your exercise for the day and off-leash areas to give the dog a decent run, Albany’s native-addled Unsworth Reserve provides an excellent day out.
Given that the beach is one of the few places where it’s acceptable to show up in various states of undress and there aren’t many set rules for beachgoers, there is (in our opinion anyway) a certain standard of behaviour that all of us should adhere to when hitting the seaside this summer.
Much like McDonald’s, the beach really is the domain of children. Cast your mind back to your childhood days: there was nothing more exciting than a day at the beach. So show some respect for little Fred and Mary’s day-long civil engineering feat of constructing a small empire (complete with moat) and watch your step. Your haphazard wandering could otherwise extinguish the architectural hopes and dreams of future generations. Likewise, it is never a good idea to outdo the little ones’ construction efforts by developing a larger, more impressive sand castle directly alongside their juvenile attempt. Do the kids a favour and instead, offer to become the one they bury in the sand – preferably at the low tide mark.
While the beach has long been the natural backdrop for many a great romance, there’s nothing quite as stomach-churning as having to witness an overly frisky couple frolicking, limbs akimbo in the middle of the beach. We’re not about to begrudge a few passionate moments, but anyone displaying moves more suited to an R18 movie should be promptly thrown into the surf to dampen their inappropriate ardour. ‘Sex On The Beach’ is a cocktail, not an invite. Let’s keep it that way, shall we?
Ah, the long-debated topless topic. Should you take your beach attire cues from the Europeans and free your nipple on the beach? Perhaps. But do keep in mind a couple of considerations: a particularly buxom bosom might be best kept within the confines of a bikini top, and we would suggest you show some decorum if there are children in the vicinity. That said, please save the full-blown nudity for beaches that are dedicated to it.
There is nothing quite as annoying as the inconsiderate towel flick. So next time you’re emerging from the ocean while trying to retain your sexy James Bond composure – don’t lunge at your towel and fling it about your body with nary a thought for anyone else in the area. As we all know, towels hold an extraordinary amount of sand when lifted quickly from the beach, and your inconsiderate gesture will shower everyone within a 100-metre radius in clingy particles. Do the polite thing: either dry yourself with unbridled enthusiasm in an isolated area or carefully lift your towel and take it away from everyone else to shake it clean.
Thou shalt respect the man in yellow who waves his hands and blows his whistle. He may seem like he’s overreacting, but it’s more likely that your rather amateurish attempt at body surfing is causing widespread concern amongst the lifeguard fraternity. While you’ve been blissfully unaware of your actions, they have noted your rapid descent to the far reaches of the large swell, thanks to the almighty rip in which you’ve been floundering. Do everyone a favour and heed the lifeguard’s advice, and best do it quickly or your fantasy of locking lips with a buff lifeguard may become more of a lifesaving mouth-to-mouth reality.
Man’s best friend or unsuspecting beachgoer’s worst nightmare? Canines have been a long-debated addition to beach life, and while many public spots have strict bans on dogs, there are still some more remote spots where Fido is as welcome as the rest of us. Although we can all see the entertainment in an over-enthusiastic dog flailing about in the waves while trying to fetch a large piece of driftwood, what’s not so enjoyable is the realisation that you’ve placed your towel atop a pile of sun-crusted dog turd. Often mistaken for a large section of dried sand, said turd will, upon impact with your tush, ooze through the towel and adhere to your newly prized Gucci one-piece. So if you’re bringing your canine companion to the beach, for god’s sake do the right thing and pick up after them.
The beach is one of the few places where we’re happy to compromise our personal space in order to secure a prime waterfront position. What we must not forget, however, is that the beach has the uncanny ability to amplify every whisper into a shout. So please think twice before loudly giving your beach companion an X-rated, blow-by-blow account of your recent sexual escapades. Similarly, if you are one of those people who brings music to the beach, at least play something that most of us are likely to enjoy listening to. Waking up from a tranquil beach nap to David Guetta’s greatest hits played on a tiny, tinny speaker will never not be annoying.
The sheer act of lighting up a stinking hot cancer stick in the middle of a beach on a steamy day is quite frankly a phenomenon that we will never understand. But for those of you who are partial, let us remind you that the rest of us are here to escape the toxic city fumes, not to have you kill us slowly with your secondhand badness. We suggest you do everyone a favour and light up somewhere private while we fill our lungs with fresh, salty sea air.
From the restorative power of the ocean to the immune-boosting properties of sunshine, summer is the season of radiance and joy for a reason. Here, we look at why we feel so good when the sun is shining.
Life is full of many great pleasures, but nothing quite compares to the specific joy the summer months bring. From devouring a good book outdoors to spending time bobbing on a boat, to tucking into fish & chips at the beach, or the first cool ocean dip of the season — summer is filled with moments that soothe the soul. But, there’s more to those serotonin spikes than meets the eye. Both the sun (and the vitamin D we absorb from its rays), and the ocean (dubbed vitamin sea for a reason) boast myriad benefits, bolstering both our physical and mental health in unprecedented ways.
The benefits we reap from vitamin D are vast. And, while we know diligent sun protection is vital when it comes to catching rays (particularly in our corner of the world), the vitamin D produced in our skin after being exposed to the sun has been proven to offer astounding health benefits. Colloquially called ‘the sunshine vitamin’, vitamin D is essential for maintaining overall health — both physical and mental.
Crucial for bones (adequate levels can prevent conditions like osteoporosis), immunity — with vitamin D playing a significant role in boosting our immune system and even proven to prevent colds and flus, bolstering heart health, improving fertility, and more, with exposure also linked to reducing the risk of many cancers, ultimately, vitamin D supercharges our health on unprecedented levels, and is essential for longevity.
And, beyond physical health, research also suggests that vitamin D can contribute to better mental wellbeing, reducing the risk of depression and mood disorders. We all know anecdotally how much better we feel when getting regular sunshine across the warmer months (Seasonal Affective Disorder is no joke), but there’s real science behind it. The skin makes beta-endorphins when exposed to the sun, which gives you a similar rush to that experienced post-workout.
The allure of the ocean is omnipresent for many of us, and, come summer, it’s to the vastness of the sea that we turn. Be it for reprieve from the heat, moments of calm, entertainment, or simply pleasure, the sea is the central axis from which our summer plans revolve. But, its appeal goes beyond pleasure alone. It’s no secret that there are myriad benefits to connecting with nature, and science has uncovered how much can be gained from time spent in green spaces, but the perks of the ocean are lesser-known.
Without delving too deeply into the science of it all, ‘ocean air’ (much more than a whiff of salt) is known to increase the flow of oxygen around the body, boosting serotonin levels in the process. Moreover, floating in mineral-rich sea water is not only great for your skin and detoxifying for your body, but can reduce stress to meditative levels. This state of relaxation is heightened by the sounds and sights of the ocean, which have been scientifically linked to a relaxed mindstate.
As these benefits become more widely recognised, a healthy dose of vitamin sea is now even being prescribed as part of therapy treatments. And the wellness and beauty industries are fast jumping on the bandwagon, too, imbuing products with marine extracts — from algae to seaweed, capitalising on each element’s specific attributes.
The end of the year is nigh, so alongside planning your various New Year’s Eve celebrations (or preparing to attend one of the epic parties happening around Auckland) it’s time to start thinking about your look. Outfits aside, New Year’s Eve offers the perfect opportunity to try out something new on the beauty front, whether it’s a bold eye, a standout lip or colours you wouldn’t usually dare to wear on a normal night out. It is an evening of celebration, after all.
Here are five easy-to-do makeup looks that will have you turning heads this New Year’s Eve.
Giving classic New Year’s Eve glamour a decidedly futuristic edge, this beauty trend is all about making the eyes stand out and embracing a sleek, metallic look.
Give yourself the ultimate glow with a good dose of glitter. Best when applied liberally to the eyes or cheeks, this sparkly trend is sure to turn heads.
Trade the classic, demure cat-eye for this bold iteration and command attention at any party. When trying this look at home, don’t be afraid of using a heavy hand. The trick here is a thick, dark line, extended beyond the bounds of your natural eyes to make them look dark and mysterious.
Another futuristic beauty trend, holographic hype is transforming our makeup from minimalist matte to light-reflecting radiance with the flick of a brush. Designed to give your eyes an ethereal pop, this trend is for those who want to stand out in a more subtle (but no less effective) way.
To enter the new year with a polished, pronounced pout, perfect your base (hydration, hydration, hydration), followed by a deep, dark, vibrant cherry red — finishing with a gloss for shine, if you’re that way inclined.
The holidays offer up the best opportunity to tick all the books off our list that we didn’t quite get to in 2024. Whether you plan on hitting the beach or curling up in a shady spot, these are some of the best books to have on hand this summer, from poignant memoirs to thought-provoking novels and everything in between.
by Naoise Dolan
A sharp, witty exploration of modern relationships. As Celine and Luke plan their wedding, their friends grapple with love, jealousy, and life’s expectations. The Happy Couple is full of biting humour and keen observations, as Dolan examines whether happiness truly lies at the end of the aisle, or if the journey there reveals
deeper truths.
by Ali Smith
Ali Smith’s Gliff explores a near-future dystopia where two children confront a world of shifting boundaries. A mysterious red line around their home and a horse symbolise resistance in a fractured society, as, with Smith’s unique insight into human complexity, Gliff sets the stage for its upcoming counterpart — Glyph. A powerful, thought-provoking read.
by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
In the fifth instalment of the Before the Coffee Gets Cold series, four new visitors enter the time-travelling café, each seeking closure from their past. Masterfully woven, Kawaguchi’s heartwarming tale explores love, regret, and healing, offering a tender reflection on moving forward despite life’s missed moments.
by Richard Powers
Richard Powers’ latest novel intertwines the lives of four individuals who converge on a remote island in French Polynesia. As an audacious plan to build floating cities unfolds, Powers weaves a rich tapestry of environmental themes, human connection, and the complexities of tech, set against the majestic backdrop of the Pacific.
by Ella Baxter
Through nuanced dialogue and keen observation, Ella Baxter’s surreal, pyrotechnic novel Woo Woo takes an unsettling dive into the mind of Sabine, a conceptual artist facing both a career-defining exhibition and a menacing stalker. With dark humour, sharp wit, and visceral intensity, Woo Woo captures the chaos of creativity and the madness of modern life.
by Haruki Murakami
As a young man embarks on a journey to find his vanished girlfriend, he’s led to a mysterious dream library. As reality and fantasy blur, he faces profound questions about love, memory, and loss. Haruki Murakami’s long-awaited novel is parable for these strange times — brimming with magical realism, and offering an ode to escapism.
by Bella Mackie
Secrets unravel and tensions mount in this darkly comedic novel, as the murder of a wealthy patriarch sends his dysfunctional family into a frenzy over his vast fortune. With each sibling under suspicion, this wickedly sharp tale blends murder, greed, and high-stakes family drama, offering a biting commentary on privilege, morality, and the complexity of family.
by Becky Manawatu
The much-awaited follow-up to the award-winning international bestseller Auē, Kataraina follows Kat and her whānau as they recount her childhood and trauma, rooted in ancestral ties and a tragic past. Unflinchingly exploring the destructive ways people love and the connection to whenua, Manawatu’ssecond novel solidifies her powerful voice and astute observational prowess.
by Cher
In Cher, The Memoir, Part One, the iconic artist and actor shares her life story with candidness and humour. From her turbulent childhood to her rise as a global superstar, Cher reflects on her complicated relationship with Sonny Bono and her trailblazing career. This first instalment reveals the woman behind the fame, in a life too immense for a single book.
by Stanley Tucci
Stanley Tucci’s What I Ate in One Year is a delightful memoir chronicling a year of meals, blending food with poignant reflections on life, family, and loss. From memorable dishes shared with loved ones to quiet meals alone, Tucci’s diary captures the emotional richness food brings to his evolving life.
by Olivia Laing
Exploring the concept of paradise through gardens, The Garden Against Time blends personal memoir with historical and cultural reportage. As Laing restores a walled garden in Suffolk, she examines gardens as symbols of privilege, resistance, and community, as her beautifully woven narrative connects real and imagined Edens.
by Hannah Crosbie
Often referred to as the ‘Nigella of wine’, Hannah Crosbie’s informed yet tongue-in-cheek approach creates a relaxed and refreshing space to learn about the often-esoteric world of wine. Her first book is an informal guide to wine — a go-to guide that matches wine with life’s important (and unimportant) events.
by Lili Anolik
Joan Didion is revealed at last in this outrageously provocative and profoundly moving new work “that reads like a propulsive novel” (Oprah Daily) on the mutual attractions—and mutual antagonisms—of Didion and her fellow literary titan, Eve Babitz.
by Nigel Slater
From an award-winning writer comes a beautifully-crafted collection of notes, memoir, and small moments of joy. Extracted from his notebooks of curiosities and wonderings, Slater captures life’s small, often overlooked everyday pleasures with warmth, humour, and tenderness in an exquisite anthology.
An afterthought for too long, the skin below the neckline is finally getting the attention it deserves. Here, we round up the best practices, treatments, and products to transform your skin — giving you the confidence to bare it all this summer.
From body sculpting and contouring to increased circulation, reducing fluid retention, strengthening immunity, supporting detoxification, and even enhancing nutrient absorption and bolstering overall health, the benefits of lymphatic massage are vast.
Simple and effective, dry brushing — an ancient Ayurvedic practice from India within which a natural bristle brush is used to gently massage the skin, stimulates the lymphatic system, increases circulation, and gently exfoliates — removing toxins, increasing energy, and reducing cellulite.
From Lanreé’s Thermage®️FLX system, which uses radiofrequency therapy to help smooth, tighten, and contour skin, to Body Catalyst’s revolutionary HIFU body contouring treatment, to the RSL Sculpting Beautylizer, there are a number of non-invasive, efficacious skin sculpting treatments with results that speak for themselves.
Designed to help visibly tone, tighten and firm the skin, there are myriad bespoke formulations that actually work — from Nécessaire’s The Body Serum to Sisley Paris’ Le Sculpteur.
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