For weekends when you want to gather friends or family without the rigmarole of hosting, cooking, and cleaning up, Trivet’s weekend lunches require very little effort for a large, indulgent reward. The restaurant, located within Auckland’s JW Marrit hotel, serves a Kai Moana Pasifika Buffet, a generous shared feast that celebrates the flavours of Aotearoa and the Pacific with abundance.
Served every Saturday and Sunday from 12.30 pm, the feast is designed as a long lunch rather than a quick grazing session, built around the kind of food best shared and returned to. The offering moves from a fresh seafood raw bar to umu-style meats, seafood favourites, Kiwiana classics and Pasifika-inspired dishes, bringing together familiar comfort and island generosity in a way that feels both relaxed and celebratory.
Among the highlights are Trevally Oka, Tiger Prawns, local steamed Mussels and traditional Palusami, alongside roasted lamb leg, kūmara, chop suey and dishes made for second helpings. To finish, a house-made dessert bar keeps the sense of occasion firmly intact, because restraint, on the weekend, has always been a suspicious virtue.
For families, it is particularly ideal. Children aged five and under dine for free, while those aged six to 12 receive 50 per cent off, making Trivet’s Kai Moana Pasifika weekends an easy answer for those looking to gather over food that feels generous in spirit as well as scale.
At $95 per person, this is a weekend gathering that’s abundant, flavourful and designed for lingering longer. Book here.
Auckland has welcomed a new addition in the form of Den Ramen Bar, a collaboration between the team behind much-loved food truck Miso Ra, Pici co-founder Kaz Suzuki, and events specialist Isabel Buckley.
Created in response to what the founders felt was missing from Auckland’s dining scene, Den takes its cues from the specialist eateries found throughout Japan, where restaurants often dedicate themselves to doing one thing exceptionally well. Here, the focus is ramen, supported by a concise menu of izakaya-style snacks and drinks.
The menu centres on four ramen offerings, including a Shoyu topped with chashu pork belly, egg and nori, and a rich vegan-friendly Miso Ramen made using miso crafted by Fraser, chef-owner of Lillius. Alongside the bowls, guests will find snacks such as braised Japanese radish with yuzu miso, raw tuna with umeboshi vinaigrette, and grilled gurnard finished with a soy-orange glaze.
Inside, low lighting, dark timber and handmade details create the intimate atmosphere the team envisioned, with much of the fit-out completed by the founders themselves. The result is a space that feels warm, welcoming and quietly transportive.
Whether stopping by for a quick bowl or settling in for drinks and snacks before ramen, Den offers the kind of understated experience that has long made neighbourhood ramen bars a fixture of Japanese dining culture.
Designed by Todd Stevenson and handmade in Tāmaki Makaurau from solid brass, Powersurge’s Lateral Pendant resolves the question of what to hang above a long dining table or kitchen island as a single horizontal stroke of light. The thin rectangular light is customisable in lengths up to four metres. The dimmable LED light allows for practicality and restraint for those moments when the natural light is still the star of the show. As expertly executed in this New Plymouth Residence by Rowson Kitchens and KR Architecture, where it runs the length of the kitchen island and holds its own against a Tasman Sea sunset.
Is there anything quite as satisfying as tucking into a flavourful, vibrant plate of Mexican ? Luckily, in Auckland there are certainly no shortage of tasty taquerias and casual cantinas to find your fix, from cheap and cheerful to more elevated takes, and a veritable spectrum in between. Here, we round up a (non-exhaustive) edit of some of the best in the game, perfect for indulging in when the craving strikes.
For those setting alarms for FIFA Club World Cup kick-offs, squeezing in an early round on the simulator, or simply looking for a more interesting alternative to the usual morning coffee run, Bar Ziti and Flush Golf have introduced a new breakfast offering that makes a compelling case for starting the day a little earlier.
Available from 7am on weekdays and 9am on weekends, the menu leans towards the kind of generous, comfort-driven dishes that suit both sports fans settling in for a match and those easing into the morning at a slower pace. Ricotta Pancakes arrive topped with honeyed caramelised banana, the Big Breakfast comes loaded with eggs, bacon, lamb merguez and rosti, while Eggs Benedict swaps the traditional English muffin for a crisp potato rosti finished with paprika hollandaise.
Ricotta Pancakes
Flush Big Breakfast
Mushroom Bruschetta
The setting remains one of the city’s more entertaining places to spend a few hours. While Bar Ziti continues to deliver its familiar mix of good food and easy hospitality, Flush adds a playful dimension, allowing guests to move seamlessly from breakfast and coffee to a virtual round of golf without leaving their table-side conversations behind.
Breakfast Bap
Breakfast at Bar Ziti & Flush Golf
For one week only, there’s an added incentive. From June 15th until June 21st, diners can enjoy half-price Allpress coffee with breakfast or lunch when dining in, making those early FIFA kick-offs feel considerably more manageable.
Breakfast, football, coffee and a few holes before lunch. There are certainly worse ways to spend a winter morning.
Colour has become one of fashion’s most expressive languages, and while much of the industry continues to lean into restraint and tonal subtlety, Swarovski has carved out a distinctly more exuberant visual direction, defined by vibrancy, personality and a deliberate sense of joy. The House’s latest collection, created under Global Creative Director Giovanna Engelbert and fronted by Global Brand Ambassador Ariana Grande, continues that evolution with crystal designs inspired by confectionery tones, fruit motifs and a playful, expressive sensibility that feels entirely of the moment.
At a time when dressing is increasingly guided by instinct rather than occasion, the collection reflects a broader cultural shift towards jewellery that integrates seamlessly into everyday style, functioning less as an accent and more as a form of self-expression. Swarovski responds to this with pieces that prioritise mood over convention, using saturated colour and sculptural detail to create designs that feel confident, individual and unapologetically expressive.
Ariana Grande embodies this energy throughout the campaign, where layered styling and bold crystal combinations reinforce the collection’s more-is-more aesthetic while retaining the brand’s polished sense of glamour. Jewellery is framed not as something distant or precious, but as an extension of personality that invites experimentation.
Among the standout designs are strawberry-inspired pieces that reinterpret familiar natural forms through precision-cut red crystals suspended in resin, creating depth, luminosity and a refined sense of play. Alongside these, a growing universe of charms—fruits, bees and symbolic motifs—speaks to the ongoing demand for personalisation, allowing wearers to build combinations that feel uniquely their own.
The collection’s colour story extends into Swarovski’s watch designs, where the Millenia family is reimagined through candy-inspired tones, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to expressive, contemporary dressing.
Overall, the collection reflects a growing appetite for fashion that prioritises feeling over formality, embracing decoration as a deliberate expression of identity rather than excess.
Architecture — Carter Williamson Interior Design — Claire Delmar Photography — Pablo Veiga
Wurrungwuri, a reinvigorated heritage-fronted home in Sydney, deftly blends the past and present with an eye to the future, reimagining a historic cottage with a contemporary new extension. This stunning residence was crafted by Carter Williamson, who transformed it to meet the clients’ vision of a house built for entertaining, filled with light, and exuding luxurious yet approachable elegance.
Flos Bellhop floor lamp from ecc, Knoll Wassily chair from studio italia & Moooi Meshmatics chandelier from ecc
The project brief was clear: celebrate the original 1881 Victorian cottage while creating a contemporary, connected space. At the street front, the unassuming, original facade is carefully preserved, while at the property’s rear, a fluid form sits overlooking the river — its sinuous expression exploring the limits of spatial ambiguity.
One of the first houses constructed on its street, the four-room cottage was originally built with sandstone quarried from the site, with extensions added over time with no cohesion from one to the next. In its latest renovation, alterations were removed, and a new, harbour-facing extension integrated, cascading over four distinct levels, cut deep into the sandstone bedrock. Linking old with new is a light-filled, cylindrical staircase — the first of the home’s defining ‘voids’, encased in artfully tessellated white bricks which nod to the home’s artistic past. Once belonging to artist Montague Scott, the residence now sits as an architectural artform in its own right, its gallery-like interiors showcasing an incredible collection of contemporary works.
“One of Wurrungwuri’s defining features, and perhaps the reason behind the exceptional feeling of lightness and calm, despite a busy mix of materials, references, and eclectic artworks, is its use of voids, which create a sense of connection throughout the home.”
But, perhaps the most artistic element of all, is the home’s striking extension, which sits like an open book, cleaving into two wings reaching towards the harbour. Rooms are interwoven across the levels, infused with a sense of both the playful and the refined, with social spaces and private dwellings carefully dispersed across the plan. One of Wurrungwuri’s defining features, and perhaps the reason behind the exceptional feeling of lightness and calm, despite a busy mix of materials, references, and eclectic artworks, is its use of voids, which create a sense of connection throughout the home, bridging the cottage and extension.
Edra Standard sofa from matisse & Artek Rope chair from kada
The ground level serves as the hub of relaxation, featuring a spacious main lounge and a cosy TV room, seamlessly connected by adjoining terraces and a central staircase that leads to the backyard and jetty.
The home’s design maximises the breathtaking view without overshadowing its own architectural elegance, incorporating thoughtfully crafted viewpoints that highlight both the striking interiors and the scenery beyond its walls. The material palette furthers this, maintaining a focus on naturality to invite the outdoors in. Here, sandstone, brick and stone take centre stage, offset by concrete and timber throughout.
Wurrungwuri is a home of grand proportions and harmonious balance; a blend of old and new, public and private, offering a retreat for a busy family that is both a functional space and a work of art in its own right.
Jervois Steak House is bringing back one of winter’s most anticipated rituals, this time in a new Sunday lunch format designed for lingering afternoons and generous gatherings.
Available every Sunday throughout June and July, the Sunday Roast Lunch centres around 12-hour slow-cooked Southern Stations wagyu sirloin, served with all the classic accompaniments that have made the experience something of a seasonal institution. Expect pillowy Yorkshire puddings, creamy potato gratin, wagyu fat roasted potatoes, seasonal vegetables, and a rich house-made jus, all arriving on the table ready to be shared.
At $84 per person, with a minimum of two guests, it’s the kind of meal that rewards unhurried conversation, second helpings, and a few hours spent away from the winter chill. Served exclusively between 12pm and 6pm every Sunday, the experience offers a compelling reason to gather friends and family around the table.
Pre-payment is required to secure a reservation, and with limited sittings available throughout the season, early bookings are recommended. Book now.
Whether you’re squeezing in a lunchtime run or training for your next race, these are the Auckland CBD routes worth knowing. From the leafy paths of the Auckland Domain to the city’s scenic waterfront, we’ve mapped out the best runs to suit every pace. Lace up, head out and thank us later.
The lunchtime loop
Duration: approximately 30 minutes | Distance: 4.5km Ideal for inner-city professionals who need to let off a little steam, this run takes you through two of Auckland’s most popular parks — Auckland Domain and Albert Park. Starting at the War Memorial Museum in the Auckland Domain, you’ll head along Grafton Bridge past the Symonds Street Cemetery and along a short section of Karangahape Road to St Kevin’s Arcade. From here, it’s a quick sprint down Myers Park towards the Town Hall and Aotea Square and onward to Albert Park along Mayoral Drive. From Albert Park, turn onto Alfred Street (off Princes street), cross Symonds Street onto Grafton Road, which then crosses the motorway via pedestrian lights, and you’ll see the entrance back into the Domain once more ahead of you.
The three-park run
Duration: approximately 50 minutes | Distance: 10km Not a bad way to start or end the workday, this run offers a scenic three-in-one. Starting from the corner of Lover’s Walk and Domain Drive (by the pond in Auckland Domain), you’ll head west via Park Road and Grafton Bridge to Karangahape Road. Run along to Ponsonby Road, and jog down through Western Park, before making your way towards Victoria Park via Howe Street, Hepburn Street and Franklin Road. Then, run along the promenade at the Viaduct. The seafront leg along Tamaki Drive takes you to a footbridge that passes over to the Parnell Baths (Auckland’s only outdoor saltwater pool). The path then winds up the side of a cliff to Resolution Park — the top of which offers an ideal place for a breather overlooking the beautiful Waitematā Harbour. After running through Resolution Park, along tree-lined St Stephens Ave, left on Parnell Road and right on Domain Drive, your run concludes back at the Auckland Domain.
The scenic waterfront route
Duration: approximately 50 minutes | Distance: 9.5km Passing by unique historical, coastal and geological features, this run kicks off near the George Street exit of the Auckland Domain before heading left on Parnell Road and right down Ayr Street, passing Kinder House and Ewelme Cottage. Continue along Shore Road, Orakei Road and over the Purewa Bridge, which crosses between the Orakei Basin (an ancient volcanic crater) on the right-hand side and Hobson Bay on the left. Follow Ngapipi Road along the shores of Hobson Bay and Whakatakataka Bay and then back along Tamaki Drive. When you arrive at the Dove-Myer Robinson Park, make your way through the Parnell Rose Gardens, then up Gladstone Road and St Stephens Ave towards the Holy Trinity Cathedral. This is the perfect place for a rest, before walking back to the Auckland Domain (via Parnell Road) to cool down.
Darker mornings, dry heated bedrooms, and the seasonal urge to hibernate can wreak havoc on your sleep, even when you’re spending more time in bed. In a bid to discover the true, wellness-enhancing benefits of deep, restorative sleep, we consulted Olivia Arezzolo, a renowned Australian sleep expert, who divulged the 10 crucial steps that will transform your evening routine.
It’s been a long-held belief that the cure-all for many of our well-being woes is simply getting more sleep. But we all know that this is much easier said than done. Queenstown-based, Australian sleep expert and best-selling author Olivia Arezzolo, however, is one person who seems to have cracked the code.
Sleep Expert — Olivia Arezzolo
While her ritual may seem rigorous, Arezzolo strongly believes that to truly improve your sleep you must be vigilant. It not only shifts lingering fatigue, but helps to curb illness, alleviate cognitive issues and support mental health. So if you too want to improve your sleep, these are Arezzolo’s 10 essential steps to a restful and fulfilling night.
01. Block Blue Light
According to research, blue light is one of the biggest triggers for a bad night’s sleep. You can (and should) remedy this by investing in a pair of blue light-blocking glasses, which filter the overstimulating blue light from any screens, and offer a nice, soothing lens similar in colour to candlelight. Put these on for at least two hours before bed.
02. Use Lavender Oils
An age old cure-all that even your grandmother swore by, lavender is scientifically proven to induce sleep. Two hours before bedtime, either rub a couple of drops on your temples or ideally, diffuse some in your bedroom.
03. Disconnect From Tech
Whether you use a blue light blocking filter on your device or not, the evidence still insists that you turn your screens off at least an hour before bed. With the world at your fingertips, laptops, tablets, phones and even televisions are a hive for hyperactivity. If you can, remove them from the bedroom altogether.
04. Wash Off The Day
A nighttime shower is always a relaxing ritual to wash off the stresses (and dirt) of the day. Warm water moves your body into a gentle, relaxed state, and a little self-care routine like this is always soothing.
05. Take Magnesium-Based Supplements
Magnesium is the best micronutrient for inducing deep sleep, and when deficient, it’s noticeable; creating symptoms like hyperactivity and restless, twitching legs. When you hop out of the shower, take a magnesium-based supplement. Even better when paired with a calming, chamomile tea.
06. Read A Book
Research has shown that even as little as six minutes of reading reduces stress levels by up to 68 percent. It’s the perfect way to unwind before bed, and it doesn’t need to be a challenging read. (But it does need to be a proper, analogue book — no Kindles after nine o’clock.) See our recommendations on what to read right now here.
07. Use An Eyemask
A simple silk eyemask is one of the best investments you can make for your slumber. It supports sleep habits by blocking out any small, bright distractions, and the textural feel is surprisingly soothing. This is the last thing to do before drifting off.
08. Keep A Checklist
Somewhere handy, keep a checklist nearby. This isn’t forever, but it is to ensure you do every step, every night. Over time it will become more ritualistic and natural. For now, this checklist is essential.
09. Be Consistent
Arezzolo recommends undertaking this routine for at least a week — including all elements — before you knock its efficacy. Good things take time, but with this approach, it’s a matter of days, not months.
10. Stay Accountable
Embarking on a quest for a good night’s sleep is best when done together. The easiest person to undertake this with is your partner, as they’re often either the victim or the culprit of any bad sleep habits.
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