Spring is almost upon us, which means it is time to shake off the shackles of winter and give your wardrobe a seasonal refresh. From denim jackets to utility pants to the slides you’ll want to slip into this season, we have rounded up a selection of the pieces you need to add to your sartorial arsenal immediately.
01. The denim jacket
Do away with dowdy denim and replace it something decidedly more stylish like this monogrammed jacket — a must-have in our books.
Utilitarian style is clearly here to stay, so pick up a pair of practical pants (prefereably with pockets) that give functionality some tasteful flair.
Having grown up with a dressmaker for a mother and a tailor for a grandmother, it made sense that Megan Kenny would be drawn to the sewing machine. Armed with an inherent ability and what she calls her “drive to survive,” Kenny has, over the last few decades, harnessed both her sewing skills and her keen creative eye to build a bespoke, bridal brand that has become one of the most sought-after in the country: Kenny and Harlow Bridal.
Here, Kenny sits down in front of the camera as part of Porsche’s series, The Drive, to talk about how her upbringing instilled in her a grit and determination to succeed. “At the age of 12 I lost my mother and then at the age of 15 I lost my father,” she says. “Losing my parents at a young age formed my personality… I chose to dig my heels in and move forward and look after myself, knowing that there was no one behind me that was going to prop me up.”
Woven into the DNA of Denizen, is a desire to celebrate the success of New Zealanders who have not only dared to dream big but have pursued those dreams with dedication, passion and persistence. People who have sought out their own ideas of ‘happy ever after’ with fearlessness and fortitude. Hannah O’Neill is one such person. The cover star of our Spring Issue is a ballerina of international acclaim, and has been quietly working her way up the ranks of the prestigious Paris Opera Ballet, recently achieving étoile status — the top of the top of the ballet world writ large.
O’neill’s inspiring cover story sets the tone for our Spring Issue, a magazine filled with interesting people across gastronomy, design, fashion and culture. From our interview with renowned chef, Michael Meredith (who unveils the concept of his new restaurant venture), to a deep dive into the life and career of esteemed author Witi Ihimaera, to an exclusive talk with facialist to-the-stars, Melanie Grant, there is a litany of inspiring individuals in this issue, promising to carry you into spring with a renewed sense of hope and optimism for the future.
Our fashion and design pages are filled with everything to keep your wardrobes and homes looking sleek and stylish for the season ahead. While our culture section delivers a comprehensive line up of everything to read, watch and listen to over the coming months.
If it’s escapism you seek, look no further than our Navigator pages, this issue is dedicated to the very best of Paris. If you’re one of the lucky ones heading to the City of Light in the next few months, you’re going to want to consult our guidebook on where to stay, where to eat, drink and be merry, and the best places to get your cultural fix.
And if, while you are perusing our pages, you see something you particularly like, keep an eye out for our dedicated QR codes, positioned in the corner of almost every page. By simply scanning the code with your phone camera and clicking on the link, you will be taken directly to our curated edit of shoppable pieces and stories from the magazine.
Out now, our inspiring Spring Issue is available at all good newsagents and supermarkets.
Spring might be around the corner but it certainly isn’t here yet, meaning that we still have plenty of use for our winter fashions, and can find any excuse to add another pair of boots or a jacket or two to our wardrobes.
Here, we round up a range of sleek and practical men’s and womenswear jackets to buy now, from lighter, layering pieces perfect for warmer weather, to heavier styles, ideal for keeping us cosy on particularly inclement days.
Shop our curated edit of jackets to buy now below.
Tiffany & Co. has unveiled Blue Book 2023: Out of the Blue, a remarkable high jewellery collection celebrating the enchanting marine creations that fascinated designer Jean Schlumberger. Designed by Nathalie Verdeille (Tiffany’s Chief Artistic Officer of Jewellery and High Jewellery) in a way that honours Schlumberger’s indelible legacy, these extraordinary pieces reinvent iconic sea-inspired motifs with stunning geometric forms and sparkling precious stones.
Brooch in platinum and 18k yellow gold with sapphires, tanzanites, moonstones and diamonds
Necklace in platinum with a black opal and diamonds. transformable design
Partially set casting of the Jellyfish brooch and loose moonstones alongside the gouache rendering.
Brooch in platinum and 18k yellow gold with unenhanced padparadscha sapphires, rubellites and diamonds
Bracelet in platinum with a black opal and diamonds
An artisan compares the wax model of the transformable Shell necklace to the gouache rendering.
Ring in platinum and 18k yellow gold with a Fancy Vivid Yellow diamond and white diamonds.
Necklace in platinum and 18k yellow gold with tanzanites and diamonds.
From new womenswear collections to trending styles for men, to a raft of handbags, accessories, shoes, sunglasses, exquisite jewellery and highly-collectable watches, the Coveted pages of our Spring Issue are full of everything to keep you feeling ahead of the style game this season. Here, we have rounded up all our hero pieces from the pages of our latest magazine in one, easy-to-shop edit, so that you can have the latest fashion at your fingertips, just in time for spring.
From the pages of our Spring Issue straight to your screens, our curated edit of the very best pieces of design are now at your fingertips. Featuring showstopping occasional chairs, lounge-worthy sofas, sleek bathware, refined lighting, essential outdoor additions (which should be ordered now in the lead-up to summer) and other covetable furnishings, this shoppable edit allows you to explore all the hero design pieces from our recently unveiled Spring Issue.
If you’ve been flicking through the glossy Wellbeing pages of our newly-released Spring Issue, we have rounded up all the products that might have caught your eye and included them in our curated, shopping edit below. From life-changing face oils to haircare that will give you long, luscious locks, to a concise line-up of makeup for a glowing visage, these are the hero wellness products from our Spring Issue.
As spring edges nearer and the sun emerges from behind the clouds, we are increasingly drawn to the waterfront, or more specifically, to one of our favourite Viaduct Harbour venues, Bivacco. Not only does Bivacco occupy the best corner site in the whole area, but it also offers the kinds of food and drinks that make after-work libations a very appealing prospect. And now, its clever culinary team are introducing a delicious new bite-and-beverage combo that is giving us even more of an excuse to knock off early and pull up a chair by the bar. Introducing Bivacco’s Mini Lobster Rolls and Tini Martinis.
Mini Lobster Rolls with Hendrick’s Gin Original Dry Martini
Created as a satiating (but not too heavy) snack, Bivacco’s Mini Lobster Rolls and Tini Martinis make for the perfect marriage — the rich, buttery flavours of the lobster offset by the crisp, botanical notes of the Hendrick’s Gin that makes up the base of the martinis. For the former, diners can expect small, pillowy-soft (and generously-buttered) buns, filled with chopped lobster meat, New England mayonnaise and an array of herbs and spices. While for the latter, guests are able to choose from three Tini Matini options, each offering a different expression of Hendrick’s Gin: Original, Neptunia and Lunar.
Left to Right: Hendrick’s Gin Original Dry Martini, Lunar Martini & Neptunia Martini
While the Original Dry Martini just sees the classic pairing of Hendrick’s Gin with Extra Dry Vermouth and Cournichon, the Neptunia Martini offers something distinctly different, where Hendrick’s Neptunia Gin (with its coastal flavours and seaside expression) is paired with prosecco, passionfruit and kaffir leaf. The Lunar Martini is another take still, where Hendrick’s Lunar Gin (a smooth and alluring drop boasting floral essences and notes of warm, heady spice) is combined with rhubarb, Martini Bianco and fennel frond.
Lobster Rolls & Hendrick’s Neptunia Martini
Able to be ordered at Bivacco’s bar as a pairing for $20 (or individually at $15 for the Lobster Roll and $10 for the Tini Martini) this new Mini Lobster Roll and Tini Martini combo promises to hit the spot every time, whether you’re just starting your evening, catching up with friends for a drink, or seeking a simple but delicious, after-work bite.
Yes, the weather might be grim out there, but there’s nothing like some beautiful new boots to put a bit of pep in your step. Designed to elevate any winter outfit, these chic and versatile styles will see you through the remainder of the season, promising to be as practical against wintry days as they are beautiful when layered with your favourite suit-pants, dresses, skirts and more. Without further ado, these are the boots to buy now.
While typically, flowers are favoured for special occasions, birthdays, graduations, anniversaries and for cheering someone up who might be having a bad day, they are also just beautiful to have around the house — the best way to bring life to a space (particularly while the weather remains decidedly wintry). So, in the name of encouraging you to get out and pick up some fresh flowers for no other reason than to simply infuse your home with some fresh colour, we have rounded up the best florists in Auckland — you’re welcome.
Inspired by her passion for connecting with people and with nature, Hannah Low started Grace and Flora in 2017, and then, in 2021, moved her operation to the exquisite Faradays luxury department store. There, visitors will find Low’s exceptional arrangements at the entrance of the shop, filling the space with an air of colourful optimism. After all, Low’s bouquets are beloved for their big, bold presence and their sculptural shapes, and are perfectly suited to sit alongside the latest collections from the likes of Loewe, Celine and more.
Founded by Kelly Karam, who has been in the floristry business for over 20 years, Blush has become a household name for those in search of a luxurious bouquet or arrangement. The company imparts floral finesse to countless weddings and events, while also brightening up everyday occasions for customers from its retail store in Commercial Bay.
Inspired by the flower artisans of Paris’ Montmartre, Florist Millie Austin started La Femme Fleur nearly 10 years ago with a flower truck in Cox’s Bay. Now based in Remuera’s Bloodworth Park, Austin is continuing to build on her already-prolific reputation as a master of her art, creating eye-popping bouquets that play with exquisite colour combinations and high-quality blooms, always sourced fresh from growers and wrapped in La Femme Fleur’s decidedly chic (and unassuming) brown paper.
Helmed by Isabel Johnston and Lydia Reusser, Isadia is a floristry studio that creates arrangements that feel more akin to art than the typical bouquet. Known for their intuitive and naturalistic floral creations, this duo has built a name for the unique ways in which they fashion locally-sourced, seasonal flowers into unstructured but elegant ensembles. If you’re looking for something slightly out of the ordinary but utterly breathtaking, look no further.
Known for their unconventional approach, the team at The Botanist is well versed in creating floral arrangements that are perfectly balanced between wild and polished. From corporate to weddings and individual clients, there is no occasion that doesn’t benefit from The Botanist’s impressive and unique aesthetic.
Established in 1990, Flowers After Hours draws inspiration from the worlds of fashion and design to inform its stunning floral creations. From their colourful Parnell store, this team of talented florists lend their hands to an array of blooming beauties with the same degree of utmost passion every time.
As renowned for its striking wedding and event installations as it is for the more simple bouquets it creates out of its Ponsonby Central studio, Rose Tinted Flowers has long been a fixture on the Auckland florist scene. There, the team creates whimsical, sometimes surprising combinations that never fail to delight with their perfectly put-together palettes and eye-catching ensembles.
Kingsland-based Kensal Flower Studio was initially started out of the home of owner Liv Wakem, who, after demand quickly grew for her beautiful bouquets, opened her own studio space on the Kingsland high street (and has never looked back). There is a lovely femininity to Liv’s blooms and the careful way she assembles each bouquet, characterised by bright, uplifting colours and a kind of organised chaos that really draws the eye.
After setting up her own, dream operation in 2018, Georgie Malyon has made a name for herself as a florist with a particularly artistic and sculptural eye. Greenpoint’s bouquets stand out for their meticulous and moody arrangements, where bold colours and unique blooms are brought together in showstopping harmony.
Started by Brook Thompson, Brooklyn Flowers is one florist we know we can rely on if in need of a last-minute bouquet. Offering same-day and ‘urgent’ delivery options, this Ponsonby mainstay will endeavour to whip together a beautiful bouquet, even if you’ve left it to the very last minute (which, let’s be honest, happens a lot). Offering the kinds of flowers that really will brighten up someone’s day, Brooklyn has become a go-to of ours for a reason.
Specialising in flowers for corporate events and functions, although also known to deliver some seriously impressive bouquets too, when called on to do so, Flowers of Franklin is easily one of the best florists in Auckland and is highly sought-after for its creations that err on the side of subtle sophistication.
Creating whimsical and unique floral arrangements, Anna Dobson started Where Rosemary Grows after a life-long love for floristry. Now, she actually grows most of her own flowers in her small Auckland cutting garden and only sources when she has to from a select few local growers. Her beautiful blooms are grown without chemical sprays and only with natural fertilisers, and her aesthetic reflects the naturalism of her process — perfectly romantic for the day of love.
This florist has been a Parnell institution for well over 70 years. In fact, it is believed to be the oldest existing florist business in Auckland (and possibly, New Zealand). Having honed their craft over such a long and storied history, the tea, Cartier for Flowers certainly knows what they’re doing, whether it’s for a small, personal bouquet or a more significant event installation or wedding.
Offering a range of stunning, individually-created bouquets tailored to exactly what you might need, Vida Flores, helmed by Davina Prankerd, should be on everyone’s list of go-to florists. Its arrangements offer a slightly modern twist on traditional bouquets, with vibrant flowers that promise to brighten up anyone’s day.
Another name that specialises in wedding and event blooms (but shouldn’t be passed up for an individual bouquet, either) Floracentric is a contemporary floristry studio offering arrangements that are sleek and sophisticated while also feeling decidedly modern and grounded in the now, each artistically put together in what feels like a careful and purposeful way.
Known for her bouquets that are wild, and romantic and that truly showcase the beauty of each, individual flower, Nina Powierza has been working in this industry for over 30 years — and her expertise shows. Nina for Flowers is one of Auckland’s most beloved florists for its blooms that promise to turn heads and brighten any room.
Over the last year, there has been a raft of utterly indulgent (and highly popular) burger pop-ups that have taken Auckland’s dining scene by storm. Characterised by their nature of only being on for a good time, not a long one (and drawing frenzied crowds as a result) there’s a new burger offering in town that is taking a more permanent approach (thank goodness). Benny The Jet is the latest concept out of the kitchen of the ever-popular Williams Eatery, set to kick off tonight and run every Friday for the foreseeable future.
Benny The Jet was conceived as a no-fuss, burger pop-up, with Williams’ Founder Charles Williams telling me, the intention was simply to make really, really good burgers, “the best burger we possibly can,” he says. “With that in mind, only one burger [a cheeseburger] is on the menu.” Here, the burgers feature succulent, beef-brisket patties, layers of gooey, melty cheese and a few obligatory pickles. (Vegetarians needn’t worry, you will have the option of replacing the brisket patty with an Impossible one.)
The Cheeseburger
It’s not just a one-off, either. Williams explains that burger night will take place every Friday for the foreseeable future, accompanied by art exhibitions and live jazz — the latter inspired by the torch the owners still hold for places like Golden Dawn. Auckland jazz maestros Joe Kaptein and Finn Scholes will regularly appear, with plenty more to join as the days get longer and we roll into summer.
With Benny The Jet, they’ve also seized the opportunity to work with their longtime friend Petra Leary to produce an exhibition of her most recent coveted drone photography works around the store, all of which will be available for purchase and on display for the foreseeable future.
And if you’re not after a burger (you’re probably in the wrong place), Williams tells me that a couple of extra sides include ‘bougie’ chicken nuggets and plenty of desserts to go around too. His advice is to come hungry. Basically, it’s burgers, art and jazz from 4pm every Friday — sounds like knock-off plans are sorted.
Few brands capture the imagination of global ‘It’ girls like Celine. From its storied history to its renowned designer tenures to the way it evokes that effortlessly chic French style, Celine is the brand on everyone’s lips. Now, Celine has landed exclusively at Faradays (to shop in-store only) with its sought-after womenswear collection available to us here for the first time, alongside coveted bags, accessories and more.
When Hedi Slimane took the reins of Celine as its creative, artistic and image director, the historic brand was riding high on the legacy of his predecessor, the inimitable Phoebe Philo. Philo’s cult-followed contemporary womenswear balanced sleek, feminine silhouettes with wearable functionality in a way that really hadn’t been done before, and had crowned Celine the darling of fashion week, season after season.
But Slimane, being something of an iconoclast, kicked off his tenure at the brand with a bold reimagining. First, he returned the brand’s logo to a slightly modernised version of its original 1960s form by axing the accent. And he added menswear to the line-up, which was music to the ears of those who had followed Slimane’s pioneering career (from Yves Saint Laurent to Dior Homme, where the ‘Slimane Silhouette’ was born). His vision for Celine was androgynous and distinctly rock ‘n’ roll, but it was also a return to the brand’s origins and an indication of the understated elegance and timelessness that would sit at the heart of every collection. It is the execution of this vision that has, over the last few years, seen Celine grow so exponentially.
Slimane also (crucially) introduced two new bags that quickly ascended to house icon status — the Celine Triomphe (characterised by its insignia that looks like a double ‘C’ but that is actually taken from the chain that surrounds the Arc de Triomphe in Paris) and The 16 Bag, named after Celine’s Paris headquarters. Quickly canonised as bona fide ‘It’ pieces, each design saw Slimane temper chic, Parisian timelessness with just the right amount of distinctive branding, allowing anyone who carried them to feel as though they were part of an exclusive club — or, like one of the cool kids (a demographic over which Slimane has long presided).
Slimane’s initial changes at Celine ruffled feathers and drew criticism from those who saw his vision as a regression for the brand, but in time, his bold moves paid off. Now, Celine is more popular than ever, with its sales after Slimane’s recent AW23 show at The Wiltern Theatre in Los Angeles demonstrating how the brand has more than tripled its revenue since the designer took over (recently surpassing the two billion-Euro mark). And while Celine is certainly the brand of the moment, the clever ways in which its growth has been guided by Slimane has seen it retain and even evolve its luxury cachet.
Now, for the first time ever, Celine’s full womenswear offering of handbags, small leather goods, accessories, shoes and ready to wear will be available in New Zealand, exclusively from Faradays. It is a coup for the luxury, Parnell-based department store, who is adding Celine to an already-impressive stable of brands, including other LVMH favourites Loewe and Givenchy, as well as Alaïa, Gianvito Rossi and Alexandre Vauthier.
Celine at Faradays
The first buy will comprise womenswear pieces from Celine’s aforementioned AW23 collection Age of Indieness, shown at The Wiltern. There, Slimane paid homage to the indie movement of the early aughts, announcing its timely revival by melding his recognisable, glam-rock aesthetic with an effortlessly youthful but meticulously crafted vibe. It was indie-sleaze meets Celine heritage meets high-octane, 70s, LA glamour, all wrapped up with Slimane’s signature, nonchalant excellence. And as much as it was nostalgia (from the skinny jeans to the low-slung belts and layered waistcoats), it was also decidedly grounded in the now, marrying the kind of low-maintenance elegance we expect from the French with the kind of unapologetic luxury we associate with Los Angeles. Ultimately, it offered a contemporary uniform for cool girls who can throw on anything, and built on the brand’s already-significant reputation.
For Faradays’ Creative Director, Constance von Dadelszen, being the first in the country to offer Celine ready-to-wear is the realisation of a long-held dream. “As a lover of Celine from a young age, I was familiar with the backstory of the house and then became a customer during the famed Phoebe Philo era,” she explains. “There was a huge emphasis on our physical space when Celine was scoping Faradays as a potential partner, and we feel very humbled to have made the cut,” she says, crediting her store’s multi-award-winning, architecturally-stunning fit-out as part of the reason why Celine saw Faradays as the perfect home for the brand’s precious ready-to-wear. If you ask von Dadelszen, Slimane’s takeover has been a triumph for Celine, his unpretentious take on luxury ironically making his pieces more sought-after on the high-end market than ever. “Celine has incredibly strong iconography that hasn’t been thoroughly explored stylistically in the decades before Hedi arrived,” she tells me. “He has such a strength in this area… he takes elements from a brand’s archives, reimagines them and makes them deeply desirable.”
Celine at Faradays
Having just landed at Faradays, von Dadelszen’s first Celine buy was about marrying the brand’s core, signature styles with a few surprises. “Clients will find a wide range in store,” she explains, “from casual T-shirts, caps and sneakers through to fine evening attire.”
“Even though it’s a fashion house that brings out multiple collections a year, nothing is overly ‘trendy’”, von Dadelszen continues. “You’ll buy a piece of Celine and you’ll wear it, rather than it wearing you, and you’ll notice yourself returning to it season after season, year after year. The logos whisper, rather than roar, which is hard to achieve in the luxury industry, and the quality is deserving of the price tag.”
There is no reason why men should spend less time on their grooming regimens than women do and there are a raft of products specifically targeted at men that prove it. From those designed to deliver a glowing visage, to must-haves for meticulous beard maintenance, these essential products should be on your bathroom shelf.
Skincare
Elevate your daily grooming game with a single powerhouse product that brightens, resurfaces, renews, tightens, evens out and protects your complexion. These clean and high-performance formulas are specifically crafted to optimise your bathroom routine while delivering outstanding results.
Augustinus Bader The Retinol Serum from Spring Store
Tools
Not only does LED light therapy offer cosmetic benefits, but it has also been shown to positively impact your mood, stress levels and sleep quality. The red light promotes collagen production, the near-infrared light stimulates cellular healing, and the blue light destroys acne-causing bacteria, all essential for a better life. Whether you’re looking for something discreet to pop in your dopp, a full face mask that can untertake the ritual in just minutes, or an all-in-one tool that brings in massage therapy too, these are the go-to tools of the moment.
Regardless of your grooming style, these formulas will condition and moisturise your hairs while providing a subtle definition and a shiny finish, while this luxurious shaving set is an upgrade that every bathroom needs.
When the weekend rolls around, we are confronted once again with the question of how on Earth to keep our kids entertained — particularly over winter. So, in a bid to help you find the perfect activities to while away a weekend afternoon, with your children in tow, we have rounded up some of the best entertainment venues in Auckland; the ideal spots for little ones to exert some energy (and some you might actually enjoy, too).
This entertainment emporium is designed for hours of fun-filled activities with over 65 gaming machines, bumper cart lanes, a bowling alley and an American-style diner. While a bar opens in the evening for adults, during the day the bright, spinning lights of Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq is a child-friendly space for all to enjoy. Book in for the upcoming silly season, and you can soon unleash your inner child as your family gets to feel the excitement of going head-to-head in air hockey or hoops.
As a cultural leader in New Zealand, the Auckland Art Gallery is a catalyst for ideas. Its educational programmes for children of all ages ensure they can engage each stage of the next generation of bright minds. The Creative Learning Centre and the Gallery Games, in particular, help young ones relate to the art around them.
The Auckland War Memorial Museum is one of New Zealand’s first Museums, telling the story of us within its impressive neo-classical columns. Broaden young minds with its innovative educational experiences, including inclusive exhibitions and activity programmes. Situated in the Domain, there are also excellent hills to roll down during a lunch break.
A great place to take the kids any day, MOTAT offers something for everyone (and kids of all ages) thanks to its rotating programme of fun and educational activities and permanent exhibits. As perfect for kids who want to see huge planes, trains and cars up close as it is for more creatively-minded kids, who would rather spend their time doing things like MOTAT’s Squish! Bang! Splat! (happening on Sunday the 3rd of September and offering a range of fun activities including water balloon fights, bottle rocket launchers, the Slime Zone, playdough station, squish art and so much more), this destination promises a day that you and your children will love.
For adventurous, energetic kids, Jump is the ultimate destination. With activities that are (as the name suggests) based around each centre’s wall-to-wall trampolines, the Jump complexes offer dodgeball courts, foam pits, trapeze and monkey bars, a super tramp, a parkour area, trampoline basketball lanes, a ninja warrior course and more. Designed for hours of fun, Jump is somewhere your children will absolutely love.
At this world-class, multi-faceted children’s entertainment venue, children will be delighted by live theatre, film studios, extensive playgrounds, fun activities and more, while parents can find a moment of reprieve at The Grounds, a delicious eatery set within the Whoa! Studios compound. This is one for the whole family.
Left: Butterfly House at Butterfly Creek Right: Penguins at Kelly Tarlton’s
Get up close and personal with a range of beautiful animals at Butterfly Creek. Not only will you and your children get to encounter exquisite butterflies in the Tropical Butterfly House, but you will be able to also see cheeky monkeys, meerkats, and otters at the Buttermilk Farm. There, kids can also take a ride on the farm’s train while parents enjoy some refreshments in the on-site cafe.
This classic venue will likely already be on every parent’s list but just as a refresher, Kelly Tarlton’s offers just about the best opportunity in Auckland for kids to experience the wonders of the ocean, up close. From its iconic shark tunnel to its colony of sub-Arctic penguins (the only one in New Zealand), this is the perfect place to pass some time.
Navigate your way around a range of obstacles and zip lines suspended through tree-tops at Tree Adventures, Auckland’s home of high-flying adventures. With courses and adventures catering to kids from five and older, this heart-racing course is a great option for when you want to add something completely different to the weekend agenda (and is an experience your children won’t soon forget).
For a day of mini-golf with a twist, head to Holey Moley, a putt-putt course in Viaduct Harbour that has turned the time-honoured game into a multi-faceted, colourful labyrinth of unique holes. Promising to keep you and your playing companions on your toes, this course is the perfect excuse for some friendly competition. Plus, for parents, there is a full-service bar on site serving up delicious cocktails. Win-win, we say.
If you have kids with energy to burn, take them for a wall-scaling session at Clip ‘N Climb. This indoor complex offers a range of climbing walls (from beginner to pro) that will challenge and thrill them, and get them well-and-truly tired out. Also a great option for kids birthday parties.
Filled with over 8,000 square metres of real snow, Snowplanet is New Zealand’s only indoor snow park and will transport your children to another world. Offering plenty of space for skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing and more, as well as a restaurant in which to recharge between runs, this incredible place should be added to the agenda immediately.
Another dedicated trampoline park, this one with over 1,000 square metres of purpose-built trampolines, Gravity will provide hours of fun and energy-burning activities. Running their standard jump sessions every hour, and with barista-made coffee on site for onlooking parents, this is another great option for a weekend activity.
For kids who love to throw themselves into physical activities, the circus classes at Flip ‘N Fly are a must-do. There, they will learn circus skills including trapeze, lyra, tumbling handstands, juggling, hula hoops, manipulation skills, trampoline and much, much more. Not only is this good for developing hand-eye coordination, but it also helps kids to build on their teamwork skills and meet new friends. Beginner classes start at five years old, while more advanced classes run for children ages eight and over.
At this indoor party and play centre you’ll find a range of delightfully-fun activities suitable for kids from babies to 11 years old. With slides, ball pits, tunnels, jungle gyms and more, My Wonderland has become a very popular place for birthday parties and will keep kids entertained for hours.
Another indoor play centre that has become a fast favourite, is Magic Loft, offering a wide variety of areas that include long slides, obstacle courses, ball pits, swings, see-saws, tunnels and much much more. This will keep your wee ones very thoroughly entertained (and leave them perfectly tuckered out).
As New Zealand’s largest Virtual Reality Entertainment Centre, VR Room allows visitors to explore fantastical worlds or embark on pulse-racing adventures via games that are geared for entertainment, adventure, learning or development. With activities designed for beginners and those with more experience in the VR world, this innovative hub provides equipment, games and content suitable for a range of levels: individual players, two-to-six multiplayer groups, and some just for kids. It also can be booked for birthday parties for anywhere between eight and 30 people.
Escape the city for a rural experience at the very charming Kiwi Valley Farm Park. There, you’ll discover a nursery shed filled with cute baby animals, a maze filled with hidden caves, horse and pony rides for kids, tractor rides right up to the farm’s top paddocks to see views of the Sky Tower, Rangitoto Island and more animals, a farm walk on which you can feed ducks, goats, chickens, donkeys, sheep and alpacas, as well as a playground, sandpit and cafe.
Heat has been used as a healing tool for centuries, with the earliest concepts of saunas dating back to Northern European villages in 2000 BC. With mounting evidence indicating hot therapy can detox the body, assist in weight management and boost the metabolism, accelerate recovery and healing and increase blood flow,who are we to refute its prowess? (Especially in wintry temperatures like these.) It is a philosophy long-pioneered by one of Auckland’s most luxurious spas, East Day Spa, where a series of warming treatments are designed to give us that restorative boost we so crave at this time of year. Here are three of our favourites.
Infrared Sauna
One of the latest additions to East Day Spa’s stable is its new Clearlight Infrared Saunas, which allow you to either arrive for a solo session or add it to one of your other treatments to extend your wellbeing experience. These sublime spaces provide a personal sanctuary where clients can bask in warmth and comfort. The healing infrared light penetrates the body, removing toxins, relieving muscle pain, boosting metabolism, alleviating joint stiffness, improving skin health, and even diminishing the appearance of cellulite. Whether you enjoy this serene space alone or with a friend, the saunas promise a transformative, warming experience.
Hot Stone Massage
We’re very well acquainted with East Day Spa’s famous Hot Stone Massage — an utterly indulgent experience that promotes relaxation through added warmth. In this 75-minute treatment, heated volcanic stones are used to glide over the body for a warm and soothing massage combined with energy-balancing techniques that guide you into the most profound state of relaxation. You can quite literally feel the heat melting any tension away; it’s nothing short of bliss.
The Tepidarium
The Tepidarium is a purpose-built warm relaxation room that almost oozes bliss. Five Italian stone-heated loungers emit a radiant, gentle heat designed to gently melt away muscle tension and encourage the mind to unwind. It is the perfect space to surrender your body to complete relaxation, whether before or after a treatment or simply as a peaceful vacation from the outside world. Sessions in the East Tepidarium can be enjoyed for as little as 30 minutes, accommodating a maximum of five people per session for an intimate and exclusive experience.
It’s been a swift threemonths since Cassia re-opened, the team taking the challenges of their former, underground setting in their stride, and setting up a new iteration of Cassia within the SkyCity precinct. We’ve long been fans of Sid and Chand Sahrawat’s modern Indian offering, but at this new address, we’d argue that this is Cassia at its very best.
Of course, this is something the most loyal followers of the restaurant will know well — having likely already nabbed themselves a booking or two at the new destination. But for those yet to find an excuse to visit (or perhaps a coveted reservation), the new lunch menu offering is just the push you need.
Left: Tandoori Chicken Taco Right: Pani Puri
Available Friday through Sunday, Cassia’s incredible new three-course lunch menu highlights the restaurant’s famous culinary prowess. To begin, all diners can snack on two of Cassia’s most beloved starters; crispy pani puri, with its traditional accompaniments of potato, chickpea and mint, alongside the more modern tandoori chicken taco — a new fusion addition for the new address.
To follow, diners have the choice of four mains, each as delicious as the next. Here you’ll have to make the challenging and all-important decision between mushroom with green chilli and truffle, lamb seekh served with spinach and mushroom, market fish with kerala and curry leaf, or tandoori chicken with lababdar and radish. All are, of course, served with garlic naan and basmati rice. (Essential vehicles for enhancing all the flavour of the mains.) At a mere $58 per person, this menu is as perfect for a simple lunch catch-up as it is for a more planned affair with friends. And to finish? A serving of Cassia’s famed tropical sorbet with coconut and lychee. A menu we could hardly fault.
When tasked with creating an urban oasis on a small, square block of land in a densely populated area, Madeleine Blanchfield Architects decided to think outside the box. In fact, the talented team did away with the idea of a box altogether, creating a clever, architectural marvel that seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor spaces with a constant flow. Nine Square Bondi is a house that connects with its street and community while maintaining privacy, and not compromising on the clients’ desire for a home that reflected their artistic sensibilities and worked for a growing family.
Featuring the 9000 sofa by Tito Agnoli for Arflex from Studio Italia, Matéria side table by Christian Haas for ClassiCon from Matisse
The main goal of the project was to achieve a seamless flow, creating a space where the terrace, when its sliding doors were open, would feel so connected to the living and kitchen areas that it all felt like one expansive room. By incorporating windows and doors that slid into pockets, the main living space exudes the breezy vibe of an open balcony, blurring the lines between interior and exterior in a way that feels very fitting for the beachside area. Here, there is a sense of space, freedom and connection with nature that sets this residence apart, where the team at Madeleine Blanchfield Architects has engaged in some spatial wizardry, mitigating the small size of the site with a considered architectural approach.
Inside the house, the understated but impactful kitchen is anchored by a large, geometric slab of marble with a rich, moody patina and pixel-like cutouts. The unique tile splashback, serving both practical and aesthetic purposes, evolves into a statement piece of functional art, adding a touch of all-important personality to the space.
Right image: features the 9000 sofa by Tito Agnoli for Arflex from Studio Italia, Stasis floor lamp by Studiojos & Haller Storage sideboard by USM from ECC
When it came time to dress the interior, the client’s personal art and furnishings collection — a subtly quirky and eclectic affair — was the inspiration, resulting in a mix of showstopping and subtle pieces that marry versatility with contemporary luxury. In the living room, a sleek USM Haller file credenza makes a stylish and practical storage solution, while in the centre of the space, a pair of matching, curvaceous Arflex 9000 sofas promise to adapt to any mood or intention. This colourful and playful collection of art, furniture and heirlooms creates a unique, connected and engaging atmosphere.
Just as the boundaries between inside and outside blur, so too do the lines between definitive, aesthetic markers, where the transparency of the design feels deeply connected to the open and breezy spirit of Bondi, but the heavy concrete base draws inspiration from Brazilian Brutalist structures, housing the bedrooms and a single garage. The lighter, sprawling architecture on the top floor offers hints of Los Angeles and diminishes the bulk of the dwelling, adding an intriguing semi-private layer, which serves as a light and laid-back haven. From Bondi to South America, Asia to LA, this is a home that aptly reflects the globe-trotting lives of its inhabitants (who had recently relocated from Hong Kong).
Unsurprisingly, Nine Square Bondi has garnered international recognition and acclaim, and was shortlisted for this year’s Australian Interior Design Awards. After all, from its transformable layout to its quirky but undeniably appealing interior finishes and the ways in which it nestles seamlessly into its surroundings, this residence puts a wholly unique spin on the idea of an urban, beachside, family dwelling.
While there are always birthdays, graduations, anniversaries and a number of milestones to celebrate with cake, freedom is the realisation that there actually doesn’t have to be any celebration on the horizon to indulge in a slice of cake. That said, Auckland is blessed with a v variety of cakeries and clever pastry chefs who are offering the kinds of cakes we would order with or without an excuse. Whether you have an occasion to mark or not, these are the best cakes in Auckland.
Inspired by the sweet treats created for him by his gran and aunt, Park Hyatt Auckland’s Executive Pastry Chef, Callum Liddicoat has dreamt up a way to bring The Pantry’s famous afternoon tea directly to your doorstep. Perfect for any occasion, The Pantry’s cake range includes two-layer celebrations cakes decadently filled to the brim with ganache or buttercream as well as fuss-free staple cakes in a delicious range of flavours such as honey burnt butter and thyme, and sticky date and banana.
Looking as though they’ve leapt straight out of our parent’s 1970s wedding album, Zi’s ornate retro-inspired masterpieces have quickly become the must-have cake for each and every special occasion. Available in a variety of insanely delicious flavours including chocolate salted caramel and matcha strawberry, Zi’s spots are snapped up quickly so we recommend ordering well in advance to avoid missing out.
If it’s a satiating and beautifully-decorated cake that you seek, look no further than Mint Cakery. Skilfully made by Michelle Morfett, who offers a number of crowd-pleasing flavours such as blackberry blondie and dark chocolate pear and salted caramel, it’s easy to see why these cakes are some of the best in Auckland.
Jordan Rondel’s The Caker, has become something of an Auckland icon, which means that it was all the more heartbreaking to hear of the imminent closure of its K’ Road bakery — the spot where Rondel launched her now-global brand and the place on which most of us have relied for every birthday, graduation and milestone celebration. “It’s heartbreaking to say this part of The Caker journey is coming to an end,” Rondel said on her Instagram, “but change opens doors to innovation and fresh possibilities, and I am confident that with more space in my brain, my future endeavours will bring even more value to you, my amazing Caker community.” Despite the fact that the popular The Caker kits will still be available for us to buy from the supermarket, the celebration cakes won’t be from Sunday the 3rd of September. So, we advise getting your final orders in over the next couple of weeks (Rondel says she will be releasing a raft of final flavours and iconic, end-of-era cakes) to ensure that The Caker goes out with a bang.
Amano’s bakery is a favourite amongst Auckland locals and visitors alike. And while the freshly-baked bread, doughnuts and sandwiches here have become go-to staples for anyone seeking something delicious in Britomart, it’s Amano’s decadent cakes that we have come to rely on for all our celebrations. Available to order online, flavours range from lemon meringue and classic carrot to basque cheesecake and Valhrona double chocolate.
Now operating out of her latest endeavour, Burnt Butter Diner, pastry chef Claudia Long’s exceptional cake service Sweet Cheeks produces some of the tastiest cakes and some of the most sought-after cakes in town. (Case in point, her orders are already booked out until October 2023.) No wonder, really, with flavours like burnt butter and dulce de leche, passionfruit and miso, salted dark chocolate, hazelnut with sour plum and so many more.
Not only a humming café, Catroux is also renowned for its event catering — and cakes. Whether you’re a fan of citrus flavours or decadent banana and caramel; classic carrot, chocolate or red velvet, Catroux’s cakes are special without being over the top and are available in a variety of crowd-pleasing sizes.
While your intention to recreate a Woman’s Weekly masterpiece is admirable, why not leave it up to these experts? Noughts and Crosses fanciful designs are bound to capture the imaginations of both big and little birthday people.
If you or someone you are celebrating (or hosting, for that matter), is vegan look no further than Little Bird’s selection of indulgent and entirely plant-based cakes for your next occasion. Offering flavours like tiramisu and chocolate cheesecake, these mouthwatering desserts are creamy and decadent while also feeling like a slightly less sinful iteration of their conventional counterparts and are certainly delicious enough to keep everyone at the party happy (vegan or not).
Known for their crafty and hyper-realistic cakes (fried chicken bucket, anyone?), K Cake is an essential contact to have for any themed party or other apt celebration. Cakes here are sweet and sumptuous, as they should be, coming in more than 10 different flavours. Chocolate raspberry is a reliable favourite — but there’s something so addictive about the lemon elderflower flavour too.
Specialising in the kind of cute and decidedly pink cakes from the days of yore, From Sugar’s sweet treats are certainly some of the most delicious. We love their ‘lunch box’ size cakes too, which supposedly serve 2-4 — they’re just perfect for those more intimate affairs.
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