Ayrburn is the place to be this summer, here’s every event you need on your radar

As summer beckons, the urge to journey south and settle into our beloved Arrowtown address grows stronger. Once a humble farm, Ayrburn is now a vibrant hospitality precinct full of character, quickly earning its place as the South Island’s most enchanting summer destination.

Perhaps you’ll be drawn to The Barrel Room, where 56 ageing wine barrels and a grand piano set the scene, or to The Woolshed for a lively bistro feast. The Manure Room, name aside, tempts visitors with wine flights and shared plates, while The Dell invites you to lawn games, live music, and the much-anticipated second annual Ayrburn Classic. Maybe Billy’s will win you over, serving modern Chinese cuisine in a setting that blends vintage charm with innovative flair. Whatever your mood, Ayrburn has a corner for everyone.

Here’s our definitive guide to what’s happening at Ayrburn this summer — events that deserve a spot on your radar, in case you need a little extra encouragement to visit.

Ayrburn Christmas Markets

When & Where: Saturday, December 6th and Sunday, December 7th

Get ready for a dose of festive magic as the Ayrburn Christmas Markets return on December 6th and 7th. Step into a wonderland of local vendors, delicious treats, and family fun, all wrapped up in holiday spirit. Mark your calendar and watch for upcoming details on how to join the festivities.

The Vintners Bar

Whiskey Flights in The Vintners Bar

When & Where: 11:30 am, 7 days a week, The Vintners Bar

Indulge your inner whiskey enthusiast or treat a friend to Ayrburn’s Whiskey Flights. Enjoy a curated selection from storied Irish and Central Otago distilleries, paired with gourmet chocolate. Relax in the inviting Vintner’s Bar and savour each sip at your own pace — no reservations needed. Available daily from 11:30 am.

The bakehouse

Happy Hour in the Bakehouse

When & Where: Daily, 4 pm – 6 pm

Step into the Bakehouse, where golden hour at the precinct glows. Here, guests can savour Ayrburn’s standout house wines for just $12 a pour, each sip capturing the essence of the estate. If a refreshing beer is more your style, tap brews are yours for $10, while the Aperol Spritz ($15) serves as an ideal summer aperitivo. When the afternoon calls for something a little more energising, the Espresso Martini ($15) delivers a spirited kick to elevate your mood.

The Barrel Room Jazz Club

When & Where: Friday, November 28th and Friday, December 19th, The Barrel Room

Let the smooth sounds of jazz take hold at The Barrel Room, Ayrburn’s own jazz club, where live music is accompanied by exquisite local dining. Settle in for an unforgettable performance, your favourite Ayrburn pour in hand, and a sumptuous two-course menu. Reserve your table for the whole experience, or drop by to soak up the music or graze at the bar. Mark your calendar for performances by Evangeline on November 28th and Harriet on December 19th.

Billy’s

Long Lunches at Billy’s

When & Where: Daily, Billy’s

Situated within the Conservatory and the Homestead, Billy’s is quickly claiming its place as Queenstown’s go-to spot for unforgettable long lunches. Work your way through a menu of seasonal cocktails and delectable shared plates, soaking up an atmosphere that invites you to linger all afternoon. For those craving a touch of indulgence, ‘A Bump with Billy’ awaits: the venue’s exclusive caviar experience. Begin your feast with a 30ml pour of Billy’s signature Infinite Wisdom cocktail, then delight in a toasted sesame washed rum served alongside a decadent bump of Imperial Oscietra Caviar. Pure culinary bliss.

The Dell

Th’ Dudes, Mockers, and Stellar* Live on The Dell

When & Where: Saturday, January 3rd, The Dell

Enjoy three of the country’s most beloved bands for a one-of-a-kind summer showcase. On Saturday, January 3rd, Th’ Dudes, Mockers, and Stellar* will take over The Dell at Ayrburn for what promises to be an unforgettable night of homegrown music, connection, and conviviality.

The Ayrburn Classic

The Ayrburn Classic 2026

When & Where: Saturday, February 20th, The Dell

On Saturday, February 20th, more than 250 exceptional vehicles will pull into the precinct, expanding on last year’s resounding success. Book your tickets now to see the lawns gleam with mid-century American icons, post-war British masterpieces, rare vintage treasures, and contemporary supercars across nine remarkable feature classes. Join both seasoned collectors and newcomers for the engaging 2026 programme — tickets available here.

Billy’s

New Year’s Eve at Billy’s

When & Where: Wednesday, December 31st, Billy’s

There’s no better place to welcome the new year than at Billy’s. Start your evening with a lavish New Year’s Eve Banquet, then make your way to The Bakehouse for live music and a countdown you won’t soon forget. Be sure to secure your spot early — tables are in high demand.

ayrburn.com

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The groundbreaking Oxygen Treatment proven to slow ageing — now available in New Zealand

A long-standing secret weapon of professional athletes, divers and high-performance medical specialists, hyperbaric oxygen therapy is now entering the mainstream, and it may well be one of the most effective longevity tools available today. Auckland Hyperbarics, one of the first dedicated clinics of its kind in the country, is introducing this globally recognised treatment to anyone ready to take a more proactive, data-driven approach to their wellbeing.

At its core, the protocol is elegantly simple: you sit comfortably in a spacious, pressurised chamber for about an hour, breathing 100 per cent oxygen. The experience is calm, not clinical, a moment to pause while your body undertakes a deep biological reset. Under these conditions, oxygen dissolves directly into your blood plasma, allowing it to reach areas of the body that are often undersupplied in everyday life. This enhanced oxygenation triggers a series of regenerative processes, including tissue repair, stimulation of collagen and stem cell production, improved circulation, and reduced inflammation at the cellular level.

While hospitals have used hyperbaric therapy for decades to treat serious wounds and decompression illness, its benefits for everyday health are now backed by impressive scientific evidence. Studies have shown that consistent exposure to hyperbaric oxygen can increase the length of telomeres (the protective ends of our DNA and a biomarker strongly associated with slowing the ageing process) by over twenty per cent. It can also reduce senescent or ‘zombie’ cells, which accumulate as we age and contribute to inflammation, fatigue and disease risk. In simpler terms, it helps the body behave as if it’s younger, allowing it to repair itself more efficiently and perform with greater vitality.

The long-term effects are significant: sharper cognitive function, deeper sleep, faster recovery from exercise, improved skin tone and elasticity, and a general lift in energy and focus that feels both immediate and sustained. By saturating the bloodstream with oxygen, the therapy enhances mitochondrial performance (the energy powerhouses within our cells), meaning every organ, muscle, and system operates with more efficiency. For anyone looking to extend their health span, not just their lifespan, the implications are remarkable.

“ What makes Auckland Hyperbarics particularly exciting is how accessible it has made this once-exclusive treatment available to anyone looking to feel sharper, stronger and more resilient.”

A typical program involves regular sessions, ideally three to five per week over several weeks, to build momentum and activate lasting physiological change. Each session lasts around sixty to ninety minutes, during which you can read, meditate or simply rest. It’s restorative in every sense, offering both measurable biological benefits and an almost meditative escape from the relentless pace of daily life.

What makes Auckland Hyperbarics particularly exciting is how accessible it has made this once-exclusive treatment. This is no longer the domain of Olympic teams or longevity labs in Los Angeles. It’s here, available to anyone looking to feel sharper, stronger and more resilient.

There’s something profoundly satisfying about a therapy that asks so little of you, yet delivers so much. It doesn’t rely on supplements, restrictive diets or willpower, just oxygen, time, and a willingness to invest in the future of your own biology. In an age where we often feel overextended and under-recovered, this might just be the most intelligent form of self-care there is.

auckland-hyperbarics.co.nz

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Host like a seasoned pro with Sambonet’s new Sphera Bar Collection

Hosting at home becomes an experience to remember with Sambonet, the storied Italian brand that blends elegance with everyday practicality. The Sphera Bar Collection transforms any gathering with its striking, sculptural shapes and thoughtful details. Whether you’re hosting loved ones for a festive feast this Christmas or searching for an heirloom-worthy gift for your resident culinary enthusiast, Sambonet’s latest creations promise to impress.

At the centre of the collection, the Insulated Ice Bucket and Wine Cooler redefine classic barware. With seamless curves and mirror-finish stainless steel, both lend a sense of modern glamour. They catch the light in a way that feels both architectural and effortlessly chic, transforming tired tablescapes into elevated masterpieces. Yet beneath the elegance is pure functional form. Each piece is engineered to maintain optimal temperature, ensuring that every pour — from a chilled glass of sauvignon blanc to the perfect dirty martini — tastes just as balanced as it looks.

Sambonet Sphera Bar Insulated Ice Bucket from Studio of Tableware
Sambonet Sphera Stainless Steel Tray 32cm from Studio of Tableware
Sambonet Sphera Cocktail Shaker from Studio of Tableware
Sambonet Sphera Bar Wine Cooler from Studio of Tableware

Whether on show for casual drinks with friends or styled on a curated bar cart, Sambonet’s new Sphera Collection cleverly blurs the line between functional object and sculptural centrepiece. They bring ceremony to the everyday rituals of mixing, chilling, and serving. For the host who truly appreciates design-led entertaining, the design-forward new range reaffirms that true sophistication lies in the details. With Sambonet, those details are nothing short of exceptional.

thestudio.co.nz

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Van Cleef & Arpels introduces Flowerlace, an enduring celebration of the floral motif

Captivated by nature’s timeless allure, Van Cleef & Arpels invites you once again into its inspired garden with the enchanting Flowerlace collection. The Maison reveals exquisite new jewellery and watches that capture the poetry of flowers in radiant designs, each piece a testament to Van Cleef & Arpels’ mastery of gemstones and artistry. Flowers, a wellspring of inspiration since the Maison’s founding, have flourished in countless forms, each crafted with techniques that celebrate its High Jewellery legacy.

Flowerlace Between the Finger ring from Van Cleef & Arpels
Flowerlace clip pendant from Van Cleef & Arpels
Flowerlace ring from Van Cleef & Arpels
Flowerlace earrings from Van Cleef & Arpels

Combining the radiance of yellow gold with the sparkle of diamonds, each piece’s petals shine with intensity, as if bathed in natural sunlight. The lines that form an elegantly rounded flower evoke the fluidity of ribbon, heralding another enduring Van Cleef & Arpels theme, couture.

Five creations come to life in this sought-after new collection: a ring, a Between the Finger ring, a pair of earrings, a pendant, and a versatile clip pendant that adapts to your style. To breathe life into each piece, the Maison’s artisans blend their expertise, beginning with the ancient art of lost-wax casting. Sculpted in wax, each motif is reborn in molten gold, carefully shaped, adorned with precious stones, and finally, polished to a luminous finish.

Flowerlace pendant from Van Cleef & Arpels
Flowerlace ring from Van Cleef & Arpels
Flowerlace earrings from Van Cleef & Arpels
Flowerlace necklace from Van Cleef & Arpels

These latest masterpieces pay homage to the iconic Silhouette clips of the late 1930s, when Van Cleef & Arpels reinterpreted flowers with the sleek sophistication of Art Deco. Fine gold threads outline each blossom, their forms animated by the dance of sparkling stones and shifting light. The ribbon motif, a signature woven through the Maison’s history, honours the timeless connection between fashion, art, and jewellery.

The newly minted Flowerlace pieces herald the eponymous High Jewellery collection, which also combines nature with couture. Created in 2007, it presents a dialogue between white gold and diamonds with timeless, enduring appeal.

Flowerlace is both a tribute to nature’s boundless muse and a salute to the Maison’s rich legacy, honouring Van Cleef & Arpels’ illustrious past while inspiring its future.

vancleefarpels.com

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Meet OYF, the holistic Pilates studio diving deeper into restorative wellness

At OYF Remuera, Pilates meets far infrared (FIR) heat to create a uniquely restorative fitness experience. Founded by Nera Fernando, the studio blends movement with holistic wellness in an environment designed to nourish both body and mind.

“I wanted to build a space that made people feel elevated the moment they walked in,” says Fernando. “OYF is more than a fitness studio — it’s a sanctuary.” With soft lighting, welcoming staff, and a strong sense of community, the vibe is intentionally grounding. But the heat is where the magic happens.

Nera Fernando 

“Our classes are held in far infrared (FIR) heated rooms,” explains Fernando. “Unlike traditional heat, FIR penetrates deeper, helping with detoxification, circulation, pain relief and inflammation. It also calms the nervous system — so you leave feeling energised, not depleted.”

Fernando was inspired to bring OYF to Auckland after experiencing its transformative effects while in Canada. “It combined everything I was looking for — intelligent movement, genuine community, and a focus on wellbeing.”

Alongside Pilates, OYF offers heated yoga, strength classes, and a full calendar of wellness workshops. “Our events are designed to deepen understanding and create connection. Whether it’s postnatal recovery or hydration education, it all feeds into a more holistic practice.”

Fernando believes movement is a powerful re-entry point for anyone feeling burnt out or disconnected, “People think self-care is indulgent. It’s not. It’s essential. When you prioritise yourself, you show up better for everyone else.”

Her current go-to? “Tone & Sculpt. It uses resistance bands and weighted bars in a heated space. It’s dynamic, effective, and leaves you glowing.”

With new reformer classes launching soon in Ōrākei and plans to expand across Auckland, OYF is just getting started. “Our mission is to build a wellness network that’s inclusive, empowering, and deeply connected to the community.”

oyf.fit

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Get party season ready with these need-to-know tips

From tanning-friendly hair removal methods to unleashing the charming conversationalist within, here are the pointers poised to prepare you for the forthcoming festivities.

Prime with a peel

Ideal for those who may have left it a little late, with an extensive range of peels on offer to suit every skin type and concern, a peel is the best way to achieve a glowing visage quickly. Using clinically proven next-generation retinols, L-lactic acid, AHAs, BHAs, and other anti-ageing ingredients, peels exfoliate, detoxify and stimulate cellular turnover and collagen production. Think of them as ‘medi facials’. For discreet efficacy, you can even surrender your skin to the non-invasive powers of a peel on the day of your soirée, and be ready to put your best face forward by sundown.

Don’t forget to hydrate

While knocking back electrolytes is quite likely already a habit of yours, you’d be wise to pay special attention to your water intake when there’s the prospect of a late night ahead. Why? It’s all too easy to lose track of how many beverages you’ve imbibed throughout the evening, but by ensuring you’re well hydrated beforehand, you can soften the blow of the monster hangover in your future. For an extra defence against the dreaded morning after, consider Seoul Tonic, the drink designed to be drunk before drinking.

Think of three things

Specifically, three positive things you did this year in preparation for the age-old question destined to make an appearance in polite conversation: “So, what have you been up to?” Ideally, aim for noteworthy endeavours outside of work. Everything from how you’ve been training for your first ultramarathon, to your new passion for seeking out and reviewing the city’s best matcha will be better than saying ‘same old, same old’ — lord knows we’re all too familiar with the conversation-killing abilities of such a statement.

Sugar then spray

You’re probably well aware that after a session at the waxers, spray tanning is a no-no for at least the next 24 hours. Alas, wait time isn’t an issue after the ancient Middle Eastern hair removal practice known as sugaring. Done via a natural paste or gel made from ingredients like sugar, water, lemon juice, and sometimes honey, salt and essential oils, many find the process less painful than waxing. Naturally, this translates into less irritation, which means once you’re done, you can go ahead and get your glow on, no wait time necessary.

Eat something

Because you know — from snippets your friends have regaled — what happens when you don’t. The key is to choose the right foods that also take into account the outfit you have in mind. Give dairy (known for its bloating effects) a miss and opt for oat milk in your coffee instead. Potassium-rich foods like bananas or sweet potatoes are good too, as they help fight bloat while keeping you satiated without feeling heavy. When in doubt, opt for lean proteins like chicken, which are less likely to lead to grazing on sugary stuff later.

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Van Cleef & Arpels’ Lucky Spring Collection is a wearable celebration of nature

For Van Cleef & Arpels, spring has always been a moment of renewal. It is a time when nature’s quiet poetry takes form in precious materials. The Maison’s Lucky Spring collection captures this sentiment with exquisite finesse, artfully intertwining symbols of nature and luck in a celebration of lightness and optimism.

Lucky Spring long necklace, 15 motifs from
Van Cleef & Arpels
Lucky Spring clip from
Van Cleef & Arpels
Lucky Spring bracelet, open wings ladybug from
Van Cleef & Arpels
Lucky Spring pendant, plum blossom from
Van Cleef & Arpels
Lucky Spring bracelet, plum blossom from
Van Cleef & Arpels
Lucky Spring earrings, plum blossom from
Van Cleef & Arpels
Lucky Spring bracelet, 5 motifs from
Van Cleef & Arpels
Lucky Spring Between the Finger ring from
Van Cleef & Arpels

Delicate ladybirds, blossoms, flora and fauna come to life in rose gold, white mother-of-pearl, onyx, and carnelian. Each detail is a tribute to the grace of awakening nature. Steeped in symbolism, these creations offer more than adornment — they are wearable charms of good fortune, imbued with the Van Cleef & Arpels’ inimitable craftsmanship.

Adding to this sense of joyful renewal is the artistry of Alexandre Benjamin Navet. Through vivid illustrations, Navet infuses the season with painterly energy. His floral motifs, rendered in bold hues and soft lines, echo the warmth and vibrancy of Lucky Spring, serving as a dialogue between fine art and high jewellery that feels distinctly of the moment — radiant, romantic, and full of possibility.

vancleefarpels.com

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Meet Commonwealth Vault, the modern fortress safeguarding your data and your wealth

As the world shifts towards digital investment and cryptocurrency, one crucial question continues to challenge even the most tech-savvy investor. Where do you safely store the information that underpins your wealth? Passwords, seed phrases, and recovery codes are often scattered across devices or scribbled on slips of paper, far from the level of protection they deserve.

Enter Commonwealth Vault, a state-of-the-art facility at 30 Hargreaves Street in Central Auckland that redefines the concept of security for the modern age. Purpose-built beneath ground level, the vault houses thousands of safe deposit boxes protected by layers of advanced defence, from biometric face and fingerprint recognition with 24/7 surveillance, motion sensors, and on-site guards monitoring from a bulletproof control room. Its three-tonne steel door and reinforced concrete construction are complemented by undisclosed security measures known only to a select few, ensuring absolute confidentiality and peace of mind.

Designed for a new generation of investors, Commonwealth Vault also offers digital cold storage for cryptocurrency data, providing a secure, offline solution for passwords and recovery phrases in accordance with global best practice. Alongside this, it offers an elegant answer for those seeking to safeguard jewellery, heirlooms, bullion, documents, or any item too precious to leave at home.

Adding to its comprehensive services, Commonwealth Vault also facilitates the buying and selling of bullion on-site. Clients can purchase or sell precious metals securely within the facility, depositing their holdings straight into their personal safe deposit box without the bullion ever leaving the premises, offering an unmatched level of convenience and security.

Importantly, this level of protection is remarkably accessible. Safe deposit boxes can be rented annually, with small boxes starting from just $330 per year, or purchased outright for $3,300, providing ownership for an extraordinary 74 years.

Beyond its state-of-the-art design, the vault also offers the benefit of reducing insurance requirements, as valuables stored on-site are considered to be significantly lower risk by most insurers. Discreet underground parking and confidential entry ensure privacy at every step, creating a seamless experience that feels as considered as it is secure.

Whether protecting the digital keys to your future or the irreplaceable artefacts of your past, Commonwealth Vault stands as a sanctuary for all that matters most. A fortress of calm in an unpredictable world.

commonwealthvault.co.nz

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How To: take off your wetsuit without looking like a fool

Despite their functional benefits, wetsuits are undeniably the most difficult of clothing items to remove from the human body. A task hopefully made easier with these simple pointers. Take heed of the below to avoid giving everyone (yourself included) the ‘ick’ this summer.

Take it slow

Unless you’re competing in triathlons, it’s unlikely that you’ll need to whip your wetsuit off at a speed comparable to Usain Bolt’s 150m sprint. Keeping your movements controlled and steady will help you avoid floundering in the sand. 

Use your thumbs

The ends of a wetsuit can feel like handcuffs for your ankles, locking them in nice and tight. This is ideal for keeping icy-cold water out, but not so great when you want to take it off. Once you have peeled the neoprene off your upper body and have pulled it down to your feet, dig your thumbs between your ankle and the neoprene to create an air bubble, which helps pop the ends of the suit off. 

Location and balance

Taking your wetsuit off in knee-deep water seems like a breathtakingly brilliant idea at the time. There is no sand, grass or car park debris to contend with using this ingenious method of wetsuit removal. The hidden problem lies in the very thing you’re at the beach for. Waves. These tricky beasts are rather adept at causing you to flail about in a mangled mess of limbs before toppling over. The white wash usually thunders onto shore at the exact moment that your wetsuit is around your knees. Unless you possess a cast-iron balance, we suggest you remove the slippery bastard on land, where your car, a kind friend, or even a conveniently positioned pole can assist you in this all too tricky manoeuvre.

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Kureta

Kureta is the elevated, experiential teppanyaki eatery you’ve been patiently waiting for

Auckland’s dining scene has waited a long time for an elevated teppanyaki of a calibre, that’s far removed from the clattering spatulas and theatrics many are familiar with. Kureta, now open within JW Marriott Auckland, marks the arrival of a sophisticated new dining experience. A modern, exacting interpretation of teppan mastery shaped by New Zealand’s elemental landscape, delivered with restraint and extraordinary skill.

Chef Akihiro Nakamura

At the helm is Chef de Cuisine Akihiro Nakamura, who began his training in Tokyo at eighteen and brings more than twenty years of Japanese culinary discipline to the grill. His approach draws on omakase principles, where ingredients lead and technique follows. Here, the heat, steel and precision of traditional teppan cooking meet the southern oceans and volcanic lands of New Zealand, resulting in a menu that feels both authentic and distinctly localised.

right: Wagyu Katsu

Premium wagyu sourced from New Zealand, Australia and Japan anchors the offering, alongside prized cuts aged and displayed in Kureta’s dry-ageing fridges. Relationships with local fishermen, farmers and artisans inform each changing menu for a repertoire of dishes that are grounded in seasonality and flavour. Kureta sets out to embrace the global shift toward authentic and experience-led dining. The new offering will pay homage to the core teppanyaki techniques of flame and heat, while elevating the concept with locally sourced ingredients, refined presentation, and a deep connection to nature and craft.

CRISPY SKIN MARKET FISH
right: whitebait

Four marble teppan tables shape the room, each surrounded by seating that affords guests a front row seat to the craft and artistry at play. The experience is intimate without tipping into spectacle,
allowing the food and the chef’s technique to speak for themselves. Kureta’s interiors parley this confidence. The room is wrapped in burnt yakisugi timber, its charcoal tones offering warmth, while hammered bronze introduces subtle movement and light. Marble, leather and patinaed surfaces create a tactile environment. With seating for just thirty, the restaurant feels purposeful rather than crowded, inviting both quiet dinners and celebratory gatherings, as well as being able to be booked out for private events.

left: KOMBU CURED SASHIMI

The beverage offering leans toward Japan, with a curated selection of sake, aperitifs and distinctive pours supported by standout New Zealand wines. Every detail has been considered, every choice intentional. An exciting new addition to Auckland’s dining landscape, Kureta sets the benchmark for Japanese culinary skill on display.

Opening Hours:
Tuesday — Saturday, 5 pm — late

kureta.co.nz

22-26 Albert Street
JW Marriott
Auckland

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