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An essential addition to any Southern itinerary this winter, Ayrburn has firmly established itself as the jewel in the region. The world class hospitality precinct is the place to be, offering something for every age and proclivity. This winter, Ayrburn comes into its own with a calendar filled with magical and unmissable events and celebrations all honouring the season of snow.
At Ayrburn, nothing is done by halves, and the precinct’s spectacular Winter Wonderland is no exception. Back for a second year running, bigger and better than ever, the exceptional experience will see the grounds adorned in striking light displays and larger-than-life decorations, with an ice skating rink popping up to fully enliven the white Christmas experience. If last year was anything to go by, guests can expect a number of events taking place, with festivities suited to every age and proclivity — from Après-ski sessions to bespoke brunches and more.
The Barrel Room, Ayrburn’s exclusive private event space designed for intimate gatherings and memorable celebrations, is the perfect quaint and cosy spot to gather a group over the winter months. Surrounded by 56 aging wine barrels and complete with a grand piano, this hidden gem offers a cosy, sophisticated ambiance perfect for seated soirées or lively gatherings for up to 50. Guests can indulge in a thoughtfully crafted shared plate menu in an atmosphere that marries opulence with privacy, promising an unforgettable experience.
If you haven’t ventured south since last winter, you’ll be pleased to discover that two new venues have joined to fold at Ayrburn. The Bakehouse beckons with the warmth of wood-fired pizzas, handmade pasta, and signature cocktails — an inviting spot for long, leisurely meals. Just next door, R.M Prime Produce tempts with its butcher’s cuts, hearty deli fare, and robust reds, ideal for winter feasts at home after a drink by the fire at one of Ayrburn’s lively locales.
Combining soul-stirring music with seriously good food, The Barrel Room’s Friday Night Jazz sessions are legendary. Nestled within Ayrburn’s stunning grounds, this intimate venue offers a warm, candlelit setting for live performance. Whether you’re tucked into a booth for the full two-course dining experience — think fresh market fish with beurre blanc and tender lamb in garlic jus — or simply sipping a negroni by the fire, it’s the kind of evening that carries you through the cold.
As the slopes wind down, the energy ramps up at Ayrburn’s iconic Après Ski Happy Hour. From 4–6pm daily in The Manure Room (starting Friday 27th June), expect top-tier drink specials, shot skis, and elevated shared plates in a setting that knows how to celebrate the season. Come Friday and Saturday, live music stretches the festivities till 7pm, with some of Aotearoa’s most exciting acts.
Discover a world-class destination not too far from home, where every visit feels like an invitation to unwind, unplug, and uncover a unique slice of paradise.
The Whitsundays, nestled in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, is where the undeniable feeling of being on holiday comes to life. This extraordinary destination is a paradise like no other, offering unmatched beauty, seclusion, and the perfect escape from the everyday. The region’s 74 islands, each with its own charm, promise a dream holiday experience that truly feels worlds away.
An ideal destination for those seeking both relaxation and adventure, the ways to fill a day are endless. For a truly unforgettable experience, take a day trip to Whitehaven Beach — widely regarded as the world’s best — accessible by helicopter, seaplane, or boat. Picture yourself strolling along the pristine white sands, or soaring above in a helicopter for a breathtaking view of the swirling sands of Hill Inlet.
“This extraordinary destination is a paradise like no other, offering unmatched beauty, seclusion, and the perfect escape from the everyday.”
For those eager to explore, one of the great wonders of the world — the Great Barrier Reef — awaits, easily explored from the air or the water. Fly over the iconic Heart Reef, then dive in to snorkel among the vibrant corals below, or take a boat trip to discover the secluded coves.
A stay in the Whitsundays offers the ultimate in both luxury and relaxation. Newly opened, The Sundays boutique hotel on Hamilton Island perfectly captures that holiday feeling. Designed with understated elegance, it provides the ideal blend of comfort and style, where every moment feels like an indulgence. Or, for those seeking the lap of luxury, Qualia is a private, paradisiac world centred on exquisite design and exceptional hospitality. Here, days unfold in a relaxed rhythm, with everything you need within arm’s reach.
Whether you’re sailing the 74 islands, indulging in the tranquil luxuries of a resort, or experiencing the Reef in all its glory, the Whitsundays leaves nothing off the dream holiday checklist. Fly via Brisbane directly to Hamilton Island, and within moments, you’re ready to experience a destination that feels like no other — where that holiday feeling becomes a way of life.
Who needs a jaunt to Europe when Somm Wine Bar & Bistro is pouring the finest reds this side of the equator? Tucked into Princes Wharf with front-row harbour views, this wine-savvy spot is the kind of place you plan to pop into for a glass — and somehow end up staying all evening. The cellar is a love letter to New Zealand’s best producers, and the team here know exactly how to steer you toward your new favourite Syrah or Pinot Noir.
Feeling adventurous? The newly-launched red wine flight is just the ticket. Feeling indulgent? Settle in with a host of delectable share plates and a bottle that demands your full attention. Equal parts laid-back and luxe, Somm makes mastering the art of wine feel like a walk in the vines.
After years of pared-back minimalism and the omnipresence of beige, colour is making its triumphant return — and it’s not doing so quietly. Across interiors, we’re seeing a confident embrace of richer, moodier palettes, with deep, royal blues, jewel-toned greens and sumptuous terracotta reds ushering in a new chapter of visual decadence.
These hues aren’t simply decorative — they’re emotive. A deep blue stair or sumptuous sofa anchors a room with both calm and drama, while decadent green marble adds a calming sense of elegance to a kitchen or bathroom. Terracotta, once relegated to Mediterranean holiday homes, now feels utterly current — especially when rendered in plush upholstery or used on a feature wall, its warmth offering both comfort and depth.
Importantly, these colours aren’t being used timidly. Designers are embracing monochromatic palettes and tone-on-tone layering, allowing texture and materiality to bring nuance — think velvet, lacquer, brushed metal, and intricate marble playing off one another in a symphony of saturation.
The effect is both intimate and opulent. A shift away from sterile perfection, this return to rich colour speaks to a deeper desire for self-expression — and for interiors that feel personal, expressive, and lived in. Whether you’re ready to paint the walls or start small with soft furnishings, these shades offer a timeless richness that can totally transform a space.
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We’re spoiled for choice when it comes to dedicated spaces for a more intimate gastronomic experience. No matter the occasion, there’s sure to be a private dining room that suits your needs, and with mid-year group gatherings high on the agenda, we’ve got you covered with our extensive guide to the best private dining rooms to book now.
Having opened its doors within the SkyCity precinct at the end of 2023, Metita occupies the space formerly home to beloved Gusto at The Grand, and it’s fair to say that it’s living up to the iconic nature of its address. Here, the offering is a new take on South Pacific cuisine, elevating traditional dishes with modern culinary techniques, inspiring a deeper reverence for our own heartland and connection to chef Michael Meredith’s native Samoa. When a special occasion is on the horizon, those looking for an intimate dining space to bring people together should look no further than Metita’s exceptionally well-appointed private dining room. The space seats up to 26, but can just as easily cater to small numbers, and brings the very best of Metita’s food offering and interiors into focus to create a seriously memorable affair.
Location: SkyCity, 90 Federal Street, Auckland CBD
Suitable For: seats up to 26 guests
Click here to book now
Tucked away within the refined surrounds of College Hill’s The Wine Room, the private dining area offers a quietly luxurious setting for everything from fireside birthday dinners to elevated events. Seating between two and twenty guests (with more space for standing gatherings), the space balances intimacy with sophistication — its soft lighting, timber finishes, and open fire providing a warm yet polished backdrop year-round. Here, menus are tailored to the mood, from champagne and caviar on arrival to masterfully grilled seafood and meats served family-style, with curated wine pairings that reflect the team’s reverence for European tradition and New Zealand terroir.
Location: 2/43 College Hill, Freemans Bay
Suitable For: Seated Dining — up to 20 guests, Canapé Standing Events — up to 75 guests
Email [email protected] to book now
The perfect beachside location for an end-of-year get-together, Azabu Mission Bay offers completely private dining in its adjacent Stonehouse or semi-private events in its open courtyard. From formal, sit-down dinners to casual drinks, this versatile venue offers a space for any kind of occasion.
Location: 44 Tamaki Drive, Mission Bay
Suitable For: Stonehouse — 40 (seated) to 60 (standing) guests, The Courtyard — up to 60 guests (standing), Venue Exclusive — up to 200 guests
Click here to book now
Beloved SkyCity eatery (and Auckland institution) The Grill made a triumphant return this year, and with its new iteration comes a striking new private dining space. If a special occasion is on the cards, the private dining room, perfect for up to 12 guests, is a sublime spot within which to entertain a crowd. Here, you’ll find a bespoke menu on offer, curated with the particular needs of larger gatherings in mind, and an extensive drinks list sure to inspire indulgence and set a convivial tone. There’s also a private ensuite just off the dining room, making the experience all the more seamless.
Location: Horizon by SkyCity, 85 Hobson Street, Auckland CBD
Suitable For: 6 to 12 guests
Click here to book now
Tucked beneath the heritage-listed Chancery Chambers, The Vault at Gilt Brasserie is a dramatic private dining space where marble, moody lighting, and soaring ceilings set the tone for truly memorable gatherings. Seating up to 45, or easily configured for smaller groups, it’s a versatile backdrop for everything from corporate functions to celebratory dinners. Paired with Gilt’s refined Euro-New Zealand menu and an exceptional wine list, The Vault delivers heritage charm with a distinctly modern edge.
Location: 2 Chancery Chambers, Auckland CBD
Suitable For: Seated Dining — up to 26 guests, Canapé and Champagne — up to 45 guests standing
Email [email protected] to book now
Tucked above the grand dining room of Commercial Bay’s elevated French restaurant Origine is a space perfect for an intimate gathering. La Mezzanine’s after-dark vibe, soft lighting and exceptional views over Downtown Auckland will set the perfect tone for a night with friends, one that will inevitably end in some convivial fun.
Location: Commercial Bay, Level 2/172 Quay Street, Auckland CBD
Suitable For: up to 50 guests
Click here to book now
A long-time go-to for corporate lunches and long-overdue catch-ups alike, bigger parties can also enjoy a ‘private’ piece of Soul by closing the bi-fold doors to what is usually the cocktail lounge. It’s perfect for seated parties that can indulge in Executive Chef Gavin Doyle’s fine cuisine via a set menu. Larger parties, on the other hand, can use the same space while also spilling out onto the famous deck and bar area for standing events.
Location: Viaduct Harbour, Corner of Lower Hobson Street &, Customs Street West, Auckland City
Suitable For: up to 30 guests seated or 35 – 100 standing for cocktails and canapés
Click here to book now
The private dining room at Jervois Steak House is located upstairs in the restaurant. The interior blends rustic elements from the building’s original heritage with modern warm tones & James Russ lighting. Relax into plush leather seating in a bespoke tan hue (called ‘Jervois Molasses’), and enjoy an authentic steakhouse experience for any special occasion.
Location: 70 Jervois Road, Ponsonby
Suitable For: up to 12 seated guests
Email [email protected] to book now or call (09) 376 2049
Set just across from Kingi’s main dining room is the restaurant’s private dining and meeting space, designed to bring people together for a feast or to do business. A light-filled space anchored by a breathtaking raw-edge swamp kauri slab table underneath a shimmering fish-scale chandelier, the room gives diners a unique view into the Kingi kitchens as the chefs prepare seasonal dishes, creating an immersive dining experience. At the room’s north end, a wooden sideboard conceals a 65″ screen, which can be used to host board-style meetings, intimate product launches or special presentations. The space is equipped with high-speed internet connectivity and state-of-the-art AV facilities, making it an ideal location for productive business meetings. Whatever your requirements are, Kingi Private is the perfect, multi-faceted space.
Location: Tuawhiti Lane, 29 Galway Street, Britomart
Suitable For: 14 guests for degustation
Click here to book now
Bar Magda’s exclusive private dining room is a sanctuary of elegance. Thoughtfully and comfortably furnished, this secluded enclave is the perfect choice for corporate soirées or special celebrations like birthdays, where guests can enjoy Bar Magda’s impeccable service and indulge in the finest cuisine, knowing that every detail has been meticulously curated to meet expectations.
Location: 25b Cross Street, Auckland CBD
Suitable For: up to 25 seated guests or if extended into the bistro, 50-60 guests
Email [email protected] to book now
Tucked upstairs in Grey Lynn, Lilian’s private dining room is an intimate haven for 10–14 guests — ideal for festive lunches, seasonal gatherings, or milestone dinners. Centered around a striking marble-top table with plush leather banquette seating, the space feels both warm and refined. Guests can choose from family‑style set menus, or customise à la carte, all paired with wines from the curated cellar.
Location: 472 Richmond Road, Grey Lynn
Suitable For: 10 to 14 guests
Email [email protected] to book now
The outstanding inner-city Japanese restaurant offers a couple of different options if you’d like to go for a slightly more intimate experience. The Obi Room is a striking, semi-private space anchored by a solid wood table crafted from two pieces of suar hardwood and earthen walls decorated with spectacular vintage Japanese obi kimono prints. The Obi Room is framed by bubble glass which creates the impression of privacy and seclusion without being completely separated from the main dining area.
Otherwise, opt for the Chef’s Kotastu Table, another semi-private area set at the back of the main dining room and backdropped by the restaurant’s single piece of art, a large Japanese Dragon created by calligraphy master artist Ushio Sekiguchi.
Location: SkyCity, 90 Federal Street, Auckland CBD
Suitable For: The Obi Room — up to 18 guests, Chef’s Kotastu Table — 8 to 10 people
Click here to book now
Huami offers several different and equally appealing options for those wishing to dine in privacy. The Chinese restaurant, which boasts traditional cuisine with a modern twist, has three elegant private dining rooms. Rooms one and two seat 12 guests each and are adjoining, but can be divided. Room three caters up to six guests.
Location: SkyCity, 87 Federal Street, Auckland CBD
Suitable For: 6 to 12 guests seated
Click here to book now
For a memorable gathering in the heart of Wairarapa, The Runholder’s secluded private dining room offers an intimate, elegant setting for up to 14 guests. Ideal for special occasions or business meetings, this cosy space includes video conferencing capabilities and a 65” screen, seamlessly blending function with refined comfort. Guests can enjoy a family-style set menu—two courses or three — plus options for morning tea or canapés. Nestled within Te Kairanga Vineyard, The Runholder is a true homage to Martinborough’s bounty, combining stunning views with warm hospitality.
Location: 89 Martins Road, Martinborough
Suitable For: up to 14 guests
Click here to book now
Cassia’s home at SkyCity boasts several options for private dining and events. The main private dining area seats up to 20 people and is fully equipped for presentations. A large flat screen TV and connections enable the private dining space to be converted into a professional area to share ideas with business colleagues.
For larger groups of up to 40 guests, the mezzanine area is the perfect location for your next group booking. For all bookings for groups of 13 or more, Cassia offers a selection of set menus that can be tailored to suit your group’s requirements.
Location: SkyCity, 90 Federal Street, Auckland CBD
Suitable For: private celebrations & events of up to 20 people, & group dinners of up to 40 people
Click here to book now
Tucked away in the heart of Parnell, this exclusive private room is an intimate enclave that channels Napa Valley’s refined spirit. Designed for groups of 10–20, it embodies relaxed elegance with warm timber detailing, muted lighting, and richly upholstered seating. Expect beautifully plated dishes showcasing farm‑fresh Californian flavours — from seasonal seafood to premium grilled cuts — paired perfectly with estate‑level Napa wines. Fully serviced and effortlessly polished, this space is ideal for intimate wine dinners, milestone celebrations, or corporate tastings that linger well beyond the final sip. Or, if you’ve got a few more, NSP’s courtyard is the perfect spot to host a larger event.
Location: 1052/259 Parnell Road, Parnell
Suitable For: Courtyard — 100 standing or 50 seated, Private Dining Room — 22 seated
Click here to book now
Fans of Ebisu’s exceptional Japanese cuisine will be pleased to know the downtown favourite also offers private dining. Filled with natural light, the Nikko Courtyard features huge warehouse windows overlooking the Waitematā Harbour, a perfect space for a seated dinner or cocktail party.
Location: 116 – 118 Quay Street, Britomart
Suitable For: up to 30 guests
Click here to book now
Step into The Barrel Room, Ayrburn’s exclusive private event space designed for intimate gatherings and memorable celebrations. Surrounded by 56 aging wine barrels and centred around a grand piano, this hidden space offers a cosy, sophisticated ambiance perfect for seated soirées or lively gatherings for up for 50. Guests can indulge in a thoughtfully crafted shared plate menu in an atmosphere that marries opulence with privacy. With candle-lit seating and details that pay homage to Ayrburn’s heritage, The Barrel Room promises an unforgettable experience where time slows, and moments are savored deep into the night.
Location: Ayrburn, Ayr Avenue, Arrowtown
Suitable For: up to 50 guests
Email [email protected] to book now
Nestled in the heart of Hotel Britomart is The Libraries, a space that assumes literary comforts and leisure. Here there is an air of unpretentious exclusivity, where even in the middle of the city you couldn’t feel more removed from the world if you tried. The Libraries are not open to the general public to walk-in (they do not operate as a restaurant) however they are available for private events and functions, with tailor-made solutions to cater to any need. The crown jewel The Chefs Library (table), which is available for private dinners for up to eight people, making it perfect for an intimate and memorable affair.
Location: 29 Galway Street, Britomart
Suitable For: 8 guests for degustation or family-style dining, 6 guests for cabaret
Click here to book now
Tucked away to the east of Somm Wine Bar & Bistro is the venue’s lush & gorgeous semi-private area. This space is cleverly tucked behind the venue’s cellar, which displays an impressive array of library and large-format wines. The room is draped in heavy set ‘cabernet’ curtains which when drawn instantly transform the space into the cosiest of settings.
Location: Shed 22 Princes Wharf, Auckland CBD
Suitable For: up to 12 guests
Click here to book now
The weather outside may be frightful, but a fire can make the outdoors utterly delightful. If you’re lucky enough to have a covered terrace or a bit of extra space outside, make the most of it by centring the space around a fireplace or fire pit. Let the flicker of flames set the tone — anchoring plush furnishings, inviting conversation, and conjuring comfort and calm, despite the chill.
An outdoor fireplace brings a certain ambience to your dedicated open-air zone. Prized since time immortal, come winter, there’s nothing quite like sitting with a hot drink or glass of something delicious in front of a roaring flame. With endless options to fit any aesthetic vision, consider this your first port of call when planning an outdoor update.
Centralise your outdoor living space around a contemporary firepit to add a communal, connective element to social gatherings. With myriad options on offer, tailor your heating to your terrace’s layout, adding a functional, design-led edge to any space.
Designed as a celebration of delicate golden beads, Van Cleef & Arpels’ Perlée collection takes the spotlight in our Winter Issue fashion editorial, paired with a line-up of looks from the newest collections.
A joyful expression of individual style, the Perlée collection centres on creations with harmonious and radiant curves — with golden beads gently illuminating jewels that sit at the intersection of simplicity and sophistication.
Model: Nuria at Priscillas. Hair: Max Serrano. Makeup: Monique Jones.
Celebrated for its impeccable day-to-night fare that never fails to send diners on their merry way suitably satisfied, Amano is a winter favourite for a reason. This season, gather a posse and settle into a cosy booth to sample the ever-changing (and always delicious) pastas, made fresh each day.
Below, we round up the seasonal sensations that currently have our attention, from the simple but sublime pipe rigate cacio e pepe to the Auckland Islands scampi chitarra with tomato and chilli. This is comfort food at its finest.
Amano’s pipe rigate cacio e pepe has been a go-to for some time now, pairing creamy pecorino, cracked black pepper, and perfectly al dente semolina pasta — simple, soulful, and made for winter indulgence.
Delicately sweet Auckland Islands scampi meets silky ribbons of egg pasta in a dish that feels both luxurious and comforting — a wintery ode to the sea, done just right.
Plump Cloudy Bay tuatua and perfeclty al dente semolina pasta come together in a dish that’s both comforting and clean — a quietly luxurious nod to New Zealand’s coastal bounty.
Sweet Pukekohe butternut melts into semolina pasta, offering a velvety, wintery richness in a dish that’s earthy, nourishing, and just the thing for cooler days.
Hearty and full of soul, this pappardelle pairs tender Hawke’s Bay lamb ragu with olives and pangritata — a rustic classic made for wintry evenings.
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