Head-to-toe, monochrome tones of white and cream will not only create crisp, confident looks but will lighten up your style in time for summer. Here, our editors have rounded up a curation of ready-to-wear, shoes and accessories that will have you mastering this season’s modern monochrome.
We’ve said it once but we’ll say it again, if you haven’t paid Bar Magda a visit yet, you’re seriously missing out. What Carlo Buenaventura has created at his cosy, Cross Street venue has made Bar Magda a local foodie favourite, beloved for its intriguing ‘new wave Filipino’ fare that marries traditional Filipino flavours with a contemporary New Zealand twist. And now, Bar Magda is giving us more opportunities than ever to sample some of its tantalising cocktails and dishes, having recently introduced a new Nightcap menu to its line-up.
The idea here is to replace the traditional, early happy hour with a much later offering, where those seeking a satiating bite and a delicious drink (perhaps after a show or event, or an evening with friends) can find them at Bar Magda from 9:30pm until midnight, Thursday through Saturday.
On the exceptional cocktail menu, created by Bar Magda Co-Owner Matthew Venables, Nightcap specials include $10 house spirits, $16 Magdarita, Magdatini, Magda spritz and Negroni, as well as $18 house sours and stirred cocktails. On the food front, tasty little bites include parmesan custard with housemade garlic focaccia, chicken and duck liver parfait with Viennese brioche and smoked cherries, terrine of spiced ham with crab fat mayonnaise, pickled cucumber and toasts, kilaw of swordfish and scallop and tartare of wild venison. All dishes will be available until sold out.
So the next time you find yourself craving a late-night bite or a drink that hits the spot, head to Bar Magda for a satiating nightcap. The kind of elevated, cosmopolitan offering we’ve been missing in this city, this new menu is the perfect excuse to pay this exceptional dining destination a visit if you haven’t already.
We might be called the City of Sails, but for too long, Auckland has allowed parts of its downtown waterfront to languish in obscurity, woefully underused either because of poorly-planned industrial developments or well-intentioned hospitality precincts that just haven’t quite hit the mark. In fact, we would go so far as to say that there is a dire need for something that capitalises on Auckland’s unique proximity to the water, something that harnesses its expansive, natural beauty and allows this city’s residents to truly make the most of the waterfront that has become so intrinsically linked to Auckland’s identity.
So, we were thrilled when we learned that Winton, the developers responsible for Northbrook (a jaw dropping, luxury later living offering that is revolutionising life after retirement and is landing in Wynyard Quarter soon) were also developing the adjacent site to create a 1.7-hectare waterfront haven.
Called Cracker Bay, this expansive offering is set on a spectacular piece of land between Beaumont Street, Westhaven Drive and a long stretch of waterfront, and will combine the vibrancy of a multifaceted hospitality precinct (complete with new restaurants, bars and casual eateries, open to the public) with the exclusivity of a private yacht club (of which all Northbrook residents will automatically be members) as well as a much-needed event space set up for a variety of functions and weddings. Importantly, Cracker Bay will also see the extension of our beloved promenade walkway that, at the moment, abruptly veers off the water by Westhaven Drive. When Cracker Bay is complete, Auckland’s cohort of walking enthusiasts will be able to stroll the whole way around, soaking in the beauty of our harbour and taking in all the action that is bound to fill Cracker Bay’s many venues.
The bustling hub of Cracker Bay will be its food and beverage destination, The Beaumont Street Bodega. Publicly accessible via walkways from Beaumont Street or up from the promenade, this area will comprise a sprawling dining room with elevated, covered outdoor tables on which people can enjoy the delicious offerings from vendors like a bakehouse and cafe, a casual pub and a garden bar kiosk. From its relaxed, local feel to its light-filled, connected spaces, to the way it promises to reimagine classic, waterfront venues with a more chic, elevated design, The Beaumont Street Bodega is destined to become a hive of hospitality and the perfect place to enjoy laid-back drinks or an easy meal with friends.
That said, for something slightly more sophisticated, Cracker Bay’s The Boathouse will be set just a short walk away from The Bodega area, and is promising a beautiful, on-water restaurant that we’re predicting will be hugely popular when it opens. Serving fresh seafood like oysters and sashimi in a striking dining room finished in reclaimed timber and crisp alabaster tones, The Boathouse will be a spectacular setting for sundowners, maximising the waterfront views and offering a uncomplicated, coastal charm that will make you feel as though you have left the city altogether.
Cracker Bay will also encompass a significant event venue, designed and purpose-built for weddings, private parties, fashion events, pop-up art exhibitions and more. Oozing simple but elegant sophistication with white-washed brickwork and maritime steel and timber, Cracker Bay’s event space will allow its striking setting to shine, where daytime affairs will be bathed in natural light and evening ones enhanced by views of the sunset over the sparkling Auckland harbour.
The pièce-de-résistance of Cracker Bay, however, is The Club, a private yacht club that will provide its members with an exclusive enclave in which to relax and unwind, right in the heart of this exciting new precinct. For residents of Northbrook, membership to The Club is automatic, which means that alongside the extensive facilities that are provided within Northbrook itself, The Club will become the perfect change of scenery, a space in which residents can truly soak in the beauty of their waterfront home.
Not only will members of The Club at Cracker Bay have access to a private garden, bar, swimming pool and sundeck right on the water (although slightly elevated to remain hidden from public view), they can also enjoy their own restaurant with outdoor dining, as well as a gym, spa, sauna, steam room and personal concierge service. It will be like a boutique resort, nestled in the midst of one of Auckland’s most stunning, sought-after and social settings.
A development that promises to unlock the value of our waterfront in a way that has never been done before, Cracker Bay is the perfect evolution of Winton’s groundbreaking and multifaceted vision. With Northbrook, for instance, Winton asked why life after retirement shouldn’t be grounded in luxurious, refined design, positioning retirement not as the end, but merely the beginning of something even more exciting and fulfilling than before. Cracker Bay is a huge part of this, and will be deeply connected to the later living offering to provide extra amenities and hospitality venues for residents, as well as a brand new marina to berth their yachts.
But beyond that, Cracker Bay will become a precinct that finally allows Aucklanders to make the most of the city we call home. A place where excellent hospitality meets a breathtaking, sun-soaked setting, Cracker Bay is exactly what the City of Sails has been missing and when it opens, will be the place to visit for delicious food, exquisite views and the kind of convivial, vibrant atmosphere that will elevate Auckland’s standing as a true world city.
For almost a decade, Rebe Burgess has been immersed in luxury fashion, both as the former head buyer at Muse and as the designer of her own, eponymous shoe and accessory label. Her collections for Rebe have always been timeless, elegant and highly sought-after, built on the idea of a wardrobe that lasts beyond a single season alone. For that reason, they have garnered a legion of fans, many of whom have recently been waiting to see what the designer will do next. Now, Burgess is taking a significant step in her brand’s evolution by extending her offering to include a full womenswear line — and we couldn’t be more excited to get our hands on a piece.
“In a way, Rebe is an extension of my own wardrobe, which is made up of pieces that are striking and sophisticated but that I can still wear every day,” Burgess tells me. “I want the Rebe woman to be able to build her wardrobe in a similar way so that it is considered and curatorial but distinctly tailored to her individual taste, and destined to last a long time.” Indeed, Burgess’ new ready-to-wear offers an extension of the ideas she has long perpetuated in her shoe and accessory lines.
Here, fine fabrics collide with effortless silhouettes and sophisticated but subtle details that speak to Rebe’s uniquely timeless approach. It is a uniform — the pieces cleverly designed in such a way that they could be styled to either melt into the background or boldly stand out, depending on who is wearing them.
“I want my customers to feel like they can dress with purpose,” says Burgess. “It’s about transcending trends and being able to tell their own stories through the clothes.” From tailored blazers and pants to essential t-shirts and singlets, slinky dresses, figure-hugging corsetry, bodysuits and casual separates, Rebe’s Resort ’24 collection is a sprawling debut that sees the designer make a strong statement without deviating from the aesthetic codes for which she has long been known.
Beyond its elegant design, Rebe’s new womenswear has been made with quality in mind, too. The collection features ethically sourced fabrics and fibres made to deliver longevity, such as pure wool and wool blends and premium leather, sourced exclusively from suppliers who adhere to strict standards of animal welfare and environmentally friendly practices. The clothes have been designed in New Zealand and brought to life by innovative makers in China, who use some of the most advanced technology in the world, are certified BSCI, WRAP and BVNA and are renowned for their unwavering commitment to ethical standards and supporting worker safety and labour rights.
Officially launching today on the Rebe website, and available locally at Muse, this collection is set to take a central place in the wardrobes of women seeking clothes that are wearable and long-lasting, but that will also make an impact. Set to be a popular debut for the designer, we look forward to watching how the Rebe ready-to-wear offering evolves in the coming seasons.
Shop the Collection: rebe.co.nz
Despite best intentions, it’s not every day that we have the time to enjoy a long, leisurely lunch. Fortunately, for occasions when quick and easy is the only option, some of our favourite spots in the city have tailored offerings for those in a time crunch. From express menus to lunch deals served in haste, we’ve rounded up where to find the very best quick yet satisfying midday fare that doesn’t compromise on taste.
This Ponsonby institution has long been a great choice for a casual but delicious workday lunch, and recently, the addition of a ‘Power Lunch’ (available on Thursdays & Fridays) has made weekday dining simpler than ever. Here, you’ll find an entree, main and a glass of house wine for $55, and the options are plentiful. As you’d expect, steak takes centre stage with four cuts to choose from, served alongside market fish, grilled chicken, or vegetarian gnocchi and cult-status sides such as the truffle mac ‘n’ cheese, duck fat roasted rosemary potatoes, an unforgettable signature creamed spinach, roasted beets with goats cheese and more. Bookings are encouraged — secure your spot here.
Intimate in its nature, at Faraday’s Bar, impeccable service is always guaranteed. The weekday menu is refined, making for a perfect, quick lunch sure to delight. Seasonally driven and always changing so as to incorporate the freshest ingredients, the menu delivers on all fronts — we are currently loving the grilled octopus with fennel, blood orange and ajo blanco, but must admit that the ‘Edddie Special’ — a tomato bouillabaisse brimming with market fish and shellfish is also utter perfection. If you’re feeling a tad fancy, add a bump of Sturia vintage caviar to finish on a high note. We’ve said it before but we’ll say it again, Faradays is one of the best places to dine in Auckland, as perfect for a quick weekday meal as it is for a drink with friends or a leisurely weekend lunch.
From Al Brown, this CBD stalwart is Auckland’s answer to the classic New York deli. Here, food is simple, flavourful and utterly indulgent, and guarantees to offer a satiating meal at every sitting. For those seeking a quick and altogether satisfying lunch, we suggest opting for one of the sandwiches or salads (the chicken salad sandwich with chicken skin crackling, iceberg and dipping gravy is a staple) although a side of Montreal poutine never goes amiss.
It’s a known fact that rain or shine, Ponsonby Central’s Blue Breeze Inn is always bursting with a lively atmosphere. The consistently good food — the pork bao is arguably the best in town — the inventive cocktails served in coconut shells and the presence of the always enigmatic Mark Wallbank, combine to make this spot a no-brainer for a quick lunch that packs a punch.
This Remuera favourite specialising in soul-warming Mediterranean fare offers one of the most delightful lunches on the block. From Wednesday until Sunday, you can make like the locals and devour some of Sìso’s most beloved dishes. Begin with the Big Glory Bay salmon, served with whipped pea and asparagus (topped with chicken skin crackling) before indulging in a divine take on chicken Milanese drizzled with anchovy butter and a side of fried golden potatoes with buttermilk and chilli dukkah. Of course, like all good lunches, Sìso’s should be paired with a glass of wine from their extensive list.
Here, in the heart of Downtown Auckland, this Britomart stalwart offers an Express Menu for those needing a good meal in the midst of a busy day. Choose from a considered list of Ebisu’s most beloved, contemporary Japanese dishes, including the chef’s selection of fresh market sashimi or an umami miso glazed eggplant to begin, one of three hero mains to follow (the teriyaki chicken with truffle oil is our preference), and a delightful fresh sorbet to finish. A consistently failsafe crowdpleaser, we can’t look past Ebisu for a fantastic lunch in the city — express or otherwise.
In celebration of Somm’s Guest in Residence series, the Princess Wharf newcomer has released a special set menu created with Te Kairanga winery in mind. The menu sees a glass of Te Kairanga’s exceptional sauvignon blanc or rosé paired with a seasonal dish of your choosing — each decidedly delicious. Embrace the warmer days and opt for the fresh market fish crudo with citrus, fennel and verjuice, or indulge in the Parisian gnocchi — a seasonal take featuring asparagus, fresh peas, mint and stracciatella. The Guest in Residence set menu is $40pp and is available for a limited time only. Book a spot here.
We’ve all spent an afternoon or two situated outside SPQR’s ivory-adored Ponsonby outpost, and now, the institution is adding to our list of reasons to visit with their tailored ‘Working Lunch’ offering. Running seven days a week from 12.30-2pm, the eatery offers either a two or three-course menu featuring a selection of the Italian favourites we all know and love. From a delectable eye fillet carpaccio to prawn and scallop spaghetti, to an elevated rendition of a classic Caesar salad, there’s no shortage of sensational fare to fill a lunch break — no matter how brief.
While often topping our list of leisurely long lunch spots, Andiamo is equally as equipped to turn out a fantastic, quick midday meal sure to satisfy. Luckily for Herne Bay locals, there’s still one more week remaining to make the most of the special set lunch menu running with Perrier-Jouët. Available Wednesday through Sunday, from 12pm until 3pm until the end of October, for $69 per person, guests will be greeted with a glass of Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut, and invited to indulge in a delicious, two-course feast including their choice of entrée and main. ‘Tis the season.
With its contemporary, Asian-fusion menu, Hello Beasty is the ideal spot for a light and delicious lunch. You’d be hard-pressed to find a better spot for a quick bite with a side of sunshine, best enjoyed in the eatery’s courtyard — the perfect vantage point to take in the sights of Viaduct Harbour. When it comes to the top dishes, anything goes, but for a quick and satisfying option, we’d suggest the katsu chicken sando, fantastic when paired with Hello Beasty’s very own KFC (Korean fried cauliflower) and a bokbunjaju bramble. Sensational.
If it’s speedy but satisfying fare you’re after, look no further than Britomart’s Bar Non Solo. This impeccable Italian spot offers up a lunch special Tuesday through Friday that’s hard to beat. For a modest $25, you can choose from a selection of Bar Non Solo’s delightful seasonal pizzas or handmade pasta dishes, paired with either an ice-cold Peroni, Aperol Spritz, a glass of Idle Hands wine or a signature mocktail. For us, Aperol is the obvious choice of libation (given the setting), perfect when paired with the wagyu and pork bolognese or a mushroom, truffle, gorgonzola and walnut pizza.
After a decade of taking the world’s most prestigious festivals by storm, the enigmatic Briefs boys are bringing a breathtaking ‘boy-lesque’ spectacle to the stage as they air out their ‘Dirty Laundry’ at Q Theatre.
For those who aren’t already in the know, Briefs is a cabaret extravaganza that has been captivating audiences around the globe for over a decade by defying convention and offering a range of daring, dazzling performance art. It is an outrageous blend of intoxicating physicality, gob-smacking comedy, unapologetic truths and mind-blowing showmanship — all set against a backdrop of shimmering glamour. Now, the boys are coming back to the Auckland stage at Q Theatre, where, from the 16th of November until the 9th of December, the indomitable Fez Faanana (also known as Shivannah) will lead his crew of marvellous misfits, including both classic Briefs boys and exciting newcomers. This sizzling show is more than just a party, it’s a celebration of creativity and of individuality and will make for an unforgettable night of entertainment.
But the fun doesn’t stop at the performance. For anyone looking to make the most of their evening out, Q Theatre offers a variety of options to make a good night truly spectacular. Whether you’re planning an intimate evening with friends or are looking for a larger group extravaganza, Q Theatre has you covered with food and drink options to set the scene perfectly.
So, gather your gang and immerse yourself in the glitz, glamour and sensational showmanship that awaits you at Briefs — Dirty Laundry. Secure your tickets now for what is set to be an unmissable cabaret experience and an unforgettable way to kick off the end-of-year madness.
Dates: 16 November – 9 December 2023
Purchase Tickets: qtheatre.co.nz
This Friday, the 27th of October, Faraday’s Bar is extending an invitation to partake in an exquisite celebration of the world’s finest sparkling elixir in honour of International Champagne Day.
Renowned for its commitment to luxury, Faraday’s Bar is set to host an opulent Champagne celebration from midday until 9pm, where guests can explore the venue’s unrivalled selection and imbibe in the effervescent nectar either by the bottle or by the flute. One particular highlight will be the newly-released Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame 2015 Vintage, widely considered one of the best expressions of this convivial beverage.
Taking celebrations one step further, Faraday’s Bar will also bring out a complimentary surprise-and-delight trolley service, offering an array of gastronomic delights to satiate any craving, before kicking off a live music set from 5pm until 8pm, adding a harmonious note to what is shaping up as an unforgettable Friday night.
International Champagne Day is a remarkable occasion and an opportunity to revel in the finer things in life alongside like-minded connoisseurs. Faraday’s Bar, ensconced in its luxurious, department store setting, offers the ideal ambience for this extraordinary day. Promising to be a sought-after affair, reservations for Faraday’s Bar’s Champagne celebrations are essential and can be made here.
Established three years ago in Arrowtown (with a beautiful space on Buckingham Street) Astor Bristed Gallery now represents a range of contemporary New Zealand artists, and its reach has recently expanded into Auckland with an impressive pop-up space and exhibition on Faraday Street in Parnell.
In its Auckland pop-up, the gallery has facilitated the collaboration of artist Sarah Jayne Kavali with interior designer Sommer Olsen, to offer an extension of Kavali’s original Paper Thin exhibition that first opened in Arrowtown in late September. For those unfamiliar, Kavali is a multi-disciplinary creative who has been making works of various kinds and scales for her clients for over twenty years. When Paper Thin first opened in Arrowtown, Kavali wanted to showcase how her unique artworks (either carefully placed clusters of scrunched-up paper or undulating ripples of copper sheeting) could redefine the boundaries of a room, and breathe life into their surroundings. It was a study of art not just as something to admire from a distance, but something more tangible, to be experienced and felt.
In a way, there are many crossovers between Kavali’s practice and Olsen’s, where the latter began her now sought-after interior staging business (Exhibit One) from a fascination with spaces, and figuring out how to articulate them and make them sing. Now, Olsen even designs her own pieces of unique, bespoke furniture, creating them locally for clients with specific needs and making an artform out of the interior practice in which she has become a bona fide expert.
Now, the two creative forces have teamed up to offer a new iteration of Paper Thin, where Kavali’s incredible works are joined by a breathtaking bespoke bed, designed by Olsen and handcrafted in her workshop. Here, just as Kavali’s paper and copper works offer rippling lines and tactile, unpredictable shapes and present an invitation to onlookers to run their hands along the works’ uneven edges, Olsen’s bed is just as immersive, designed in a series of lines and curves that echo the art in the space. With its vast scale and sumptuous finish, this bed is the centrepiece of the exhibition, designed at the intersection of comfort and vulnerability, a place where visitors can take a moment to connect with their inner thoughts and find rest, respite and reflection.
Where the collaboration really bears fruit is in the ways in which Kavali’s works speak to ideas of legacy and evolution via their materials that will alter and patina over time. They introduce the idea that existence is ephemeral, ever-changing and fluid. Olsen’s bed builds on these ideas by inviting moments of inner reflection where visitors can take time to consider and explore the beauty of this concept — our ephemeral nature — and of our paper-thin illusions of permanence. The duo also collaborated directly to create a bold, bespoke table, its cylindrical base splashed with Kavali’s signature paint splatters.
Set in a ground-level space within the beautiful Fearon Hay building on Faraday Street, Astor Bristed Gallery’s Auckland pop-up is a must-visit for art and design lovers alike. On now until the 30th of October, this exhibition is already proving popular, with all pieces displayed available for purchase, including Kavali’s striking works and Olsen’s beds, of which only five were made and only three still available to buy. From the 7th of November, the space will transition into what Olsen has described as an “outdoor suite”, which will also be a collaboration with Kavali. Don’t miss out on this exceptional and immersive offering by paying a visit this week.
Opening hours:
By appointment. Email Astor Bristed Gallery here to arrange a visit.
“I called it ‘Broke Boy’ ’cause I’ve always been broke,” Sean Yarbrough tells me, in his typically straightforward way. We’re discussing the evolution of Broke Boy Taco from scrappy pop-up to cult-followed culinary sensation to now, a place with a permanent address, something that Yarbrough explains happened without much of a plan. “I never thought I’d have my own restaurant,” he says, “but I needed one!”
Born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky, Yarbrough spent 11 years in the Mission District of San Francisco, where he ate Mexican food every single day. It wasn’t until he whipped up some of his favourite tacos for a friend who asked what he missed most about the States, that Yarbrough started to realise that maybe he could turn his love for tacos into an actual career. “I bought a used, electric hot plate on TradeMe and made an Instagram account and just said, ‘Come try my tacos,'” he tells me. “First it was 20 people, the next time it was 50, then it was 100 and eventually it turned into what it is now.”
What Broke Boy Taco is now, is pretty major. Over the last couple of years, Yarbrough has hosted a series of pop-ups all over Auckland that became known for drawing significant and very enthusiastic crowds. His most recent endeavour was a pop-up residency at Ponsonby Social Club where, even after having run for months, his tacos would still sell out in a few hours — so consistent was the demand.
Now, Yarbrough is taking the exciting next step in Broke Boy’s evolution by opening a permanent spot in Mount Albert, and fans of his food are chomping at the bit to get their fix. Here, the space is pared-back and charming with hand-painted signs (by Sam Burton) and virtually no decor, while the menu is small and concise with Yarbrough’s signature birria tacos at the forefront. As he tells me, “No frills or fake shit, just good food.” For those who aren’t familiar with birria, it’s a type of meat stew that is a mainstay of Mexican cuisine. To make it right, the meat has to be marinated in adobo sauce, then cooked slowly in broth until it’s mouthwateringly tender and full of flavour. From what we’ve experienced, Yarbrough has perfected his recipe, although ask him and he says he’s always working to make it better.
The drinks menu is simple. “Coke is my favourite and happens to be the most consumed soda in Mexico so I chose that,” Yarbrough says. And while the food offering is more or less what we’ve come to expect from Broke Boy’s epic pop-ups, Yarbrough does divulge that he has added a ‘Big Plate’ option (which comes with four tacos, instead of the usual three) and that there will be a number of specials to come, so keep an eye out for those.
Ultimately, Yarbrough wanted to create a space where the food remained front and centre, a place that could as easily be found in Tijuana as it could in Auckland, and a place with authenticity and passion at the heart of its culinary philosophy. “I want people to leave happy,” he tells me. “Customers have to come pick up their tacos from me at the window when they’re ready and I’ll hand them their food personally, every time. That’s really important to me.” But for its simple facade and straightforward offering, do not underestimate the incredible standard of food being served at Broke Boy. Yarbrough, despite his understated approach, has proven himself a formidable force in the kitchen, and we’ll be watching with interest as Broke Boy continues to evolve. “I’m coming for all the food awards in New Zealand,” he says, with a laugh, “you watch!”
Opening hours:
Wednesday to Friday, 5pm until 8pm
Saturday, 12pm until 8pm
It still feels like such a delight every time we have our talons tendered to with the tender love and care they deserve. To nail such an important appointment, look no further than our definitive guide — a directory of all the nail salons we’ve visited and adored.
With walk-in locations in Newmarket, Ponsonby, Albany, and Commercial Bay, The Art of Nails is the place to go when you want a quick, slick manicure or pedicure in a clean and comfortable environment. Its team is also open to a range of creative nail art ideas if you want to experiment with the playful half-moon manicure, or the French tip revival.
Ponsonby Road’s INCO Studio is the kind of beauty haven that, when it arrived, was something our city had been craving for some time. A hybrid of all of our favourite services (hair, nails, brows and make-up), it’s the truly talented nail artists that keep us coming back time and time again. INCO is one of the few places in the City to offer gel extensions, a healthier alternatively to classic acrylics, and should you be seeking some more detailed nail art, the team always exceeds expectations.
Contemporary beauty and wellness destination, Spring Spa, brings a little bit of Bali to Auckland with its two lush locations. When it comes to the nail menu, Spring is at the forefront of new polish treatments and is known for its supreme manicures.
Tabitha van der Westhuizen is an expert when it comes to helping natural nails reach their full potential. While divine extensions (and thankfully for the health of our nails, gel extensions) are her bread and butter, she’s swiftly garnered a reputation among those in the know for the care and consideration she gives to those looking to grow what they’ve already got. As Dune Nails is a one-woman show, and a popular one at that, putting your name on the waitlist for an appointment is essential, but we promise it is worth the wait.
Since it was established in 2002, East Day Spa has become the premier spa destination when only premium pampering will do. Located in the SkyCity Grand Hotel, the beauty and nail salon is a chic retreat in the city, with unparalleled manicures and pedicures.
This Ponsonby Road address has gained its cult-following for one reason — it’s behind some of the best nails in the business. Whether your polish of persuasion is a Rhode-inspired glaze, or you’re seeking a hue that’s more subdued, The Nail Bar is always willing to rise to the challenge and executes the brief to perfection.
For those looking to forgo all trends, a simple shellac service may be all that you need. The Beauty Bar is one such provider that often comes to our rescue, offering a refined service menu that is suited to beginner manicure mavens as much as it is those who need a touch-up on a whim.
If a one-stop shop is the kind of manicure you’re seeking, without compromising on the quality or service, Endota’s (formally Forme Spa) beloved nail salons are likely to pique your interests. Holistic wellbeing is at the core of every treatment — and it’s an approach that we fully endorse. The express polish services are perfect for busy people, leaving your talons feeling soft and sumptuous, finished with a simple lacquer.
This CBD salon caters to all things extra and opulent. Offering a dazzling manicure that is every bit intricate and detailed as it is nourishing for the nail beds, the beloved artists have a 10-year history in the heart of the city. So if longevity is anything to go by, you can be assured you are in for excellence.
If it’s an impeccable, meticulous manicure you’re after, there’s only one place for it. The Nail Story in Victoria Park Market specialise in electric file manicures, and the result is unlike anything we’ve experienced. Here, an entirely personal approach is taken as the experienced team transforms even the most neglected talons with ease, buffing, polishing, painting and finessing to perfection – a timely process that feels like an essential act of self care. The team here specialise in electric file manicures, a process that leaves nails beautifully polished, impeccably trimmed and impossibly smooth.
For Grey Lynn locals, Society is simply the only beauty haven to look to. With an accomplished team revered city-wide for their facials and spray tans, as well as their exceptional classic manicures, Society is somewhat of a one stop beauty shop promising excellence on all fronts. Opt for a sophisticated single-tone shellac, or mix it up in time for the festive season with a chic, ultra fine French.
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