Hayes Common's Lisa Quarrie on the Future of Hospitality and Adaption
Hayes Common in Hamilton Kirikiriroa optimises everything you want in a local neighbourhood spot. We speak with owner Lisa Quarrie on how to craft a successful café.
A Parnell Guide to Christmas
Take a trip to Auckland’s oldest suburb, wander the historic buildings and beautiful shops, and embrace the Christmas magic of Parnell.
Best Summer Day Trips from Wellington
Got nothing planned for the weekend? There are plenty of options for an impromptu day trip from Wellington - here are some of the best.
The North Island's Top Seaside Holiday Spots
Everyone knows Aotearoa is one of the most naturally beautiful countries in the world, and one of the distinguishing factors of its North Island is the beaches it boasts. The warmer climate and lengthy beaches combine to tempt even the most reluctant swimmers, whether on the rugged, windswept shores of the West Coast or the serene, golden sands of the East.
Finest Fit Outs: Hamilton’s Most Aesthetically Pleasing Spaces
Hamilton may not boast the same abundance of hotspots as New Zealand's larger urban centres, yet it harbours establishments that stand in a league of their own. Here you’ll find some of the finest fit-outs in the country.
We celebrate the neat restaurants, cafes, shops, and galleries around New Zealand. Whether you're a local or visiting you'll find something on Neat Places to tickle your fancy.
New and Notable
Peoples Coffee Roastery
Head to Newtown, venture a bit further past the chaotic and colourful Riddiford Street, and you’ll stumble across Peoples Coffee’s roastery HQ café, the...
St Martha
The Havelock North dining scene continues to trend positively, fuelled recently by its latest addition, St Martha.
Noble Rot
Boasting an almost 1,000-strong wine list, it’s no surprise that Noble Rot is widely considered Wellington's premier wine bar.
Movementor Pilates
Movementor is a well-known Pilates studio situated within the Beckenham hub at the corner of Christchurch’s Colombo and Tennyson Streets.
Frances Nation Home
A store devoted to celebrating beautiful, made-to-last daily wares from New Zealand makers.
Sumer Art Gallery
It’s hard to miss. The building façade is painted in semaphore-like triangles of bright purple and white, located centrally on Beach Road near Britomart.
Wild River & Co
It’s rare for a store to blur the lines between floral studio and community hangout spot, but then Wild River & Co.
Dune Café
On the corner of Bridge Street and Estuary Road in the heart of South Brighton, you’ll find Dune Café.
Stories
The Best Vegan-friendly Spots in Wellington
Rolleston Fields: Experience the New Side to Rolleston
Hit the motorway heading south from the centre of Christchurch, and in a mere 15-20 minutes, you’ll arrive in New Zealand’s fastest-growing town, Rolleston. Once dubbed “the town of the future”, it’s apparent this is now very much a reality with a booming population, plenty of investment and exciting new developments appearing on the scene. With its modern, design-led town centre, it’s clear to see why so many people from around the country and further afield are choosing to call Rolleston home.
48 Hours Port Chalmers
The Finest Guide to Exploring Te Aka Ōtākou Otago Harbour Trail
One of the newest cycle trails to hit New Zealand Aotearoa is the Te Aka Ōtākou in Dunedin. This stunning 30+ km trail circumnavigates its way around the inner Otago Harbour from Port Chalmers to Portobello with a standout 10-minute scenic ferry service to cross the Harbour.
A Walking Wonders Art Tour of Hastings Heretaunga
Ever since 1931, Hawke’s Bay has been ahead of the curve when it comes to art: the Napier earthquake prompting a rebuild which saw the city reinvent itself, art deco style. Although Napier required more of a rebuild, Hastings was certainly not exempt and many of those Art Deco and Spanish Mission-style buildings still stand today.
12 Hour City Itineraries
Amberley & Waipara
Craft brews, excellent wine and standout local produce are awaiting in North Canterbury's Amberley and Waipara. Add breathtaking views, easy driving and friendly people to the mix and 12 hours in this region will fly by.
Auckland
Tāmaki Makaurau: an isthmus dwarfed by two almighty harbours, Manukau to the south and Waitematā to the north. It’s no surprise, Auckland is nicknamed the “City of Sails”, with its abundance of boats (and ocean) seen in every direction. There are many reasons why 1.5 million people call this place home. With a diverse culture, bustling food and drink scene, beaches, and 48 dormant volcanoes to keep things interesting, Auckland is as cosmopolitan as they come. Here’s how to spend the day in the biggest city in Aotearoa.
Central Otago
Dramatic landscapes and enchanting seasons abound in Central Otago. If you only have a short time to enjoy it, here’s the best way to spend 12 hours.
Christchurch
Christchurch is home to top of the line retail, quality eating and drinking establishments, and plenty of activities to nourish body and soul. So whether you’re treating yourself, exploring the rebuilding city, or simply after a fresh take of the city, Christchurch is forever full of surprises.
Dunedin
While this 12-hour guide can’t possibly cover all the things to do in Ōtepoti Dunedin, it will give you a great overview of the history and culture found here, with plenty of stops for food and drink along the way!
Gisborne
Fill your day getting amongst the finest places to eat, drink, and shop in Tairāwhiti Gisborne.
Hamilton
Lovers of sport, great food, and wine make up the population of people who have a palpable sense of loyalty to their city, Hamilton.
Havelock North
A quaint township in Hastings, Havelock North punches well above its weight when it comes to eating, drinking, and shopping. Looking for things to do in Havelock North? We have you covered with this 12-hour guide.
In Parnell
Offering a striking contrast between historic architecture and New York-inspired warehouses, Parnell really does have it all. And let’s not forget the sprawling outdoor spaces ready to discover on foot, like the Rose Gardens, Judges Bay and Auckland Domain. From delicious eateries through to art galleries and local boutiques, here’s how to spend the perfect day in this dreamy suburb.
In Timaru
Make the most of your flying visit to Timaru with our 12 hour guide, which will have you sipping the best coffee, nipping into intriguing boutiques and galleries, learning about the ancient practice of Māori rock art and filling up on the best food in town. The locals refer to their petite town as the Riviera of the South, and while it’s all a bit of tongue-in-cheek fun, there is definitely something to this statement. The stunning Caroline Bay and harbour and the easy walking township filled with historical buildings and plenty to pique your interest, make this underdog of the east coast a place well worth visiting. Whether you make Timaru your main destination or stop en-route North or South, make sure you take some time to get to know this gem of a town.
Invercargill
Make the most of your time in Invercargill, one of the southernmost cities in the world. Known for top notch hospitality, cheese rolls and rolling green hills, Invercargill features the very best of Southland cuisine, culture, fashion, design, art and entertainment. You’ll need to use your time wisely to get a sampling of it all.
Kaikōura
Think you can't experience a taste of Kaikōura in 12 hours? We can prove you wrong. We’ve gathered a neat package of activities, delicious food, scenic spots, and great entertainment that can all be squeezed within a day trip to this seaside town.
Marlborough
If you’re thinking about taking a day trip through Marlborough but don’t know where to start, we’ve got you covered with our 12-hour itinerary. From eating and drinking to shopping and exploring, our guide will make sure you get the best out of your trip.
New Plymouth
The best of art and food collide in coastal New Plymouth. Enjoy world-class art, culture, and cuisine in a seaside setting, with a backdrop of mountain views, all in our 12-hour day trip guide to New Plymouth and the best things to do.
Ōamaru
Ōamaru is more than meets the eye. While Steampunk is this Waitaki town’s usual calling card there’s also a host of local food and drink to try, native wildlife to discover, inventive art to enjoy and friendly locals to meet. We've rounded up a day trip guide for when you have 12 hours or less, but we suggest you come back with more time.
Palmerston North
Toss any preconceptions you might have, there is A LOT to do in Palmerston North. If you like food, drink, art, shopping, and friendly people, you’ve come to the right place.
Porirua
If you're visiting Porirua for a day trip, we have the best things to see, eat and do in 12 hours in this city at the southern end of the Kāpiti Coast.
Raglan
Casual beachy vibes, friendly people and a delicious food scene are all found in Raglan, a township with a penchant for zero waste and keeping New Zealand beautiful. The perfect destination for a day trip, and we have just the guide to help you..
Rotorua
If you haven’t got long in this beautiful geothermal town, then it pays to plan your visit so you know exactly what hot spots to head to first.
Tauranga
When you only have 12 hours somewhere you want to hit the best places first, right? Here’s our guide to the coolest spots in Tauranga.
Wānaka
A place where every house in town seems to have a million-dollar view, you'll find endless activities to fill 12 hours in Wānaka.
Wellington
Wellington is well-known for its quirky, colourful streets, its love of fashion and events, and its bustling hospitality scene. Here's how to spend 12 hours in the capital city.
Whanganui
A wonderfully quiet place, Whanganui’s charm is in the pretty streets where there’s no rush to find a park or feel frazzled by traffic. There’s no need to drive far here anyway, so join the locals sipping coffee on street corners, and find some of the most acclaimed art in the country at the numerous galleries.
Only Have In Hastings? Here Are The Best Things To Do
If you have an appetite for rich culture and relish sampling local food and wine, Hastings is bursting with flavour in all aspects. When your time in a city is limited, you need fail-safe tips to point you in the right direction on how best to spend your day. Here’s our guide on how to get the very best out of the rich and vibrant scene in Hastings.