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New! Shop Our Neat Places Tote Bag

Designed for curious city explorers and weekend wanderers, this everyday essential combines form, function and a little bit of fun. Plus, every tote comes with a 'Collect the Set' bundle of Neat Places pocket guides, your ticket to discovering hidden gems across Aotearoa.

Plate to Play: Where to Dine Near Christchurch's New Court Theatre

Exterior of the new Court Theatre building in Christchurch
Christchurch & Canterbury

To celebrate and welcome this new state-of-the-art theatre to the inner city’s Performing Arts Precinct, we’ve put together a guide of all the best places you can eat and drink before and after a show.

ICYMI: New and Neat Openings Across Aotearoa

Outdoor space at Two Thumb Redcliffs with late afternoon sun shining through and groups of people gathering around picnic tables
Auckland
There’s nothing that puts a pep in our step like news of a new opening in the food scene. With so many eateries popping up, it can be a full-time job keeping up to date with the latest cafés, restaurants and bars in your neighbourhood. Don’t worry, we've done all the work for you – so next time you feel like going somewhere new, you know where to turn to.

The Ultimate Wellington Coffee & Treat Trail

Rows of donuts from Wellington's Belen.
Wellington

Wellington's love affair with coffee is no secret - it’s a city built on strong brews, passionate baristas, and cabinets full of temptations you can’t say no to.

Not Eggs Benny: 11 Interesting Brunch Spots in Christchurch

Elevated version of french toast with grilled bananas and a quenelle of cream on the side
Christchurch & Canterbury

From Malaysian-inspired breakfasts to exciting bagel fillings, bougie oats to bánh mì, hokey pokey lattes to meatball subs, next time you’re planning a brunch date, skip the eggs on toast and try something new from these 11 standout cafés in Ōtautahi Christchurch.

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

To Be Continued

Customer walking into the Ferrymead location of To Be Continued.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Fashion key icon.

If you’ve ever wished shopping preloved fashion felt a little more boutique and a lot less rummage, To Be Continued might just be your dream come true.

Sketchbook Coffee

Exterior of Sketchbook Coffee.
Place Wellington
Cafes key icon.

Supra

Supra signage.
Place Wellington
Restaurants key icon.

As far as hidden gems go, Supra is about as hidden as they get.

Three Rabbits Tattoo

Exterior of Three Rabbits Tattoo in Wellington.
Place Wellington
Services key icon.

Just a stone’s throw from the noise and busyness of Courtenay Place lies Three Rabbits Tattoo, an intimate, creative sanctuary where every detail has been thoughtfully...

that was then, this is now.

Exterior of that was then, this is now.
Place Wellington

Walking through the doors of that was then, this is now feels a bit like stepping into a perfectly distilled version of Cuba Street’s spirit: textured, effortlessly...

Damascus

Customers in the dining room at Damascus.
Place Wellington
Restaurants key icon.

With a menu that reads like a love letter to Syrian cooking, Damascus, found in the heart of Wellington, is a place where all are warmly invited to delight in the food from...

Völco Egmont Street

Exterior view of Volco's laneway location.
Place Wellington
Cafes key icon.

Völco’s latest outpost is a warm, welcoming addition to Wellington that takes over the former site of the much-loved Egmont Street Deli & Diner.

Mumma Bear

Exterior of Mumma Bear's retail space.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury

In a quiet block of neighbourhood shops in Christchurch’s seaside suburb of Mt Pleasant, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to find Mumma Bear’s retail space...

Stories

One of the Locals: Your Insider's Guide to Heretaunga Hastings

Outdoor seating with customers at Red Bridge Coffee.
With long hot summers and lush countryside settings – plus top wineries and abundant orchards in close proximity – it’s not hard to understand the attraction of making Hastings and Havelock North home.

One of the Locals: Your Insider’s Guide to Ōtepoti Dunedin

Patrons being served at Steamer Basin.
Dunedin

For those visiting Ōtepoti Dunedin for the first time, there are certain castles, coastal adventures, and crazy steep streets that you simply can’t skip on your travels. However, once you’ve ticked off the city’s top sights, the rest of your visit should be dedicated to experiencing Dunedin through a local lens.

The Hunt for Christchurch's Hottest Hot Cross Buns

Person holding box of four Hot Cross Buns outside Grizzly in Christchurch
Christchurch & Canterbury

It’s that magical time of year, where the comforting scent of warm spices, citrus and melted butter fills the neighbourhood. Ah, Hot Cross Bun season. Where would we be without these Easter treats providing the best end-of-summer coping mechanism. Whether you need to put in a bulk order for Easter weekend or fancy a quick single hit on the go, we went on a taste-testing mission (a tough job but someone’s gotta do it) to bring you this guide to Christchurch’s hottest hot cross buns.

One of the Locals: An Insider's Guide to Kirikiriroa Hamilton

Interior of Cream Eatery in Hamilton with overview of cabinet and counter area
Hamilton

Taking the crown of New Zealand’s fastest growing city, you’d be a fool to underestimate what this town in the mighty Waikato has to offer. While throngs of visitors take the 45-minute trip out of Hamilton to live out their fantasies in The Shire (each to their own), those who stick to the heart of the ‘Tron will discover local treasures that are – in our opinion – just as precious.

Hutt Valley Businesses Leading the Sustainable Way

Assorted products on display at The Dowse gift shop.
Hutt Valley

From the pristine coastlines of Lower Hutt to the rugged nature walks in Upper Hutt, the Hutt Valley is full of scenic wonders - and plenty of homegrown, sustainable businesses.

12 Hour City Itineraries