ICYMI: New and Neat Openings Across Aotearoa
There’s nothing that puts a pep in our step like news of a new opening in the local hospo and retail scene.
Gift Guide 2025: Neat Gifts from Neat Places in Aotearoa
Welcome to the Neat Places Gift Guide 2025, packed with beautiful, practical, and interesting finds from local businesses across Aotearoa.
6 Kāpiti Coast Adventures & Where to Treat Yourself Afterwards
The Kāpiti Coast is a wild, wonderful section of the Lower North Island, where rivers, bush tracks, and coastal escarpments beckon you out into the fresh air and native habitat. Whether you find yourself at one with the coast, river, forest, or mountain, there’s more than a handful of spots here where you can connect with the beauty of New Zealand's nature.
Horowhenua’s Harvest: Discover the District’s Food Producers
Blessed with fertile soils and optimal growing conditions, Horowhenua is one of New Zealand’s most underrated food-producing districts.
48 Hours Horowhenua
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
Petal & Bee Grocers
Set inside one of Foxton’s original buildings, Petal & Bee Grocers blends old-school charm with a fresh, contemporary ethos for a food shopping experience that...
Wilson & Dorset Christchurch
Pair the historical architecture of Christchurch’s Arts Centre with a beloved Central Otago lifestyle brand renowned for its sheepskin products, and you get Wilson...
Cambridge Lane
A laid-back dining spot in Levin that brings the energy of a family BBQ (except it’s indoors!), Cambridge Lane is one of those homey eateries where good food meets...
Manakau Market
Like a shining, burger and ice cream-filled oasis on this stretch of SH1, Manakau Market is a welcome sight for weary souls travelling through the Horowhenua district.
De Molen
A striking symbol of Dutch heritage rising proudly over Foxton, De Molen is a fully operational 17th-century-style windmill.
Firebird Cafe
There’s a certain spark about Firebird Cafe, the kind that catches as soon as you walk through the door and hear the hum of conversation, the hiss of the coffee...
Lewis Farms
Levin’s Lewis Farms is a place where generations of family care and innovation meet in a beautifully relaxed rural setting.
Mewington’s Book Shoppe
You should never judge a book by its cover, and neither should you judge a shop by its storefront.
Stories
The Brewers, Bakers, Roasters and Picklers of the Kāpiti Coast
The Neatest Things To Do in Foxton
Coastin' Through Summer: Your Kāpiti Hotlist
There are few better places in the lower North Island to spend summer than on the Kāpiti Coast.
Live Like a Local: Discover Perfect Stays and Neat Spots Around Christchurch
When you’re booking a trip, one of the crucial decisions you have to make is where to stay, and while in days gone by it was a question of motel or hotel, nowadays there are so many more options to suit the kind of traveller you are. And if you are the kind that enjoys a boutique apartment stay, where all of life’s little luxuries and comforts have been thought of, then a Perfect Stays property might be just what you are after. Proudly owned and operated in Christchurch, they are experts in providing quality accommodation and knowing their city.
Foundations of a City: A Guide to Hamilton's Notable Buildings
Hamilton is a city where architecture tells the story of its past, present, and future in a single glance. Heritage landmarks stand proudly alongside bold new developments, each adding its own character to the city’s growing skyline. From reimagined historic spaces that hum with new life, to cutting-edge cultural venues and purpose‑built community hubs.
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
There are countless reasons why 1.8 million people call Tāmaki Makaurau home. So many, in fact, that squeezing them into just 12 hours feels like a cruel task. With its diverse population, thriving food and drink scene, beautiful beaches, rich arts and culture calendar, and 48 dormant volcanoes to keep things interesting, Auckland is as cosmopolitan as they come. Local or not, there’s always something new to see and do, with endless spots vying for your attention. There’s no single right way to spend a day exploring the best of Tāmaki Makaurau – but this is a pretty neat place to start.
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 village 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.
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, it pays to plan your visit so you know exactly what hot spots to head to.
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 every aspect. 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 vibrant scene in Hastings.
