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3 Wānaka Creatives & The Places That Inspire Them

We chatted with Briar (Fruit Bowl Studio), Christina (Perriam), and Anna (The Workroom) to find out more about what they’re creating and how Wānaka’s magical setting influences their work.

Best of 2024: New & Neat Eats in Ōtautahi Christchurch

People standing outside Grizzly Baked Goods on Cashel Street with two dogs
Christchurch & Canterbury

Make no mistake: Christchurch’s food scene is only going in one direction – and that’s skyward. This year, a long list of locals turned their notepad of ideas into delicious realities. From neighbourhood cafes and urban wineries to pâtisserie paradises and one-of-a-kind restaurants, the city’s offerings continue to grow in both flavour and creativity.

Wet Your Whistle: A Guide to Wānaka’s Local Artisan Brewers, Winemakers & More

Customer at Rhyme and Reason.
Wānaka

Wānaka’s endless adventures have a way of working up a thirst. After a day of skiing, biking and hiking, there’s nothing quite like cracking open a cold one or revelling in a world-class glass of red. Ahhh.

3 Ultimate Kāpiti Coast Weekend Escapes

Bedroom view of Dreamscape Glamping.
Kāpiti Coast

One of the most naturally beautiful parts of the Wellington region, the Kāpiti Coast is blessed with some fantastic attractions - and top-notch accommodation options - for a fun weekend escape.

The Kāpiti Coast Businesses Leading the Way in Sustainability

Choose To Reuse Crates at The Bond Store.
Kāpiti Coast

Whether it’s clothing, coffee, or glamping, more businesses on the Kāpiti Coast are adopting a sustainability-centric approach.

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

Soulful Coffee Shop Diamond Harbour

Exterior view of Soulful Coffee Diamond Harbour.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Cafes key icon.

Picture this… you’ve just disembarked from the ferry at Diamond Harbour and the need for coffee is strong, luckily after an easy 10 minute stroll you arrive in...

Verve

Customers enjoying the dining space inside at Verve.
Place Wānaka
Bars key icon. Restaurants key icon.

A short stroll from the lakeside, Verve is the newest bar to join Wānaka’s downtown scene. The concept here is simple but enticing: good beer and good wine.

The Ram

Tables at The Ram.
Place Wellington
Restaurants key icon.

Rubbing shoulders with Cuba Street institutions, The Ram is a classy, contemporary bistro that blends sophistication with an unmistakably laid-back Wellington vibe.

Velo Café & Beer Garden

Exterior view of Velo Café & Beer Garden.
Place Wānaka
Cafes key icon. Restaurants key icon.

We won’t lie.

Heatwave

Exterior view of Heatwave.
Place Wānaka
Services key icon. Wellbeing key icon.

Located on Dunmore Street in Wānaka, Heatwave is a community hub as much as it is an outdoor lifestyle store.

Thieving Kea

Exterior of Thieving Kea.
Place Wānaka

Perched along Wānaka’s picture-perfect lakefront, Thieving Kea is a family-run boutique that captures the heart of Aotearoa’s artisan culture and natural beauty.

Wānaka Brew Bar

Bar view at Wānaka Brew Bar.
Place Wānaka
Bars key icon.

If you find yourself craving a cold one but can’t bear to tear yourself away from the stunning sights of Lake Wānaka, you’ll be pleased that Wānaka Brew Bar exists.

Thom Morison

View of the studio workspace and clothing at Thom Morison.
Place Auckland

Timeless designs and garments of the highest quality are what you can expect from contemporary menswear brand Thom Morison found in Auckland’s Grey Lynn.

Stories

One of a Kind Finds on the Kāpiti Coast

Artwork exhibition in Artel Gallery & Store.
Looking for that special gift for that special someone? Head on over to the Kāpiti Coast and check out these one-of-a-kind stores.

Gift Guide 2024: Neat Gifts from Neat Places in Aotearoa

Books and homewares on shelf at Crushes in Auckland

Don’t ask how, but we’ve officially entered the Christmas countdown. Michael Bublé is blasting in aisle 4, your Type A sister has already assigned everyone their Christmas lunch tasks, and everyone's dropping not-so-subtle gift hints left, right and centre. If the thought of gift shopping sends you spiralling, take a deep breath – we’ve got you.

6 Neat Rotorua Activities and Where to Treat Yourself After

Canopy Tours Ultimate Cliff Walk in Rotorua.
Rotorua

Tucked within the geothermal heartland of the North Island, Rotorua is the ultimate playground for anyone who loves a mix of adventure, nature and relaxation. Whether you’re into zipping through redwood forests, visiting one of the region’s numerous bubbling mud pools or soaking up some local history, Rotorua’s natural attractions cater to all. With its unique mix of geothermal landscapes, forests, and lakes, there’s an adventure waiting for everyone - regardless if you're a seasoned adventurer or just looking for a relaxing escape into nature. But the fun doesn’t have to end when the adventure does. Rotorua is also home to a vibrant food scene, perfect for rewarding yourself after a day of exploring. Our guide showcases six of the best Rotorua activities and the perfect spots to unwind and indulge afterwards. After all, what’s an adventure without a well-deserved treat?

Rediscovering Thorndon Quay: Where History Meets Modern Design

The grand brick exterior of a building in Wellington.
Wellington

Tucked away but not to be overlooked, Thorndon Quay is a place worth wandering. Steeped in history and creativity, this corridor of the capital city boasts a unique blend of old and new – with a rich mix of contemporary design, heritage buildings, cosy eateries and eclectic boutiques ready to welcome you in.

The Heart of Thorndon Quay: Four Traders Who Have Stood the Test of Time

A woman leaning on a couch.
Wellington

A walk down Thorndon Quay is a quick reminder of the strength, resilience and creativity of Wellington’s business community. Even as challenges have reshaped the area, a collection of beloved local businesses remain as an enduring anchor of the community. From handcrafted furniture and authentic French cuisine to vibrant textiles and personalised hairstyling, these enduring traders reflect the heart of the Quay – inviting visitors to explore, enjoy, and support the places that have long been part of its fabric.

12 Hour City Itineraries