Hutt Valley Businesses Leading the Sustainable Way
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.
One of the Locals: Your Insider's Guide to Heretaunga Hastings
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.
The Hunt for Christchurch's Hottest Hot Cross Buns
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: Your Insider’s Guide to Ōtepoti 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.
One of the Locals: An Insider's Guide to Kirikiriroa 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.
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
Ellen G
Step into a world where colour and joy sing together in harmony at Ellen G, the vibrant, vivacious hub of artist and designer Ellen Giggenbach.
Ebb-Kitchen
A green oasis nestled into Dunedin’s urban streets, Ebb-Kitchen bridges the gap between city and nature, bringing the best parts of each together on the plate.
Honey Sundays
Tucked into a sun-drenched corner of Herne Bay, Honey Sundays is more than just a cafe—it’s a slice of surf culture in the ‘burbs.
Barre Base
Finding a fitness studio that makes you feel good about yourself can be as challenging as the workout itself.
Sumner Post Office
Restored to glory and proudly standing on Nayland Street, Sumner Post Office is the neighbourhood’s new favourite place to eat, drink, and give back to the community...
Gourmet Gannet
Tucked away in Catalina Bay, Gourmet Gannet is a local favourite in Hobsonville, known for its artisan sourdough and fresh-baked pastries.
Big Lizard
A compact and colourful takeaway shop that is dedicated to sandwiches and pastries – I ask you, what more could you want for? Popping out from Dunedin's Vogel Street...
Augustines of Portobello
Set on lush farmland surrounded by the natural beauty of the Otago Peninsula, Augustines of Portobello is an idyllic culinary retreat just 25 minutes from Dunedin's...
Stories
Taste of Dunedin: A Food Lover’s Guide to the City
ICYMI: New and Neat Openings Across Aotearoa
‘03 Pizza Devotees: Your Guide To The Best Spots in Christchurch
We may be far from Italy in our little corner of the world here in Ōtautahi Christchurch, but our pizza game is strong, and wherever you are in the city, you’ll never be far from some excellent choices.
9 Christchurch Cafés Serving a Matcha Made in Heaven
In Ōtautahi Christchurch, some of our favourite coffee shops, cafés and bakeries are embracing the matcha lifestyle, whisking the powder into drinks, served hot or iced, and perhaps pimped up with vanilla, maple syrup and blended strawberries (just like Wicked, you can only run from this pink and green trend for so long). No longer just in the hands of the barista, you’ll also find matcha injected into some of your favourite baked goods: cookies, basque cheesecake, tiramisu, and more.
Shop and Stare: 9 Boutiques & Art Galleries to Explore in Queenstown
Every inch of Queenstown’s great outdoors is an endless source of beauty and inspiration – but going inside is just as much of a treat. Come along with us as we open the door to a community of creative businesses housing objects as beautiful as the scenery out the window, breathtaking art made by Aotearoa talents, well-made clothing designed to last a lifetime in your wardrobe, and much more.
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.
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.
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, 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.
