Brewing Dreams: Hannah & Andrew Childs of Churly’s CBD
Nestled in the heart of Wellington, Churly’s CBD is the latest venture from Andrew and Hannah Childs – the dynamic duo behind Behemoth Brewing.
10 Top Spots For A Dry July Drink In Christchurch
Every year people around the country commit to being alcohol free for Dry July. For some the motivation is to raise money for charity, for others, it’s more of a personal challenge and one that can often lead to longer-term lifestyle changes. In years gone by this might have meant ordering a soda with lime when you met friends at the pub on the weekend. But the times they are a-changin’ – and with growing demand for more interesting and varied alcohol-free beverages, you’ll find yourself spoilt for choice if you’re dipping your toe into teetotalism this Dry July in Christchurch.
Neat Places Team Picks: Where to Go for an Evening Tipple
We all have a go-to, that place where we can keep returning for a reliable tipple, time and time again – whether it's a darn good margarita, a freshly brewed beer or an organic wine.
Meet Sung Park: The Triple Shot Threat of Christchurch’s Café Scene
Operating one successful business in the hospitality sector is no mean feat – but managing three thriving establishments? Well, that’s something else. Sung Park, together with his wife Jenny, is the mastermind behind Christchurch’s beloved café trio: Lux, Doubles and Akin.
The Wine Bars Winning Over Christchurch Ōtautahi
Whether you prefer a pinot or crave a cabernet, we’ve got your guide to the neatest wine bars winning over Ōtautahi locals and visitors alike.
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
Kong
Ready to flee the 21st century for the night? We know just the place.
Shelly Bay Baker on Leeds Street
When the call of carbs rings out loudly in Wellington, follow the scent of freshly baked bread down Leeds Street and through the door of Shelly Bay Baker.
Glou Glou
Located inside Wellington’s iconic Exchange Building on Allen Street, Glou Glou is an upmarket casual cafe that is ultra sleek yet laid-back enough to warrant a daily...
Two Thumb Brewing Co. – Harbourside
For years Diamond Harbour residents have been patiently waiting for a local watering hole; a venue to catch up with their neighbours and somewhere to kick back and relax...
NOKI
On the corner of Papanui Road and Bealey Ave, NOKI harnesses the deliciousness of Korean ingredients to make brunch interesting again.
The Bank
Eltham. A town well known not only for its gourmet cheese offerings but also for its unrivalled vintage and second-hand shopping scene.
Tosca
Tosca, a beloved espresso bar nestled in the heart of Remuera's vibrant 1050 precinct, has quickly become a local favourite.
Holiday
Who doesn't love the feeling of being on holiday? That’s the ethos behind Holiday, an understated café in Mount Eden aiming to bring the relaxed joy of a...
Neat Planner
Looking for something to do? Whether you’re a local, new in town or just passing through, we’ve rounded up the best things happening across New Zealand – from neighbourhood parties to restaurant pop-ups, boutique festivals and more.
Find events near you
Stories
8 Businesses Championing Sustainability in Christchurch Ōtautahi
One of a Kind Finds in Downtown Tauranga
Discover a variety of unique offerings from some of Tauranga’s most loved local businesses and brands.
Veto’s Charlotte Greer’s Guide to Downtown Tauranga
Meet Charlotte Greer. She runs Veto, which produces everyday cleaning products designed to save money and space without causing waste. Here’s her guide to Downtown Tauranga.
Insider's Food Guide to Downtown Tauranga
Nestled amidst the condensed streets and waterfront views, downtown Tauranga has a culinary offering that will both pleasantly surprise and plentifully satisfy.
New Brighton Good Life Guide: Elisha Blogg
Elisha Blogg grew up in pre-quake Christchurch before taking off overseas for nearly ten years. When she was pregnant with their first child, Elisha and her partner Mike moved to Christchurch to be closer to the much-appreciated support of her folks, and landed in New Brighton in 2018. Six years, two tiny humans, one very needy black cat and their second New Brighton home later, they have immersed themselves into the culture and community. They cannot imagine living in any other part of Ōtautahi Christchurch. We chatted to Elisha about her favourite experiences in New Brighton and what makes it special.
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.