Explore Lyall Bay with our New Pocket Guide
Grab your free pocket guide and uncover the cafés, eateries, shops and seaside spots that make Lyall Bay one of Wellington’s most charming neighbourhoods.
Meet Chris Menges, Master Swordsmith at Wētā Workshop
Behind the fascinating characters, costumes and props that make Wētā Workshop Experiences one of Wellington’s most unique attractions, there’s a team of supremely talented creators who bring it all to life. One of these individuals is master swordsmith Chris Menges, who has been handling swords since he was a kid and has forged a reputation as one of the country’s finest craftsmen. We asked Chris about what drives his creative process and what life is like at Wētā Workshop.
Cosy Corners, Filling Foods and Winter Warmers around Wellington
Wherever you go in Wellington, you’ll be sure to find a cosy corner offering a hearty meal or a punchy cocktail to keep you warm in winter.
Wander the Heart of Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau
Throw on Your Puffer, There are Plenty of Things to Do in Christchurch This Winter
Has the drop in temperature and southerly blasts got you hunkered down? Well, it’s time to grab your coat, we’ve got some activities to get you out of hibernation mode this winter.
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
Willis Lane
Wellington’s city streets are constantly humming with life and energy, but for a playful excursion that breaks the norm, you’ll want to head underground.
Crushes
An eclectic mix of all things homemade, handcrafted, New Zealand made and vintage.
Little ‘Lato
Even in a city full of ice cream spots, Little ‘Lato is worth crossing town for.
Pilar Café & Eatery
Right on the corner connecting Ponsonby and Karangahape Road, Pilar Café & Eatery is the perfect little sun-drenched spot for coffee or brunch with a side of...
Okioki by Great Pastry Co
Opened by the Great Pastry Co team, Okioki on Victoria St is an inviting spot for fresh pastries, house-made focaccia sandwiches, pies, great coffee and more.
Chaat Street
Big flavours, playful energy, and dishes designed for sharing over good times - Vaibhav Vishen’s Chaat Street has carved out a space all of its own.
Numa Skin Club
The first rule of Numa Skin & Body Club: you tell absolutely everyone you can about it, because it’s just that good and some things shouldn’t be gatekept.
Stories
Christchurch Food Guide: Alex Davies of Gatherings
Fresh Hop Season: Local Christchurch Breweries Worth a Visit
One of the Locals: An Insider's Guide to the Hutt Valley
The Hutt Valley: severely underestimated, often misunderstood, and full of surprises for every type of visitor.
One of a Kind Experiences in the Hutt Valley
From historic streets and artisan craft to quirky collections, the Hutt Valley is packed with experiences you simply won’t find anywhere else - here, every stop tells its own story.
Powered by New Balance: A Walk & Talk with Ponsonby’s Women in Business
In Auckland, Ponsonby is defined as much by its independent businesses as it is by the pace they keep. For the women behind some of the neighbourhood’s most-loved spots, no two days look the same, shifting from early opens to midday rushes and into social evenings. It’s the kind of schedule that calls for something considered – an everyday choice that knows how to keep up.
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
Ōtautahi Christchurch is a city that feels fresh in every sense of the word. New laneways, striking architecture, thoughtful hospitality spaces and a creative energy continue to shape the city into one of New Zealand’s most exciting places to spend a day. In just 12 hours, you’ll find great coffee, standout food and the kind of independent spots that make Ōtautahi feel distinctly its own. Here’s how we’d do it.
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
With its bubbling mud pools, lush forests and proudly rich Māori heritage, Rotorua is a destination that doesn’t do things by halves. It steams, it sizzles, it tells stories, and yeah, it smells a little of sulphur – you’ll quickly get used to it.
Tauranga
Set along the coast, there is so much to love about Aotearoa’s fifth most populated city. Just under three hours south of Auckland, Tauranga is a lifestyle hotspot with a sunny climate and endless options for exploring.
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.
