Volkswagen’s Little Legends: Cam, Oat Bros
Cam from Oat Bros shares the Auckland spots he keeps going back to, from Pho Yen and BeaBea’s pies to a sunrise walk from Milford to Takapuna.
A Long Weekend Escape to Golden Bay
No matter the time of year, it’s nice to know there’s a corner of Aotearoa that shines as brightly as the sand on its beaches.
Eat Your Way Around Rotorua
Rotorua has always been a place people go for great experiences, but these days, the food scene is just as much a part of the exploring.
10 Things to Do with Kids in Rotorua
Rotorua is pretty hard to beat for a family trip.
The Best Independent Bookshops in New Zealand
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
Terracotta Wellness
Though the phrase is often bandied about, Terracotta Wellness, tucked into Rolleston Square on Masefield Drive, is truly an oasis hidden in plain sight.
The Fabric of Society
Tucked into one of the many characterful right-angled coves of Christchurch’s Sydenham, The Fabric of Society on Carlyle Street is a mecca of boutique bolts and threaded advice.
CURIO
CURIO cocktail bar (formerly Little Culprit) has had a full change of character.
Queens Rooftop & Wine Shop
At the back of Queens Wine Shop, behind shelves lined with bottles from near and far, you’ll find a private lift waiting to take you 21 floors up.
Mod's Hair
Let’s be honest – lovely as they both are – Merivale and Paris aren’t exactly twins. But thanks to Mod's Hair, the two places are connected just that little bit more.
The Mains Restaurant
At The Mains restaurant, they say it’s designed to feel like you’re walking into someone’s home. And it does.
Fat Dog Café
Fat Dog Café has been feeding Rotorua locals and visitors for more than three decades.
Stories
Volkswagen’s Little Legends: Edmundo, Tacoteca
The Volkswagen Polo is returning to New Zealand, so we’re teaming up with the Volkswagen Polo to meet some little legends of our own: the people behind the places that make Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch special. We handed each of them the keys and asked for their favourite spots.
I stumbled into hospitality while on holiday in Cancún in the early ’90s. It was intoxicating and way too much fun getting paid to live in paradise, so I stuck with it. At one point, I was lucky enough to work at La Boom, which was one of Latin America’s biggest nightclubs, before moving to London and starting my sommelier career.
That took me into some incredible venues and introduced me properly to the good things in life. At Hakkasan, we had weekly food-matching sessions, and I got to work around some amazing chefs. I’ve now been in New Zealand for more than 15 years, and these days I run Tacoteca, where tacos, margaritas and beers are the holy trinity.
What I still love most about hospitality is the people. I’m fascinated by human interaction and the chance to meet interesting people every day. Good service can genuinely change someone’s day for the better, and I love being part of that.
Even after 15 years here, the generosity and goodwill of Aucklanders still surprises me. That’s probably one of the biggest reasons I’ve stayed. Plus it’s beautiful - you don’t need to drive far or even leave the city to find a beautiful beach or bush walk. My kids come home from school and bike around for hours without any worries. That’s gold.
And when you do need to drive, the Volkswagen Polo is a great little companion. Comfortable, easy and genuinely fun.
Here are some of my favourite spots around Auckland.
The Best Ice Cream & Gelato in Christchurch
On a hot day in Christchurch, there’s no better way to cool down than with a delicious iced delight.
The Best Cheap Eats in Wellington
Noodles, burgers, pasta and more - here are some of our top picks in Wellington for a meal that won’t blow your budget.
Volkswagen’s Little Legends: Hohepa, Boar & Blade
Queenstown Shopping: 8 Boutiques & Art Galleries to Explore
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 district 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. Travelling with little ones? See our guide to things to do with kids in Auckland.
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. Travelling with little ones? See our guide to things to do with kids in Christchurch.
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. Travelling with little ones? See our guide to things to do with kids in Kaikōura.
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.
Mid Canterbury
Stretching from the Canterbury Plains to the foothills of the Southern Alps, Mid Canterbury is easy to drive straight through. Slow down, though, and you'll find a creative café scene, a thriving arts hub and one of the South Island's most striking hot pools.
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.
Northland
Head an hour north of Auckland and the pace changes. Rolling vineyards, white-sand beaches and small towns full of good bakeries set the tone for a day on the Matakana Coast and up into Mangawhai, the gateway to Northland.
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.
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. Travelling with little ones? See our guide to things to do with kids in Porirua.
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. Travelling with little ones? See our guide to things to do with kids in Wellington.
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.
Things To Do In Palmerston North: A 12-Hour Guide
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. Here are the best things to do in Palmerston North, laid out as a day from first coffee to last bite, checked and updated for 2026. Travelling with little ones? See our guide to things to do with kids in Palmerston North.
