Hamilton After Dark
Hamilton has long been on the rise, and these days there’s more choice than ever once the sun goes down. From dessert bars and live music to cocktails and late nights at the museum, here’s how to make a night of it in Kirikiriroa.
An Insider’s Guide to Waikanae
Is there a more relaxed, easygoing spot in the country than Waikanae?
The Makers of Palmerston North
Palmerston North has always had a strong creative streak. You don’t have to look hard to find artists, bakers, jewellers, framers, designers, florists and all sorts of makers who imbue the city with its funky character.
The Best Cafes for Coffee & Cabinet Treats on the Kāpiti Coast
There are few better combinations than a strong coffee paired with a sweet or savoury cabinet treat.
The Shopkeepers of the Kāpiti Coast
Sometimes the biggest joy in shopping isn’t browsing the shelves, but learning more about the people who keep them stocked.
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
hāpi bar
Tucked within the modern mess hall at MADE, hāpi bar is Hamilton East's...
Books & Co
The best stories are often found off the beaten track, and just off State Highway 1 in Ōtaki you’ll find Books & Co – one of the region’s neatest...
Pork Chop Hill
Te Motu o Poutoa/ANZAC Park, affectionately known as “Pork Chop Hill”, is a lookout point, observatory, and car park perched on a bluff above the Manawatū River.
Ōpuke Thermal Pools & Spa
Most hot pools draw their warmth from deep underground, but Methven's Ōpuke Thermal Pools & Spa on Mt Hutt Station Road looks skyward instead.
Amara Bar & Snackery
City-calibre cocktails aren't what most people expect in the foothills, but Amara Bar & Snackery on Methven's Main Street makes a convincing case.
Station Coffee
Station Coffee on Methven's Forest Drive began life as a little white trailer parked across from the Blue Pub.
Cafe 45
Stand on the corner of Methven's Forest Drive and McMillan Street and two sights are hard to miss: the hulking peaks of the Southern Alps,...
The Staveley Store
Sitting pretty on Burgess Road in the shade of Mt Somers, the red-roofed Staveley Store has anchored its village since around 1876.
Stories
8 Christmas Destinations to Book Now Across New Zealand
The Villages of Kāpiti
One of the Kāpiti Coast’s greatest strengths is that it never quite feels like one place.
Mikey Hurman of ATB: His Guide to Ōtaki
For Mikey Hurman, creativity has never really been a choice – it’s simply how he sees the world.
Palmerston North with Kids: Adventures for the Whole Whānau
With big parks, bush walks and plenty of places to keep the kids busy, a family day out here doesn’t require loads of planning – plus there’s plenty of good food and coffee nearby to keep the adults happy. Better yet, lots of the best parts are free.
Neat in the Neighbourhood: Your Guide to Sydenham
Ask a Christchurch local where the city's independent spirit lives loudest, and plenty will point you south of the centre. Once an archetypal precinct of warehouses and workshops, Sydenham has spent the post-quake years decorating its industrial bones with roasteries, breweries, boutiques and just about everything you could ask of the city fringe. It's where street art meets industry, and good coffee meets great perusing. There's usually something pretty sweet, and tasty, hidden down its many side-streets - you just have to know where to look.
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.
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.
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.
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.
