12 Hours in Tauranga
All the best things to do in Tauranga if you only have 12 hours, packed with special local spots that capture the town’s happy disposition.
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.
Neat People: Jemma & Adam's Guide to Palmerston North
As locals since forever, Jemma Cheer & Adam Curry know Papaioea Palmerston North better than most.
The First-Timers Guide to: Twominds Festival 2026
A Taste Trail Through Wellington's Courtenay Precinct
Wellington’s food scene moves lightning-quick, yet the Courtenay Place dining precinct is one that typifies endurance. From a handful of neighbouring streets, a few iconic establishments have outlasted economic downturns, pandemic lockdowns and shifting tastes, cementing themselves as much a part of the city as the wind. But how would one best go about visiting some of these legends of the scene?
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
Ma Maison
Sitting in a prime spot on Akaroa’s waterfront, Ma Maison is a restaurant worth making a trip for, and certainly not merely for the view (though it is damn pretty!).
The Grand Hotel
Wandering down Akaroa’s Rue Lavaud, it’s hard not to stop outside the Grand Hotel and take in its historic charm.
Switch New Brighton
Switch is a bit of an institution of the seaside suburb of New Brighton.
Rambler
Set across the ground floor of Drifter, a polished design-led hotel-hostel hybrid on Christchurch’s Lichfield Street, Rambler is a laid-back local favourite that...
Renegade Brewing Co
Tucked into the industrial grid of Sydenham, on the corner of Orbell and Disraeli Streets, Renegade Brewing Co is part working brewery, part neighbourhood hangout.
Tīni
Every small town needs a decent watering hole, and perched right on the waterfront is Akaroa’s answer for this, Tīni.
Akaroa Butchery, Deli & Pantry
Akaroa Butchery, Deli + Pantry is a feature on the seaside village’s main road of Rue Lavaud.
Zoyi Bakerhouse
If you've ever pictured yourself in a postcard-perfect scene: pastel buildings, treat in hand, old trams rolling by, then Zoyi Bakerhouse on New Regent Street is your ticket.
Stories
A Guide to Calm & Wellness in the Heart of Wellington
Our wonderful and oft-windy capital has earned, fair and square, its status as one of New Zealand’s food and entertainment hubs. What you might not know, however, is that it has been quietly cultivating a reputation for all things wellness.
The Akaroa Road Trip: Exploring the Town & Neat Stops Along the Way
Bold Brews and Spirits: A Guide to Queenstown’s Craft Beer and Distilleries
Stay A While: Why Wānaka Rewards Those Who Slow Down
Those classic scenes: towering peaks, the tree, coffee by the lake. Wānaka's icons have earned their status, but this stunning corner of our country has a knack for revealing much more to those willing to stay a while. With over 750 kilometres of trails connecting townships, lakes, and high country, you could spend weeks here without retracing your steps, and without hardly making a mark as you go: two-wheeled or two-legged transportation is both highly encouraged and highly catered for in these parts.
Bring Your Appetite to Arrowtown: Your Guide to the Best Eats and Drinks In Town
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 home to one-of-a-kind shopping, exciting places to eat and drink, and plenty of activities to spark inspiration. So whether you’re treating yourself, exploring the rebuilding city, or simply after a fresh take of the city, prepare to be surprised around every corner.
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.
