Glow Up With Auckland’s Best Facials

We all need a little ‘me’ time every now and again - especially when life in the big smoke becomes a little too hectic. And what better way to remedy (or at least mitigate) the chaos than by booking a facial and giving your skin the TLC it deserves?

The Neat Places team’s favourite places to brunch

Here at Neat Places, we're certainly partial to great food – and brunch is no exception. We've spilled the beans on our team's favourite spots around the country to enjoy a slow morning over eggs, smashed avo, pancakes, omelettes, and more goodness...

Icing on the cake: Where to find the best sweet treats in Auckland

Without sugarcoating it, Auckland has us well covered when it comes to sweet treats. The city is popping at the seams with culinary wonders, so it should really come as no surprise that sweet tooths can easily embark on a journey of indulgence, tantalising even the most discerning of taste buds. Whether it be to neighbourhoods with quaint corner bakeries or to institutions with queues a mile long, sweet enthusiasts won’t have to search too hard for their perfect piece of sugar-coated paradise.

Neat in the Neighbourhood: Grey Lynn

Said to be home to Auckland’s ‘free thinkers’, Grey Lynn prides itself on being a neighbourhood with charm and a different way of doing things. Houses in the district were mostly built in the 1880s, and low rent in the 1950s attracted many immigrant workers who quickly made this neighbourhood home. Now, having undergone a similar renewal to Ponsonby, Grey Lynn has become a much sought after place where locals live close to neighbourhood shops and within easy reach of Point Chevalier beach.

Dine Al Fresco-Style in Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau

One of Auckland’s greatest appeals is its prolonged summers, often sticking around until well after the last of the Easter bunny’s goodies are gone. And even when it starts getting cooler, there’s something invigorating about cosying up with a delicious bowl of food or hot drink, a blanket and an outdoor heater.

Neat in the Neighbourhood: Your Guide to Point Chevalier

Just a stone’s throw from the CBD (well, almost), Point Chevalier is one of central Auckland’s outermost suburbs and a patchwork of family friendly activities, funky eateries and natural attractions.

Auckland's Favourite Chinese Cheap Eats

Chinese food is one of those cravings that are extremely hard to ignore, but when done right, it really is one of the best cravings to have satiated. Do it wrong, though, and you may be left with some (greasy) regrets. Thankfully in Auckland there are only about a million good options, and most of them won’t break the bank.

Eating for One: Where to Dine Solo in Auckland

Dining out alone can sometimes feel like a daunting experience - we assure you, it shouldn’t have to be! Some (lucky) people have no hesitations about doing so, but for the rest of us, feeling comfortable might be a work in progress. The eatery itself plays a huge role in how individuals will feel about eating there - certain places are definitely better at creating environments perfect for a party of one. Whether it be the seating style, table arrangement or simply the location itself, each plays an important role in making diners feel at home.

Best Urban Wine Experiences in New Zealand

All around New Zealand, we are blessed with incredible wine experiences right in our own urban backyard. No matter your vino preference from a classic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc to a Central Otago Pinot Noir or perhaps an interesting blend from a far away European vineyard, you don’t have to travel far to sample and enjoy a glass or two (responsibly of course!).

Your Guide to Auckland’s Best Burgers

In a city absolutely brimming with burger options, it can feel challenging knowing where to start. Soooo, let us help you out.

Danijela Unkovich's Auckland

I was born and raised in Auckland. I’m a registered nutritionist by trade, with additional training in culinary arts. My professional background spans community nutrition, nutrition practise and workplace wellbeing.

Christina van Bohemen's Auckland

I am an architect living in central Auckland. I moved to Auckland in 1996 and have witnessed huge changes in the city’s urban built character that make it a more complementary fit with our beautiful natural environment.

Yeshe Dawa's Auckland

I’m the owner of The Midnight Baker, a gluten-free bakery in Maungawhau (Mt Eden). I’ve lived in Tāmaki Makaurau for 10 years now. I love food and engaging with where it comes from and how it’s grown.

Sarah & Otis Frizzell's Auckland

Otis and I met on a blind date, set up by Otis’s brother, Josh. The rest, they say, is history. We’re pretty fortunate to be best friends, which definitely helps when you’re married and run a business together!

Guide to Auckland Cafés and How to Brunch Best

Some of the best brunches to hit up in Auckland

Unwind at these 9 Auckland Hotels and Retreats

Lay your head at some of the best

A Guide to Auckland Galleries & Cafés for the Perfect Day

Auckland's art galleries and where to grab a drink after

9 Best Auckland Walks and Where to Treat Yourself After

Walk (then eat) your way around Auckland

9 Second-Hand Stores to Shop in Auckland

If you don’t feel like trawling around Auckland trying to find the best second-hand shops, look no further.