The Best Independent Bookshops in New Zealand
Bibliophiles, gather round. This Saturday 10 October is Aotearoa New Zealand Bookshop Day, when independent bookshops across the motu celebrate with author signings, kids’ activities, bookshop crawls and more. While you’re there, pick up this year’s limited-edition tote bag featuring artwork by Coco Solid.
Each of these fiercely independent bookstores brings a strong sense of personality, shaped by the culture and history of the towns they call home. From Auckland to Alexandra, from mystical fantasy to heartfelt memoirs, here’s where to get your literature fix across Aotearoa, on Bookshop Day and every other day of the year.
Things to Do with Kids in Auckland
From parks and playgrounds to hands-on museums, ice cream and kid-friendly eateries, here’s where to take the whole family in Auckland.
Volkswagen’s Little Legends: Edmundo, Tacoteca
Edmundo from Tacoteca shares his favourite Auckland spots, from the almond croissants at Little French to the prawns at Gilt.
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.
The Best Cafés in Auckland
From specialty coffee roasters and matcha bars to Asian-inspired bakeries and neighbourhood favourites, these are the Auckland cafés worth seeking out.
The Best Restaurants in Auckland
Volkswagen’s Little Legends: Hohepa, Boar & Blade
Hohepa from Boar & Blade shares his favourite Auckland spots for coffee, golf and a proper reset, from Kohi Beach Eatery & Store to Akarana.
The Best Bars in Auckland
From rooftop wine bars with harbour views to underground yakitori dens and true neighbourhood locals, these are the Auckland bars worth crossing town for.
Best Cheap Eats in Auckland: Our Favourite Chinese Spots
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.
The Best Brunch in Auckland: 10 Cafés to Try
Some of the best brunches to hit up in Auckland
Ponsonby Guide: The Best Shops, Restaurants & Bars
9 of the Best Op Shops & Vintage Stores in Auckland
Where to Find the Cosiest Cocktails This Winter
Wander the Heart of Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau
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.
ICYMI: New and Neat Openings Across Aotearoa
Hotels to Huts: Where to Find the Best Accommodation in Auckland
Your Comprehensive Guide to Devonport
Picturesque Devonport is one of Auckland’s most quaint suburbs, and with its natural assets, characteristic buildings, and quality shops and eateries, it’s hardly surprising that locals never want to leave. It’s a tourist attraction without being overrun by tourists.
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...
Your Guide to North Island Road Tripping
The North Island is bountiful in its diverse scenery, from geothermal activity to golden sand beaches, enchanting forests to rolling green farms - it’s a landscape that ticks all the boxes. The North Island is also rich in Māori culture, vibrant cities and authentic Kiwi experiences.
A New POV: The Best Seats in Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland
With approximately 53 volcanic centres spread out across the region, it’s hardly a surprise that Auckland offers an abundance of seriously good views.
Icing on the cake: Where to find the best sweet treats in Auckland
Neat in the Neighbourhood: Grey Lynn
Dine Al Fresco-Style in Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau
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.
Neat in the Neighbourhood: Parnell
Parnell is one of Auckland’s oldest and most picturesque suburbs. It effortlessly blends history with contemporary charm, and it exudes a vibe that compels visitors to return. Nestled on the eastern fringes of Auckland's central business district, Parnell beckons with its quaint streets, heritage buildings, boutique shops, and an array of enticing culinary and beverage delights. Whether you're a local looking to rediscover your neighbourhood or a visitor eager to explore the heart of Auckland's art and culture scene, Parnell is one of our favourite places to eat, drink, shop, and wander. Treat this guide as your local passport and embark on a journey through this quaint central Auckland suburb.
Pizza Pilgrim: The Best Places for Pizza in Auckland
In a city that is recognised for its diverse culinary options, there is one dish that continues to capture the hearts (and stomachs) of locals and visitors alike: pizza. Whether you are craving a classic Margherita, a packed meat lover’s delight, or just some oozy cheesy goodness, Auckland’s mouthwatering pizza landscape offers something for all pizza fans.
The Taco Lowdown: Where To Find Auckland's Tastiest Tacos
From night markets and food trucks to the tucked-away gems that locals whisper about, Auckland has no shortage of epic taco joints to discover.
Green Party: Where to find the best plant-based food in Auckland
Take Your Tastebuds To Vietnam: The Best Spots For Vietnamese In Auckland
New Zealand’s Top Hotels For Unforgettable Staycations
Forget the stale hotel stereotypes; New Zealand's staycation scene is flourishing with bold character and unrivalled charm.
Tokyo on a Plate: Exploring Auckland's Best Japanese Cuisine
Delicious Japanese food in Auckland is not hard to come by, which is fortunate because it tends to be loved by Aucklanders all year round.
Neighbourhood Hangs: Your Guide to Karangahape Road
The somewhat brighter, more vivacious cousin of Ponsonby Road, Auckland's Karangahape Road boasts just as much foot traffic and loyal lovers who come for the vintage shopping and community-conscious eateries.
Our Picks of the Best Indian Food in Auckland
Seoulful Delights ... Auckland's Finest Korean Cuisine
Exploring Our Top Picks for Auckland's Best Mexican
Food with friends: Our favourite Auckland places for dining in a group
Get the gang together. Here are our picks of the best places to dine in Auckland when you're with a group.
Our Picks of the Best Italian food in Auckland
Auckland’s Italian restaurant game is strong. Here are our picks on where to go for Auckland's finest Italian food.
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
Aotearoa's Underground Haunts, Rooftops and The In-betweens
A Foodie's Guide to Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau
Tāmaki Makaurau is New Zealand’s largest city, and it’s filled to the brim with plenty to eat. A wonderful array of cultures, traditions and nationalities reside in Auckland, making it a diverse and rich food city that’s buzzing from day to night.
7 Urban Hotels Worth Travelling For
In the UK, the term ‘city-break’ is frequently used to describe a weekend away visiting the European city of the moment, exploring everything on offer and most often staying in boutique accommodation. Now, we may be thousands of miles away from being able to achieve a casual few days in a European city, but here in New Zealand, we are spoiled for choice when it comes to urban hotels that are worth travelling around the country for.
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.
Danijela Unkovich's Auckland
Dariush Lolaiy's Auckland
Toby Morris's Auckland
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.
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!
Janine and Charles Williams's Auckland
We are graffiti and contemporary artists. We create visual stories that connect us to the whenua (land) and to the tangata whenua (local people) we encounter along the way. Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland is my turangawaewae. I grew up in South Auckland and we still live there with our four teenage children. Charles moved here at 13 from a challenging childhood and for him Auckland was a place of opportunity. He started a graffiti crew (TMD) in the early 90s that went on to win the world championship (twice), and holds a Guinness World Record for the world’s longest graffiti scroll in Dubai alongside the Ironlak Team.
Stock Up On Vinyl At The 8 Best Record Stores In New Zealand
Score The Inside Scoop On New Zealand’s Best Ice Cream And Gelato Spots
Parnell’s Best Art Galleries And Where To Treat Yourself Afterwards
Because there are few finer pairings in life than art and food.
4 Creative Ways To Spark Inspiration In Parnell
Throw on your walking shoes, gather your creative crew and get among the scene in Parnell.
8 Mouth-Watering Foodie Destinations To Discover In Parnell
Whatever you do, come hungry.
Sip Your Way Through Our Guide To Kiwi-Made Spirits
5 Auckland Streets to Eat Around the World
Our picks for the best international food in Auckland
Almighty’s Founder Ben Lenart on What Makes Him Stay in Auckland
Linger a While with Leslie Hottiaux, Chef and Co-Owner of Apéro
Brazilian Beats and Eats from DJ Bobby Brazuka
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
Eat My Lunch Founder Shares Where in Auckland She Eats HER Lunch
Transcending Essentials
Joel Woods of Holiday Records
Feel Good Fashion
Innocent Packaging
A Guide to New Zealand's Coffee Roasters
