A slick basement speakeasy on this corner. A Euro-like superclub across the street. A stylish boîte for the beautiful people. Hipster wine bars. A DJ turntablist culture. Hip hop, trance, jazz and a live music scene. Mixology masters and retro cocktail aficionados. New York? London? Melbourne? No, try Auckland. Yes, Auckland. The premier New Zealand … More

Before the kiwi or Monteith’s, there was hāngi-time. Yes, the hāngi: one of the original culinary touchstones of New Zealand, which, coincidentally, involves a lot of fire, white hot stones and oodles of patience. The earth oven food prep method is still alive and well in places like Rotorua, Taupo and Kawhia Harbour and has … More

New Zealand. Stunning proof that good things come in small packages. This well-worn cliché, in one form or another, gets trotted out by default with every profile of the island country in the southwest Pacific. So too, inevitably, do a few others. New Zealand. See a continent’s worth of geography in one country. New Zealand. … More

Can you provide me with a list of places in New Zealand that evoke Māori heritage and culture? Otis G., Adelaide Cape Brett Peninsula, New Zealand – Photo credit Māori culture is indelibly woven into the social fabric of New Zealand, from the All Blacks haka to Kiwi hip hop lyrics. Here, however, are some … More

New Zealand’s rise as a producer of sensitive, nuanced, quality wines has given the country a toehold in the global oenophile and food tourism trade – a coveted sector indeed. The New World star has consistently managed to parlay a mega-diverse, microclimate-rich environment into varietal success and, moreover, burrowed a healthy niche in the shadow … More

Where can a single girl find love on New Year’s Eve in New Zealand? I have no idea where I will be in the country but I can be anywhere – I have friends in Auckland, Wellington, Otago and Invercargill. So, tell me, where the party at? Bess S., Augusta Auckland skyline – Photo credit … More