AUCKLAND

Reminiscent of Melbourne’s greatest rooftop bars with hidden entrances and cool by the spadeful, Queens is the crowning glory in the Commercial Bay precinct with a wraparound terrace offering views forever. Founded by the team behind Behemoth Brewing and A Lady Butcher, Turtle: Pizza & Pints joins the new precinct at Greenlane’s Central Park as the latest destination for pizza aficionados and craft beer enthusiasts. A specialist duck oven takes pride of place at CānTīng by Nic Watt, which brings modern Chinese-Asian dining to Commercial Bay, and Sunday yum cha promises to be a huge draw. Though sad when Orphan’s Kitchen waved goodbye, we’re delighted that Rebecca Smidt and Dariush Lolaiy (of Cazador) have swooped in with their new casual all-day venture, San Ray. Rosie’s Red-Hot Cantina takes up a prime corner spot in the Viaduct to bring Cali-Mex dishes (think burgers, tacos and margaritas) with a ton of verve. Kome Sake Bar comes to Commercial Bay with a vast sake offering paired with tempting Japanese-inspired bites alongside. Grab-and-go in Onehunga just got better with Korean-style burgers at Burgout – think prawn burgers, Korean chicken with yangnyeom chicken sauce and milkshakes, too. Simple but excellent is the aim at Parnell’s Young Dandy and that starts with some damn fine coffee. In the space that used to house Omni on Dominion Rd, find Parro, serving Mediterranean flavours with a casual vibe under the eye of Brazilian Gleber Chaparro, who hails from some of the city’s most-loved eateries (including Amano, Lillian, and Depot). If a laid-back, New York-style deli grabs your attention, head to the corner of Ponsonby Rd and Williamson Ave to find Bodega, serving made-to-order deli-style sandwiches and Italian pastries (the lobster tails are divine!). If you love a good pie – and who doesn’t – aim for Pie Rolla’s on K Rd, though you’ll have to get there early for a taste of the smoky brisket, jalapeño & American cheese number. Nestled into a patch of bush in Henderson you’ll find The Alderman, the suburb’s newest neighbourhood breakfast and lunch café. Hospitality maestros Sarah and Jordan Macdonald have done it again – not content with running both Duo and Osteria Uno in Birkenhead, the couple has opened Bon Pinard just down the road, as a neighbourhood wine bar with a Euro feel and a stand out drinks offering.

MARTINBOROUGH

Paul Mason will be the new winemaker at Nga Waka Winery, taking over from current winemaker Roger Parkinson, who will retire at the end of the year after 32 vintages.

WELLINGTON

Chef Thom Millott (formerly of Amok) heads new offering Supra in Te Aro, an intimate space offering a great dining experience ‘without the frilly bits’. And we look forward to Le Bouillon Bel Air on Tory St with the best of affordable French tradition.

CHRISTCHURCH

Christchurch gin boutique, The Juniper Collective – which first opened in 2021 – has a new owner, Tom Finn, owner of local distillery Herrick Creek, who plans to introduce New Zealand whiskies, rum, vodka, and other types of spirits to the shelves. Tucked in the industrial neighbourhood of Phillipstown is Lillies, an urban cellar by wine and cider makers Will Bowman and Liam Kelleher – as well as cider and organic wine you’ll find a concise Mediterranean-influenced bites list and even soft-scoop ice cream.

QUEENSTOWN

Climb on up the chequered stairs on Shotover St to find Toast & Oak, a European-style wine bar/restaurant with a cellar that’s sure to get everyone talking. Sunfire (pictured above) is Queenstown’s new South African-Spanish charcoal grill spot from Jonathan Bisley and Lou McDowell of the team behind Flame Bar & Grill.