AUCKLAND

Trivet at the Marriot is the new all-day bistro offering with a Pacific air from Wallace Mua (see for a full review). It’s a swoop from the beachside svelte of Kohimarama to the bustling surrounds of Ponsonby Central, but the trio behind Kohi Beach Store & Eatery bring us Sammy’s Deli & Diner, a casual diner bringing you all the flavours of home. Luminous neon lights up the interior of Hazy Tiger in the CBD where you’ll try Korean-inspired tapas and cocktails and DJ sets at the weekend. Contemporary Vietnamese dishes packed with zest are the go at Hanoi Haven in Takapuna, in a lush space on Hurstmere Rd.

A new bar and bistro on K Rd is good enough news, but when you hear Margo’s is from the team behind Pie Rolla’s and Ada you know it’s worth a look. Keep a close eye on the Ponsonby spot that housed SPQR until its departure earlier this year – we’re told that Bronwyn and Jessica Payne (of Elmo’s and Hoppers Bar) are moving in, planning to open soon after Christmas. Hustle over to Goat on Wyndham St, where Sid Chopra aims to bring diners the unexplored side of Indian food and to delve into the diversity of the subcontinent’s varied cuisine. ChaBliss is a ‘tea space’ in Parnell – an Asian- inspired tea café where, they say, a cup of tea is a cup of peace.

Alla Prossima in Upper Queen St gives you the chance to experience the food of Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region (think balsamic vinegar from Modena, prosciutto from Parma and the gastro-powerhouse of Bologna). Amid the buzz and excitement of the new Mānawa Bay Premium Outlet Centre, seek out New Zealand’s first-ever Lindt Chocolate Store, for gelato and ice cream, rich hot chocolate (or iced if you need to chill) and a selection of luxurious Lindt chocolates.

Congrats are in order to Sean Ballard, who steps up to the position of head chef at Waiheke’s Delamore Lodge. Rustic New Zealand fare inspired by Central Otago with an Asian twist – that’s the promise from the newly revamped Crown Range Lounge in Parnell which has unveiled a new menu and exciting new cocktails. Imagined as a vibrant community hub for sports fans in the heart of Kingsland, Full Time Sports Bar & Eatery is a place where fans, friends and families can come together to celebrate their passion for sport with premium dining and quality service.

WELLINGTON

For the best Syrian street food, head to Willis St and seek out Alswaida, the new venture by the team from Damascus restaurant. They say ‘Macha, Jom Tapau’ translates to ‘Bro, let’s do takeaway’, so why not get your fill of Malaysian goodies at this Victoria St spot. As if top patisserie weren’t enough, Volco in Kelburn also makes the crispest Napoli-style pizza, so be quick to nab a window seat and enjoy.

CHRISTCHURCH

Get the ‘Pacifica Glam’ vibe at Manu, a new luxe Cambridge Terrace spot by Karen Hattaway that brings Māori, Pacific and Asian flavours amid vibrant murals and artwork. Stroll over to Rambler at Drifter to snack, to share and to drink from breakfast til late (and check out the massive mural by Mexico-based artist Beni Single).

QUEENSTOWN

QT Queenstown welcomes chef Christopher Will to lead the hotel’s culinary programme. With experience working alongside Heston Blumenthal, Jamie Oliver, Gordon Ramsay, Peter Gordon and Nic Watt, he’s sure to light up the menu at the hotel’s Bazaar restaurant and Reds bar.