AUCKLAND

In Waiheke’s beautiful Onetangi Valley you’ll find the relaxed family-friendly vibe of SOHO Family Vineyards new cellar door, where wines are served alongside handmade corn tacos and Mexican street food by Waiheke-based chef Joel Larson, known for his popular Tacos y Masa food truck. Herne Bay’s Andiamo is back after a refresh that promises ‘nostalgia, but with new batteries’ – expect an expanded bar area, your favourite Italian classics, an outside space with twinkling lights and some cracking new cocktails. Acclaimed restaurateur Mimi Gilmour does it again, this time opening Mama a new fun, generous and comforting Italian spot in Newmarket’s Osbourne Lane. In Commercial Bay, Mokki brings together matcha and açaí, proving that healthy can be fun and a bit of a treat, too. Goodness Gracious used to fuel the Cuisine team from their Eden Terrace branch, and now they have a fourth venue in Wynyard Quarter continuing to serve the best stacked bagel sandwiches and coffee. Head on over to Estelle’s, the new Spanish-inspired wine and cocktail bar situated inside Auckland’s Grand Millennium Hotel on Mayoral Drive. Proving convenience doesn’t have to forego quality, Needo has wholesome and hearty portions of freshly-made pasta alongside pizza by the slice and a handful of trusty salads and sides in a new location in Mt Eden. Also in Mt Eden, Workshop Bread Co has stepped into Olaf’s old premises, baking irresistible loaves, pastries, a short café menu and Supreme coffee. Korean bagels are a whole lot of different (fluffy not chewy) – to try them out Auckland Bagel Club has a new store in Howick. Homely, approachable and affordable Japanese cooking is the offer at Hōchō Eathouse in Westmere led by chef Kenta Kawano. In contrast, at JW Marriott Auckland, Kureta is a sleek teppanyaki headed by chef Akihiro Nakamura, who brings omakase principles to seasonal New Zealand ingredients in a marble-hued and burnt-timber dining space that seats just 30 lucky diners.

HAWKE’S BAY

In Fernhill, Swift Wines’ cellar door is now open with a comfortable, fun and modern feeling and featuring a pick-your-own-platter experience. Pablo Arrasco Paz, former owner of Auckland favourite Madame George, is welcomed to the team at Black Barn Bistro, to take up the role of restaurant manager.

WELLINGTON

After 15 years in Dunedin setting up Pier 24, Vault 21, Prohibition Smokehouse, GG’s and a couple of years at No7 Balmac, Greg Piner has made the move to Wellington, taking the reins as head chef at Charley Noble under executive chef Darren Shead. The salt bread is outstanding at April, but that’s not all so scoot to Victoria St for elegant patisserie and macarons, too. Volco on Egmont is now open for dinner, too, so head down the laneway for all your favourites.

MARLBOROUGH

At Cloudy Bay Vineyards, Saku is a contemporary Japanese restaurant created by Nari Jahana and Bo Jeong (the team behind Blenheim favourite SASA), and it blends contemporary Japanese dishes with the defining flavours and wines of Marlborough. In Blenheim’s riverside sector (beside the Marlborough Wine and Food Experience) grab a summer seat on the deck at Oak & Ivy, or opt for a perch in the lounge-style bar and enjoy the best of Marlborough produce by chef Edward Drury.

QUEENSTOWN

Rātā has had a refresh with owner Fleur Carlton promising a new simpler menu (pictured above) still packed with bold flavours and the warm hospitality that the venue is known for. Drop’d is Sean Connolly’s new automated, self-serve frozen yoghurt dessert bar at Pavilion in Frankton – his invitation to you to choose your own deliciousness.