Traffic May / June 2025

We love a new rooftop bar – throw in all-day sun, ocean views and the beach right there and you have Takapuna Surf Club, the latest roll for the team behind Queens Rooftop & Wineshop, Dr Rudi’s and Saint Alice.

Traffic May / June 2025

We love a new rooftop bar – throw in all-day sun, ocean views and the beach right there and you have Takapuna Surf Club, the latest roll for the team behind Queens Rooftop & Wineshop, Dr Rudi’s and Saint Alice.

AUCKLAND

We love a new rooftop bar – throw in all-day sun, ocean views and the beach right there and you have Takapuna Surf Club, the latest roll for the team behind Queens Rooftop & Wineshop, Dr Rudi’s and Saint Alice. Pop into kingi at The Britomart Hotel and say hi to their newest barista André, a graduate of the Project Employ scheme. For modern Korean comfort food, head to Seoul 1946 Roastery in Takapuna, a new venture inspired by the spirit of Seoul’s post-war creative reinvention. Lured from Christchurch to Auckland, J’aime brings small-batch artisan macarons to a slick little boutique in Commercial Bay. Where once was SPQR on Ponsonby Rd, now welcome Jacuzzi, a popping new bar and bistro from the sisters Bronwyn and Jessica Payne (of Elmo’s and Hoppers). Fast, affordable and good for you – Bowler has the formula nailed and its salad bowls are so popular that Williams in Wynyard Quarter has been transformed into a second Bowler location. Devonport favourite Stone Oven has a new look and a new menu blending rustic charm with mid-century modern. Light up your lunchtime (or even brekkie) with the best deli-style sammies going – at Fitzroy Deli on Shortland St you’ll be happy to line up for hot schnitzel or brisket, all made to order. Tucked away beneath O’Connell Street, Ground Wine Bar is a new underground spot to cosy up with a sip (there are more than 50 wines by the glass) and a nibble. Esarn Thai is a no-frills spot in Westmere with modern street food from north-eastern Thailand. Stepping into the Three Lamps premises vacated by Annabels, Edie’s is a European-style café and wine bar packed with simple, soulful flavours. The OG Perch has transformed and it’s roaring – no dumplings, but wholefood BBQ from exec chef Nathan Houpapa. If you’re heading to Long Bay (and you should be – beach, markets, more!) check out new Kinfolk Café & Eatery. The weather’s holding and Waiheke in autumn is always a treat – to sweeten the deal, at Onetangi Beach Ki Māha has a new head chef, Vicky Shah, and a rejuvenated menu.

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WELLINGTON

Hotfooting it from Auckland, two favourites are setting up on Courtenay Place – southeast Asian Jungle 8 is streetside and Chinese and Japanese pan-Asian Lucky 8 sits up top. Sidestep into Eva St laneway to find Supra, a modest little dinner venue from Thom Millot (ex Amok). The open-air kitchen at Babaili cooks up Xi’an dishes in the courtyard of what used to be Bresolin – the handmade bao and hand-pulled noodles are just the start.

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