The fact that Auckland is known as the City of Sails is a testament to our widespread enthusiasm for boating, particularly over the summer season. After all, when so many boats are moored just a hop-skip-and-jump from the central city and with access to the sparkling waters of the Hauraki Gulf mere minutes away, it makes sense that boating is a favourite pastime for many who call Auckland home. But, for every languid, leisurely day spent on the water comes the need for some serious maintenance behind the scenes, whether that be packing supplies or keeping one’s vessel adequately clean. We therefore present a product no boat owner should go without — Ecostore’s dedicated Boat Wash.
Made to remove salt and grime from a range of surfaces, including fibreglass, vinyl, plastic, metal, wood, rubber and glass, Ecostore’s Boat Wash is a seafaring essential. Formulated with all-natural ingredients, it is gentle on precious marine environments and any sensitive skin it comes into contact with.
Ecostore’s new addition has been used as the boat wash of choice for some of the world’s most prestigious superyachts, like the 69-metre Feadship Samaya and the world’s largest aluminium sail ship, Sea Eagle II — a reliable solution to marine maintenance that doesn’t let its low-impact footprint get in the way of some of the most impressive results we’ve ever seen.
The biodegradable formula is available in Ecostore’s signature packaging, which is sustainable and refillable. The concentrated boat wash is economical to use and space-efficient to store, too, with five litres of concentrate able to make 200 litres of solution — more than enough for the summer days ahead.
A designer hold-all tote bag that fits all your summer essentials is a summer essential in itself, and is a sure-fire way to elevate any beach ensemble. From raffia and leather to crochet and canvas, this season, there’s plenty to choose from on the tote front — perfect for a last-minute request from Santa.
There’s nothing quite like a hit of fresh air and immersing yourself in nature to boost your mood, and taking your furry friend along for the ride makes the ritual all the more enjoyable. Auckland has no shortage of walks and hikes that are easy enough for you and your dog to enjoy together — a number of which we’ve rounded up below.
Duration: 1.4km / 1 hour Difficulty: Easy Dog: On leash
A dramatic trail that weaves its way around some of Auckland’s highest sea cliffs in Piha, the views from Mercer Bay track are exceptional. A brilliant way to tire the dog out while enjoying some indulgent aesthetics, be careful on this one after a downpour as it can get slippery.
Duration: Up to you Difficulty: Easy Dog: Off leash
If your canine had a choice on how to spend its days, we’re relatively sure that bolting about at this Point Chevalier dog park would be it. A fenced area in the centre of Meola Reserve, this is true puppy paradise. A fun one for the whole family, just be careful if you’re taking wee ones along as the dogs can get a tad over-excited and aren’t always known for looking where they’re going.
Duration: Up to you Difficulty: Easy with some steep sections Dog: Off leash areas
Though most people tend to head out West when they feel like a weekend wander, there is no shortage of outdoor adventures to be had elsewhere. Southbound, Māngere’s Mountain Path (Te Pane o Mataoho / Te Ara Pueru) is one of our top picks. With paths leading around the volcano’s crater and right up to the rim where stretching views of the Manukau Harbour await, it’s a fresh place for you and Fido to explore.
Duration: 10km / 4 hours but you can do smaller sections Difficulty: Easy-moderate Dog: Off leash areas
A versatile outing, the sprawling Waikōwhai Walkway offers bush trails, beachfront, off leash areas and more. With an extensive map that covers the entire area and the different trails available for download here, Hillsborough’s coastal walkway is an adventure for all.
Duration: 5km / About an hour Difficulty: Easy Dog: Off leash areas
With a well-maintained trail taking care of your exercise for the day and off-leash areas to give the dog a decent run, Albany’s native-addled Unsworth Reserve provides an excellent day out.
Given that the beach is one of the few places where it’s acceptable to show up in various states of undress and there aren’t many set rules for beachgoers, there is (in our opinion anyway) a certain standard of behaviour that all of us should adhere to when hitting the seaside this summer.
01. Children
Much like McDonald’s, the beach really is the domain of children. Cast your mind back to your childhood days: there was nothing more exciting than a day at the beach. So show some respect for little Fred and Mary’s day-long civil engineering feat of constructing a small empire (complete with moat) and watch your step. Your haphazard wandering could otherwise extinguish the architectural hopes and dreams of future generations. Likewise, it is never a good idea to outdo the little ones’ construction efforts by developing a larger, more impressive sand castle directly alongside their juvenile attempt. Do the kids a favour and instead, offer to become the one they bury in the sand – preferably at the low tide mark.
02. PDA
While the beach has long been the natural backdrop for many a great romance, there’s nothing quite as stomach-churning as having to witness an overly frisky couple frolicking, limbs akimbo in the middle of the beach. We’re not about to begrudge a few passionate moments, but anyone displaying moves more suited to an R18 movie should be promptly thrown into the surf to dampen their inappropriate ardour. ‘Sex On The Beach’ is a cocktail, not an invite. Let’s keep it that way, shall we?
03. Nudity
Ah, the long-debated topless topic. Should you take your beach attire cues from the Europeans and free your nipple on the beach? Perhaps. But do keep in mind a couple of considerations: a particularly buxom bosom might be best kept within the confines of a bikini top, and we would suggest you show some decorum if there are children in the vicinity. That said, please save the full-blown nudity for beaches that are dedicated to it.
04. The Towel Flick
There is nothing quite as annoying as the inconsiderate towel flick. So next time you’re emerging from the ocean while trying to retain your sexy James Bond composure – don’t lunge at your towel and fling it about your body with nary a thought for anyone else in the area. As we all know, towels hold an extraordinary amount of sand when lifted quickly from the beach, and your inconsiderate gesture will shower everyone within a 100-metre radius in clingy particles. Do the polite thing: either dry yourself with unbridled enthusiasm in an isolated area or carefully lift your towel and take it away from everyone else to shake it clean.
05. Hassling The Lifeguard
Thou shalt respect the man in yellow who waves his hands and blows his whistle. He may seem like he’s overreacting, but it’s more likely that your rather amateurish attempt at body surfing is causing widespread concern amongst the lifeguard fraternity. While you’ve been blissfully unaware of your actions, they have noted your rapid descent to the far reaches of the large swell, thanks to the almighty rip in which you’ve been floundering. Do everyone a favour and heed the lifeguard’s advice, and best do it quickly or your fantasy of locking lips with a buff lifeguard may become more of a lifesaving mouth-to-mouth reality.
06. Dogs
Man’s best friend or unsuspecting beachgoer’s worst nightmare? Canines have been a long-debated addition to beach life, and while many public spots have strict bans on dogs, there are still some more remote spots where Fido is as welcome as the rest of us. Although we can all see the entertainment in an over-enthusiastic dog flailing about in the waves while trying to fetch a large piece of driftwood, what’s not so enjoyable is the realisation that you’ve placed your towel atop a pile of sun-crusted dog turd. Often mistaken for a large section of dried sand, said turd will, upon impact with your tush, ooze through the towel and adhere to your newly prized Gucci one-piece. So if you’re bringing your canine companion to the beach, for god’s sake do the right thing and pick up after them.
07. Noise
The beach is one of the few places where we’re happy to compromise our personal space in order to secure a prime waterfront position. What we must not forget, however, is that the beach has the uncanny ability to amplify every whisper into a shout. So please think twice before loudly giving your beach companion an X-rated, blow-by-blow account of your recent sexual escapades. Similarly, if you are one of those people who brings music to the beach, at least play something that most of us are likely to enjoy listening to. Waking up from a tranquil beach nap to David Guetta’s greatest hits played on a tiny, tinny speaker will never not be annoying.
08. Smoking
The sheer act of lighting up a stinking hot cancer stick in the middle of a beach on a steamy day is quite frankly a phenomenon that we will never understand. But for those of you who are partial, let us remind you that the rest of us are here to escape the toxic city fumes, not to have you kill us slowly with your secondhand badness. We suggest you do everyone a favour and light up somewhere private while we fill our lungs with fresh, salty sea air.
From the restorative power of the ocean to the immune-boosting properties of sunshine, summer is the season of radiance and joy for a reason. Here, we look at why we feel so good when the sun is shining.
Life is full of many great pleasures, but nothing quite compares to the specific joy the summer months bring. From devouring a good book outdoors to spending time bobbing on a boat, to tucking into fish & chips at the beach, or the first cool ocean dip of the season — summer is filled with moments that soothe the soul. But, there’s more to those serotonin spikes than meets the eye. Both the sun (and the vitamin D we absorb from its rays), and the ocean (dubbed vitamin sea for a reason) boast myriad benefits, bolstering both our physical and mental health in unprecedented ways.
Solar Salve
The benefits we reap from vitamin D are vast. And, while we know diligent sun protection is vital when it comes to catching rays (particularly in our corner of the world), the vitamin D produced in our skin after being exposed to the sun has been proven to offer astounding health benefits. Colloquially called ‘the sunshine vitamin’, vitamin D is essential for maintaining overall health — both physical and mental.
Crucial for bones (adequate levels can prevent conditions like osteoporosis), immunity — with vitamin D playing a significant role in boosting our immune system and even proven to prevent colds and flus, bolstering heart health, improving fertility, and more, with exposure also linked to reducing the risk of many cancers, ultimately, vitamin D supercharges our health on unprecedented levels, and is essential for longevity.
And, beyond physical health, research also suggests that vitamin D can contribute to better mental wellbeing, reducing the risk of depression and mood disorders. We all know anecdotally how much better we feel when getting regular sunshine across the warmer months (Seasonal Affective Disorder is no joke), but there’s real science behind it. The skin makes beta-endorphins when exposed to the sun, which gives you a similar rush to that experienced post-workout.
Healing Waters
The allure of the ocean is omnipresent for many of us, and, come summer, it’s to the vastness of the sea that we turn. Be it for reprieve from the heat, moments of calm, entertainment, or simply pleasure, the sea is the central axis from which our summer plans revolve. But, its appeal goes beyond pleasure alone. It’s no secret that there are myriad benefits to connecting with nature, and science has uncovered how much can be gained from time spent in green spaces, but the perks of the ocean are lesser-known.
Without delving too deeply into the science of it all, ‘ocean air’ (much more than a whiff of salt) is known to increase the flow of oxygen around the body, boosting serotonin levels in the process. Moreover, floating in mineral-rich sea water is not only great for your skin and detoxifying for your body, but can reduce stress to meditative levels. This state of relaxation is heightened by the sounds and sights of the ocean, which have been scientifically linked to a relaxed mindstate.
As these benefits become more widely recognised, a healthy dose of vitamin sea is now even being prescribed as part of therapy treatments. And the wellness and beauty industries are fast jumping on the bandwagon, too, imbuing products with marine extracts — from algae to seaweed, capitalising on each element’s specific attributes.
There’s something magical about stumbling across a deserted beach, lake, waterfall or swimming hole. Tranquil, secluded places where (if you’re lucky) your only company is the echoing bird calls from the surrounding trees, secret swimming spots are something to be cherished. After sharing a few of our favourites a little while ago, we thought it time to update our list and let you in on some more of our top, isolated spots.
Lonely Bay, Shakespeare Reserve, Whitianga
Located in the Shakespeare Cliff Reserve, a short five-to-ten-minute walk down from the track car park sits Lonely Bay — a breathtaking spot surrounded by pōhutukawa trees and far more private than its often-busy neighbour, Cooks Beach. To get to Lonely Bay, drive to the end of Cooks Beach, turn right up a steep gravel road to Shakespeare Scenic and Historic Reserve and park in the area on the right, near the top of the road.
Peachgrove Bay.
Peachgrove Bay, Great Mercury Island
Though you will need a boat to reach this idyllic bay, your hard work will pay off in spades. Sheltered by thick pōhutukawa covered hills, the crystal clear, turquoise waters are almost tropical and are clear down to four metres. A short walk from the beach, there is also a freshwater river that runs from the beach to a delightful waterfall and swimming hole.
Blue Pools Track, Makarora River.
Blue Pools Track, Makarora River, Mt Aspiring National Park
An hour from Wanaka lies the Makarora River where you can wander through native forests and over swing bridges to reach the pristine Blue Pools, which are as blue as the photographs promise. The river runs clean from the nearby mountains in Mt Aspiring National Park, making it the perfect place for a (very) refreshing dip.
Lake Crucible.
Lake Crucible, Mount Aspiring National Park
A plunge into this alpine lake is exhilarating, to say the least. Dotted with icebergs and found at the top point of Wanaka’s Gillespie Pass Circuit (a 58-kilometre loop hike that takes between three to four days to finish) this dip might take some courage and perseverance, but we can assure you it’s worth it.
Puheke Beach, Doubtless Bay.
Puheke Beach, Doubtless Bay
With nothing but the great sweep of the coast, the white stretch of sand and the undulating sand dunes for company, Puheke Beach on the Karikari Peninsula is the perfect spot for some crowd-free relaxation. To get there, turn off the State Highway 10 onto Inland Road leading to Maitai Bay and follow the road signs.
Whale Bay.
Whale Bay, Matapouri
An exquisite spot for snorkelling, swimming or a day of sunbathing, this white sand beach surrounded by bush is accessed only by foot. Park up in the Matapouri Road car park and follow the track down.
Smugglers Bay.
Smugglers Bay, Bream Head Scenic Reserve, Whangarei Heads
Drive around three hours from Auckland and you’ll reach the Bream Head Scenic Reserve, offering a number of walking tracks. Park at the Urquhart Bay car park and wander across beautiful farmland to reach Smugglers Bay. The white sandy beach is surrounded by lush greenery and is the perfect spot for a picnic and a refreshing dip.
Waewaetorea Island, Russell.
Waewaetorea Island, Russell
Crystal clear, turquoise waters surround this stunning island, and with plenty of captivatingly beautiful, secluded beaches, too — there’s a good chance you’ll have this place to yourself. Waewaetorea Island can only be reached by boat.
Paynes Ford Pools.
Paynes Ford Tramline Track Pools, Golden Bay
A beautiful walking trail that follows an old tramline that was once used to transport timber, the Paynes Ford Track is dotted with a number of superb waterholes. An easy hour-long round trip that allows dogs (on leash), you’ll find the entrance at 1886 Takaka Valley Highway, State Highway 60.
New Chums Beach, Whangapoua.
New Chums Beach, Whangapoua
From the car park at the north end of Whangapoua Beach, cross the stream and walk along the rocky shoreline and over the headland to reach New Chums Beach — a stunning secluded treasure in the Coromandel.
The Eel Hole, Murchison, Tasman.
The Eel Hole, Murchison, Tasman
Don’t be put off by its nickname; this local waterhole is the perfect summer swimming spot — rope swing and all. To reach it, follow the road north of Murchison town for 1km then turn left onto Riverview Road, continuing past the holiday park until you hit the Buller River.
Elliot Bay, Bay of Islands.
Elliot Bay, Bay of Islands
Located just out of the Bay of Islands you’ll find this privately-owned stunning white sand beach with punchy fun waves, ideal for surfers looking to beat the crowds. Head north on Western Hills Drive, State Highway 1, turn right onto Russell Road before turning right onto Rawhiti Road and continuing round to Elliot Bay. Cross the private property to access the beach and pay your way via the honesty box.
Lake Wainamu.
Lake Wainamu, Waitakere, Auckland
Inland from Te Henga / Bethell’s Beach, Lake Wainamu resides with its sweeping black sand dunes and picturesque surroundings. Park up at the Lake Wainamu car park on your left, a little before you reach the main Te Henga car park, and follow the stream/path to this freshwater lake. You’ll want to take your shoes off for this, as you’ll be walking through water (the stream itself is the path), however make sure you have slides or footwear that’s easy to slip on as that black sand can be scorching. From the car park to the lake takes about 30 minutes, so make sure you take everything you need to park up lakeside for as long as you want.
The end of the year is nigh, so alongside planning your various New Year’s Eve celebrations (or preparing to attend one of the epic parties happening around Auckland) it’s time to start thinking about your look. Outfits aside, New Year’s Eve offers the perfect opportunity to try out something new on the beauty front, whether it’s a bold eye, a standout lip or colours you wouldn’t usually dare to wear on a normal night out. It is an evening of celebration, after all.
Here are five easy-to-do makeup looks that will have you turning heads this New Year’s Eve.
Make it Metallic
Giving classic New Year’s Eve glamour a decidedly futuristic edge, this beauty trend is all about making the eyes stand out and embracing a sleek, metallic look.
Give yourself the ultimate glow with a good dose of glitter. Best when applied liberally to the eyes or cheeks, this sparkly trend is sure to turn heads.
Urban Decay Heavy Metal Glitter Eyeliner from Mecca
Trade the classic, demure cat-eye for this bold iteration and command attention at any party. When trying this look at home, don’t be afraid of using a heavy hand. The trick here is a thick, dark line, extended beyond the bounds of your natural eyes to make them look dark and mysterious.
Gucci Beauty Stylo Définition L’Obscur Eyeliner from AdoreBeauty
Napoleon Perdis Sketch Pot Gel Eyeliner from AdoreBeauty
BENEFIT COSMETICS Roller Lash Mascara from Sephora
Huda Beauty Life-Liner Duo Pencil & Liquid Eyeliner from Sephora
Heavenly Holographic
Another futuristic beauty trend, holographic hype is transforming our makeup from minimalist matte to light-reflecting radiance with the flick of a brush. Designed to give your eyes an ethereal pop, this trend is for those who want to stand out in a more subtle (but no less effective) way.
Half Magic Glitterpuck Multi-Use Pressed Fairy Dust from Mecca
MECCA MAX Show-Topper Holographic Eyeshadow Toppers from Mecca
Rituel de Fille Celestial Sphere Gelée Eye Gloss from Mecca
Cherry Lips
To enter the new year with a polished, pronounced pout, perfect your base (hydration, hydration, hydration), followed by a deep, dark, vibrant cherry red — finishing with a gloss for shine, if you’re that way inclined.
The holidays offer up the best opportunity to tick all the books off our list that we didn’t quite get to in 2024. Whether you plan on hitting the beach or curling up in a shady spot, these are some of the best books to have on hand this summer, from poignant memoirs to thought-provoking novels and everything in between.
A sharp, witty exploration of modern relationships. As Celine and Luke plan their wedding, their friends grapple with love, jealousy, and life’s expectations. The Happy Couple is full of biting humour and keen observations, as Dolan examines whether happiness truly lies at the end of the aisle, or if the journey there reveals deeper truths.
Ali Smith’s Gliff explores a near-future dystopia where two children confront a world of shifting boundaries. A mysterious red line around their home and a horse symbolise resistance in a fractured society, as, with Smith’s unique insight into human complexity, Gliff sets the stage for its upcoming counterpart — Glyph. A powerful, thought-provoking read.
In the fifth instalment of the Before the Coffee Gets Cold series, four new visitors enter the time-travelling café, each seeking closure from their past. Masterfully woven, Kawaguchi’s heartwarming tale explores love, regret, and healing, offering a tender reflection on moving forward despite life’s missed moments.
Richard Powers’ latest novel intertwines the lives of four individuals who converge on a remote island in French Polynesia. As an audacious plan to build floating cities unfolds, Powers weaves a rich tapestry of environmental themes, human connection, and the complexities of tech, set against the majestic backdrop of the Pacific.
Through nuanced dialogue and keen observation, Ella Baxter’s surreal, pyrotechnic novel Woo Woo takes an unsettling dive into the mind of Sabine, a conceptual artist facing both a career-defining exhibition and a menacing stalker. With dark humour, sharp wit, and visceral intensity, Woo Woo captures the chaos of creativity and the madness of modern life.
As a young man embarks on a journey to find his vanished girlfriend, he’s led to a mysterious dream library. As reality and fantasy blur, he faces profound questions about love, memory, and loss. Haruki Murakami’s long-awaited novel is parable for these strange times — brimming with magical realism, and offering an ode to escapism.
Secrets unravel and tensions mount in this darkly comedic novel, as the murder of a wealthy patriarch sends his dysfunctional family into a frenzy over his vast fortune. With each sibling under suspicion, this wickedly sharp tale blends murder, greed, and high-stakes family drama, offering a biting commentary on privilege, morality, and the complexity of family.
The much-awaited follow-up to the award-winning international bestseller Auē, Kataraina follows Kat and her whānau as they recount her childhood and trauma, rooted in ancestral ties and a tragic past. Unflinchingly exploring the destructive ways people love and the connection to whenua, Manawatu’ssecond novel solidifies her powerful voice and astute observational prowess.
In Cher, The Memoir, Part One, the iconic artist and actor shares her life story with candidness and humour. From her turbulent childhood to her rise as a global superstar, Cher reflects on her complicated relationship with Sonny Bono and her trailblazing career. This first instalment reveals the woman behind the fame, in a life too immense for a single book.
Stanley Tucci’s What I Ate in One Year is a delightful memoir chronicling a year of meals, blending food with poignant reflections on life, family, and loss. From memorable dishes shared with loved ones to quiet meals alone, Tucci’s diary captures the emotional richness food brings to his evolving life.
Exploring the concept of paradise through gardens, The Garden Against Time blends personal memoir with historical and cultural reportage. As Laing restores a walled garden in Suffolk, she examines gardens as symbols of privilege, resistance, and community, as her beautifully woven narrative connects real and imagined Edens.
Often referred to as the ‘Nigella of wine’, Hannah Crosbie’s informed yet tongue-in-cheek approach creates a relaxed and refreshing space to learn about the often-esoteric world of wine. Her first book is an informal guide to wine — a go-to guide that matches wine with life’s important (and unimportant) events.
Joan Didion is revealed at last in this outrageously provocative and profoundly moving new work “that reads like a propulsive novel” (Oprah Daily) on the mutual attractions—and mutual antagonisms—of Didion and her fellow literary titan, Eve Babitz.
From an award-winning writer comes a beautifully-crafted collection of notes, memoir, and small moments of joy. Extracted from his notebooks of curiosities and wonderings, Slater captures life’s small, often overlooked everyday pleasures with warmth, humour, and tenderness in an exquisite anthology.
An afterthought for too long, the skin below the neckline is finally getting the attention it deserves. Here, we round up the best practices, treatments, and products to transform your skin — giving you the confidence to bare it all this summer.
Lymphatic Massage
From body sculpting and contouring to increased circulation, reducing fluid retention, strengthening immunity, supporting detoxification, and even enhancing nutrient absorption and bolstering overall health, the benefits of lymphatic massage are vast.
Dry Brushing
Simple and effective, dry brushing — an ancient Ayurvedic practice from India within which a natural bristle brush is used to gently massage the skin, stimulates the lymphatic system, increases circulation, and gently exfoliates — removing toxins, increasing energy, and reducing cellulite.
Skin Contouring
From Lanreé’s Thermage®️FLX system, which uses radiofrequency therapy to help smooth, tighten, and contour skin, to Body Catalyst’s revolutionary HIFU body contouring treatment, to the RSL Sculpting Beautylizer, there are a number of non-invasive, efficacious skin sculpting treatments with results that speak for themselves.
Hard-Working Creams & Serums
Designed to help visibly tone, tighten and firm the skin, there are myriad bespoke formulations that actually work — from Nécessaire’s The Body Serum to Sisley Paris’ Le Sculpteur.
Whether you lean towards accessories that are classic, adventurous or typically trend-driven, there is a raft of new sunglasses for women and men to suit any style or taste. Because whatever you may think about the unusually rainy start to summer we’re having, a pair of reliable sunglasses is absolutely essential for any sleek, seasonal look — and will be your best friend when the sun does finally decide to show up.
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