Create a calming foundation in a room by layering neutrals that allow for finer details to become the focus. Pairing contrasting textures will add interest and warmth. This version of the Apollo sofa by Antonio Citterio for Maxalto brings a sumptuous tactility to the room, while subtly varied natural materials like creamy marble, light-grained wood and handcrafted ceramics will enhance the overall effect while not overpowering it.
We’ve been in the business of covering new openings for a substantial amount of time now, and it’s evident who enters the local hospitality scene with thoughtful consideration and intent. With chef and owner/operator Georgia van Prehn at the helm, Alta is one such place.
The restaurant is situated at 366 Karangahape Road (the site formerly occupied by natural wine bar Clay) and, while Alta also places emphasis on natural wines within its drinks offering, that’s where any similarity ends. With forest-green banquette seating down the left side and a series of light wooden tables, the space has been transformed into a sophisticated yet welcoming 22-seat restaurant, the perfect setting in which to experience van Prehn’s excellent food.
Having worked in kitchens in Melbourne and London, van Prehn was most recently stationed at Scotch wine bar in Blenheim, where she garnered critical acclaim for her food. She describes her philosophy as one that emphasises minimising waste and creating everything by hand, if she can.
“I started to go down the rabbit hole and make everything from scratch, which then made me think about what I was doing with the wastage, what I could turn it into and experimenting with that,” she says. “Looking at the whole vegetable, the whole animal and trying to create as much as we can off that, gives us a bit of a pantry to work off.”
At Alta, diners can book in for one of two sittings a night, and there is a four-course set menu rather than a la carte — plus, you can order sides if you wish. The benefits of doing a set menu are many, says van Prehn, including reducing wastage, and avoiding running out of things if people want to order them.
“I think it’s also better if you want to be creative with food, because you can really think about a meal and how someone’s going to eat it,” she says. “It’s kind of like inviting someone round to your house for dinner — you don’t hand them a menu and ask them ‘what would you like to eat tonight?’ You’ll be conscious of your friend’s dietaries, as we will be [Alta can happily cater to any dietary requests with notice], but I like that approach where you feel more in touch with your customers, more connected.”
Kicking off with three snacks, the menu then flows onto entrée, main and dessert. “I always try to think about hitting different senses, so within the snacks, you’ll usually get something raw, something pickled and something cooked or smoked,” explains van Prehn. For Alta’s opening menu, the snacks stay true to this sensibility, spanning several different ways of preparing and presenting ingredients.
Following these, is a beautiful dish of beetroot stuffed with smoked yoghurt and sunflower seeds with a whey butter over it (the whey comes from the house-made yoghurt); a main of octopus noodles which are formed of very thinly sliced octopus that “has a bit of a chew to it.” Cooked in a beef fat and beef stock emulsion, they are finished with a savoury orange marmalade and silverbeet. Dessert is a liquorice cake with vanilla custard, sweetened with coconut sugar. Van Prehn is not a fan of refined sugar overall, saying she’d rather try and use the naturally occurring qualities of the fruit or vegetable instead of adding sugar.
Optional add-ons include house-made sourdough, charcuterie, a seafood platter and oysters — natural or fried. The supplements menu will be changeable, says van Prehn, depending on what she feels like including. Even the seafood platter is about using more commonly thrown away parts of the fish, such as a fish head terrine or fish skin crackers.
The beverage offering is designed to be as thoughtful as the food, and beyond the substantial wine list there is an enticing cocktail selection that eschews any pre-made sodas for the likes of an olive oil martini, which sees gin and Lillet infused with olive oil, or an oat milk and English Breakfast milk punch with whisky through it.
While Alta may be a set menu, the hope is that diners aren’t going to leave feeling weighed down, which can sometimes be the case with this type of offering. “I think you can eat a substantial amount of food and feel full,” says van Prehn, “but it’s all about how you prepare it [to make it not too heavy].”
We’re sure you get the impression from the food we’ve described that this restaurant’s offering is unlike any other on K’ Road, or even wider Auckland. We suggest you make a booking and discover it for yourself.
Opening hours:
Tuesday to Saturday: Bookings from 5pm
Sunday & Monday: Closed
When it comes to taking a holiday, no doubt Lynne Parker craves some lowkey relaxation to offset her busy day-to-day, running her successful eyewear boutique Parker & Co.
Having founded the business 27 years ago, Lynne and her team have become the go-to for those seeking the most stylish and high-quality frames in the country, sourced from global fashion houses like Celine, Dior, Gucci and Victoria Beckham, plus acclaimed eyewear brands like Moscot and Garret Leight. While, in pre-Covid times, Lynne would be jetting off overseas to eyewear fairs in Europe, she has been exploring closer to home and rediscovering its beauty — as we all have.
Lynne recently spent some time on Rakiura, Stewart Island, and was utterly charmed. Here, she shares her must-do itinerary.
“Rakiura (Stewart Island) is New Zealand’s third-largest island, located 30 kilometres south of the South Island, across the Foveaux Strait. If you want to experience a slower pace of holiday with a focus on nature, sea, wildlife and nightscapes, then Rakiura is a stunning spot to visit.
You can get to Rakiura via a 15-minute flight from Invercargill. It’s a small fixed wing plane (a bit of a shock for a nervous flyer) but I lucked out and had calm crossings and the views were fabulous.
If you ask nicely, you can sit next to the pilot and have the real birds-eye view. Slightly longer and a little more weather dependant is the ferry, which departs from Bluff and takes approximately one hour.
Where to stay
There is a variety of accommodation to check out on Airbnb, but book early. With Covid and our borders closed, New Zealanders are discovering Rakiura and accommodation is limited.
Some houses come with complimentary vehicles. This was the first indication of the slower, more community feel of the island. Our ute was left at Oban town for us to collect on arrival with the keys in, unlocked and ready to go. Other accommodation suggestions are Church Hill Boutique Lodge, Observation Rock Lodge and Rakiura Lodge.
Wherever you are staying, don’t forget to take time one evening and look up. Rakiura was awarded Dark Sky accreditation in 2019 and the night sky is incredible.
What to do on Rakiura
There is no nightlife on Rakiura, unless you count the Sunday Pub Quiz at the South Sea Hotel, which is a must if you are in Rakiura on a Sunday night. The local recommendation is to go early to book your table.
Ulva Island is a must, as it’s one of New Zealand’s few pest-free open sanctuaries. A short 10-minute water taxi ride from Golden Bay will take you there, where you can spend a couple of hours strolling around the easy walking tracks. We saw kererū, saddleback, South Island robin, and weka; some are lucky enough to spot the Stewart Island brown kiwi but they were hiding the day we went. Ulva also has stunning beaches, so take a picnic and maybe have a swim if you feel like braving the cold water. Picnic provisions or packed lunches are available from the Four Square in Oban.
One of New Zealand’s Great Walks, the Rakiura Track, is awesome if you are a keen tramper and have three days to spare. Otherwise, like us, you can just walk part of it as a day hike. Water taxis can be booked to drop you off or pick you up.
If it rains, you can pop down to Rakiura Jade, where master carver Dave Goodin will help you carve your own pounamu.
Other activities to do on Rakiura
Fishing: Spending a day or half-day out fishing for blue cod with locals — Fluff on the Rawhiti or Chook on the Tequila will ensure you have a great day, come back with fresh fish and some great local stories.
Kiwi spotting: Beaks and Feathers have access to private land on the main island and will take you to spot kiwi after dark. Real Journeys kiwi experience includes a catamaran trip across the stunning Paterson Inlet to land at Glory Bay. After a short stroll through the bush, you’ll arrive at Ocean Beach where you can spot the kiwi as they come to dig for sandhoppers in the sand.
Snorkelling, sea kayaking, electric bikes and guided walks are all available on Rakiura, just remember to book early. Check out the Rakiura Museum which has an extensive collection of items and photographs of Stewart Island’s early settlements, offering a peek into life as it was.
Where to eat:
South Sea Hotel: If you want to dine at the South Sea hotel restaurant, book early. Don’t worry if you are not the organised type, as they serve the same menu in the lounge bar and public bar. Classic pub fare includes the likes of blue cod, salmon, mussels, steak, pizza and nachos.
Kai Kart Takeaways: Super fresh fish and chips and burgers from a caravan in the centre of Oban.
Fins and Feathers: Another food truck that opens at 10am to serve coffee and divine cream-filled doughnuts made fresh each morning. Sour cherry and salted caramel were our favourites to go with a long black. In the evenings there’s a limited menu of one or two entrées, a couple of main options, burgers, slow-cooked lamb shoulder and duck fat potatoes. Seating is on a picnic table outside, so dress warmly.
Church Hill Restaurant: Book early as there are only a few seats each night unless you are a guest at the Church Hill Boutique Lodge. The ever-changing menu celebrates Southern delicacies such as muttonbird, paua, crayfish and greenbone.
Kiwi-French Creperie: Find crepes, cakes, scones and coffee at this cosy spot.
Four Square: Open every day, this store has all the essentials including a decent wine selection. Find pre-made sandwiches, fresh fruit and slices if you need to grab lunch before heading out for a days’ tramping. The staff are super friendly.”
After many years of tinkering with combinations and tailoring each step, most of us have our skincare routine down to a T. But what if we told you a few simple changes could make all the difference? From the easily avoidable to the truly clever, these habit-breaking tips and tricks can help you make the most of your daily skincare regime.
Washing your face in the shower
The shower is undoubtedly the ideal spot for multitasking, the only place where you can shave, condition your hair and practise your vocal range in one fell swoop. As a place where seemingly anything goes, it may come as a surprise to hear that washing your face is the one task that you really should be abstaining from. The hot water can dry out skin and strip the face of its natural oils, leaving the skin barrier weak and prone to irritation and dryness — instead, wash at the sink with a gentle cleanser like this creamy Codage one, using lukewarm water only.
Not washing your pillowcases enough
While they may look clean on the surface, our pillowcases harbour a shocking number of nasties that can cause breakouts and spur on imperfections. To minimise oils, dirt, bacteria and hair product residue transferring onto your face, we recommend rotating or washing pillowcases at least once per week. Another tip? Silk pillowcases, like this sleek Slip number, help reduce the sign of wrinkles, prevent face creases and serves as a luxurious addition to the boudoir.
Using a dirty washcloth
Speaking of harbouring bacteria, if you’re a fan of using a washcloth to wipe off your cleanser, we don’t recommend using the same cloth several times in a row. Stock up on a collection of several cotton flannels and use a fresh one each day. This will mean you’re not reapplying any makeup, dirt or oil from the day before to your clean visage.
Not applying products correctly
Tugging and pulling your skin downwards when applying moisturisers and products will only spur on the sagging, anti-ageing process. You should be moving the products in the way you want your face to go, in future apply moisturiser under the eyes in upwards, circular motions and use light upward strokes everywhere else, especially on the neck area.
Vigorous towelling
Scrubbing at your face or rubbing it roughly with a towel can drive bacteria deeper into the pores, irritate the skin and bring on a tirade of skin issues. Instead, opt for a lighter approach and gently pat at your face after washing. Got a few minutes to spare? Those who want to take it a step further can skip the towelling process altogether — let your face air-dry for a few moments before applying serums and moisturisers, your skin actually absorbs products better when it’s damp anyway.
Applying SPF
The jury is still out on the best time to apply SPF — some dermatologists claim that putting it on first is best, as it can sink deeper into the skin, while others say that the successive layering of products dilates the SPF and reduces its effectiveness. Until the hot debate is cleared, try opting for a two-in-one moisturiser with SPF instead (like this Emma Lewisham one) and be sure to apply it daily, even when you don’t think you need to. (Note: you always need it — even in winter.)
Over-doing it
Too much of anything can be a bad thing, and a common mistake many people make is to slather on products in a ‘the more the merrier’ approach. However, over-exfoliating the skin can remove its protective barrier, leaving it exposed to a bevvy of environmental toxins and sun damage, and over-cleansing can irritate it. Limit exfoliation to 2-3 times a week with an effective exfoliator, like Sothys Face Scrub, and stop cleansing in the morning. The oils that our skin produces while we sleep are beneficial and shouldn’t need to be stripped away.
Sleeping with your hair loose
Your hair’s natural oils combined with the residue from your shampoos and conditioners can transfer onto your skin while you sleep and clog your pores, polluting your skin and triggering the return of unsightly blemishing and pesky pimples. Instead, tie your hair away from you into a loose ponytail or plait — but be sure not to tie it too tight as this can snap and damage your hair.
For anyone unfamiliar with The Rug Company, it was established over 20 years ago in London (and now has over 30 showrooms worldwide) and has built its reputation on creating some of the most sought-after floor coverings in the world.
Not only are its rugs renowned for their sublime quality — achieved via a hand-knotting process by expert Nepalese weavers — but the brand is highly respected for its uniquely creative approach, seen most clearly in its high-profile designer collaborations with the likes of Alexander McQueen, Paul Smith, Vivienne Westwood, Kelly Wearstler and more.
Now, for the first time, The Rug Company has been made available to discerning New Zealanders, thanks to the efforts of Design Central, who recognised a gap in the market here for luxurious rugs. Speaking to one of the Directors at Design Central Lindy Messam, it’s clear that this new offering is set to bring something unique to the local industry.
“We have access to the brand’s entire global inventory,” Messam explains, “so there really won’t be any lead times for rugs that are in stock, meaning we can usually get them air-freighted here within a number of days.”
From Design Central’s boutique showroom in Parnell, private clients, architects and interior designers will now have access to The Rug Company’s full suite of services, which beyond its standard inventory, includes the ability to customise existing styles and even create rugs entirely from scratch.
As Messam explains “part of what The Rug Company is known for is its amazing bespoke service… where you can either tweak one of the standard designs to change the colour, shape or size to how you want… or devise something completely new.”
Importantly, while The Rug Company is predominantly known for its collectable designer rugs, its offering is far more diverse than perhaps people realise. While on the one hand, its designer collaborations call for a significant investment (both financially and creatively), it also carries a vast range of beautiful neutral options, with subdued palettes and versatile textures that speak to the sophisticated but understated New Zealand aesthetic.
That said, one thing that runs through all of The Rug Company’s ranges, from the high-end collections to the more attainable ones, is its focus on quality. Even when creating its line of accessibly-priced, hand-loomed rugs, The Rug Company (rather than adhering to standard industry practice) set up looms in Nepal, and used the same exceptional makers and materials to produce the collection.
And as Messam confirms, this emphasis on quality is what makes a piece by The Rug Company such a worthwhile investment — its rugs will last a lifetime, and can be passed like an heirloom, down through generations.
While we will endeavour to apply the ‘buying once, buying well’ strategy here, we are expecting The Rug Company’s extensive offering to make that mantra slightly more difficult to follow, where buying twice or even thrice might feel more appropriate.
Best when worn with a pony-tail and pared-back makeup, the earrings of the season have serious presence. Anything but boring, this style is not for every day, but expect them to make an impact when the occasion arises.
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When it comes to putting together an elegant yet striking ensemble, the classic colour combination of black and white will never let you down. Cruella De Vil connotations aside, we suggest leaning into the notion of stark contrast with these refined wardrobe additions, from everyday staples to statement-makers.
It feels almost disrespectful (and inaccurate) to call Yu Mei’s new retail space merely a ‘shop’. Located in Newmarket, the luxury leather accessory brand opened its inviting, Knight Associates-designed brick-and-mortar lounge to pave the way for a new kind of shopping experience — one that also acts as a place to host Yu Mei’s community, and to channel the brand’s sensibility, holistically.
This is beautifully achieved through furniture, objects and even appliances that are in keeping with its wider principles of refinement, comfort and ease, and enduring emphasis on considered materials. New-season bags are displayed at the entrance portion of the space, while through glass doors is a gallery space housing a display of contemporary artworks and shoppable past-season styles.
The residential-like feeling is solidified by timeless pieces like a Mario Bellini Camaleonda sofa and Frank O. Gehry Wiggle Side Chairs, both from Matisse, Nonn’s Journal coffee table by Cameron Foggo, from Simon James, and large, natural-fibre Nodi rugs adorning the floors.
A lounge area at the rear of the sizeable space is well-appointed too, housing a kitchen with brand new Fisher & Paykel appliances — all-in-all, creating a destination to return to for far more than just the beautiful accessories sold within.
It’s true what they say, you haven’t exercised properly until you’ve put yourself in the hands of a dedicated fitness expert. Not only will they help you prepare for specific events, but a personal trainer can also ensure that there’s no slacking off, you’re maintaining the correct form and that you’re truly getting the most out of your time spent at the gym.
But not all personal training sessions are created equal and, whether you’re training for the next Ironman or just need a motivational kick up the backside, there are a few things that you can do to ensure you’re getting the best out of the experience.
Go PT shopping
You didn’t sign up to your gym without checking out the market first, so why snatch up the first personal trainer you find? Head down to the gym that you use and scope out some of the trainers there. Watch how they work and see if there are any that pique your interest. Most desk clerks will deliver a rundown on the trainers available, but don’t be afraid to speak to them yourself to gain a better insight.
Do a background check
If you do find someone you think you’d like to work with, make sure they have their credentials — all personal trainers in New Zealand should be registered with the Register of Exercise Professionals.
Set goals
Establishing concrete goals is crucial for improvement, and it helps your trainer plan out the sessions more efficiently, too — whether it’s about improving endurance by a certain time or speed, losing a specific amount of weight, or hoping to tone up in one particular area.
Prepare
To make the most of your 60 minutes, ensure your body is as prepared as possible prior to the session. Have a light, energy-boosting bite about 45 minutes beforehand and try to drink plenty of water throughout the day — this should keep mid-workout, lengthy drinking breaks to a minimum.
Warm up beforehand
Similarly, try and squeeze your warm up in before the session. This allows you to crack on with the serious stuff as soon as your time begins. If you’re not sure what kind of warm-up works best for you, have a chat with your trainer — they’ll be more than happy to help.
Make notes
Whether you’re noting things down via workout apps, wearable technology or just an old school pen and paper, it’s important to track your progress. Jot down tips and tricks on everything from posture to breathing techniques — so you can then employ them correctly outside of your sessions.
Ask for a post-session recap
When each session comes to a close, be sure to request a quick progress report. Having a clearer understanding of the areas that you’re improving in, and the areas that you’re not, can help you figure out how to grow in the future.
Speak up
If you don’t feel a connection with your personal trainer, or if they’re approaching something in a way you don’t agree with, don’t be afraid to tell them. It’s beneficial for both of you to be as upfront as possible.
Ask what you can do outside of your session
Your training doesn’t have to be limited to just that 60-minute window. Ask for tips on what you can be doing once the sessions have ended, including eating habits and exercise pointers for days off.
Bridging engineering and art, Powersurge studio is an exercise in equilibrium. The team takes the elemental properties of metal and forges it into something much more sophisticated, with a lightness to its otherwise industrial look.
Powersurge’s custom designs and collection accent pieces are poised for spatial enhancement, exemplified in its newest solid brass additions. Available in customisable finishes, including brushed, blackened or light or dark antiqued, and coated in a clear satin lacquer, they can find a synergy with any space.
The Link Pendant‘s slimline structure will glide into a hallway or living zone. Suspended from the ceiling with a strip of brass with dual hex cores, it emanates light in delicate horizontal layers.
Elsewhere, the Fall Coffee Table reaches visual harmony through its sleek composition, combined with the negative space beneath it, for an appreciation of minimalist balance. Even if you like your coffee table clear, it would be gratifying to place the Halo Vase on top of here. A polished take on the column form, with a geometric twist, the Vase comes in three sizes and looks especially satisfying when styled in a group of sculptural silhouettes.
To dress up other surfaces around the home, gilded trays create an elegant frame for displaying your favourite objects. The Crease Tray is folded like fortified origami, striking a balance between delicate and modern design.
Powersurge is known for its dynamic lights and mirrors, and the Lateral Light Mirror is an illuminating design in more ways than one. Crafted in a slimline style, it creates an unrestrained reflection to expand space within your interior — while the lighting embedded down the left-hand cladding elevates the mirror’s purpose and sense of presence. It’s available in three sizes, as well as custom dimensions.
If you are looking to create visual harmony in your living spaces, these versatile pieces will be right at home.
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