Happy December and welcome to our Capsule Collection – what’s new and what’s on in NZ! Here’s our eclectic collection of new things we love this month – from events and restaurant openings, to the best of new products in fashion, beauty, food and lifestyle – you’re welcome!
BUY
Amazon Echo Show 11
$499
Your secret weapon in keeping your home organised, we adore Amazon’s Echo Show range, and this new Show 11 is a perfect addition to the lineup – an 11 inch display means you can watch shows, listen to music, display photos and control your smart home with ease. You can even use it for video calls and as an internal security camera, as well as setting up routines, updating shopping lists with just your voice (handy when you’re making dinner and run out of something!) and heaps more.
Zealong Collections Box
$29.95
It might be summer, but there is still a time and a place for a perfect cup of tea – and we think we might have just found it! This box of Zealong’s best brews makes the perfect tea sampler, or a gorgeous last-minute gift for the tea lover in your life.
RUA Pinot Noir
$27
The perfect Pinot that brings people together, this is our favourite red at the moment and it’s on a heavy (but responsible!) rotation as the silly season roars on. It’s vibrant, approachable, beautifully balanced and simply, just bloody delicious.
Avene Sunsitive Oil Control Sunscreen Fluid SPF 50+
$36.99
This new sunscreen from Avene is a godsend for oily, acne-prone and sensitive skin types (including teens & postpartum mums). With an ultra-light, mattifying, non-greasy texture it contains monolaurin to regulate oil, silica to absorb shine and rice starch for a smooth finish.
Shark FlexBreeze HydroGo Misting Portable Fan
$249.99
Our mates at Shark have done it again! They’ve just released their new FlexBreeze HydroGo Misting Portable Fan – an ultra-powerful, ultra-portable fan that brings a refreshing breeze anywhere, indoors or out. HydroGo pairs high-velocity airflow with ultra-fine misting that can lower temperatures by up to 3°C, and has up to 12 hours of run time (and comes in a range of cute colours!).
The Remarkable Chocolate Co Luxury Smash Bark
$19.90
This Smash Bark is not just chocolate – it’s an experience! Each block comes with its own wooden hammer so you can smash, crack, and share the fun. This one is made with creamy 28% white couverture chocolate, scattered with roasted salted pistachios and chewy cranberries for a rich, nutty bite with a hint of tart sweetness – perfect for the festive season!
Lindauer Special Reserve Brut Cuvée
$13
Lindauer Special Reserve Brut Cuvée is a drier style wine with a vibrant gold colour – and it won best sparkling wine in this year’s New World Wine Awards! It’s a perfect, budget-friendly option for the festive season.
Ravello Outdoor Five Piece Dining Set Beige
$629.97
I [Kelly] moved into my first home recently and are still building up the ‘stuff we need for the house’ items – but an outdoor dining table is VERY high up the list for our bare deck! This option from Mocka is gorgeous and I can just imagine long lunches and summer BBQ dinners already!
Skinbetter AlphaRet Overnight Cream
$199
There is SO much hype around skinbetter and for good reason – I’ve been using this overnight cream for a few weeks and I can already see a difference! This cream claims to significantly reduce the appearance of wrinkles in as little as four weeks, with minimised risk of irritation (great for sensitive skin) and provides heaps of moisture to help the sometimes inevitable dryness you can experience with retinoid-based products.
Ecoya Holiday Range
From $29.95
We were lucky enough to receive a gorgeous send-out of some of Ecoya’s festive range and it had us almost crying with joy! From candles, room fragrance, car and room diffusers, bathroom and laundry sets and even children’s and dog gift packs (seriously!) this year’s collection is out the gate (and we’re still going out to buy more, we simply must have the HUGE Grand Goldie Pine Candle!). This year’s scents are:
Fresh Pine: An icon of the season, Fresh Pine is more than just a fragrance – it’s a tradition. Timeless and nostalgic, it’s the scent that keeps the season evergreen and, in our opinion, will always be the greatest Christmas scent of all time. This year, there’s also Chilli Strawberry: a vibrant fragrance that pops with juicy pineapple, ripe strawberry and a twist of zesty citrus, infused with vanilla and a hint of chilli, and Hibiscus & Bergamot: a lush green-floral blend where vibrant hibiscus meets juicy watermelon and crisp bergamot – a refreshing, breezy summer fragrance.
Essano Hydrate & Glow Body SPF50+
$23.99
A moisturising SPF50+ body sunscreen that hydrates, illuminates and protects in one silky step so you can glow on with your day. Infused with pearlescent mica for a subtle shimmer, plus vitamin E and aloe vera to nourish, smooth and soothe all over, leaving skin naturally luminous while defending against UVA and UVB rays. It also smells ABSOLUTELY divine – get this in your suncare routine stat!
Woolworths Gingerbread House Smash Cake
$44
Smash into the silly season! Woolworths is bringing extra joy to Kiwi Christmas tables with a smash cake that’s as fun as it is delicious. Crack open the chocolate shell to uncover a treasure trove of sweet surprises, all stacked on a rich caramelised biscuit cake. Whether it’s centre stage at your festive feast or a crowd-pleaser for the kids, this limited-edition dessert proves you can have your cake and smash it too.
Bowie At-Home Microneedling Kit
$144
If you’re a microneedling girlie, if you’ve been dying to give it a go, then Bowie is for you – it’s a genius at-home system that’s super easy to use and gives results. Tiny but mighty, the microneedles gently stimulate your skin’s natural response, leading to fresh, collagen-rich tissue and a refined skin texture.
Everlasting Candle Co Neva Collection
$80
The last time we posted about these candles you guys went nuts – so here is the Everlasting Candle Co’s new Neva collection with three new hand-blown glass vases: Prairie Dust, Pampas, and Storm. Everlasting Candles are handcrafted steel candlesticks that never melt down, paired with their signature Pristine Oil for clean, smoke-free and scent-free ambience.
Villa Maria Cans
$7.99
As consumers seek more convenient, on-the-go ways to enjoy wine, Villa Maria is bringing its signature quality to a fresh new format with the launch of Villa Maria individual cans. Available in time for summer, the new range includes Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, and Sparkling Rosé, each crafted to deliver the same exceptional taste Villa Maria is known and loved for, now in a sleek 250ml can.
The Warehouse Curve Range
From $8
The Warehouse has launched Curve – a new clothing range designed to provide Kiwi women with affordable fashion that fits, flatters and feels great. From $8 basics to $40 fashion items, the range will be one of the most accessible and size-inclusive fashion ranges in Aotearoa New Zealand, and has been designed specifically to flatter Kiwi women’s figures – of all sizes.
Curve introduces everyday favourites including tops, dresses, pants, knitwear, sleepwear, swimwear, and underwear, with the first drop featuring pieces such as breezy linen skirts, relaxed cotton shirts, and on-trend print dresses to suit every occasion. Each garment is fit-tested to ensure pieces drape well, move easily, and make women feel effortlessly confident!
Scarlet Period rae Wireless Heat Pad and Period Pocket Undies
$129 and $36
Guys, this is going to change your bloody (sorry) lives. Meet rae – the smarter, safer period heat device. Curved for your comfort, it hugs your body and slides into Scarlet’s Period Pocket Underwear and under your clothes for relief on the go. Plus, it heats up fast and lasts for over five hours – and helps so much with period pain (we’ve tested it and we adore it!). Also, the undies are super-comfy!
My Food Bag Christmas Treats Bundle
$109.99
The perfect mix of gourmet delights and fragrant indulgence that’ll make even the most discerning friend or family member happy! This festive collection includes Paneton Christmas Mince Tarts, The Confectionist Toffee, Bennetto Chocolate, and Molly Woppy Shortbread, paired with Ashley & Co’s much-loved Tui & Kahili Hand Cream and scented candle.
Spritzzetto Premium Italian Style Spritz
$23.99 for four
Crisp, refreshing & vibrant – and a huge favourite in the Capsule office already! This aperitivo blends premium New Zealand wine with delicate Italian-style aperitif aromas, offering a smooth balance of sweetness and mild bitterness. Basically, it’s like an Aperol Spritz in a can – and it’s delicious!
Family Cooking by Di McHardy
$65
A certified nutrition consultant, recipe creator, and founder of Mama’s Meals, Di McHardy began sharing her own recipes on Instagram after struggling to find food that was both nourishing and achievable. What started as a few posts quickly grew into a trusted online community and now a self-published cookbook funded entirely by her followers.
Family Cooking features more than 100 tried-and-true recipes covering every part of the day, from quick breakfasts to weeknight dinners and easy baking. Think Summer Muesli, Tomato and Mozzarella Pasta, Mexican Pulled Beef, and a decadent Chocolate Mousse to finish. Alongside the recipes, Di shares practical guidance on pantry essentials, shortcuts, and ways to make mealtimes less stressful without compromising flavour.
DO
Takapuna Surf Club
Takapuna, Auckland
The latest Auckland restaurant opening has us quite excited – because who doesn’t love laid-back bites by the sea! Takapuna Surf Club is a laid-back spot reminiscent of iconic surf clubs like Sydney’s Coogee Pavilion – a place where corporates, families, and tradies alike can gather and unwind. Curated by Chef Maia of Queens, the menu offers elevated versions of classic surf club staples: prawns on ice, golden schnitzels, chicken parmigiana, and stacked subs. A standout is the authentic wood-fired pizzas, crafted in an imported Italian pizza oven.
RealNZ Business Class
Milford Sound
Tourism in Piopiotahi Milford Sound has entered a new era with the launch of RealNZ and Altitude Tours’ joint venture, Milford Sound Business Class – a genre-defining new way to experience one of Aotearoa’s most extraordinary destinations and guys, this needs to go on the list STAT! Designed as an end-to-end journey, guests are collected from their accommodation in custom Mercedes X-Clusive vans featuring glass roofs, leather seating, and bespoke touches such as wellness shots and woollen blankets. The first stop is the exclusive Milford Sound Business Class Lounge in Te Anau, before continuing along the scenic route to Milford Sound via select sites.
Once on the newly remodelled MV Sinbad, guests embark on an intimate cruise and dining experience against the dramatic backdrop of Fiordland National Park. The heart of the experience is the menu – “A Taste of Murihiku” – by acclaimed New Zealand chef Tom Hishon, celebrating the finest local produce from Fiordland wapiti and tītī to Bluff pāua and freshwater eel. See you there?!
Heineken Club Silver
Parnell Lawn Tennis Club
This summer, Heineken has debuted Club Silver, an open-air lawn bar that borrows from the international ‘country club’ trend, bringing a sophisticated, sporty aesthetic to Auckland’s summer afternoon social scene.Club Silver is Heineken Silver’s flagship summer space, opening its courts every weekend for one of the city’s favourite kinds of social sports; lounging and sipping (and we are very, very good at it!). Think long summer afternoons, sipping ice-cold beers with friends as the sun goes down – offering a sun-soaked, European-inspired bar with polished greens, DJs, and rotating food trucks.
New Year’s Eve at Bar Albert
Auckland
Bar Albert, Auckland’s premier rooftop destination, is inviting guests to celebrate New Year’s Eve in unprecedented style with an exclusive evening featuring panoramic city views, premium champagne, and front-row seats to the iconic Sky Tower fireworks display. Located high above Auckland’s bustling cityscape, Bar Albert will transform into an intimate celebration space on December 31st, offering guests the ultimate vantage point to witness the city’s spectacular fireworks as 2026 arrives.
Be welcomed by a glass of premium Louis Roederer Champagne while taking in breathtaking 360-degree views of Auckland. The evening features a curated selection of culinary delights, including a decadent antipasto and cheese station alongside late-night canapés designed to complement the celebratory atmosphere. And, live music and DJ entertainment will set the perfect mood throughout the night, culminating in a champagne toast at the stroke of midnight as fireworks illuminate the Sky Tower and city skyline below.
Andiamo Reopens
Herne Bay
Hallelujah! One of our absolute favourite spots, Andiamo has reopened with a hell of a refresh. Meet Andiamo Bar & Dining Room: more bar, more buzz, more unapologetically craveable Italian. Now there’s a bar-first energy with an expanded bar area anchoring the space – slide in for stand-up Aperitivo that “accidentally” becomes dinner. The outside and inside have had a serious glowup, new dishes such as spring green pea ravioli and seven-layer lasanga have been added and their newest cocktail, a Caprese martini, is the star of the show!
QT Sunday Catch
Sundays, QT Auckland 12pm-late
Sunday Catch is happening every Sunday at Rooftop at QT meaning, all day $3 oysters and $99 bottles of Champagne! You know we adore the Rooftop – it’s one of those places where lunch becomes dinner (even better if you’re staying and you can just pop off to bed afterwards!). Sun-kissed salty afternoons, this is a Sunday session with serious sparkle.
