Guys you know what time of year we’re about to head into – so, with the holidays ahead, welcome to our Capsule Collection! 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!
STUFF TO BUY:
Al.ive Body Wash and Lotion Duo
$96
You might remember Alisa and Lysandra Fraser from The Block Australia – now they’ve channelled their design prowess into creating a stunning range of body, home, and baby products that bring everyday luxury to life. With their sleek interlocking bottles, bespoke trays, and refined scents, al.ive body doesn’t just elevate your space — it turns it into a sanctuary (YES MORE OF THIS). And they’ve nailed sustainability too: 100% palm oil-free, vegan, cruelty-free, and refill pouches that cut plastic use by 85%.
Bowie At-Home Microneedling Tool
$106
We’re so jazzed for the launch of this brand! Packaged in signature bold red, BOWIE’s hero product is the Microneedling Tool, paired with the must-have Chill Serum for post-rolling care – your go-to duo for glowing, smoother skin from the comfort of your home. At the heart of Bowie is the custom-designed Microneedling Tool, with 0.5mm needles that create tiny micro channels in your skin. This triggers the skins natural renewal process, leading to visibly firmer, smoother skin with a brighter complexion. Think of it as a mini workout for your face, no sweat required!
CZE Hair
From $46
CZE Hair, the evolution of Chloe Zara Hair, is here. The re-brand has led by three new products — the Refine Scalp Serum, Refine Wash, and Refine Condition – with CZE focusing on delivering effortless, beautiful hair, with the new Refine range specifically supporting fine or thinning hair. Founded by hair expert Chloe Zara, CZE champions the ‘skinification’ of hair care, treating scalp health as the foundation for strong, vibrant hair. The hero product, Refine Scalp Serum, has been clinically proven to reduce hair loss by 53% in just 45 days, making it ideal for postpartum thinning, stress-related shedding, or anyone seeking thicker hair. Crafted with sustainability in mind, all products are vegan-friendly, free from silicones, parabens, and sulfates.
KitKat Christmas Cabins
$35
Kiwis are in for a real treat this holiday season as KitKat launches its Christmas Cabin kit. Giving traditional gingerbread houses a ‘break’, the KitKat Christmas Cabin is cleverly designed to bring people together and let everyone’s creativity (and taste buds) shine – all the while creating a new festive ritual. Kiwis are invited to construct and decorate their Cabin from creamy white chocolate melts, KitKat four-finger chocolate bars, Smarties, ripe raspberries, and a sprinkle of holiday magic – a KitKat Santa. The KitKat Cabin is deliciously easy to put together – whether personalising with your own creativity or spending time with family and colleagues during the busy festive season. How good!
Acme x Karen Walker
$32
Acme, in collaboration with Karen Walker, has released their third range of Bobby mugs in a selection of colours from Karen Walker’s latest collection release. The Acme Bobby mugs have become been an annual highlight of Karen Walker’s gifting collections, and this season’s palette of cameo pink, macadamia, and black is no exception! These would make such perfect gifts!
Teva Women’s Original Universal Sandal
$130
I am a HUGE convert to Teva after trying out these sandals – supportive and comfy and surprisingly versatile (I wear with maxis and shorts) this is in my summer rotation already. Teva outfits free-spirited adventure-seekers all over the world with versatile, modern, sustainable outdoor footwear and this model really is the perfect Kiwi summer companion that’ll take you from the beach to tramps to the trek to the supermarket (that comes with its own dangers!).
Free AF – Alcohol-Free Rosé and Red
$24.95
As we head into the warmer months with summer and the festive season just around the corner, Free AF is thrilled to introduce its first-ever collection of alcohol-free bubbles – a Sparkling Rosé and a Sparkling Red. If you’re not drinking at the moment for whatever reason, MAN it’s nice to have an option that lets you blend in with the crowd – all bubbles, no hangover – and you get to pop the cork!
Ardell Naked Press On Lash Extensions
$35.99
Get ready for a lash game-changer! Ardell’s Naked Press On Lash Extensions have just landed in New Zealand, bringing an effortless twist to the coveted no-makeup makeup look. Say goodbye to the fuss and hello to a flawless, natural finish in seconds. With the pre-glued, press-on design, these underlash extensions are incredibly easy to apply—just place and press, no glue needed! The soft, crisscross lash clusters blend seamlessly with your natural lashes, giving you subtle fullness that looks completely undetectable.
Dawny Cooler Cup
From $44.99
An idea sparked by two wahine on a mission to reduce single use plastic drink bottle waste, Dawny Adventure Club has grown to be an essential element to any Kiwi adventure and we love supporting a small Kiwi business! Offering Coolers, Cups and Coozies in a range of colourways for any preference, Dawny Adventure Club are the perfect pairing to any bevvy to keep the cold stuff icy cold and the hot stuff piping hot. All Dawny products are dual-walled and vacuum sealed for ultimate insulation and made from lightweight 18/8 premium stainless steel Your Dawny will be with you for years of adventures to come, saving the world from countless single use drink bottles. With either an easy Sipper Straw, Spout, or the Screw Top Lid, a range of sizes to suit any lifestyle or adventure and the ability for personalisation, a Dawny is a must have for the upcoming summer season (and they also have dog bowls, ofc!).
Crocs x Bluey
From $84.99
Look we can all pretend that I put these in this round up for the kids in our lives but, as I’ve raved on about before, my GOD I love Bluey – and I don’t have kids. As someone who has been testing out Crocs for a month or so now (more on that to come) I’m a massive convert, and then you go and add Bluey, Bingo, Bandit and Chilli in Jibbitz form playing Keepy Uppy? (Yes I know all the characters and I know, I might need some more hobbies). I’m sold. At least, this is what my nephews are getting for Christmas at any rate.
The ‘New’ Pals
$24.99 for 10
Man it’s amazing how much of a chokehold Pals has on the nation – when the RTD brand announced the yellow and pink ones were being discontinued, the country went into some kind of mourning. But the grief was short-lived as Pals announced two new flavours – Vodka Pink Lemon & Soda (“The New Pink One”) and Vodka Pineapple, Lime & Soda (“The New Yellow One”). We can confirm after a month or so of (responsibly) trying them out – they’re GOOD. Plus, they’re available in both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options.
Circa Christmas Collection
From $16.95
This year’s theme – Creating Memories – by Circa is an 11-piece collection that’s absolutely stunning. Designed to bring tradition and elegance to your celebrations, this collection features the return of beloved holiday scents Raspberry & Rhubarb and Gingerbread Cookies, along with a brand-new fragrance, White Fig & Cedar (we will go on the record here and say the Gingerbread Cookies scent is absolutely elite).
The Creating Memories collection showcases playful and festive packaging, infused with a traditional Christmas palette accented by flecks of gold, and the iconic 350g Soy Christmas Candles are elegantly presented in champagne glass vessels, complementing any home décor. Another highlight are Circa’s Scent Sticks, in the new White Fig & Cedar scent – you hang them on your artificial Christmas tree to give it the most incredible scent that permeates a room perfectly.
RAAIE Golden Nectar Cleanser
$97
Gorgeous Kiwi skincare brand RAAIE has launched their very first cleanser—the Golden Nectar Mānuka Honey Enzyme Cleanser and oosh, she’s stunning! Crafted with the purest mānuka honey and potent fruit enzymes, this luxurious cleanser is designed to leave skin fresh, hydrated, and radiant. The buttery-soft formula effectively removes makeup, sunscreen, and impurities and one of our favourite aspects is that it can also double as an overnight treatment mask (!! 2 in 1, yes please), with natural enzymes delicately dissolving dead skin cells while the mānuka honey deeply nourishes the skin. As a natural extension to RAAIE’s product collection, the new cleanser works great with their other products and means RAAIE now offers a complete skincare routine.
Woolworths Christmas Decorating Kits
From $15
Is there anything more festive than decorating Christmas baking!? Woolies have come to the party with two fantastic kits that will make great family fun for the big day, or else cute Secret Santa gifts. The Chocolate Cookie Decorating Kit is packed with everything you need to decorate your own holiday cookies, while the DIY Gingerbread House has icing, decorations and all the tools to create a masterpiece.
Stuff to Do
Starbucks by Nespresso x PurePods
Win!
News alert: Starbucks by Nespresso have partnered with Kiwi luxe accomodation providers PurePods to give people a true slice of Kiwi paradise, offering luxury getaways away from the hustle and bustle of daily life, with quality coffee. A delicious coffee is one of those rare moments we can truly relax and connect (or, you know, function). They’ve teamed up with PurePods to allow people to enjoy quality time away from life’s hustle and bustle, with quality coffee. By creating more quality time, the aim is to inspire Kiwis to enjoy their Starbucks by Nespresso coffee moment every day. We got to visit a PurePod to experience it ourselves – a full recap on that is coming soon! – but for now, visit the PurePods website now to go into the draw to win a free night in a PurePod for two for yourself!
HISO Yakitori Sundays
From $7
HISO, the rooftop bar of SO/Auckland Hotel, is bringing a sizzling new experience 16 floors above the city with Yakitori Sundays, a rooftop feast blending Japanese street food, signature sake-infused cocktails and sky-high vibes. From 11.30-3pm, enjoy a lively yakitori station, indulge at the fresh sashimi bar, sip on carefully crafted cocktails and vibe to the smooth tunes from DJ Uncle Barnie, for the hottest new Sunday session in town! We’ve stopped by to experience this and can confirm – bloody delicious! Don’t miss the wagyu beef and tuna sashimi, trust us!
A Very Tasty Christmas
$5 entry, kids under 12 free
Who loves a Christmas market? Oh that’s right EVERYONE. A Very Tasty Christmas, one of central Auckland’s largest festive market events, is back and ready to impress thousands of Christmas shoppers for its second year. Returning to The Cloud on Queens Wharf after a hugely successful inaugural event in 2023, this year’s event promises an even bigger and better shopping and interactive Christmas experience, running from November 30th to December 1st, from 10 AM to 5 PM each day.
This unique event offers an exciting blend of gourmet food and artisanal gifts from the market, delicious pop-up eateries & bars to indulge in on the day and for purchasing presents, as well as family fun with kids’ and adult activities and Christmas-themed entertainment on our main stage. This is the perfect destination for Christmas and foodie-loving Aucklanders. Whether you’re looking for delicious goodies, special gifts, or simply a day of festive fun with the family, A Very Tasty Christmas has something for everyone.
Esther’s Food of the Sun Lunch Series
$85pp
Esther’s Food of the Sun lunch series has returned! A series of lavish lunches on the second Saturday of each month, Esther is taking you on a journey around flavours of the Mediterranean; a grand tour of sorts. From Capri to Monaco, Casablanca and Santorini, through Barcelona and across to Lisbon – who needs a European summer when you’ve got Food of the Sun. This year, there’s even more travel on the agenda with the Food of the Sun Passport – collect your passport from Esther and collect stamps as you travel to each destination in the FOTS lunch series. Those who attend three lunch events and collect three stamps on their passport will receive a $50 Esther voucher for further foodie exploration, while those committed to the wanderlust lifestyle and attend all six lunch events, collecting all six stamps on their passport will receive a complimentary night in a Delux Corner Room at QT Auckland. Food of the Sun runs every second Saturday from October through to March, and tickets are $85 per person and include a themed three-course lunch + arrival cocktail.
Sunset Rooftop Bar New Year’s Eve
$79pp
As the year draws to a close, Sunset Rooftop Bar invites you to a refined celebration with curated beats, great company, and a breathtaking sunset from 10 floors up. This New Year’s Eve, experience the perfect blend of live music, vibrant atmosphere, and curated cocktails as we bid farewell to 2024 and welcome 2025 with open arms. Start with a glass of Moët & Chandon and enjoy an evening of seamless energy, top DJs, and signature drinks to keep the celebration lively – and of course, delicious food!
Bridgerton Candlelight Concert
Auckland and Christchurch
Featuring hits from the beloved series Bridgerton played by a local string quartet, this unique live multi-sensory musical experience will transform venues in Auckland and Christchurch with a captivating setting. Netflix, Shondaland, and Fever have partnered to bring an exclusive Bridgerton Candlelight Concert, featuring hits from the beloved series – this unique live multi-sensory musical experience will light up St Mary’s in Holy Trinity (Auckland) and The Piano (Christchurch) with thousands of candles transporting Kiwi guests to the Regency era in England. This special event promises an unforgettable evening in a captivating setting. The setlist includes Billie Eilish’s Bad Guy, thank u, next by Ariana Grande, Give Me Everything by Pitbull, Afrojack, Ne-Yo and Nayer, Cheap Thrills by Sia, and more performed by a local talented string quartet.
Dom Pérignon x Kingi
Auckland
Dom Pérignon is currently releasing its exceptional 2015 Vintage in New Zealand – how fancy – and to celebrate the new vintage and nod to the Maison’s exclusive New Zealand partnership, for a second year running, Dom Pérignon has collaborated with Auckland restaurant kingi and its multi-award winning executive chef and co-owner, Chef Tom Hishon. For the rest of November, kingi will offer diners an exclusive opportunity to be the first in New Zealand to experience Dom Pérignon Vintage 2015 by-the-glass, alongside a specially-curated signature bites menu, to be enjoyed in kingi’s elegant inner city courtyard.