Happy October 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!
DO:
The Jury Experience:
An Immersive Courtroom Case
Auckland’s Sky City – Tickets from $39, Oct 17 & Nov 21
If you have a bit of a true-crime obsession, this could be right up your alley! This show has played to packed – and enthralled – audiences across more than 40 cities worldwide, and is now landing in Auckland this month. This compelling experience transforms audiences into jurors in a 60-minute courtroom simulation.
Set in a carefully crafted courtroom space inspired by the American legal system, the production blurs the boundaries between performance and reality. The audience is not simply watching events unfold; they are part of the proceedings. Through witness testimonies, cross-examinations, and the careful weighing of evidence, they must collectively determine the accused’s fate.
Each session offers a singular experience where moral certainty is elusive and perspectives collide. The audience’s decisions influence how the story develops in real time, building toward a climactic final vote: guilty or innocent.
The Holiday Inn Express Breakfast Alarm Clock
Holiday Inn Express, Auckland CBD
Now this is something different! During October you can be one of the first in the world to try out an alarm clock with a difference – one that has no blaring sounds involved, instead it helps to wake you up with the irresistible smell of breakfast.
The concept was inspired by new research commissioned by Holiday Inn Express, that found 57% of New Zealanders say a pleasant smell helps, or would help, them feel better when they wake up, especially while travelling. When asked which scents would lift their morning mood, Kiwis named coffee or tea (56%), bacon and eggs (44%), and baked-goods (40%). These top picks have now been bottled into three deliciously familiar wake-up scents available with the Breakfast Alarm Clock: Coffee, Bacon and Blueberry Muffin.
After being woken up gently by your favourite breakfast aroma, you can head along for your free hot breakfast – something you can always count on getting at a Holiday Inn Express hotel, wherever you are in the world.
Show Me Shorts
40 Locations around NZ!
Great things come in small packages, and the Show Me Shorts Film Festival is a fab example of this. It’s one of NZ’s most widely available festivals, with 40 locations screening short films during 7-27 October 2025. Plus there’s a three-day online festival at Show Me Shorts On Demand during Labour Weekend.
There are 16 films and music videos nominated across eight categories (The most nominated film is When The Geese Flew, directed by Arthur Gay with three nominations), then, on Sunday 12 October the winners will be announced and will become available as a collection that can be watched in Auckland, Katikati, Wellington, Christchurch, and On Demand.
Enamoured Book Nights
Auckland
Enamoured Books is Auckland’s first romance-dedicated bookstore – it’s fast becoming the city’s cosiest, and most romantic community hub. Now, with a calendar full of interactive events, late-night book clubs, and whimsical collaborations, Enamoured Books are rewriting the script on what a modern bookstore can be.
This month there’s several cosy, fun events coming up. On October 11 the store will be celebrating Bookshop Day with live music, tea tastings, a flash sale tattoo pop-up with Alex Heart & Kitty Stabler, spot prizes, plus the first 30 customers will get free goodie bags!
Bossi x Toast & Oak World Pasta Day Dinner
Bossi, Auckland October 25 (Two sittings, 5pm and 7pm)
On Saturday 25 October, Executive Chefs Giulio Barducci (Toast & Oak, Queenstown) and Shaun Dowling (Bossi, Auckland) will come together for an exclusive six-course collaboration dinner in Bossi’s stunning downtown restaurant. Timed to coincide with World Pasta Day (LOVE that that’s a thing), this event will celebrate Italian heritage elevated with contemporary fine-dining flair. Each chef will present three bespoke dishes, with at least one pasta each, showcasing bold flavour, seasonal New Zealand produce, and their distinct culinary philosophies. Guests can expect a dining experience that feels entirely different to a regular night at Bossi, blending Toast & Oak’s refined, Michelin-level artistry with Bossi’s bold Italian soul.
Cora Studio
Auckland
Reformer pilates is EVERYWHERE right now, and where better to give it a go than Auckland’s newest studio, Cora, a design-led reformer pilates and wellness studio with a bold difference: it’s created exclusively for women and the LGBTQ+ community.
From reformer pilates classes, to contrast therapy with saunas and ice baths, to a serene upstairs gallery curated with works from Föenander Gallery, the space balances strength with softness, energy with rest. The addition of an IV lounge and curated corporate retreats further redefine what modern wellbeing can look like (probably not the point but hello hangover cure!?).
The Loft at Craggy Range
Hawke’s Bay
In some exciting news from the beautiful Hawkes Bay, the iconic Craggy Range is announcing the opening of their new dining experience – The Loft at Craggy Range *jumps on a plane IMMEDIATELY*. The Loft is a new dinner party–style dining experience that celebrates the best of Hawke’s Bay’s seasonal produce, paired with award-winning wines. Fresh from being named Winery Restaurant of the Year, and with Executive Chef Casey McDonald crowned Chef of the Year, The Loft is all about generous, abundant feasts designed to feel less like dining out, and more like being welcomed into a memorable dinner party. Its open on Thursday-Saturday evenings, with a set menu for $129pp and the theme changes every couple of months (right now it’s What the Duck)
BUY:
Papinelle Seersucker Gingham Boxer PJ
$109.99
Okay, so apparently this spring, buttons are really having a moment. That’s right – buttons! So, the good folks at Papinelle are taking the trend one step further, for the good of the planet.
They’ve teamed up with the scientists at Uluu, creating dreamy sleepwear with a world-first for fashion: buttons made with seaweed. These buttons are completely biodegradable without toxic residue, zero microplastic shedding, and active environmental benefit
My [Alice] fave from the range is the Seersucker Gingham Boxer PJ. It’s made of a soft cotton–Lenzing™ Ecovero™ viscose blend, making it light and breathable for the warmer months. It’s a relaxed fit, in timeless gingham check and of course, features those new seaweed buttons!
Cadence: Cycle Sister, Inositol Doll and Grateful Guts
$45 each
If you’ve been following Jess Quinn and Katherine Douglas’ brilliant website/podcast platform, The Cyclist, (which focuses on women’s health!) you’ll have heard that the pair this week launched a new project – a supplement line. But Cadence is not just another supplement line – it’s about reshaping the conversation around women’s health, blending science, storytelling, and accessibility.These two are passionate about women’s health – particularly navigating the ups and downs of hormones, cycles, and everyday life. Cadence is about making wellness simple, supportive, and science-backed – designed to help women better understand and care for their bodies in a way that feels approachable and empowering. The duo launched three targeted formulations, with high quality ingredients:
Cycle Sister – designed to support regular periods, smoother cycles and PMS (with Chaste Tree, Peony and Milk Thistle
Inositol Doll – supports healthy blood sugar balance, metabolism, and ovarian health (with Inositol, Chromium and Magnesium)
Grateful Guts – a probiotic and herbal blend for digestive comfort and gut health (with Saccharomyces boulardii, Slippery Elm, Chamomile and Ginger)
So far my (Alice) pick of the bunch is the Inositol Doll – it tastes like a Jelly Tip icecream! (perfect for when you want the real thing during that 4pm slump).
Heinz Fried Chicken Sauce
$6.29
Fair warning if you’re considering buying this: it’s too good. You’ll want to put it on everything. It does NOT support a summer shred. Just thinking about it will make your mouth water. I [Kelly] have had to store my bottle at the back of the fridge because if I see it, I’ll put it something, Quite simply, this sweet and spicy condiment is simultaneously the star of, and the ruin, of my fridge.
The Science Of: Gut Health
$117
Gut health is SO important to your overall health – we all know this, but it can be hard to know exactly what we need to get things humming. Enter this new NZ supplement brand, founded by Nik McIntosh, which is grounded in clinical science and lived experience. Its debut hero product, Gut Health, is designed to repair, nourish, and protect every layer of the gut, delivering real results, backed by real science. This daily formula strengthens all five layers of your gut barrier – the microbiome, mucus lining, epithelial wall, structural membrane, and immune interface – to reduce bloating, improve digestion, and support immunity. Each serve delivers prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics at clinically studied dosages, providing proven support you can feel lighter, clearer, and more resilient every day. And it tastes like apple pie, so it’s a win on that front, too!
Lindauer Special Reserve Brut NV
$19.99
The winners of the New World Wine Awards 2025 are out now, and once again prove that we’re pretty spoilt for choice in NZ – you don’t need to spend a lot to get a beautiful bottle of wine. All entries must be priced at $30 or less at New World
The awards are all blind tastings (I – Alice – went behind the scenes last year and saw the extent they go to, to ensure no judge has any inkling what label they’re drinking) and this year, the Champion Sparkling Wine has gone to… good old Lindauer!
Up against some fierce competition, the humble Lindauer reigned supreme, with the Lindauer Special Reserve Brut NV taking top place in the sparkling section
SOPHIE Effortless Pant
$188
I [Kelly] always seem to be on the hunt for the perfect pair of black pants, and I thiiink I’ve found just that for the upcoming summer (it’s still coming, right?!). Kiwi label SOPHIE is one of my absolute favourites – founder Belinda is an absolute gem and totally understands how Kiwi women like to dress – simply, elegantly and fuss-free – and she truly is the master of the Capsule wardrobe. I spied these hanging on a rack at a media event and fell in love – even the way they were sitting on the coat hanger told me that these would be the pants I wouldn;t take off all season. Love, adore.
Ninja Luxe Café Premier Espresso Machine
$1099.99
Ah, Ninja, you absolute GB’s, you never let us down – and hot on the heels of their other legendary kitchen appliances, they’re absolutely barging through the at-home coffee machine game with their Luxe Café that honestly, even a sleep deprived idiot (me) could work. It’s billed as an ultimate guided experience that makes espresso uncomplicated – an intelligent espresso & coffee system with unmatched 3-in-1 versatility (no-guesswork espresso, rapid cold brew and well-balanced filter coffee), that helps you elevate your coffee routine and create café-quality drinks at home. Barista Assist Technology guides you to the perfect cup from grind size recommendations to automated brew adjustments, while the Dual Froth System effortlessly creates perfectly textured micro foam hands-free. We will, of course, be trying this baby out in the coming weeks thanks to our partners at Ninja, so we’ll be coming back with a FULL review, stat!
The Canvas Guy
From $350
I think it would be pretty grandiose to say New Zealand had our own answer to Banksy, but this new Kiwi artist, who only goes by ‘The Canvas Guy’, has been storming the chic side of Aotearoa’s social media with their super-elevated and classy canvas works of art that are affordable and gorgeous – and with every piece sold, a donation is made to Starship.
Kaboodle Trends Range
As I [Kelly] know all too well, moving into a new home comes with a new obsession: Pinterest. Whole boards dedicated to kitchens, dreamy storage hacks, those muted colour palettes that look like they’ve leapt straight out of a Scandi showroom – claaaass.
That’s where Kaboodle steps in with their newly-launched Trends Range that’s all about calm and comfort (more of both, please!) After two years of trend research the result is a palette of earthy, grounding colours designed to make your home feel like a sanctuary. Kaboodle’s new Trends Range launched this month and is all about calm and comfort. After two years of trend research, the result is a palette of earthy, grounding colours designed to make your home feel like a sanctuary. There’s Oyster, a soft grey for minimalist calm. Saltbush, a muted green with natural warmth. Juniper, a misty blue that feels like stillness. And Truffle Oak, a rich timber-look with depth and texture. Kaboodle are a fab budget-conscious option for kitchens, laundries and storage.
Bondi Sands Sunny SPF
From $12.14
Summer in New Zealand doesn’t stay in one place – you’re at the beach, then straight to dinner and drinks – and your SPF needs to keep up. The new Bondi Sands Sunny range is designed exactly for our kind of summer. Compact, fuss-free, handbag-friendly – it’s the MVP that works wherever the day takes you.
Tellingly, it’s already causing a stir overseas with Alex Cooper from Call Her Daddy giving it her stamp of approval. Now this skin-first suncare range, which includes a face lotion, face serum, body serum and lip balm, has finally landed on Kiwi shores and is set to become a summer staple and it’s fast becoming my [Kelly] everyday go-to!
Elemental Distillers Roots Light Marlborough Spirit
$55
Elemental Distillers, the award-winning and freshly B-Corp minted Marlborough Distillery, have been working on something special for us gin lovers – Roots Light Marlborough Spirit, a low-alcohol spirit constructed to deliver the same flavour profile of a full-strength London Dry Gin, but at only 14% neat and 2% when made into a G&T-style drink. Unlike other no and low spirits that taste like something else entirely, these guys have developed new technology that concentrates essential flavours into both alcohol and water molecules without destroying them through the traditional process.
Emma Lewisham x Judy Millar Holiday Gift Sets
From $78
This Holiday Season, Emma Lewisham introduces two limited-edition Holiday Gift Sets with packaging specially designed by one of New Zealand’s most distinguished and internationally recognised artists, Judy Millar. Judy is celebrated globally for her groundbreaking work which unites an abstract and dynamic expression of colour, form and texture. These sets are WILDLY popular every year and are perfect for travel – they contain:
The Essentials NZ$158 A curated ritual of seven luxury minis designed to hydrate, brighten and renew. Each formulation harnesses up to 25 active ingredients that work in synergy to mimic the cellar pathways of the skin to deliver transformative, physiology-led results. The Essentials set includes:
Skin Reset Face Serum (7 mL) ; Supernatural Face Crème Riche (9 mL); Supernatural Face Oil (3 mL); Skin Reset Eye Crème (3 mL); Illuminating Oil Cleanser (15 mL); Illuminating Exfoliant (9 mL); Supernatural Day Crème (9 mL)
The Heroes NZ$78 A hand-selected trio of Emma Lewisham’s most iconic products, and a beautifully considered introduction to the brand’s high-performance, natural skincare. With clinically proven results, each formulation works to deeply hydrate, even skin tone, and visibly brighten the complexion. The Heroes set includes:
Skin Reset Serum (7 mL); Supernatural Face Crème Riche (9 mL); Illuminating Oil Cleanser (15 mL)
Boost Lab Collagen Plump Eye Cream
$49.95
Viral favourite Boost Lab have just unveiled their newest innovation – the Collagen Plump Eye Cream and we are JAZZED. There’s something so wonderfully satisfying when an eye cream actually works and makes you look like you’ve had a decent sleep!
From serums that sell out to a loyal following who swear by their results, Boost Lab has become the go-to for high-performance skincare at an accessible price point. Now, they’re bringing that same innovation to eye care. Clinically proven to smooth, firm, and hydrate, this lightweight eye cream is designed to revive tired eyes and deliver visible results in just four weeks.
Elm Lab
From $49
Here’s a cool new Kiwi company to introduce you to – Elm Lab, a New Zealand skincare brand founded by Sarah and Will Kirkland, sixth-generation farmers from Otago.
Elm Lab takes the natural goodness of A2 colostrum from their own certified cows and turns it into gentle skincare that’s been tested by dermatologists and paediatricians. Made for mums, babies, and anyone with sensitive skin, the range is all about honesty, care, and simplicity, bringing a fresh take on natural skincare to the growing world of bio-luxury (yup, that’s a thing now!).
Elm Lab arrives to market with a considered edit of skincare essentials designed for mothers, babies, and families: Baby Wash, Baby Lotion and a Hand Cream. Each product is formulated with A2 colostrum as its hero ingredient and developed with a barrier-first philosophy. Blends New Zealand provenance, scientific consideration, and minimalist design, Elm Lab is a thoughtful new voice into the maternal and family skincare space: science-informed, ethically made, and design-led.
Everlasting Candle
From $85
After taking Canada and the United States by storm, Everlasting Candle Co., the innovative family business behind the world’s first candle that never melts, is bringing its much-loved creations to New Zealand. Handcrafted in Vancouver, the patent-pending steel candles are a sustainable, scent-free, and smoke-free alternative to traditional wax candles. Paired with the brand’s exclusive Pristine Oil, a clean-burning, soot-free mineral oil, the Everlasting Candle provides an elegant glow without the mess, waste, or toxins of conventional candles – perfect if you’re sensitive to scent! Each Everlasting Candle set includes three handcrafted steel candles, a hand-blown glass vase, and a bottle of Pristine Oil that provides up to 50 hours of burn time.
Wendy’s Baconator Frosty
$10.40
What started as an April Fools’ prank at Wendy’s has now been memed into existence – amazing – introducing the Baconator Frosty (genuinely a thing!) Think creamy vanilla Frosty, caramel drizzle, maple syrup, and candied bacon bits crowned with crispy bacon. It’s the kind of sweet-meets-salty creation that makes you say WTF (Wonderfully Tasty Frosty) and has very much divided the internet… but if you want the treat to end all treats, give it a hoon (it’s not for the faint hearted, trust us!).
Lorna Jane T-Shirt and Short Set
$109
I [Kelly] simply won’t stop harping on about how great Lorna Jane is after discovering their legendary leggings – and now I’m coveting pieces from their new summer collection exceptionally hard, most of all this perfect summer activewear/ loungewear set. They’re currently on an epic deal – $109 for both the tee and shorts – and I’m love. Even when you’re chilling at home, it’s nice to feel put-together and like your shit is being handled – I reckon these are perfect for making you feel just that!
Mecca Cosmetica Purifying Cleansing Balm
$48
I [Kelly] am a relatively new convert to cleansing balm but Jeeeesus, does it cut through makeup and grime. The first one I tried was from Mecca (Elemis but she’s super-pricey) so I was jazzed to find one this good from the store’s own brand for a third of the price – and it works a treat!
