Why Parnell 2024?
Leading Auckland publications tell us why Parnell is The Space to Be, from endless hospitality options to leading design.
Explore some of our press coverage from 2024.
The 14 Best Middle Eastern Restaurants in All of Auckland
A staff writer from Top Reviews has collated their top picks for authentic Middle Eastern dining in Auckland. At the number one spot is Rumī, “one of Auckland’s shining stars of Middle Eastern cuisine”.
Next steps for Heard Park and Leys Institute
The consenting process for the renewal of Heard Park in Parnell is underway after Waitematā Local Board approved the latest design.
“Once completed, Heard Park will be a more inviting space for the community to come together,” says local board chair Genevieve Sage.
269 Parnell Highlights International Cuisine
Restaurant & Cafe, 13 December 2024
Parnell’s newest food destination, 269 Parnell, opened last weekend in a flurry of Brazilian dancers, samba music, vibrant food and smiling faces. It was a day to remember for a project that’s been many years in the making.
Auckland’s Best New Restaurant Openings Of 2024 You Need To Know About
Urban List have compiled the best new eateries that opened this year in Auckland, including 269 Parnell, TwoFold, and ChaBliss.
From passion to profession — we chat to six coffee fanatics who have pivoted into café ownership
As part of this interview series, Denizen magazine chatted to James Prendergast, owner of Young Dandy Cafe. Inspired by European café culture, James has created a cosy, intimate space with exposed brick and handcrafted furniture, brimming with charm.
Traffic November / December 2024
In this edition of Cuisine, two Parnell hospitality spots have received a special mention! ChaBliss is a ‘tea space’ in Parnell—an Asian-inspired tea café where, they say, a cup of tea is a cup of peace. Rustic New Zealand fare inspired by Central Otago with an Asian twist—that’s the promise from the newly revamped Crown Range Lounge in Parnell which has unveiled a new menu and exciting new cocktails.
The Dish: 8 New Openings To Have On Your Radar, Plus More Delicious Food News
In this hospitality round-up, Viva gives mention to 269. The Gaudi-esque yellow building midway up Parnell Road has been under construction for the past year and is ready to welcome visitors on December 7.
ON THE MENU: Parnell
Auckland’s Parnell is one of New Zealand’s oldest and best-preserved suburbs—and has long known how to have a good time. Kia Ora shares their best recommendations for dining and shopping.
My meditative-like experience inside a red light therapy pod
Stuff report Trupti Biradar went to Hana Spa to try their red light therapy treatment.
Denizen’s definitive guide to dining in Parnell
A quaint yet lively spot with plenty to keep you busy, Parnell is a historic suburb brimming with epic eateries, design destinations, picturesque parks and more. Denizen look at the central suburb’s best spots for food and drink—from quaint cafés to elevated eateries, breweries to bistros, and everything in between.
Beauty treatments to help get you party-ready
From relaxing treatments to intensive skincare, Hana Spa’s Sans Sauna Experience was one of Ensemble’s festive beauty picks to help you feel your best before a big blowout.
Sip & Savour this summer in Parnell!
Spend your summer sipping cool drinks and savouring the long sunlight hours in Parnell. In this boutique corner of Auckland, you’ll find all the best places to dine and drink together as the weather warms. Verve rounded up some of their favourite summer dining spots.
The Best New Openings in Auckland, as voted by you
Denizen summoned Auckland to show our collective respect in recognising the efforts of those who make our day-to-day lives a little easier with their 2024 Everyday Heroes competition. It gives us great pleasure to share that Rhu was a runner-up for Best New Opening.
Travel Alerts: Northern lights, festive light shows, culinary gems, internet superstars and tropical getaways
The festive season is here! As night falls on Heard Park this season, Beacons of Light returns, transforming Auckland’s Parnell, into an outdoor gallery that celebrates both the art and magic of a Kiwi Christmas.
BEACONS OF LIGHT RETURN TO PARNELL FOR CHRISTMAS
A vibrant art installation featuring works from two esteemed New Zealand artists will be on display in Heard Park, Parnell, for the festive season.
In A Sea Of Designer Dupes, Tango’s Driss Lambaraa Remains A Vintage Icon
At a time when so many retailers are playing it safe, Driss’s unapologetic love of glamour is a welcome reminder that there’s hope for fashion that thinks outside the box. He tells Viva why Tango Vintage is a store as rare as the garments he stocks.
The Best Swimming Pools In Auckland To Have A Dip At This Summer
The Urban List, 1 November 2024
The Urban List are kicking off their list of Auckland’s best swimming pools with the OG, the iconic Parnell Baths. These salt-water pools are the biggest in the country and have been keeping bathers happy for more than a hundred years.
Roses, Swaps & Sunshine: Parnell To Bloom Again
The Indian Weekender, 30 October 2024
The Parnell Festival of Roses is back to paint Auckland in the vibrant hues of roses and the spirit of community once again!
'The practice is intergenerational': Celebrating Tongan ngatu at Studio Carolina Izzo
Located on Scarborough Terrace, Studio Carolina Izzo is a hub of art preservation, focusing on the conservation of cultural heritage. During Auckland’s Heritage Festival, which runs until 13 October, the studio hosted a discussion with Tongan artist Ebonie Fifita, on the intersections of Pacific art practices and conservation.
Under new stewardship and with a fresh vision, Hartfield Jewellers reveals a new shopping experience
Under new stewardship, with visionary mother-son duo Jodie and Luke Dick taking the storied jeweller’s reigns earlier this year, Hartfield has undergone a refresh, with the beloved Parnell showroom’s transformation marking a new chapter for the brand.
Personal chef Hercules Noble on shopping small
A typical day of retail therapy for celebrity chef Hercules Noble starts in his own neighbourhood of Parnell. Hercules recommends starting his day with coffee at Young Dandy, and he loves to dine out at Non Solo Pizza.
Jesse Mulligan Auckland Restaurant Review: Visit Rhu In Parnell For The Most Delicious & Imaginative Meal You’ll Ever Eat
Jesse Mulligan visits new Parnell eatery Rhu, and rates it 19/20.
As Matisse welcomes global icon of Italian design, Gessi, to the fold, we share the must-have pieces that will instantly elevate your bathroom
Denizen spotlights some of the best new Gessi products to arrive at Matisse.
Helping Dad to walk: Engineer joins deep-tech 'big brains' to follow a dream
Tucked away in Auckland’s Parnell are some of New Zealand’s biggest scientific and engineering brains, turning the seemingly impossible into a reality. NZ Herald visits the deep-tech world of Future House.
Everyday Heroes 2024
Shining a light on almost 400 fantastic community businesses, Denizen Everyday Heroes recognises and acknowledges their ongoing commitment to enriching our everyday lives. Twenty Parnell businesses were nominated for this year’s awards.
Metro Top 50 Restaurants of the Year 2024
Metro is thrilled to announce the Top 50 Restaurants in Tāmaki Makaurau as part of the Metro Restaurant of the Year 2024, in partnership with Stella Artois. Congratulations to Tala, who were selected for this prestigious list.
Crown Range Lounge Celebrate Relaunch
Restaurant & Cafe, 11 September 2024
Complete with a rustic, modern and vibrant environment, the newly relaunched Crown Range Lounge has captured the mood of Central Otago, on show in the heart of one of Auckland’s bustling culinary districts.
Auckland’s secondhand bookshops, ranked and reviewed
Shanti Mathias from The Spinoff visited and ranked the crème de la crème of Auckland’s secondhand bookshops, including Blue Hills Secondhand Books.
Shanti writes, “It rewards interaction and browsing, as lots of books on the shelves face outwards, demanding to be picked up and examined, so you can spot what is behind them.”
Parnell’s Best Restaurants, Bars And Cafes And Where To Find Them
Here are Urban List’s top picks for the best restaurants, bars and cafes in Parnell (pray for a good park, then get amongst).
Jesse Mulligan Restaurant Recommendations: Where To Eat In Three Kings, Parnell & Taupō
In this fortnightly series, Viva’s resident dining-out editor shares advice on where and what to eat. Jesse Mulligan recommends Tala, Rhu, Gerome, and Non Solo Pizza.
New Restaurant of the Year: Tala—Auckland
Congratulations to Tala, who won New Restaurant of the Year at the Cuisine Good Food Awards!
This could be the best restaurant you’ve never heard of. Discreetly snug in an intimate, understated Parnell dining room, a revolution is taking place.
An Interview with Masala Bazaar
Debate student magazine visited Masala Bazaar in Parnell, talking to founder Haya Fatima Khan about fashion and the journey of creating this flourishing business. Her beautiful insights showcase that often we need to become the representation in society that our younger selves have desired.
Brent Sutcliffe On His Namesake Parnell Jewellery Store & 20 Years In Business
As Sutcliffe Jewellery store in Parnell celebrates 20 years in business, Brent Sutcliffe speaks to lifestyle writer Bethany Haverland about the most memorable pieces he’s made, what’s changed in the industry, and keeping alive the craft of handmade jewellery.
Executive Appointment: Olivia Blaylock takes reins at The Icehouse
“Survive until 2025” isn’t a mantra that Olivia Blaylock would recommend business owners get behind.
The new chief executive of The Icehouse says those in business should be taking a longer term view, and instead focus on looking for opportunities to thrive. Whether that be through innovation, moving on chances to collaborate with other brands, or asking for help.
Parnell’s favourite local has had a facelift
Parnell institution Non Solo Pizza has had a makeover, with the much-loved Italian eatery getting a new lease on life just in time for long, leisurely lunches this spring.
9 Auckland Bakeries Reveal Their Bestselling Treats (& Their Secrets)
What are the most popular items to fly from local bakery shelves? Bakers from beloved Auckland kitchens, including Parnell’s Rhu, highlight the bestselling treats that call customers back (and theorise why they might be in such hot, toasty demand).
Book review: Mourning a Breast by Xi Xi
Melanie O’Loughlin of Lamplight Books in Auckland reviews Mourning a Breast by Xi Xi translated by Jennifer Feeley, published by Giramondo Publishing.
Orsini Fine Jewellery’s crafted and curated pieces celebrate the art of craftsmanship and embody the essence of Italy
Nestled in the heart of Parnell, Orsini Fine Jewellery offers a shopping experience unmatched elsewhere, distinguished by the brand’s Italian-influenced atelier that transports those within to a far-flung place and different era entirely. Founded by Sarah Hutchings, Orsini brings the essence of Italian craftsmanship and design to the fore, offering a haven for those who appreciate the finer things in life.
Parnell—The Wedding Mecca
Together Journal proudly present eight of Parnell’s most cherished wedding brands for your consideration. Beyond this selection, they’ve compiled an exclusive directory of eighteen distinguished bridal brands located in Parnell, ensuring you have access to the finest resources for curating your perfect wedding. Explore these exceptional options and let Parnell’s unparalleled charm elevate your special day.
Where To Get An Earth-Shatteringly Good Massage In Auckland
From fluffy robe affairs to hidden-in-plain-sight gems, Urban List has scoped out the very best massage places in Auckland, so that you can sit back and slip right into a state of bliss. Among their top picks are HANA and Massage Eden.
Rhu, Parnell’s elevated all-day eatery known to draw a crowd, has expanded into night service
Rhu opened its doors earlier this year and has since, very swiftly, established itself as a place that should be on everyone’s radar. Set in the Parnell space that once housed Alpha, Rhu is an all-day eatery serving impeccably crafted but refreshingly uncomplicated fare that reimagines classic dishes with finesse and flavour.
There’s a new food festival kicking off this spring, and trust us when we say this is one event you don’t want to miss
There is a gastronomic experience that should be on your radar this spring, with 70 exceptional events taking place across 60 days—at 18 of the city’s best venues. We’re talking about The Savor Food Festival—set to dominate our culinary calendars in the coming months, offering fanatical foodies a full slate of unmissable events, brought to you by the hospitality maestros at Savor Group. This includes multiple events at Parnell institution Non Solo Pizza.
The best cosy Auckland bars to warm up in
Nothing warms the cockles on a cold night quite like sipping a warming cocktail in a cosy bar.
Fortunately Auckland is full of places that fit exactly that bill. Some might take a bit of finding, but we’re sure you’ll agree it’s worth the effort when you’re ensconced in a snug space with a vibe – as well as drinks – that’ll warm you from the inside out. Here are a few of the best, including Parnell’s Crown Range Lounge and Pineapple on Parnell.
Kiwi cat owners unhappy with new Whiskas product
Dr Justine Alley of The Strand Veterinarian in Parnell, Auckland, has a special interest in pet nutrition and tells the NZ Herald that it can take time for cats to adjust to a new food.
“Sometimes formula changes do affect palatability or something in the formula can upset digestion. The usual transition is 5-7 days of old to new but up to two weeks may be needed for cats with sensitive digestion,” she says.
Watch Sachie’s Kitchen: Meet the restaurateur changing Auckland’s Asian food scene
New Zealand’s Asian food scene started in the 1860s when Cantonese goldminers introduced wonton soup and sweet sour pork, but one Auckland restaurateur has set out to diversify the tastebuds.
In this week’s episode of Sachie’s Kitchen, chef Sachie Nomura is home in Auckland, where she runs Sachie’s Kitchen cooking school.
Experience Heard Park After dark!
A symphony of sound and light is coming to Heard Park this winter!
There’s something magical about walking through fairy lights on a cold winter evening. Add some musical talent on a Friday night, and you’ve got yourself a bit of winter wonderland!
From 21 June to 19 July, the trees in Heard Park, will be lit up and changing colour to add magic to the heart of Parnell.
Auckland’s Best New Restaurant Openings Of 2024 You Need To Know About (June Edition)
Tucked away above Parnell Road, you’ll find War Pacific Island Fusion. Here, traditional Fijian cuisine gets a thoroughly modern makeover, resulting in incredible fusion-style dishes that you won’t find anywhere else in Auckland (and arguably, the country)—served with a generous sprinkling of island flair.
A to Z of PARNELL
Isn’t it time you visited one of the city fringe’s most vibrant suburbs? Verve have compiled their A to Z guide to Parnell, and we think it’s a pretty good overview of our neighbourhood!
Where To Sip On The Best Hot Chocolates In Auckland This Winter
Nothing cheers us up more on a cold Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland day (any day, to be fair) than wrapping our mitts around a mug of hot chocolate. Whether it’s a classic number done right, or a more adventurous drop laced with peanut butter or peppermint, served in an edible cup or even topped with bright pink fairy floss, sippin’ on a hot choccy is always a good time.
Here are Urban List’s picks for the best hot chocolates in Auckland including Winona Forever, Chocolate Boutique & Rosie’s in Parnell.
With exceptional coffee and a tasty all-day menu, Young Dandy is the laid-back new cafe in Parnell you need to try
“Vibes, vibes, vibes indeed” is what you’ll find at Young Dandy, a laid-back new cafe in the heart of Parnell that opened its doors this month. Owner/operator James Prendergast set out to create a fun, relaxed, and above all, welcoming spot that turns out epic food and great coffee, with consistently excellent service.
Auckland Restaurant Review: Gion In Parnell Is The Best Japanese Restaurant You’ve Never Heard Of
We’ve long known that Gion is a gem when it comes to local Japanese cuisine—and it seems that wider Auckland is finally taking notice! Jesse Mulligan recently reviewed Gion for Viva Magazine—here are some of the highlights from his visit.
Matisse is officially relocating — Editors’ picks from their biggest designer sale in over a decade.
If you haven’t visited Matisse’s incredible new flagship showroom, you’re missing out. Nestled in the heart of Auckland’s design district, at 130 St Georges Bay Road, Parnell, Matisse’s new location not only marks a moment of evolution for the brand, but stands as the embodiment of the elevated and globally-renowned design on which Matisse has built its reputation.
Aotearoa’s secret regional delicacies - according to Sachie’s Kitchen
Exploring our own backyard is always a delight. And when you do it with food in mind—even better. Chef and Sachie’s Kitchen owner Sachie Nomura has travelled around Aotearoa to find the taste of New Zealand and some special regional delicacies, which she shared with The Post.
Let’s Eat Out | Java Room
Famed suburban eatery, The Java Room, has occupied its terrace house for an impressive 29 years and remains largely unchanged apart from the occasional refreshed ownership and decor. Verve visited and shared their thoughts.
Wellness Spa Hana’s New Parnell Location Now Open. Here’s What To Expect
Wellness haven Hana reveals its second location, transforming a disused space in Parnell, Viva magazine reports.
Meet Twofold — a new, retro-modern brewery and eatery taking up a coveted spot in Parnell
Denizen Magazine recently visited Twofold, a new, retro-modern, Americana-inspired pub in the heart of Parnell.
John Austin co-founded Twofold with friend (and fellow beer aficionado), Bernard Neate—a partnership that was a long time coming.
The Auckland Restaurant Dishes You Have To Try This Year
Find inspiration for your next dinner out with these recommendations from Viva! Renowned for their restaurant reviews, these are the top dishes in Parnell that they recommend everyone should try.
Parnell restaurant Cibo is famous for its pavlova & Samoan fine-dining restaurant Tala’s for it’s mixed entree.
Where Tradition meets Luxury
Multi Media Magazines, 24 April 2024
Is Parnell Road, Auckland becoming Bond Street, London? Now with 8 fine jewellery establishments, it’s definitely the place to go for sparkly desires, and engagement or wedding ring shopping trips. Panic PR spotlights the newest addition to our jewellery scene—Solitaire De Parnell.
A new chic hospitality venue is part of Parnell’s rebirth
New Zealand Herald, 21 April 2024
A Parnell developer is hoping to bring back the glory days of the upmarket Auckland strip with a new place (269 Parnell Rd,) where visitors can eat, drink, sing, dance and be merry. New Zealand Herald dropped in on an Auckland building site that will open as a unique hospitality venue later this year.
Dadelszen is ushering in a new era — unveiling an exclusive new showroom within Faradays
It is the dawn of an exciting new era for local, luxury ready-to-wear label, Dadelszen. Having recently moved from its renowned showroom on Kenwyn Street, the much sought-after brand has taken up residence in an exclusive new space inside Faradays department store, a move that makes sense given that both Dadelszen and Faradays are owned and operated by the same dynamic duo—Edward and Constance von Dadelszen.
Renaissance of Reformer
There are currently 16 Reform studios franchised across the country, individually operated by a diverse range of owners from different backgrounds. Verve Magazine spoke to some of the women behind these different studios, including Parnell’s own Sam Ivil.
Matisse unveils an exquisite new flagship showroom, home to some of the most renowned design brands in the world
Parnell jeweller Hartfield, favourite of Auckland’s Rich List, gets new owner Jodie Dick
New Zealand Herald, 2 March 2024
NZ Herald profiled Jodie Dick, the new owner of Parnell jeweller Hartfield.
Hartfield Jewellers has been the go-to boutique for rich-listers looking for precious gems for more than 40 years, but this week it begins a new era.
A rich-lister herself, Jodie Dick has now taken over the reins of the Parnell shop, one of the country’s top luxury bespoke houses and known to be the favoured jeweller of Auckland’s ultra-rich.
Taking over a coveted spot in Parnell, meet Rhu — the elevated new all-day eatery from an ex-Pasture chef
A new bakery has opened in Parnell, and Denizen Magazine have already shared their rave reviews.
Clever chef, Tushar Grover has returned to an old stomping ground to open his own venture, Rhu, which has quickly established itself as a place that should been on everyone’s radar. Set in the Parnell space that once housed Alpha, Rhu is a new all-day eatery serving impeccably-crafted but refreshingly uncomplicated fare that reimagines classic dishes with finesse and flavour.
Iconic Auckland Eats 2024
Iconic Auckland Eats, 27 February 2024
Each year, the Auckland public has the opportunity to vote in the Iconic Eats campaign, sharing much-loved dishes that can only be found in Auckland. At the end of last year, two delicious Parnell dishes were selected for 2024’s list – Oh Calcutta’s Buttered Chicken & Tala’s Fish Curry with Oka & Palusami. We think they are both worth a try!
Review: Tala, Parnell’s Beautiful New Samoan Spot, Is Unlike Anything Else In This City
Jesse Mulligan recently reviewed Tala for Viva.
Tala has immediately become one of the most beautiful restaurants in Auckland. The chemistry of the space—a warmer reimagining of the famous Pasture dining room—is quite astounding. You feel good from the moment you open the door. Actually, that door was opened for us from the inside as we approached, a nice service touch that lets you know how seriously the staff are taking your experience.
The Small Business Project: What it’s really like to own a cafe
Waikato Times, 12 February 2024
Coffee and bagels is what Greg Cornes says he does best.
Cornes, who opened three Goodness Gracious cafes (including one in Parnell), was interviewed by Aimee Shaw from Waikato Times about how it feels to reach a 10-year milestone, what it’s really like to own a cafe and how the realities compare to the quintessential Kiwi dream.
Tala: Auckland’s Best New Restaurant Opening
Auckland is the city that just keeps on giving when it comes to new restaurants, bars, cafes and bakeries, and Urban List have been reviewing their favourite new openings in the City of Sails. Among their favourites is Tala, which opened end of 2023. Here’s their review of the Samoan fine-dining establishment.
A Culinary Odyssey at Gerome
Multi Media Magazine, 8 February 2024
Multi Media Magazines visited Parnell to dine at Gerome—here is their rave review of our iconic restaurant.
I love Parnell. I have worked in Parnell and lived in Parnell—it is a beautiful part of Auckland with some of my favourite eating destinations. Within this gorgeous village is a prominent restaurant called Gerome. The location has been a favourite throughout the years and Gerome has become a favourite with its modern Greek cuisine. It is so inviting, and the menu takes you a on a gastronomic journey.
ESCAPE TO NATURE IN THE MIDDLE OF AUCKLAND CITY AND VISIT PARNELL!
For an Auckland inner-City suburb, Parnell has an excellent diversity of parkland ranging from the expansive Auckland Domain to inner city urban spaces such as Heard Park and Fraser Park where the view of the Sky Tower Auckland is one of a kind, as well as small green connected spaces linking the village to the residential areas. If heritage trails interest you, there’s lots to choose from and scale your walk between 1.5km and 5kms.
Denizen’s definitive guide to the best spots in the city for after-work drinks
With the sun shining brightly and the hum of sunny optimism that a new year brings in the air, there’s never been a better time to indulge in Friday drinks with your colleagues.
Two of Parnell’s local bars Non Solo and Faradays Bar were featured in Denizen’s guide to post-work drinks in central Auckland.
Glad tidings for Gladstone Park playground
One of Parnell’s favourite playgrounds reopened with a crowd just in time for the summer holidays.
Hundreds of excited tamariki came together to try out the new equipment and take part in the festivities with their parents in December.
Take along the whānau to 106A Gladstone Road, Parnell. The carpark entrance is accessible from Balfour Road.
Most Coveted: These are the best new fashion arrivals at Faradays, hand-picked by our editors
