The best places to eat, stay and play at New Zealand Fashion Week - according to our editors.

The ultimate NZFW companion for those who want to eat well, stay stylish, and play hard during the week’s most exciting moments, as told by Lifestyle Editor Nina Molloy.

WHERE TO EAT

Fashion Week hunger is real—luckily, the downtown district has options that hit the spot, whatever your vibe.

CHEAP EATS

Hello Beasty brings the heat to Market Square with a flame-fuelled food cart firing up hibachi-grilled chicken skewers and prawns, charred to juicy perfection. Just a short stroll from Shed 10 and beside Angus Muir’s glowing bonfire installation, it's ideal for a quick, flavour-packed fix between shows.
Friday 22 & Saturday 23 August.

SPLURGE FACTOR

Pair your show schedule with a dinner reservation for the ultimate mid-week date night. Bonus points for booking in at Ben Bayly’s Ahi—a refined ode to local produce nestled in Commercial Bay. It’s close to the action but feels worlds away. A little indulgent, a lot unforgettable.

LONG LUNCH

Slow it down with a long lunch at Esther at QT, where Sean Connolly plates up a Mediterranean spread of wood-fired meats, charred veg, and smoky flavours that linger. Add a couple of glasses from their European-heavy wine list and consider your afternoon plans blissfully delayed.
Available Wednesday – Friday, 12–3pm

WHERE TO STAY

Whether you’re flying in or just need a moment of calm amid the chaos, here’s where to unwind in style.

MID-TOWN PRIVACY

Moments from the action yet quietly tucked away, Hotel Indigo—the Official Hotel Partner of NZFW—is your mid-town haven. Artful, design-led rooms nod to local creatives, while the in-house Bistro Saine fuses Euro flair with New York edge. A hot ticket for good reason.
Enjoy 20% off during Fashion Week: 25–30 August.

WATERFRONT WELLNESS

QT Auckland has your reset covered with their Nama-stay wellness package. Expect a soul-reviving stay featuring in-room treatments by Spa Nomad (one hour solo or two half-hours to share), in-room yoga, and breakfast at Esther. Parking included. Vibes unmatched.

The Nama-stay package includes:
– One night’s accommodation at QT Auckland, with parking
– Two 30-minute treatments (or one 60-minute solo session)
– In-room yoga on request
– Breakfast for two at Esther

A QUICK RESET

Need a breather between runways? Step into Sofitel Spa’s sanctuary and melt into a 45-minute hot stone massage. Flowing strokes with volcanic basalt stones will have you feeling grounded and glowing.

WHERE TO PLAY

From low-lit lounges to rooftop rituals, Fashion Week’s not just about the shows...

SOUNDS OF THE UNDERGROUND

Escape the chaos at Kemuri Hi-Fi, a sultry, Japanese Kissa-style bar that spins rare records and pours perfect cocktails. Whisky, champagne, dim lights—say less.

CIAO BELLA

Bivacco is a waterfront Italian eatery that does it all—pizzas, shared plates, late-night energy, and a cocktail menu worth cancelling plans for. Come with a crew, or just someone cute.

BEST VIEWS IN AUCKLAND

Take it 21 floors up at Queens Rooftop & Wine Shop—or just ‘Queens’ if you know. Expect panoramic views, plum margaritas, and seasonal snacks. Sunset here is fashionably essential—just book ahead, it fills fast.