Local hot spots in New Zealand

"It’s only been open a month, but if the daytime vibe is anything to go on Maina, in the old Post Office building is already a success. I’m greeted by Hayley, hospo extraordinaire and the essence of her grandmother, Maina, who the restaurant is named after. Hayley says her grandmother taught her everything about hospitality and was the type of woman who would take anyone and everyone into her home. The family have rekindled her spirit here – a house full of new friends, old friends and friendly faces. Hayley, a self-proclaimed “passionate coffee geek” along with parents and international chefs Stuart and Katie focus on maintaining that warmth and kindness. They’ll soon be open four nights a week for European-styled bistro meals."

"Havelock North was hungry for a Hugo Chang and what an impact its made – a little taste of Shanghai meets Soho with small plates of European-Chinese options, but the food and wine is secondary to the exotic atmosphere and cultural styling created under red lanterns and comfy couches."

"It’s not your ordinary Mexican but a stylish take on traditional Mexican cuisine. It has great staff and fantastic food focused on tapas-styled small plates and wonderful margarita cocktails, is family-friendly and still a hot trend after two years."

"The bar affiliated to Mister D and alluring the cool crowd is the fun place to hang out between Thursday and Sunday for sophisticated snacks, worldly wines, craft beers and perfectly executed cocktails performed with loads of personality. Discreetly housed down a laneway off in the historic precinct."