Local hotspots in New Zealand

"The latest watering hole in trendy downtown Napier down the laneway off Tennyson Street. Open Thursday to Saturday 3-11pm. Pick the right night and this place is just rocking. It’s hospo professionals and foodies Prue and David’s second edition to Napier City, having extended from their popular Mister D dining. Inspired nibbles to go with wine, craft beer and cocktails and a great playlist."

"Just loving, absolutely loving the new-release Bushhawk 2014 Fiano. Full of explosive passion fruit flavours the silky texture astonishes and tantalises the taste buds. Hawke’s Bay wine-maker Jenny Dobson is the first wine-maker to commercially bottle a wine from the little known Italian white grape, Fiano. Normally grown on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius Jenny thought the grape variety would grow really well in Hawke’s Bay. She says the cooler growing conditions gives an amazing aromatic floral with hints of apricot and red apple. This heavenly drop is available from Red Triangle Cellar Door, Ngatarawa, or at the Emporium Eatery and Bar in Napier."

"Locals are raving about the new chill-out free wifi space on Market Street. Hot pink and lime green bean bags mark the funky alfresco Urban Oasis. It’s not just for tech heads. There’s a bookable performance space, market umbrellas to keep the hot Hawke’s Bay sun at bay, seating and lush green synthetic grass. Just the place to meet, have a chat, or lie back and watch the world go by."

"The Thursday night market held right after work in the heart of Hastings is successfully bringing the people back into a more unified city. Grab the whanau and enjoy some ethnically eclectic street food – think paua won tons – beautiful arts and hand crafts, fresh grower produce and some very talented local entertainers. It’s a hit with the locals and a very cool place to be seen right now."

"The New Year saw fashion designer Lucy Kemp opening her own shop in Napier under her label, Pardon My French. Beside selling own designs she’s sharing her love and space with four other up and coming New Zealand designers – Make Hearts Race; Silence Was, who she describes as “practical and user-friendly”; the “interesting and experimental” Yuka and Tristan, and Crooked Seven. “Designers, who are not-so-well-known, but very much my generation having “popped up around 2011,” she says."