Estere smiling to camera.

Never have we ever felt so grateful to be Kiwis, so motivated to support local and so inspired to explore our own backyard. Never Have I Ever is your chance to find something new in New Zealand. Here are your cities through 35 new sets of eyes - hundreds of their favourite things to do, learn and eat.

What's your Never Have I Ever?

  • Riwai Grace

    Tour Guide I Āmiki Tours

    Never let your inner child out on the slides, swings and trampolines of the Margaret Mahy playground? Firefighter and tour guide Riwai Grace likes to combine this evening event with a treat from Christchurch’s iconic Rollickin’ Gelato.

    Discover Riwai’s Christchurch.

  • Anh Chaimontree

    Restaurateur

    Never stared up at the mechanical hedges or looked down the chequered walkway at Hamilton Gardens’s new Surrealist Garden? It’s restaurateur Anh Chaimontree’s favourite part of her city’s famous gardens.

    Discover Anh’s Hamilton.

  • Olive Tabor

    Owner of Patti's & Cream

    Never been to John Z Robinson’s studio in Dunedin? Scoop shop owner Olive Tabor loves visiting the tiny studio gallery of this iconon painter, sculptor and jeweller. She says it's like being in the presence of a living legend.

    Discover Olive’s Dunedin.

  • Rosa and Margo Flanagan

    Two Raw Sisters

    Never strolled this block of independent businesses on the southern end of the city? This is where Margo and Rosa Flanagan run their Two Raw Sisters cooking school. They love to frequent the other passionate businesses here - from coffee at Supreme to souvlaki at Welles Street Restaurant.

    Discover Margo & Rosa’s Christchurch.

  • Katie & Alan Deare

    Yoga Teacher & Designer

    Never been to the old Matangi Dairy Factory? The 1919 building has been transformed into a funky new space with shops and the Bootleg Brewery. Yoga teacher and designer Katie & Alan Deare say if you squint, it might remind you of Cockatoo Island.

    Discover Katie & Alan’s Hamilton.

  • Gerry Paul

    CubaDupa Director

    Never joined the wild fun at CubaDupa? Festival director Gerry Paul has been part of Cuba Street culture since he was an eight-year-old busker. After playing 500 festivals around the world, he reckons there’s nothing quite like CubaDupa.

    Discover Gerry’s Wellington.

  • Dove Chen

    Champion Barista & Café Owner

    Never had the high tea experience overlooking the tea fields at the Zealong Tea Estate in Hamilton? Barista champion and café owner Dove Chen appreciates the subtlety of a good brew. He says the stunning Zealong experience is not to be missed. 

    Discover Dove’s Hamilton.

  • Estère

    Musician

    Never delved into the fringe music scene at Pyramid Club? This is one of the live music venues that Wellington-based musician Estère frequents. Her live venue list covers everything from jazz, soul and RnB to local rock.

    Discover Estère’s Wellington.

  • Tahu MacKenzie

    Bird conservationist & singer

    Never been to The Void? It’s a multicultural experience at the Otago Museum that incorporates the Māori idea of nothingness and the theory of the big bang into a room of mirrors and lights. It’s one of the ways Tahu Mackenzie likes to experience natural wonders in Dunedin.

    Discover Tahu’s Dunedin.

  • Coralie and Ryan

    Creative Placemakers

    Never been the star of your own stage? Creative placemakers Coralie and Ryan invite you to cut loose at the Dance-O-Mat - a coin operated dance floor. It’s part of their work to make cities fun and accessible.

    Discover Coralie & Ryan’s Christchurch

  • Damien van Brandenburg

    Architect

    Never been through the 1860s smugglers tunnels under Dunedin? Architect Damien van Brandenburg loves this subterranean insight to a city that is rich in diverse, gold rush-era architecture.

    Discover Damien’s Dunedin.

  • Tim Bateman

    Professional rugby player

    Never had an infrared sauna followed by an ice bath? Ex-Māori All Black Tim Bateman does this every week. His wellness game went up a notch while supporting his wife Laura’s fight against multiple sclerosis.

    Discover Tim’s Christchurch.

  • Steph and Emily

    Artists & business owners

    Never seen Robert Jahnke’s sculpture Te Tatau Ki Kirikiriroa in Hamilton’s new urban architecture project? Artists Emily and Steph love its striking corten steel and mind-bending infinity lighting illusions.

    Discover Emily & Steph’s Hamilton.

  • Sara Munro

    Fashion designer

    Never hit the boutiques of fashion-forward Dunedin? Company of Strangers creative director Sara Munro says to get to know Dunedin, you need to see how Dunedin dresses and explore the natural beauty and underground culture.

    Discover Sara’s Dunedin.

  • Samuel Flynn Scott

    Musician

    Never zorbed into the bins at Slowboat Records? Samuel Flynn Scott of the Phoenix Foundation describes this as “meditation for music nerds”. Samuel also writes about food and is obsessed with anything delicious.

    Discover Samuel's Wellington.

  • Rachel Hope Peary

    Painter & yoga teacher

    Never found the hidden gem that is Lovegrove Lane in Hamilton? This is where painter and yoga teacher, Rachel Hope Peary, spends most of her time. Delicious food, calming yoga and boutique retailers keep her coming back.

    Discover Rachel’s Hamilton.

  • Prak and Nadya

    Retailers

    Never discovered the sauna hidden upstairs in the central city? For retailers Prak and Nadya, this is a weekly fix. Check out their other favourites - from fashion to food and other good-for-you stuff.

    Discover Prak and Nadya's Wellington.

  • Nadia Reid

    Musician

    Never met a friendly eel? Musician Nadia Reid finds inspiration and exercise soaking up nature at Orokonui Ecosanctuary. Nadia’s Dunedin is full of nature - and great food and coffee.

    Discover Nadia’s Dunedin.

  • Miriama Grace Smith

    Artist

    Never seen artist Xoë Hall’s huge depiction of David Bowie in the carpark near Fortune Favours brewery? Xoë’s friend, artist Miriama Grace Smith, thinks this beer and street art combo is a perfect Wellington experience.

    Discover Miriama's Wellington.

  • Lisa Wicksteed

    Hospitality hero

    Never had a line-up of local chardonnay with your tapas? Hospitality legend Lisa Wicksteed recommends the wine “flights” from Cellar Door in the city’s stunning Arts Centre. As a respected restaurateur for 20 years, Lisa knows the magic of heartfelt hospo.

    Discover Lisa’s Christchurch.

  • Leafa Wilson

    Multimedia performance artist

    Never thought of a carved waka as an ancestor you should visit regularly to pay respects? New Zealand-born Samoan artist Leafa Wilson does. She’s the visual arts curator at Waikato Museum Te Whare Taonga and she’s got a unique insight into its collections and to her city.

    Discover Leafa's Hamilton.

  • Kophie Hulsbosch

    Artist & designer

    Never had a good look around the explosion of incredible street art in Christchurch? Artist and designer Kophie Hulsbosch recommends the Watch This Space guided tour. Her Ōtautahi is rich with urban art, conscious fashion and vegan food.

    Discover Kophie’s Christchurch.

  • Kim Higgison

    Ice cream maker & business owner

    Never experienced Sage, the dining experience in a brew bar in Hamilton? Kim Higgison of Duck Island Ice Cream thinks you should. She’s proud of the creative community in her adopted home of Hamilton.

    Discover Kim’s Hamilton.

  • Jos Ruffell

    Brewer

    Never had the soft-serve from Zany Zeus? Brewer Jos Ruffell goes for the liquorice flavour after a walk in the Remutaka Forest.

    Discover Jos's Wellington.

  • Josh Thomas

    Bar owner

    Never swum off the deserted boatshed at Pūrākaunui? Designer and bar owner Josh Thomas calls it “magical”. He likes to gather cockles here, too. Josh loves Dunedin’s deserted beaches and connected people.

    Discover Josh’s Dunedin.

  • Heidi Renata

    Wāhinepreneur & business owner

    Never explored the collections of skulls and skeletons at the Museum of Natural Mystery? This is a favourite haunt of “wāhinepreneur” Heidi Renata - when she’s not recharging on the region’s white sand beaches or cutting up the dance floor with her mates.

    Discover Heidi’s Dunedin.

  • Flip Grater

    Musician & vegan butcher

    Never had a sushi taco? Musician and vegan butcher Flip Grater can help. Bar Yoku is a favourite in her inner-city neighbourhood and is part of the healthy, sustainable vibe curated at The Welder complex.

    Discover Flip’s Christchurch.

  • Beth Brash

    Foodie

    Never tried the eggplant claypot at KC Café? Wellington on a Plate programme manager Beth Brash lives, eats and dreams food. And she thinks this is the perfect finish to a night out.

    Discover Beth's Wellington.

  • Danijela Unkovich

    Nutritionist & Foodie

    Never tasted the best smoothie bowls ever? Nutritionist Danijela Unkovich thinks the inventive and nutrient-rich goodness from Bowl and Arrow are worthy of the hashtag #foodporn. Her Auckland is full of good food and wellbeing.

    Discover Danijela’s Auckland.

  • Dariush Lolaiy

    Chef & cookbook author

    Never had a special occasion meal at Cocoro? Chef Dariush Lolaiy describes Makoto’s food as nothing short of magic - plus the best sake selection in town. It’s his favourite special occasion restaurant.

    Discover Dariush’s Auckland.

  • Toby Morris

    Artist

    Never hunted out the three sculptures around Potter’s Park? Spinoff cartoonist Toby Morris likes to eat dumplings in this park and make up stories about how the three artworks relate. Toby loves Auckland’s mix of cultures.

    Discover Toby’s Auckland.

  • Christina van Bohemen

    Architect

    Never been to see Light Weight O, a suspended sculpture by Catherine Griffiths? Architect Christina van Bohemen loves the way it reflects the Victorian and Edwardian street back to the viewer.

    Discover Christina’s Auckland.

  • Yeshe Dawa

    Gluten free baker

    Never strolled the Sanctuary Mahi Whenua Community Gardens? Gluten-free baker Yeshe Dawa loves looking at the way different people approach their edible gardens. Yeshe loves connecting with Auckland’s local food culture and green spaces.

    Discover Yeshe’s Auckland.

  • Janine and Charles Williams

    Urban Street Artists

    Never experienced the sights, sounds and smells of the multicultural Papatoetoe Night Markets? Street artists Janine & Charles Williams are South Auckland locals. Janine’s insider tip is the $45 gel nails.

    Discover Janine & Charles Auckland.

  • Sarah & Otis Frizzell

    Owners of The Lucky Taco

    Never been to the Miann Chocolate Factory in Morningside? Sarah & Otis Frizzell reckon the owner is a bit like Willy Wonka. You can see the chocolate being made - and then pop over to the MorningCidery for a Lucky Taco Cider - an award-winning habanero ginger drop that Otis & Sarah helped create.

    Discover Sarah & Otis’s Auckland.

Wellington