Wellness

The warmer weather is here, and that means it’s the season for lavender to bloom. Here are the best farms across New Zealand where you can stroll amongst the fields, take a picture for the gram and pick your own lavender. Hot tip: pop a few flowers into your next glass of champagne.

One of the best things about Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland is the fact that writing a list of the best beaches within a region is absolutely possible.

Bank balance not quite as abundant as you were hoping? Assets looking a bit... non-existent? We feel you—it isn't easy getting your finances in check but in this economy it's especially vital. Here's where to start. 

Myland & Co is a day retreat that's definitely worth forking out for. 

​Auckland is a mecca for hair salons and when it comes to choosing “the one”, selecting a hairdresser to entrust with your precious locks is a big freakin’ deal.

We’ve taken the hard yards out of scoping out the very best massage places in Auckland, so that you can sit back and slip right into a state of bliss. Toodles, tension. 

It's the time of year when we resolve to go harder, to be better, to move faster, and to get stronger—no wait, that might just be Daft Punk. 

Not only is yoga good for your body, but it also has amazing benefits for your mind too. In the busyness and craziness of life, taking up yoga is one of the best things you could do for your entire wellbeing.

There's a misconception that pilates is an easy-going style of workout that doesn't require the same strength and effort as traditional gym workouts. Well, we're here to smash that myth once and for all. Pilates isn't just a challenging and effective workout, it's a safe one too. 

Activewear is the holy grail of the wardrobe. 

A rite of passage for many, we’ve got a tonne of descriptors for Gisbone’s Rhythm & Vines festival—namely, good vibes, good tunes and good company. This year we’re adding ‘healthy’ to that list (and we’re as surprised about it as you are). 

We’ve scoped the waterfalls around the city to bring you a list of the best in Auckland. Take a picnic!

Whether you’re out for a veggie deal, are craving some homemade treats, or just want to support local grassroots creatives, Wellington’s market scene has got you.

As the saying goes, you can’t beat Wellington on a good day.

No, it's not just you—eBikes are everywhere right now.

Summer has officially started which pretty much means three things: ice cream, cocktails and swimming.

We all deserve a bit of relaxation time now and again, let’s face it. Tired? Needing a pick-me-up? Feel like treating yo'self? 

It’s a well-known fact that we here at Urban List love our pooches and so we’ve rounded up some of Auckland’s best dog-friendly parks because—let’s face it—your dog’s already peed on all the trees at your local. So, treat your pup and take them to the best dog parks in Auckland.

It’s not too late to rally the troops, or just yourself, to raise a bit of cashola for this totally worthy and far-too-close-to-home cause.

Innovative fitness studio, Sala, has just launched a brand new studio. Meet: Chroma HIIT, a workout based on colour therapy. 

Whether you want to enjoy a picnic alfresco, go for a walk, watch the sunrise or sunset or just get away from it all, here are the top suggestions for reconnecting with nature and filling your wellness cup.

Here are 52 things to do in Auckland this winter that will (almost) distract you from missing summer.

Since jetting off to the tropics isn't even an option this summer, why not take some time to wander through the Abel Tasman and explore one of Aotearoa’s best landscapes. Grab your boots and your tramping buddy, and try out 10 of the best day tramps the Abel Tasman has to offer.

It would be LUBE not to.

We’ve done the research and these are all the best places to float in New Zealand. 

The way we live can be taking a dramatic toll on our overall wellbeing.

Shop our selection of the best Christmas gift ideas this side of the North Pole.

Get your boots on, carbohydrates packed and bring a positive headspace because you’ll need it—here’s everything you need to know before tackling the summit of Mount Taranaki.

With things the way they are out in the world, it's OK not to be OK right now.

Explore the volcanic heart of the Tongariro National Park on an epic one-day tramping adventure.

Explore the volcanic heart of the Tongariro National Park on an epic three to four-day tramping adventure.

Shaneel Lal, a Fijian-New Zealand writer, LGBT rights activist, and New Zealand's first-ever trans person to win Young New Zealander Of The Year, advocates for the preservation and amplification of queer stories in mainstream media, emphasising society's obligation to ensure a brighter and more inclusive future for the next generation of queer individuals.

If you’re anything like me, finding the motivation to bust your butt at the gym is not high on the priority list. Between working, studying and being a mum, I simply don’t have time to dedicate several hours to working out a each week.

If you’re reading this article, chances are you’re a) on a device, b) connected to the internet, and c) know your way around the wonderful world web. While it’s easy to take these factors for granted, it’s important to realise this isn’t a reality for a lot of New Zealanders. 

Whether you are wishing to cut down your alcohol intake or are looking to go completely teetotal, here are our favourite non-alcoholic tipples for all the times you’re after a refreshing and tasty beverage, sans hangover.

It’s that time of year again when every man and his dog take the solemn oath to give their bodies and brains a break.

We thought we’d get some expert tips on how to add meditation to your daily routine, and what you should be doing when you finally sit down to clear your mind.

For a chance to experience weightlessness and peace in your own blissful space, a flotation tank could be just right for you. If you're wanting to try it out, here's our guide to the best float tanks in Auckland.

Nothing beats the feeling of walking out of a salon with a fresh new ‘do and floating down the road with your confidence at a 10. 

February is just around the corner which means Valentine’s Day is too. And whether you celebrate it with your mates or a date, the day calls for special nights out with people you love. 

Given Aotearoa is perched on the Pacific Ring Of Fire it's no wonder we love our hot water. And while we're blessed to have so many stunning natural hot springs, we couldn't help but create a whole lot more—cue the man-made hot pool.

When your faith in humanity is yet to be restored, it means it’s time to throw your feet up and hit the best feel-good movies on Netflix.

Forget choosing between naughty and nice this Christmas (it’s far too binary anyway) and dive into the pleasuredome with earth-shatteringly good sex toys for solo or two plus person play.

Lo-fi hip hop is out, binaural beats are in. Get ready to drift into that Theta brainwave state.

Use World Mental Health Day as a chance to assess and improve your mental health.

As much as Covergirl would have us believe life is all easy breezy beautiful, sometimes you need more than lipstick to help you navigate its twists and turns.

We can all be found guilty of becoming a bit of a ‘stress head’ from time to time, but who can blame us?

There’s nothing like a run in the sunshine to get you out of the house when you start feeling a little cooped up. So why not reset your fitness, get your mind firing on all cylinders and hit two birds with one fit stone all whilst practicing physical distancing.

We asked a psychologist for their advice on this challenging conversation.

Take a break from the gym and opt for the outdoors this season because these walks are worth it—we promise. 

Reading is a bullet-proof method for accepting stress, learning how to cope with it, and living happily ever after. 

She shares the everyday habits to implement that may increase your mental wellbeing from meditation and gentle exercise to putting your phone down.

Everyone who’s anyone knows New Zealand will deliver when it comes to walking tracks and the heart of Canterbury is certainly no exception. From your 30-minute morning run before work to a Sunday spent adventuring the outdoors, Christchurch has it all. With spectacular views and plenty to get the blood pumping, we’re here to share the best walking tracks and trails of our suitably titled Garden City.

For a completely free workout, lace up your running shoes, put in your ear buds and head outside to explore the absolute best running tracks in Christchurch.

Rain or shine, bowling is one of the most fun ways to spend an afternoon. 

Hot yoga is known to help curb your stress, stretch your muscles, focus your mind and is definitely more intense than a room-temperature class. Keen to give it a go? Check out our guide to Auckland’s best hot yoga studios. 

We’ve been longingly watching from across the pond and now it’s our time to enjoy the stunning outdoor vacay of a lifetime—Unyoked is finally launching their very first New Zealand nature escape, and it's going to be epic.

Say goodbye to plastic bottles and hello to healthy hair with Ecostore's new shampoo bars. 

While you might spot them on a chilly morning and shiver just at the thought of joining in, a growing number of cold-water swimmers swear by the mental and physical benefits of taking a dip in winter waters.

Land of volcanoes and geothermal hot spots, Aotearoa's geographic history has truly blessed us with the best.

Nestled in the beating heart of Surfers Paradise, we’ve found the perfect place for the ultimate fun day out. Think: epic games, live sport and a total foodie nirvana. So where can you find this awesome spot? Perched on the corner of Surfers Paradise Boulevard and Cavill Mall, boasting a 100-metre frontage opposite the world-famous Surfers Paradise Beach, is Paradise Centre. Home to over 90 stores, an alfresco dining precinct and a buzzing entertainment hub, gather your crew and make tracks here stat.

​Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or a beginner student (or the mere thought of the lotus position has you scratching your head) there’s never been a better time to try the delicate art of yoga. 

adidas is inviting runners of all levels to crush the kilometres to help end plastic waste in our oceans. 

You’ve got Azalea Banks’ 212 blasting through your headphones, you’ve just clocked your fastest km to date, and you’re rounding out your morning run with an epic view of the sunrise. Feels good, doesn’t it? 

If you would have told us 20 years ago we’d be using a mobile phone to exercise, we wouldn’t have believed you. But alas, some really smart people made magic happen and now this is the reality we get to enjoy, along with an endless stream of Tik Tok videos.

Think you can’t train yourself to switch off and chill out? Guess again. Sleep specialist Olivia Arezzolo hit us up with four easy ways to ditch the insomnia and train our bodies to consistently get a good night's sleep.

Given the threat of an omicron Covid 19 outbreak in the wider community in New Zealand, medical professionals suggest upgrading your face mask—remember the omicron variant is highly transmissible so you're better off with a respirator style that protects against finer particles over your standard cloth mask which just acts as a physical barrier. 

There’s no denying it, times are tough and confusing as hell right now. Physical distancing and the general daily news headlines can play havoc on your mental health. And while we’re spending a lot of time at home, it’s important to take time to look after yourself. 

Less stress and anxiety, that's what we all want, right?

Oh, home isolation. So much free time, so little motivation. Whether you’ve ended up feeling under the weather or you’re just starting to get stir-crazy, we’ve put together some affordable additions to make life stuck at home more bearable.

We all know how important good sleep is, just like we know how important quality bedding is for obtaining that sleep nirvana. Since it can feel a little daunting to navigate the many options on the market right now, we’re here to help. Whether it’s cotton or silk that tickles your fancy, we’ve got something for you!

If you’re one of the unicorns that has not yet copped Coronavirus, this read is for you.

Loved up or not, February 14 can be a pretty hectic day.

Bring on the climax.

We’re unpacking all things allergies with La Roche Posay, so you can protect and nourish your skin as it deserves and avoid pesky reactions.

When you're having one of those days where you're feeling frazzled, stressed out or overwhelmed, even the simplest of tasks can seem daunting. While this often feels incredibly iscolating, know that you're not alone; Beyond Blue confirms that 1 in 4 Australians will experience anxiety (that's over 4 millions individuls) in their lifetime and 17% of the population is currently suffering from depression, with these numbers rising every year. 

We’ve partnered with La Roche Posay to dissect the different affects COVID can have on your skin, how to notice skin irritations and how to best treat them while caring for and protecting sensitive skin.

Blessing users with soft, tangle-free hair and smooth, nourished skin, switching to a silk pillowcase is like investing in a long-term spa treatment. Lucky for you, we’ve got the buzz on where to find the best ones available in NZ. Kiss your bedhead goodbye, you’ll be waking up feeling pampered in no time!

We all know the struggle of trying to find the right pillow. Getting a good night’s sleep is essential for a healthy lifestyle, so we’re here to guide you in the comfiest direction.  

From live yoga and pilates-inspired workouts, to world-renowned Les Mills classes, getting fit at home has never been easier (or more accessible). So chuck on your trainers, clear a space in your living room or head to the driveway, and get moving. 

The importance of mental wellbeing at this point of time cannot be understated. With an emphasis on mental wellness, Ārepa founder Angus Brown began exploring the relationship between nature, neuroscience and nutrition. 

Here we are, deep into another lockdown, and many of us New Zealanders feeling all over the show—unable to shut off, to relax, to let go… without drugs or alcohol. Well, we're here to tell you, there really is another way. 

So we’re locked down and you’re pretty confident you have all you need. But what’s this? The repeat prescription you got six months ago is dwindling and you’re definitely not keen on joining the queues at the pharmacy. Fear not, for a whole raft of pharmacies are now offering to deliver their products and prescriptions direct to your door, anywhere in New Zealand.

Why is PMS still so badly understood? How can there be this much vagueness and confusion over the female body in 2021? Your monthly visitor really can be a friend, not a foe, and there are things you can do to support your body to sail through your monthly cycle as pleasantly as possible. Hit up this list to give your hormones and period some love.

To help combat this hugely common skin condition, we’ve teamed up with trusted skincare experts La Roche Posay to uncover everything you need to know about treating acne.

When we heard about this new campaign asking us to share the beautiful moments in our lives with our dearest friends for a chance to win a boujee getaway we thought it might be a bit of you, too. 

We went along to a sound bath hosted by Sophie Correia at Crossing Paths to find out what you can expect when you have a sound bath. 

Given Aotearoa is perched on the Pacific Ring Of Fire it's no wonder we love our hot water. And while we're blessed to have so many stunning natural hot springs, we couldn't help but create a whole lot more—cue the man-made hot pool.

From fanciful gold facials, to sub-zero shenanigans, through to full body treatments involving beautiful botanicals of the world, we’ve rounded up the most restorative, original, and quite frankly, best spa treatments in Auckland.

The winners of The Circle Awards AUS & NZ 2021 have officially been announced, and our carts (and hearts) are full of sustainable swaps we never knew we needed.

Leisha Rae makes up the sweet 1/2 of Bowl & Arrow with her bestie and partner in crime, Hannah Bryan. After meeting at a cafe Leisha was working at and bonding over the best bread for french toast, they realised they had the same career passions. We spoke to Leisha to find out what has happened since history started writing itself.

If your screen time report has ever given you a fright (guilty, how can it be that many hours?) then you’ll probably want to consider some kind of digital detox. Before you roll your eyes, it’s more about setting healthy boundaries for a better daily routine than going cold turkey and disappearing from digital life altogether, a prospect that many of us can’t engage with for work reasons and also FOMO.

Check out our picks of Auckland’s best health food stores and get set to overhaul your pantry.

We’ve rounded up the best workouts in the Garden City for you to try out and get hooked on. Why not push yourself to a whole new level by switching up your workout and get that glow going. 

We're pretty blessed here in NZ to get groceries—and even alcohol—delivered direct to our door, despite being in the midst of a nationwide lockdown. But after a bit of digging, we've discovered there's actually a number of other sweet products you can score online, that aren't milk, bread... or gin.

Welcome to Ask Allira, the monthly column where sassy psychic and badass spiritual and mindset coach Allira Potter will sprinkle her special brand of magic by answering your burning questions on all things love, life and wellness.

​If there’s one thing we’ve learned over the past 12 months, it’s that prioritising your mental health and wellbeing is paramount. While many people claim meditation as the holy grail of mindfulness, it begs the question—what if you struggle to meditate or don’t enjoy it?

If your bad days are dragging into bad weeks, or the sad songs you’ve got on high rotation on Spotify are doing more harm than good, then it’s possible you’re stuck in a low mood because of something more serious, like anxiety or depression.

​If you’ve never been into colouring books, puzzles seem far too mundane, you could ever stay consistent with journaling, we think we may have just found your favourite new mindfulness hobby.

One thing we can probably all agree on? 2020 was a bit of a jerk. Most of us learnt to live that work-from-home life, playing musical chairs with our housemates as we vied for the best desk set up in the kitchen before eventually talking to our house plants for some company—it's safe to say we’re glad to see the back of it.

Had a chance to think about those niggles during lockdown? Maybe you were doing yoga and now you’ve returned to feeling like you have a back that’s a decade ahead of your age. If there’s one thing to be learned, it’s that taking a little time for yourself might feel stressful but you’re on the road to better things. Apply that principle to your health and you’ll find yourself at WYLD Chiropractic. 

Your guide to Auckland’s top beach breaks where you can learn to surf and get your daily dose of vitamin D.

Round up your exercise crew because our friends over at Snap fitness are throwing open their doors this week to let you work up a sweat for free.

Sex should be fun. For everyone involved. But it should also be safe. Knowing your way around sexually transmitted infections (STIs) keeps you healthy whether you’re hooking up randomly, in a relationship, or trying to get laid in case we get put back into lockdown.

It caters for anyone with physical limitations or the likes of vaginismus and endometriosis.

Bike sales are currently going through the roof and it’s not hard to understand why. Neighbourhood walks are great and all but if you’re looking to up your exercise and basically get from A to B a hell of a lot faster, a bike’s your best bet.

To shed a little light on assisted conception and fertility, we’ve partnered with Genea to share three different stories from three brave and honest women on what they wish they knew before they embarked on their fertility journey

There are times in life when you just need to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and treat your body and mind to a little TLC.

Think you can’t train yourself to switch off and chill out? Guess again. Sleep Specialist Olivia Arezzolo hit us up with four easy ways to ditch the insomnia and train our bodies to consistently get a good night's sleep.

According to Dr Addie Wootten, CEO of not-for-profit organisation Smiling Mind and a clinical psychologist by background, While the opportunity to see our friends and socialise again seems like something we’ve been eagerly awaiting, it’s completely normal to feel anxious about leaving lockdown.

The Instagram-perfect yogi image of meditation may seem like the opposite of pounding pavement, but science backing the parallels between the two disciplines is mounting.

After the crazy year it’s been already, you deserve a time out. Not just a few hours, but a massive day of calm to reset and recharge.

This month, we look at the power of positive headlines in a crisis, the industry emerging to serve our newly-formed at-home dining habits, 5G's unlikely place in pop culture, the dismantling of high maintenance beauty and international shopping, and our new-found enthusiasm for a ballet class. 

We’ve (literally) got your back.

Just as you're beginning to feel like you've got this iso thing down pat, there seems to be a light at the end of the tunnel. Our busy lives will resume and soon enough, you'll be wishing lockdown had been just a few days longer. Give your brain a break by taking a mental health day and disconnecting from technology.

Winter has officially made itself known while we've been in lockdown, with snowy, rainy and windy days ahead. We've put together some tips for buying firewood and where you can order it from in Auckland to stay on top of winter and be prepared for anything.

If you’re anything like us, your newsfeed is full of panic-inducing news articles and your inbox is worse. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of all the positive things that have come about because of this virus, just to remind you that the sky isn’t falling.

In between achieving these crazy feats, Hof educates daring people of the world in the Wim Hof Method, which combines cold therapy and breathing in the hopes of reducing stress levels, increasing energy and pepping up the immune response; which is exactly what we all need right now. 

Stuck on where to go for a run in Nelson? Lucky for you, we’ve got you covered with these running tracks to get you motivated. Freshen up your run with a new route—but stay within your bubble.

Whether you’ve got the coordination of a baby giraffe or you’re a dancer from way back, lockdown is the perfect time to try your hand at an online dance class.