1. Southern Muse
The luxury fashion boutique MUSE has officially arrived in the South Island with the opening of their brand new store in the heart of Arrowtown. Offering an exclusive list of international and local designers such as Victoria Beckham, Khaite, Christopher Esber, Vivienne Westwood, Maggie Marilyn and Paris Georgia, this new opening further solidifies Arrowtown as a sought-after destination for luxury tourism. The new space has been carefully curated by MUSE director Olivia Vincent-Healy, in collaboration with local interior architect, Nikki Wilson. With unique features like a fireplace made of local Oamaru stone, as well as solid walnut floors and cabinetry, this new boutique is the brand’s most impressive yet. Visit MUSE Arrowtown at 12/50 Buckingham St.
2. Summer Glow
There’s a new local beauty brand in town: BONNIE. Founded by fashion and beauty content creator, Mary Outram, is a line of carefully crafted sunless tanning products that have been designed to set the tone for bronzed and golden skin all year round. Committed to sustainability, all BONNIE products are New Zealand-made, vegan, cruelty-free, dermatologist-tested, and fragrance-free, ensuring they’re safe for sensitive skin and ethically produced. Launched with three products (the Golden Gradual Tanning Lotion, Glow Gradual Tanning Face Drops and Glazed Moisturising Lotion & Tan Prolonger) BONNIE has arrived just in time to ensure we’re glowing all summer long.
3. Vintage On Tour
The beloved Karangahape Road boutique Crushes has popped up in Pōneke, Wellington. From December 11th – December 22nd, the store’s selection of over 60 local makers, curated vintage and upcycled independent brands will be in residence at Preloved Charlies’ Victoria Street store. Founded in 2011, the ethical concept store prioritises community and conscious consumerism through their dedication to offering 100% NZ made goods paired with vintage finds. Haven’t quite finished your Kirihimete shopping? We recommend the Burnt Sage Candle or a Caitlin Snell Hair Bow. Visit Crushes in Pōneke at 120 Victoria Street, Wellington.
4. Let’s Feast
There’s something new to enjoy at Ayrburn this summer. The Queenstown food and wine destination has recently opened two new venues: The Bakehouse and R.M. Prime Produce. The Bakehouse invites guests into a relaxed yet refined setting, designed to bring people together over a thoughtfully created menu, from sunrise to sunset. Whether you’re looking to enjoy breakfast on the terrace, a wine at the bar or wood-fired pizzas in a cozy corner, this new venue truly has something for everyone. Don’t have time for a full meal? Visit R.M Prime Produce for a carefully curated selection of artisanal goods, from expertly prepared cuts of meat from their resident Butcher, deli products and Ayrburn wines.
5. Sip, Shop and Be Merry
‘Tis the season to shop until you drop at Commercial Bay. You’ll have even more time to indulge in the Bay’s curated mix of international and local designers this festive season with extended opening hours in the lead up to Christmas. Explore premium retailers like the newly opened Coach, Wynn Hamlyn, Superette, COS, Mecca and Pure Fiji’s summer pop up, all while enjoying live music, entertainment and exclusive deals. But the festive cheer doesn’t stop there – send a letter to Santa with the Magic Mail Machine (and go in the draw to win one of three $1,000 Commercial Bay vouchers), keep the young ones entertained with a festive scavenger hunt at Candy Cane Lane and even take a selfie with Santa. After a busy day of shopping, unwind by treating yourself to a celebratory drink and nibble at one of Commercial Bay’s premium dining establishments. We recommend trying Cāntīng by Nic Watt or popping by Little Farro to pick up a premade fuss-free meal post a big day at the Bay. We’ll know where we’ll be this festive season – see you there?
