d.o.s.e is a trendy espresso bar on High Street, serving the classics through to innovative new drinks.
Whether you're a seasoned festival‑goer or a first‑timer, a little preparation goes a long way. From packing the right essentials to knowing what to eat and how to look after yourself once the music stops, these tips will help you make the most of your festival experience - and you can find everything you need right here in the city centre!
Your essentials
Planning for a festival is exciting, but packing for one can be a whole different story. One minute you’re thinking, “I should bring everything…just in case,” and the next you’re like, “Eh, I’ll just wing it.” The real trick is to pack smart. Stick to the essentials that won’t weigh you down so you can focus on the vibing and less on the stressing.
Sunscreen
While there’s nothing quite like being met with blue skies and perfect sunshine on festival morning, don’t let sunscreen fall into the “it’ll be fine” category — alongside sensible shoes and hydration!
We are absolutely loving Tocobo’s Cica Cooling Sun Stick SPF50+ from Ippondo. It provides quick, soothing protection from UV rays, making it the perfect (and necessary!) refresh between stages.
Hand Sanitiser
When you're reaching for the hand sanitiser on repeat, it might as well be a good one. Upgrade your everyday, and your hands will thank you by sundown.
Aotea's Mānuka Antimicrobial Mist is the perfect hand companion, infused with Mānuka oil and Vitamin B5 to support skin hydration. The ultra-fine mist can also be used on surfaces, bonus!
Your morning coffee boost
The intention at Rumours Specialty Coffee is simple: good coffee with a good ambience.
Designed for busy city workers, FERN lets you pre-order, customize, and leave notes easily through their sleek website or in...
Looking for a new coffee spot? We think we've found possibly the cutest and definitely worthy of the label 'Instagram-able'...
Receptionist Coffee has a vision, a passion and a mission for coffee and baking.
Snickel Lane's stylish coffee shop serving excellent coffee and treats.
Raincoat
If there’s one thing New Zealand festivals teach you, it’s to plan for all four seasons in one day. With umbrellas usually a no-go, a reliable raincoat is the smartest way to stay ahead of the afternoon weather plot twist.
Thankfully, Karen Walker has your rainwear essentials sorted, with everything from stylish waterproofs to gumboot upgrades! The packable design of the Runaway Parka makes it a wardrobe staple, ready to be worn on repeat, season after season.
Bag
Now for the bag that’ll carry all your essentials. No matter the look you’re going for, a stylish yet practical bag instantly elevates your festival outfit.
Shut The Front Door's Recycled Nylon Tote is the perfect companion for long festival days. Available in a range of colours, it pairs effortlessly with any outfit while adding a bright pop of personality.
Fuel first, party later
Daily Bread's new Britomart store is now open with a new 300sqm flagship store set to open alongside it soon.
This tucked away cafe on High Street has indoor and outdoor seating and a menu with seriously enticing options.
Yummy sandwiches on fresh baked bread, baked on site and made to order - dine in Shortland Street or takeaway. Open for...
Now open in Snickel Lane, Khu Khu is all about fresh flavours, fun beats and Thai-inspired vegan food that is perfect for...
Gemmi is a brand new Italian-style eatery in Commercial Bay.
Amano is one of Britomart’s most prominent restaurants with a seasonal menu that is sure to tempt your palate.
An all-day eatery offering local coffee and a diverse selection of freshly made pastries, salads, sandwiches and comfort food...
If you are looking for some distinctive Japanese flavour then you have got to try &Sushi down at City Works Depot.
A must visit brunch destination in the heart of the city.
An urban oasis in the heart of the city, serving fresh food and Kokako organic coffee, plus an extensive range of artisan...
Perch is a beguiling corner spot specialising in serving unprocessed wholefood BBQ. It's simple - their offering is healthy...
We've heard analog is making a comeback...
Pop into Red Dragon Film Lab for your dose of pure nostalgia. Did you know they have a huuuge collection of film cameras ready for you to snap your festival memories? Just drop your film back in and they'll handle the rest. Frame-worthy prints, ready to go!
The Fit
If you're after something with attitude and zero chance of outfit regret, don't stress — we've got you covered.
Tatty's is a true fashion treasure hunt, brimming with a carefully curated selection of timeless designer brands and stand-out vintage pieces. You'll almost certainly be walking out with the missing puzzle piece to your festival outfit, and your wardrobe long after.
Recycled Boutique is the go-to destination for conscious shopping that stays ahead of the latest trends. Think high-quality designer, contemporary, and vintage pieces you'll reach for again and again.
Click here to see more shopping ideas!
The party after the party
Bespoke cocktail bar tucked away in Snickel Lane where timeless classics meet modern mixology and bold flavour pairings.
Hidden away on O'Connell Street, this unique hidden bar serves delicious, inventive small-batch cocktails.
Disappear downstairs on Roukai Lane and step back in time with this beautiful cocktail lounge.
Modeled off the idea of a Glass House this contemporary yet casual eating and drinking space is a true garden like oasis.
Relax and unwind with great beer and plenty of sunshine at Dr. Rudi's Rooftop Brewing Co.
Kemuri Hi-Fi is a sultry underground bar inspired by Japanese jazz cafes, where whisky, vinyl, and high-end audio systems...
Post-festival cooldown
With the festival now behind you, it’s time to ease those post‑festival blues and give your body a gentle reset. We recommend setting up your zen den before heading out — think a cosy corner where your favourite book and soothing face mask is waiting for you when you return and a warm coffee brew planned for the morning.
Recharge your skin
Your skin had a big weekend too; it's time to hit refresh. The Matcha Face Mask from Lush is a nutrient-rich 'skincare smoothie' packed with spirulina, matcha and fresh lemon — the perfect pick-me-up for stressed skin.
Refresh with coffee
When it comes to the morning after, a little planning can make a big difference. Kōkako's Half-Caf is the perfect way to ease into the day, blending decaffeinated and full-strength coffee for full flavour and half the kick.
Relax with a book
Switch your screens off and ease into a quiet, low‑energy activity like reading a comforting book. The Comfort Book by Matt Haig from Unity Books is a solid pick — an exploration of finding joy and meaning in ordinary moments, making it the perfect transition from loud music to the soft hum of your AC.
