Review: The Hotel Britomart, the capital of a new republic

Review: The Hotel Britomart, the capital of a new republic
The Hotel Britomart is the centrepiece of the heritage precinct in the Auckland CBD. (Image: Britomart)
Brent Melville
Auckland’s Britomart precinct wouldn’t be in existence under today's resource consenting rules.But back in 1870, it was deemed a good idea to reclaim land from the sea around Port Britomart, an area that now includes Customs St, Quay St and the huge Commercial Bay retail, dining and commercial centre. Prior to that, Fort St ran alongside the beach.The precinct was needed. The city wanted to ensure enough acreage for the expanding port and to cater for a growing commercial hub. The area had its heyday but fell into decl...

More The Life

Nissan X-Trail N-Trek review: rough with the smooth
The Life

Nissan X-Trail N-Trek review: rough with the smooth

If you’re looking in this genre, the Nissan should be on your shopping list.

My Net Worth: Shaun Newman, joint MD of TrailLite
Editor's Picks

My Net Worth: Shaun Newman, joint MD of TrailLite

"I could see the business my father had built had really good foundations."

Review: El Matador gets the balance right
The Life

Review: El Matador gets the balance right

The restaurant doubles as a shelter from the excesses of Wellington’s weather.

Gregor Thompson 11 May 2025
Volvo revives XC70 as long-range plug-in hybrid SUV
The Life

Volvo revives XC70 as long-range plug-in hybrid SUV

The XC70 is a strategic pivot into 'extended-range plug-in hybrid' territory.

Jet Sanchez 11 May 2025