Urban eye

Our local experts find what’s hot around the country

MARUIA HOT SPRINGS

These Lewis Pass hot pools have been a stopover for travellers as far back as Māori greenstone traders. Today’s refurbished pools have a spiritual vibe: languish in hot water that springs from the Southern Alps beneath mountains shrouded in mist, or under the night sky. There’s good coffee too. SH7, Lewis Pass, maruiahotsprings.nz

HARDY ST EATERY

The name is as unpretentious as the vision: “creative, seasonal eats with damn good coffee and booze”. The decor leaves the food centre stage. Try house-smoked fish kedgeree or the Reuben (corned beef, sauerkraut, gruyère and Russian sauce), a big hitter. Dinner menu in summer.

136 Hardy St, hardysteatery.co.nz