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WE LOVE AKL

57K views 159 replies 25 participants last post by  OrangeKiwi 
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#1 · (Edited)
What do you love about Auckland ? What should tourists and locals see in the City of Sails ?
 
#2 · (Edited)
100 things we love about Auckland

1. Smith and Caughey

The last real old-school department store, a genuine grand dame. Founded in 1880, their windows are works of art, their Christmas displays a treat and their sales (still, genteelly, called "fairs") legendary. Three levels of heaven on Queen St, whether it's a gift for you or someone you love, this is a great place to look. Along Queen St, Auckland City.

2. Trade Aid

We love their philosophy of low-key self-help for developing countries, we love the things they sell. With six great stores across Auckland, Trade Aid makes it easy to buy ethical goods and support fair trade.

3. The Department Store

This is glamour shopping personified, the modern, hip take on the traditional department store experience. Whether it's fashion, beauty, design, or just French pastries, a visit to The Department Store is a treat for all the senses. Take in the pretty florist on the ground floor, the green wall on the top, the pampering in between. Northcroft St, Takapuna.

4. Green Bay Auctions

Every Wednesday, come and hunt for bargains. Whether it's mid-century furniture, a chainsaw, musical instruments, or a box of 1960s magazines, you never know what you might find here among the antiques, collectables and oddments. And no trip is complete without popping into the Kohu Rd Cafe just over the road. Cnr of Portage Rd and Neville St, New Lynn.

5. Ike's and Geoff's Emporia

These shops have helped make our birthday parties, fancy dress dos and craft projects all the richer, without making us poorer. Like $2 shops on steroids. Feather boas, haberdashery, fabric, toys, hardware, crafts, paint, jewellery, tools, souvenirs, wigs, costumes, decorations and just plain fruity stuff. Dominion Rd, Browns Bay, Devonport and Orewa.

THE CULTURE

6. Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki

Since the renovated, much-enlarged gallery opened its doors last September, more than half a million people have poured in, many returning again and again. It's become a magnet for local and international tourists, but even more importantly, it's attracting people from all over the Auckland region, many of whom have never visited before. We love it not only for the variety of exhibitions and activities - the new auditorium hosts some illuminating documentaries and talks - but also for the outstanding quality of the refit, making it a beautiful building to explore. It sits well within its Albert Park environs, the new cafe is full of treats and the gallery staff are friendly and helpful. It's a treasure. Find it on Kitchener St.

7. Pah Homestead

The restored historic Pah Homestead in Monte Cecilia Park has been home to the James Wallace Arts Trust and its huge collection since 2010, and it's another winner in terms of welcoming many gallery newbies from the wider Auckland region. A lovely building in a lovely setting (you can hear the birds singing as you stroll through the rooms), with gorgeous New Zealand art that reflects the range and depth of philanthropist collector James Wallace, who has given so much to the city through the decades. Head to 72 Hillsborough Rd, Hillsborough.

8. Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra

Usually to be seen in full thrilling flight at the Town Hall but our orchestra also excels at bringing music to young people via its Sistema Aotearoa programme, which nurtures less-advantaged kids' creativity through learning to play instruments. It's truly magic to watch the Sistema kids in action at the Otara Music Arts Centre. The APO also runs a robust concert series developed for decile 5 or lower secondary school children, while its concert programme is an all-ages showcase for great musicianship and star performers and conductors from around the world. Next Thursday: Shakespeare In Music.

9. Opera Factory

Opera Factory has been beavering away for 16 years teaching singers of all ages and levels the many crafts required for opera performance. The trust has education at its heart but it also stages chamber opera, concerts and special events for children, with an increasing commitment to New Zealand composers. It's a hive of creativity. Check out 7 Eden St, Newmarket.

10. The Basement

The shiny new Q Theatre just across the way is fabulous but we're backing the grungier Basement for its steady devotion to affordable theatre that's often confrontational and bonkers yet rarely boring and never middle-of-the-road. Many young actors, directors, writers and stage crew can thank The Basement for giving them a platform. The ground floor theatre is all the better for a long-needed air-con unit, which the upstairs studio lacks. One day soon, we hope. It's at Lower Greys Ave.

11. The John Avery Organ, Ponsonby Baptist Church

One of only 10 known surviving organs by John Avery of London, built in 1779 as a chamber organ, brought to New Zealand in 1859 by Bishop Selwyn for St Paul's Anglican Church on Britomart Hill before being bought by Ponsonby Baptist church in 1898. Now restored, this extraordinary instrument is unrivalled in Australasia for the performance of 18th century repertoire. See ponsonbybaptist.org.nz for concerts and news. Tomorrow, Sunday July 15 2.30pm features a recital by James Tibbles. 43 Jervois Rd, Ponsonby.

12. Q Theatre

Auckland's newest arts venue, with two exciting theatres - the large Rangatira and the more intimate Loft (with the character of the original art deco architecture overlooking Queen St), a slate of great shows (Indian Ink, Silo, Touch Compass) plus two warm and friendly bars/cafes (Citizen Q and Lounge) where the food is not an afterthought - seriously good.. This is what Auckland has been missing for a long time. Q, 305 Queen St, Auckland, Entrances off Queen St and Lower Greys Ave.

THE NEIGHBOURHOODS

13. Albert Park

From its origins as a flourishing village, Rangipuke, and the defended pa Te Horotiu, then as the Albert Barracks in 1845 to the gracious park by Victorian architect, James Slater, Albert Park has been the green lung of the city. Home now to the Auckland Art Gallery, the annual lantern festival and Chris Booth's Gateway sculpture at the top of Victoria St East, the park is something every grown-up city deserves. Auckland's Spatial Plan will link it to Victoria Park in one long, lovely swathe of green. Access from Kitchener St, Wellesley St, Princes St and Bowen Ave.

14. Onepoto Domain

Onepoto Domain in Northcote is one of the best places to take littlies cycling. With two great playgrounds and fun tracks, there are hours of bike amusement to be had here, especially if you bring a picnic. There are also tracks for older kids and walking tracks for those who prefer foot travel to the wheeled variety.

15. Queens Rd

Although not the flashest of high streets, Queens Rd in Panmure is an absolute treasure trove of very good ethnic eateries. A perfect day is a wonderful Malaysian curry or Chinese roast duck meal followed by a walk round the lovely Panmure Basin. With playgrounds, workout stations and beautiful views, it's a great wander for the whole family. Visit Queens Rd for food and Lagoon Drive for Panmure Basin Walk, Panmure.

16. Sandringham's Little India

At any time of year Auckland's Sandringham village is worth a visit; there's nothing like the fragrant curry smells that waft through the village from about 5pm to activate the need for an instant flavour fix. Forget making dinner from scratch, instead feast on lamb biryani, chicken 65 curry, saag gosht or a fantastic selection of vegetarian options including potato and bean, chickpea or eggplant curry. At last count there were more than a dozen cheap and cheerful eateries on the main street (dine in and/or take away) - and whichever option you choose it's guaranteed to be easy on your wallet.

17. Hobsonville Point

The transformation from bare land to growing community at Hobsonville Point is astounding and with the city ferry due to start in November, accessibility is going to be even greater. The new housing is shaping up nicely and it's a great Sunday morning drive for a visit to the excellent farmers' markets and a coffee at Catalina Cafe afterwards. Check out the markets and cafe on Buckley Rd, Hobsonville Point.

18. Meola Reef - Te Tokoroa

One of central Auckland's loveliest walks takes you out on to the inner harbour at Meola Reef, where Auckland's longest lava flow spills halfway across the harbour. Actually the patupaiarehe - fairy folk - built it in one fiery night's battle. This former rubbish dump was farmed not long ago - yes, our geological marvels have been given some pretty shabby treatment. Visit 171-181 Meola Rd, Pt Chevalier.

19. Bethells/Te Henga

The "other" west coast beach comes into its own off-season. Sure, you can join the summer crowds toasting on the black sand, guarded by one of Auckland's oldest surf clubs. But a winter Sunday blow-out along the beach (dogs optional) followed by hot chips and a burger at Anna and Jim's original pie-cart can't be beat.

20. Cornwall Park

Stare at the overseas visitors marvelling at the roaming sheep. Take an archery lesson. Enjoy the view from the summit, while lamenting the loss of the great tree. Skip down the tunnel of trees on Puriri Dr. Have a coffee or an icecream at Cornwall Park Restaurant, or barbecue your own snarlers on the public barbies. Big ups to John Logan Campbell - thanks for our best park. Access from Greenlane Rd and Manukau Rd.

21. Auckland volcanic craters

The landmarks are the volcanoes of course, 53 of them. But the hidden treasures are the craters which are all that's left of many of them. Auckland Museum is built on the rim of one crater. Takapuna's Lake Pupuke is another - diving into its deep, cool water is one of summer's great pleasures. You can drive right past Tuff Crater on the harbour at Northcote and never know it's there - a surprisingly circular estuarine lagoon. Out the back of Mangere, Pukaki Lagoon is also gobsmackingly circular, like a moonscape among market gardens.

22. St Kevins Arcade and Myers Park

This area is fine as it is, with its morning-after feel and still-out-partying revellers, vintage shops and street art . Auckland Fringe Festival saw opera singers on the balconies of St Kevin's and night theatre on the slopes of Myer's Park. Alleluya Cafe presides with art deco charm. Find St Kevins Arcade, 179-183 K Rd.

THE EATERIES

23. Night markets

Singapore meets the suburbs in two mall carparks as temporary summer food markets have turned into permanent foodie destinations. Jostle with the crowds for treats from all over Asia - Korean, Filipino as well as the usual Chinese, Indian and Japanese, plus Hungarian and Spanish pastries, German wurst, French pies and a smattering of stalls selling the kitschest iPhone accessories this side of Tokyo. Saturday nights, Pakuranga; Sundays Glenfield from 5.30pm.

24. Parnell Farmers' Market

Hooray for Parnell and Grey Lynn and all our other real weekend farmers' markets (Parnell and Oratia may just be the cutest), for simply delicious food. And the passion and sheer sacrifice of the people who produce it. Sure, you may spend a bit more, but this is shopping that makes you feel more human. More at 545 Parnell Rd, Parnell. farmersmarket@parnell.org.nz.

25. Waitakere Golf Club

After a game of golf in a spectacular location, or a walk in the Waitakere Ranges, stop off at the Waitakere Golf Club for the friendliest staff and the best view with your hot chips, hamburger or cold beer. The cafe is open Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays and the course has been developed with little or no change to the natural landscape right in the middle of native bush for a stunning backdrop to your 9 or 18 holes. Visit Falls Rd, Waitakere.

26. Daikoku Restaurant Ramen

Tucked down Tyler St, near Britomart, this super-authentic, rough and ready noodle house doles out bowls of piping hot Japanese comfort food to revive even the most jaded commuter and shopper. Seek it out to escape the wintry weather. Beside Britmart Station, Tyler St, Auckland CBD. Ph (09) 309 2200 Also 25 Victoria St West.

27. The Wine Cellar

This venue - and connecting Whammy Bar underneath St Kevin's Arcade - with its old sofas and Berlin feel may win "grungiest" title but consistently offers a menu of the most interesting music around. Plus plain tasty nibbles for late nighters - slabs of blue cheese, assorted pickles and breads for $2-$4 a serving - value without the greasy spoon. St Kevins Arcade, 179-183 K Rd.

28. Muzza's Pies

What came first, Muzza or the pie? You may ponder this as you stand waiting in the queue that so often goes out the door of Mt Albert's Muzza's Pies around lunchtime on a Saturday. Made with love on the premises, Muzza's savoury pies come in a range of flavours from smoked fish to mince, chilli beans to steak, tomato and spinach and beyond, and there are old-fashioned apple turnovers for afters. It is true that Muzza and his helpers can sometimes be a little stern if you're not quick with your order when you finally reach the counter. But your first bite of a sought-after steak and pepper pie will quickly cure the fright! Hunt out 55 Richardson Rd, Mt Albert (09) 846 2355.

29. Elliott Stables

The converted 1880s warehouse building in Elliott St is a busy food court for city suits and diners who don't do fast food but don't have more than an hour for lunch. In the evenings it's a more romantic hideaway and frankly European in its ambience and the food on offer - German wurst and beer, French buckwheat crepes and Spanish mussels. Where else in Auckland do you find cobblestones? Be amazed at 39 Elliott St, Auckland City.

30. Cafe Windsor

Without a doubt, the most child-friendly cafe on the North Shore: Cafe Windsor has a fenced outdoor playground as well as a good selection of indoor toys. The children's food is creatively presented and in child-sized portions with prices to match. On Mondays a bouncy castle is out between 9.30am-11.30am and on Tuesday it's story time at 10.30am, both free of charge. Visit 542 East Coast Bays Rd, Mairangi Bay.

31. Fernielea Cafe

Delicious food and plenty to entertain the kids with outdoor and indoor play areas. Owners Rachel and Matt McFarlane created the cafe with their two children in mind so you might even get to finish your brunch, sitting in the outdoor garden while you watch the kids play. Afterwards, watch the horse-riders training across the road or stop at Windmill Orchard's Pick Your Own fruit shop next door. Set your sight on 302 Coatesville-Riverhead Highway.

32. Dominion Rd

When they wrote the song in 1992, Dominion Rd wasn't the "Chinatown" the mayor spotted 20 years later. Now the bustling Balmoral strip, which is packed with mostly Asian-owned restaurants and shops, attracts the hungry and the hip. Off-duty chefs cluster at Barilla for dumplings, or Tasty Noodle; further up-market there's Merediths and Two Fifteen. Whatever style you are after, Dominion Rd is worth the trip.

33. Good drinks too

In the beginning was the brewery, then the micro-brewery and finally the brewbar. The Hallertau Brewbar and Restaurant does everything right - amazing atmosphere, great food and fantastic beer. Auckland bars love to serve Hallertau on tap and by the bottle, but the source is just 40 min from downtown. Can't travel that far? Make a trip to Eden Terrace's latest treasure - the Hopscotch Beer Company. Craft beers you've never heard of, old favourites and a fill-your-own bottle option with tips to keep it fresh and tasty in the fridge.

Hallertau Brewbar & Restaurant: 1171 Coatesville-Riverhead Highway Auckland 0892 (09) 412 5555.

Hopscotch Beer Company: 2/2 Shaddock St, Eden Terrace, (09) 354 4903.

FAVE HAUNTS OF A CELEBRITY CHEF

34. The Rabbit Hole

I've recently been staying in Herne Bay when I'm in town and my local cafe, the Rabbit Hole, has the most delicious green chilli scrambled eggs on the menu. Lovely eggs, broad beans, green chilli and spring onions - yum. Don't miss it at 203 Jervois Rd, Herne Bay, Ph: 09 360 0755

35. Cocoro

Ponsonby's Cocoro is also possibly the best Japanese restaurant I've been to anywhere in the world outside Japan. You must try their sake tasting flights. The name Cocoro means the heart and soul in Japanese. Check it out at 56A Brown St, Ponsonby. Ph 09 360 0927.

36. Te Atatu Peninsula

Mum lives here and the beautiful board-walks around the inlets are gorgeous. You have a fabulous view of Auckland city, the Sky Tower and the bridge, but feel like you could be in the ***-****.

37. Farro Fresh

I'm a huge fan of Farro - they stock fabulous goodies from abroad, as well as ranges the likes of Sabato import and produce locally (including my own range). Their fish and meats are first rate. Amble through Farro Fresh, 80 Lunn Ave, Mt Wellington, 70 Parkway Drive, Mairangi Bay and 34 Westmoreland St, Grey Lynn. Ph: (09) 570 7071.

THE ARTISAN TREATS

38. Salash Delicatessen

A company making traditional Serbian small goods in Onehunga? Auckland is full of surprises. The Mirkov family use methods passed down through four generations to produce their cured meats and sausages. Using only meat, salt, smoke and spices, Salash is the real deal. Try their salami - perfectly spiced goodness. The address is 12 Miami Parade, Onehunga.

39. Kohu Road

Kohu Road has to be one of the best things about the Auckland food scene. Even though it's available nationwide now, there's nothing like a cone of golden syrup ice cream or sampling the new salted caramel flavour fresh from the Creamery in New Lynn. Stop for a bite at the cafe if you fancy something more substantial. Chill out at 44 Portage Rd, New Lynn.

40. Swiss Konditorei Bern

Swiss Konditorei Bern is paradise for European bread and pastry lovers. Its location in a nondescript part of industrial Avondale makes it even more of a hidden gem. This bakery is the supplier for the Langham and other big hotels and their almond croissants are things of beauty. Try the Toblerone mousse for praline heaven in a dark chocolate cup. Take a trip to 5/448 Rosebank Rd, Avondale (open Thurs-Sat, 7am-2pm).

41. Genevieve's Cuisine

Genevieve's Cuisine chicken liver pate is an absolute must-try Auckland product. If you need proof, a trip to La Cigale, Hobsonville or Clevedon markets will provide the chance to sample. The proper French-style parfait, baked in the jar comes in original, peppered and truffled. It is something to hide and not share. Genevieve's Cuisine can be found at La Cigale, Hobsonville and Clevedon Markets (also available at Farro Fresh).

42. Criollo Chocolates

Bjorn Svensson, originally a pastry chef who moved into the chocolate arena had his own successful shop in Sweden before moving out here. His pralines and chocolates are something very special, especially the salted caramel and the marc de Champagne. Check out the chocolate-making classes and chocolate appreciation evenings at his premises in Henderson. Find it at 3/70 Bruce Maclaren Rd.

THE GARDENS

43. Wet behind the ears

Auckland's newest park, Silo Park, at the far end of the Wynyard Quarter and waterfront walk, takes good advantage of previously under-utilised land. Silo Park has made a great space for our family to spend a morning, especially at that popular nautical-themed playground - although the last time we went my lot were more interested in rolling down the artificial turf hill next door. There are some great backyard ideas too, in the way the park has made good use of its previously utilitarian existence: shipping containers are converted to house public toilets and heavy industrial metal walkways and concrete steps descend into the water, offering a contemplative lunchtime eating spot.

My favourite part of this park, though, are the reed beds which are there to act as a bio-filter. Ground water pouring off pavements and buildings and entering the harbour is a huge source of pollution, especially after heavy rain. But here the designers have used special plants to filter and clean the water before it enters the harbour - a great, sustainable way we can mitigate this problem. The amount of plant material needed to sanitise all the run-off generated on the Silo park site would be vast - a full scale wetland like a mangrove swamp - but these small pockets point the way, add some visual interest and remind us of the important job wetlands perform for our waterways.

44. Rock of Ages

Internationally renowned landscape architect Ted Smyth was commissioned to produce a park for the Ngati Whatua next to the old Auckland railway station. Quay Park (Mahuhu ki Te Rangi) is inspired by Ngati Whatua's designs and pattern motifs and is an excellent example of a contemporary urban park. The most interesting idea to me is Ted's use of rocks, the way they tie all the other elements together. The sheer volume of rocks could have easily been overwhelming, but instead each one seems so neatly considered and well placed. The overall effect is a controlled expression of the natural world. It's unusual to engage with an urban space with so much man-made and hard landscaping, yet come away with a sense that you've just enjoyed something out of nature.

45. Resting on the job

Any doubts that the biological filtration process works have been well and truly put to rest at the Waiatarua Reserve, one of the largest urban wetlands in Australasia and the recipient of the Arthur Mead Environment Award. This amazing example of the synergy between ecology and engineering is responsible for the resurrection of the Orakei Basin, for which the Waiatarua wetland is a catchment area. Heavy metals such as zinc and copper have been radically reduced in the basin as well as tonnes of rubbish. For the first time in decades the Orakei Basin hasn't been beset with algal bloom. Another delightful outcome of the Waiatarua wetland restoration is the reintroduction of wildlife such as the rare white heron or kotuku, Caspian terns, little black shags and shoveler ducks. The paths, bridges and other public amenities make the access of this amazing ecosystem a breeze, but what I really love are the huge macrocarpa seats. These chunky plinths are an excellent place to park your derriere while you have a sandwich and try to train the binoculars on a shoveler duck or a white heron.

THE OUTINGS

46. Waitakere Tramlines

There's not one but (count 'em!) two historic miniature tram lines that wind their way through the dusky hills of the Waitakere Ranges - the Rainforest Express and the "Dam Tram". Wooden bridges, waterfalls, tunnels and glow-worms line the routes - and stunning vistas, the former to the Manukau Harbour and the Nihotupu Valley; the latter of lush native bushscapes and the picturesque Waitakere Dam.

Rainforest Express: Regular trip 2.5hr, Picnic trip 3hr, Twilight trip 3.5hr (during daylight savings). Fares $25 adult, $20 senior citizens, 5-12 years $12, under 5 free. Reservation centre (09) 302 8028 or email rainforest@water.co.nz.

Dam Tram: The Waitakere Tramline Society operates four trips a day every Sunday except Queen's Birthday Weekend and Christmas. Adults $10, children aged 5-15 $5, pre-schoolers free. Bookings essential, phone (09) 818 4946.

47. Wintergardens, Domain

A remnant of the Victorian plant collectors, the Wintergardens' complex of glasshouses, fernery and formal courtyard evolved from the 1860's Auckland Acclimatisation Society site. The charming kiosk, band rotunda, and the statuary speak of gentler times, when strolling the park and admiring a dashing orchid was as racy as it got on a Sunday. Reclaim that spirit, we say. Main park gates Park Rd, Grafton or from Stanley St, George St and Titoki St.

48. Waterfront Auckland

How quickly the stretch of waterfront from the Maritime Museum and Viaduct through to the Silo parks in the west have become one of Auckland's favourite spots. It may have taken 10 years to get there, but it was worth the wait. With weekend workshops for kids, the bustling fish market, restaurants from the Viaduct to the North Wharf, Friday evening movies and the whole thing handily signposted with smart-phone-activated QR coded signs, this is the poster spot for thoughtful pedestrian-oriented and mixed-use urban design.

49. Hillsborough Cemetery

Maybe the breathtaking elevation of the cemetery brings its occupants that bit closer to heaven, because the prospect from here seems to go on for eternity. For the living, the harbour views to the Manukau Heads are sublime. Auckland is a tale of two harbours, and from here coastal walkways connect all the way to Titirangi. It's at 250 Hillsborough Rd, Mt Roskill.

50. Takapuna Beach

Sure there's been some less-than-thoughtful development, and sadly the old Mon Desir Hotel is gone, but Takapuna Beach is still the same perfect white sand crescent 10 minutes' drive from downtown. Haunt of sun-lovers, paddle boarders, winter swimmers, g-string beauties and muscle men, if that's not enough of a view, there's always the gulf and boat traffic. Drift. Relax. On Lake Rd, Takapuna.

51. The Teps

Whizzy new sustainable technology lurks behind the primped heritage facade of the refurbished Teps. Luckily, generations of swimmers will recognise the warm chlorine smell and the (slightly brighter) pool-side cabanas from last century's original. City dwellers and workers can once again relish the chance to swim, soak or exercise only a hop and a skip from the office or apartment.

52. Northwestern Cycleway

Give or take the odd flooding in a king tide and a few odd crossings, this is still the sweetest way to get from the city to Te Atatu Peninsula and back, with more than 60 per cent of the trail off road. Commuters love its fast, safe route into town, weekenders use it to explore the west. More of this, please, Auckland Transport. Download maps from here.

53. Head south: Clevedon, Duder Regional Park and Umupuia Beach

Where else are there bush, buffalo and beaches on a weekend drive? Head along North Rd through Clevedon Village to the 162-ha Duder Regional Park on the Whakaaiwhara Peninsula for 360 degree views of the Hauraki Gulf, walking, picnicking, horse riding (by permit), mountain biking, orienteering, fishing and swimming or carry on to - past fields of grazing buffalo - the unspoilt Umupuia Beach.

54. Head west:Cornwallis, Huia and Whatipu

Head through Titirangi out to Cornwallis Peninsula, with an intriguing history and a local community ready to fight for itself, such as the rebuilding of Cornwallis Wharf, the last remaining historic wharf of the original 16 on the Manukau Harbour. Next is Huia with its artefacts from the HMS Orpheus maritime disaster, art shop The Art Post and Huia Beach Store and Cafe, which draws customers from all over Auckland. Drive over a ford to get to Whatipu Beach, the wildest of west coast beaches with a lighthouse sitting on top of a craggy rock.

55. Vintage bach open days on Rangitoto

For an authentic afternoon tea experience in a vintage Rangitoto bach, head to the island for a heritage tour around the bach community at Rangitoto wharf. Bach 38 is the setting for morning or afternoon tea and the tour tells the history of families who once holidayed here. Heritage tours usually happen around September, visit rangitoto.org for details.

56. Night kayak to Rangitoto

Call yourself an Aucklander? Not unless you've taken Auckland Sea Kayak's night kayak and trek up Rangitoto. A dark ocean isn't half as scary as it sounds and the views on the trip over, as well as from the summit, are awe-inspiring. Hang a line off the back of your kayak and you're sure to catch a fish or two for dinner as well. Departs from St Heliers Bay boat ramp, $185 including all gear and catering.

57. Fairy Falls

Along Scenic Drive in the Waitakere Ranges, it's easy to underestimate those council green and yellow signposts, but if you're going to stop at one, choose Fairy Falls. The 3.2km bushwalk rewards you with sun-speckled birdsong, clean air and pretty waterfalls. The climb back up makes for a virtuous weekend workout. A short one and a half hours, it's a treasure in the forest and a little bit romantic. Take a trip to Fairy Falls, Scenic Dr, Waitakere.

58. Woodhill reserve

Further afield but more adventurous than city parks is Woodhill Reserve, where mountain biking enthusiasts of all levels can blaze trails whatever their skill levels. With picnic spots and even the odd lagoon for fishing, Woodhill Reserve is a great excuse to load up the bike rack and hit the trails for a few thrills (and maybe spills). Woodhill Forest is open daily 8.30am until sunset. Access via Rimmer Rd, 3km south of Helensville.

59. Southdown to Otuataua bike ride

The views keep changing and each is more gorgeous than the last. From Southdown, hug the Manukau Harbour past a slightly surreal industrial area and old-world Waikaraka Cemetery. Across Mangere Bridge meander from Ambury Park's old stone walls and farm animals to wetlands, bird sanctuary, volcanic lagoon and historic Maori stonefields.

60. Massey's Moire Park

It's a step back in time at this slab of green left over from the sub-division of the original Massey farm. You can drift off under huge deciduous trees listening to distant sports games and forget you are in urban Auckland. There are great views of Te Atatu Peninsula from the very long footbridge to West Harbour Esplanade. On Moire Rd, Massey.

61. Clevedon Scenic Reserve

One hundred hectares of native bush rising 225m above the Wairoa River and Clevedon Village is home to native birds plus insects like weta and the puriri moth, which gives its name to the main walking track. It's a steep climb to the summit - trust me, you don't want to do it carrying a toddler - but worth it for spectacular views of the surrounding farmland. There's also an old quarry site worth checking out, too. Google Clevedon Scenic Reserve for more info.

62. Ambury Regional Park

If you're worried you're raising a city slicker you'd do well to head out to Ambury Farm, which lies between the houses of Mangere Bridge and the Manukau Harbour foreshore. Staff will happily let you feed the lambs or chickens, or watch the cows being milked. Mind out for Timmy the Turkey - the world's grumpiest gobbler. Watch out for Ambury Farm Day, held each October. Via Ambury Rd. Free entry.

63. Public avocado orchard

For a start, you'll need a long stick, with a sort of cutting mechanism on the end (a pocket knife wedged into a bamboo pole works beautifully). You'll look ridiculous with it, but once in the public avocado orchard at Otauataua Stonefields people will eye you with envy. The season runs from Nov to March. Through Ihumatao Rd, Manukau. Bag limit: 5 per person.

THE ENTERTAINMENT

64. Fan dance

Sometimes it's just the wee, pretty glimpses you get of this town from unexpected spots that make you come over all smug and Aucklandy. Not just the obvious big views from the Sky Tower or One Tree Hill or Mangere, but the bridge and city framed by the boats at Little Shoal Bay, the gulf and islands changing from every waterside angle, the island coves you see from the Waiheke or Coromandel ferry, the glimpses of Sky Tower you get from deepest west or furtherest north. Tamaki Makaurau was the legendary home of the fairy people, we still share the magic today.

65. Rotary walkway

Started back in 1978 when Pakuranga was still the nappy valley new suburb, the Rotary Walkway now circuits the eastern edge of the Tamaki Estuary and Whakaaranga Creek from Pigeon Mountain all the way through to Half Moon Bay ferry, a boardwalk to Bucklands Beach and then out to Musick Point. Mostly off-road, it's an oasis for walking or cycling; with welcome coffee spots, this is the best of the east. Entry points from Pigeon Mountain, Prince Regent Drive, Fisher Parade and Rotary Reserve (Pakuranga Rd).

66. Tapapakanga Regional Park

South east of the city, past Orere Point, lies a coastal jewel - Tapapakanga regional park. The tranquil shoreline, dotted with pohutakawas, has a stunning vista across to Coromandel, and is a great base for walks (there's a freshwater lagoon to explore). Plus every second February, the park is transformed with an explosion of music and art, hosting one of New Zealand's best festivals - Splore.

67. Ripe for the picking

Community Fruit Harvest links volunteers with owners of laden fruit trees to pick, make preserves (or teach those skills) and distribute the goodies to charities. In Mangere Bridge the group works with the local budgeting centre foodbank or the Dingwall Trust, other parts of Auckland support the City Mission or North Shore charities. Simple, sustainable and neighbourly. Email pickfruitmbridge@gmail.com, ph (09) 622 0318 or facebook.com/pickfruit.

68. Border Radio
Some followers say it's the intimacy of host Bernie Griffen's wheezing lungs, humour and years of hard living that's so appealing about Sunday night's Americana radio show, 7-9pm on 95 bFM. Then there's the sort of blues and roots that your mother might call the Devil's Music. Better than church.

69. The Gunslinger's Ball

The Gunslinger's Ball is growing like a weed. A wild musical feast of offerings from Auckland's new community of alt-country, cowboy, punk, folk and country blues bands. Held every three months at various grungy venues, the Ball is about to be unleashed on the nation with an October tour. This event leaves a mark like a branding iron.

70. Public libraries

A neighbourhood near you is probably home to one of the 55 public libraries in the Auckland Libraries system (four mobile buses serve communities too small or remote to have their own). Every library reflects its place, from the heritage inner-city edifices (Ponsonby's Leys Institute opened in 1911) to shiny new town centre buildings (Papakura or Birkenhead), local branches are crammed, with 14 million visits a year from Aucklanders enjoying the free wifi, kids doing homework or toddler story-times - and of course, the books. Anything from any branch is yours for the asking. And still free. The best bit of the city amalgamation, we reckon.

71. Cultural festivals

Auckland's wonderful multicultural composition results in a great event calendar of ethnic celebrations. From the Auckland Lantern Festival for Chinese New Year in Albert Park; to the Pacific Islands Showcase, Pasifika in Western Springs; to Diwali, the festival of lights, in Queen St; and the International Cultural festival in Mt Roskill; it's wonderful to get out and absorb the entertainment, art and food of all the nationalities making our city a more interesting place. There are a raft of smaller celebrations for other smaller ethnic groups throughout the year, so keep an eye out for those too.

72. Hunua Ranges volunteers

The wild and rugged Hunua Ranges are home to the only native population of kokako in the Auckland region, but the endangered birds were disappearing because of rats and possums. Thanks to a team of dedicated volunteers who carry bags of poison pellets used to cull rats and possums high up into the Ranges, south of Auckland, kokako numbers are steadily increasing. Similarly, the North Island robin has been re-introduced here because of the efforts of volunteers. To find out more about how you can volunteer in southern parks, contact Mags Ramsey on (09) 536 7012.

73. Sanctuaries: Rotoroa and Tiritiri Matangi

Not one, but two special islands are showing Auckland how our land used to be, pre-humans. Since 1984 Tiritiri Matangi Island has been cleared of predators and planted with some 300,000 native trees, undoing the damage of 120 years of farming. Endangered bird and reptiles, including tuatara, have been reintroduced. Across the harbour, Rotoroa Island, the former Salvation Army rehab station, is now undergoing a similar programme, helped by the generosity of the Plowman family. Pull on gumboots and help create the sort of Auckland you want your kids to know.

74. Hot stuff

Helensville is the town that time - and commerce - forgot. Set on the Kaipara River, still with its many picturesque Victorian buildings, the neighbouring hot springs of Parakai and your classic country A & P show every summer, Helensville in any other major city would be teaming with gentrifying city folk. The industrial chic of the old Kaipara Dairy Company should be a thriving arts and food hub, the vintage railway station delivering train loads of daytrippers to eat, walk and antique shop and stay at the sweetly renovated old hotel. But we're kind of glad it's still our own little secret.

75. Vacuum Repairs & Services

David Stewart believes in repairing things not chucking them - it's the Scot in him. David works outside when it's sunny, and it always seems to be sunnier in St Heliers. He favours a nice pullover, you won't be surprised to find he's ex-Merchant Navy - it's something about his courtesy and that extra bit of service. You'll never feel so relaxed getting your repairs done. At 103 Kohimarama Rd, St Heliers.

76. A native haven on cue

Everyone who enters CUE Haven (Cultivating Understanding and Enlightenment) will discover a native haven of beauty and philanthropy work. Take in breathtaking views of the Kaipara Harbour, listen to the birds sing, plant a ceremonial tree, celebrate and make a family picnic of it. Thanks to Thomas and Mahrukh Stazyk, the 58.5 acres of green habitat allows us to breathe easy; volunteers do their bit for a conservation restoration project. Good for the soul and good karma. Try Araparera, Kaipara Coast Highway (State Highway 16).Ph (09) 849 5200.

77. Late at the Museum

In its fifth season of after-dark cultural discussion and desemination, the LATEs feature discussion on contemporary themes, with bands and DJs performing in the museum's galleries. You can eat, drink, dialogue and contemplate - this season's theme is Seven Deadly Sins, with programmes featuring a variety of presenters, Q & A and performers over four hours. Where: Auckland Museum. Next session August 2, 7pm, Gluttony.

78. The Silo Park cinema

A great Friday night freebie, with truly amazing local food stalls open from 5pm before the movie plays at 8pm. Brilliant and packed out in summer, the fun continues through winter - just bring a blanket! Just check the website each week for what's playing. We also love the Silo Park Craft & Vintage Market the last Friday and Saturday night of each month. Venue: Wynyard Quarter Address: Silo Park, Wynyard Quarter.

79. The Civic Theatre

Every Kiwi muso and thespian dreams of performing in the Civic Theatre one day. But the drama starts well before the show - elephants, panthers, flamingos, buddhas and twinkling stars are all part of the outrageous decor of Australasia's biggest atmospheric theatre. Bravo! Get a drink first at the Art Deco Stark's Cafe, a homage to Freda Stark, the main attraction at The Civic back in the day. Just like a real city, then.

80. Handmade is hot

Craft, vintage and market stalls are popping up all over, from galleries like Ponsonby's ObjectSpace to Kingsland's Crafternoon Tea, a monthly showcase for artisans and the best place to find homemade treats. Gorgeous sewing kits, garments, beautifully made textiles, art, jewellery and our favourite - the cake-pops. Crafternoon Tea: 3rd Saturday of the month, Trinity Methodist Church Hall. Corner of Sandringham & New North Rd, Kingsland.

81. Bold bookshops

Standing its ground against e-readers is The Legendary, Hard-to-Find, But Worth The Effort, Second-Hand Bookshop on Onehunga Mall. It's certainly the best titled, and probably the best stocked, of second hand bookshops anywhere in the city. For new books, try much-loved Unity Books on High St, for a peaceful 30 minutes of escapism.

82. The Bunker

There's oodles of old bunkers on Mt Victoria in Devonport, but only one of them hosts regular folk music three times a week. Attending a night at The Bunker, home of the Devonport Folk Music Club (founded in the 60s), is like a trip back through time and space, hearing the folk music of the old countries, and some original stuff from the new. Visit once and you're hooked. Check devonportfolkmusic.co.nz for upcoming concerts.

83. Zoo

Even if you didn't love the largest collection of native and exotic animals in New Zealand, you could still happily spend days in the 17 hectares of lush parkland of Auckland Zoo. The newest attraction, Te Wao Nui features the plants and animals of our most distinct landscapes - coastal and island, forest and wetland, high country - all just five minutes from the central city. Overnighters, animal encounters, international conservation outreach, this is world class stuff. Visit 136-138 Motions Rd Western Springs. Ph (09) 360 3805.

84. Kelly Tarlton's

Built by marine archeologist and diver Kelly Tarlton in disused sewage storage tanks in 1985, this was a mad project that defied the odds, a pioneering aquarium using a new form of curved acrylic panels so that visitors could feel part of the seascapes. Still one of Auckland's top attractions, Kelly's is undergoing a $5 million upgrade, which will give even better access to the famed penguins, live jellyfish and stingrays, and fearsome shark experiences. The best of being beside the seaside. It can be found at 23 Tamaki Dr Orakei, Auckland Ph (09) 531 5065.

85. Heartland sport

You can keep your flash stadia, your over-logo'ed, over-pampered and over-paid national sporting stars. The thing we love about Auckland sport is still the muddy steamy paddocks and netball courts, the swimming pools and gymnasia and athletics tracks where schoolkids and working grade teams, mums and dads, volunteer coaches and drivers and uniform washers keep the spirit of participation (and future stars) alive and thriving. Early mornings, frozen feet, sausies on the barbies to raise funds for uniforms and buses to the national finals, this is true sportsmanship.

86. Dare to dream

Kiwi Scott Gilmour brought a low tech, high impact notion to improving kids' lives in low income communities with the "I Have a Dream" charitable project. Motivate and empower an entire year level from primary through to tertiary with committed mentoring, tutoring and enrichment. Others talk about it and form another committee, these folks just take a personal interest in the kids and make it happen.

87. Grow, cook, eat

You can wring your hands about obesity, health and food ignorance, or you can roll up your sleeves and teach kids to get their hands dirty and grow, harvest, prepare and share fresh, seasonal food. Garden to Table, founded in 2008, works in schools to teach skills that will form the basis of positive lifelong eating habits. Seven schools and growing ...

88. Unitec gardens

The gothic asylum buildings are now glorious. There's something bucolic about the rustic beekeepers' clubhouse and organic gardens. A stunning new marae succeeds in blending modern and traditional. And it's fun locating archaeological relics along the much-restored Oakley Creek walkway. Visit Unitec, 139 Carrington Rd, Mt Albert.

89. Old Mercury Theatre

The home of Auckland's thriving theatre scene from the 1960s through to the end of the 1980s, the Mercury Theatre is Auckland's oldest surviving theatre (it was built as the Kings Theatre in 1910). Now gently slipping into genteel shabbiness, but still with her original furbelows, occasionally rocked by owners the Equippers Church (and the ragiest Stolen Girlfriends fashion show ever), the grand old dame is discreetly open to offers from gentlemen (or ladies) with deep pockets and a love of Auckland heritage.

90. Roger's Nursery

Each week he riles Auckland's punctuation pedants with the missing apostrophe in his "Rogers Nursery" newspaper advertisements, but Roger Hunter makes up for that by selling cheap, beautiful seedlings and shrubs, flowers and trees that are all jammed into a ramshackle, bountiful and lush tangle of foliage at his Mangere headquarters. They are sold at knock-down prices - and your purchase is always accompanied by a loud and unsolicited bit of gardening advice. Check out 39 Tidal Rd, Mangere. Ph (09) 275 4209.

91. Capitol Cinema

The Balmoral section of Dominion Rd is a bustling Chinatown these days, and a great place for a bargain meal, but amid the neon and steam is the beautifully refurbished neo-greek movie house Capitol Cinema. Once you are off the street it's instantly calming, with plush furnishings and soft lighting putting you in the mood for a quality film which, incidentally, is what the Capitol generally screens. It's at 610 Dominion Rd. Ph (09) 623 2000.

92. Powerstation

The best place to watch live music in the country. The Mt Eden venue (formerly the Galaxy) has a capacity of just over 1000 but it's an intimate space, making it perfect for the baying music masses. Over the years everyone from Radiohead and the Pixies to the Beastie Boys and Public Enemy have played there. It sat dormant for a few years in the 2000s but five years ago new management took over and it's back up and humming. Find 33 Mt Eden Rd, Eden Terrace.

93. Kings Arms

The place to see fledgling local bands and reasonably big Kiwi and international bands. But best of all, this place is built for a knees-up and memorable shows include the sweaty maelstrom of the Black Keys in 2005 (before they were famous enough to play Vector Arena), local gigs by The Naked and Famous in 2010 (again, before they were world famous) and the Checks have whipped up a few storms at the KA too. This place is steeped in history, with gig posters plastered all over the walls to prove it, and the garden bar is perfect for a Sunday arvo beer. Chill at 59 France St South, Newton. Ph (09) 373 3240.

94. Vector Arena

When it (finally) opened five years ago - the first big show was Red Hot Chili Peppers in April, 2007 - it made an immediate impact on the live music and entertainment scene. Without it, many top acts such as Lady Gaga, Kylie and Justin Timberlake, and popular shows like Walking With Dinosaurs and The Wall Live, would have bypassed New Zealand because there was no appropriate venue for them to perform at. It may be butt-ugly and a wilderness to get to, but it's the best we've got. Mahuhu Cres, Auckland. Ph (09) 358 1250.

THE DISCOVERIES

It may interest you all to know, after the myriad things I've given a bash, what has stuck with me, what new Auckland discoveries I have made which are now a part of my life.

95. Walking city

Something I have learned from various experts is that fast intense bursts of walking are more effective than meandering strolls. On a sunny day I take on some of my favourite hills: Bullock Track in Grey Lynn or ascending Old Mill Rd up past the zoo are a true challenge to my energy-induced asthma, but I take my preventive inhaler beforehand. Hiking up Maungawhau in Mt Eden or up Mt Albert is also a favourite weekend activity which makes me feel virtuous, and the views are to die for.

96. Olympic Pools, Newmarket

Firstly, I would say I have taken to anything which has aqua in its description - at the moment, this is either taking an aqua zumba class, which you can do at a number of locations or aqua jogging which I do at the Olympic pools in Newmarket. Note, in winter, it's good to warm up first, going for a brisk walk or having a wee session on a treadmill. I like the mix of people at the Newmarket pool when my girlfriend and I go aqua jogging. It includes young mums, dignified older Asian women and Remmers gents with exquisite manners. For me it's just a win win, I get to keep my glasses on, my lippy remains almost intact and I catch up on some good gossip. Take the plunge at the Olympic Pools and Fitness Centre, 77 Broadway, Newmarket. Ph (09) 522 4414.

97. Milford

Milford has become a bit of a mecca for me - I can see why people retire there, so many medical professionals handy for demanding types like me. I go to Milford Dentists with the entertaining Andrea Clarke who takes pains to NEVER tell me off. I also have my holistic, lifestyle doctor, Dr Frances Pitsilis from whom I get my main supplement, Femme Essentials Multivitamin and Mineral, and always lots of good advice. Her practice also introduced me to Clinician's VirActive Seasonal, a Vitamin A product which seems to keep colds at bay pretty successfully for me. And if it's a nice day I can go for a walk on the beach afterwards. Maybe I should get a second home there when I win the lottery.

98. Next Generation Domain

Tuesday morning at Next Generation Domain it's ladies tennis morning.We get the run of the courts from 9.30 to 12, kicking off with drills run by two tennis coaches and moving on to doubles a bit later. I turned up at these sessions thinking I would measure up pretty well, but life is humbling, I am easily one of the weakest. These seriously powerful tennis players just make it more fun and more challenging. It is truly the highlight of my week. On 1 Tennis Lane, The Domain, Auckland. Ph 0800 639 843.

99. Waiwera Day Spa

Though I'm not encouraged to go to spas very often because it'll only make readers jealous, the place I would go to again with my own dollar would be the Waiwera Day Spa which is at the Waiwera Hot Pools. It's very good value, an easy drive up the motorway, yet you feel well out of Auckland. And it's such an oasis as you have your treatments, the massages are a very high standard. There's also an extra feeling of satisfaction as you are close to harrassed parents and wet over-excited children, but you'd never know it. It's absolutely peaceful. Visit Waiwera Thermal Resort 21 Waiwera Rd, Waiwera Ph (09) 427 8820.

100. Eggy brunches

I've changed my eating habits since I started this gig. I snack more healthily mostly, drink less black tea and less alcohol on the whole. I take iron supplements and Vitamin D during winter. One of the most important things I have learned is to have protein not only at dinner but at breakfast and lunch, especially for someone like me who is low in iron. If I am out for a cafe meeting first thing, I'll often order eggs for a second breakfast. Bambina in Newmarket do a fantastic scrambled egg, Dizengoff in Ponsonby Rd make good poached eggs and I go to Gala in Mt Eden for sumptuous egg baps.
 
#10 ·
Why I love Auckland - because it's getting shit done. Len Brown has been a machine, Auckland has a vision and is getting stuck into developments and redevelopments. I cant wait to come back and see what's been done in a few years time.

Not like Wellingotn. **** me, the sooner Welly becomes a super-city the better.
 
#11 ·
Why I love Auckland - because it's getting shit done. Len Brown has been a machine, Auckland has a vision and is getting stuck into developments and redevelopments. QUOTE]

True. I am surprised how good a job he has done. Great vision. Not an easy thing to do to keep this all together and try get traction on these major projects with so much negativity out there. Auckland is slowly becoming world class. A place I want to be.


Other great parts of Auckland I think missing on that list. Imperial Lane, Real Groovy.
 
#13 ·
The government's plan to take the government out of 'local government' and giving themselves powers to take control of anything they don't like e.g. they would have the power to take over AT if they decide (as they have) that it's focusing too much on PT. This is a real threat to cities across NZ and it should be noted that Cameron Brewer actually supports these changes.

A discussion of this can be found here: http://cyclingauckland.co.nz/general/2012/07/taking-the-government-out-of-local-government/
 
#14 ·
I love the name of this thread!

Regarding Ramen I have to pump for Mentatz in Lorne St!

Other little things I love in AKL would be Dizengoff for probably the most consistently terrific coffee and the best Taiwanese bakery (including Taiwan itself!) La Couronne also in Lorne St.

I love arriving into Auckland on a stunning winters day such as I did this morning at 6am with my Chinese mates on their first visit here. Leaving the airport we see a glorious sunrise, a light foggy mist and a modern city - the best part is watching their faces as they try to comprehend that all those lovely photos of AKL I have sent them over the years were, despite their being convinced - not photoshopped, its the real deal!

Thats why I love Auckland :)
 
#15 ·
Tyler Brûlé of Monocle Magazine fame loves Auckland and the New Zealand way

".......If I may, I think Auckland is in urgent need of a hotel that reflects that quality of design, architecture and food that’s being produced. It doesn’t need to be fancy but it should embrace the NZ vernacular and feature high quality merino wool blankets, locally produced toiletries, a good pool area and an all-day café.​


Perhaps an idea for the site mooted for a hotel next to ASB in Wynyard.​
 
#17 ·
^^ i must say the cnr pancake store is soo good its always busy and such a little kitchen for them to work in and yes the zoo is so cheap because i went to a billabong in aussie and it was almost 30 bucks an adult where as the zoo is what 20 odd bucks but u see soooooo much more at Auckland zoo compared to whats at a billabong which was in QLD i may add, Townsville
 
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#19 ·

Daniel Pearson used to be the chef at Bracu. Now, he’s responsible for Egg & Spoon, a pop up restaurant that has most recently ‘popped up’ in Grey Lynn’s Wine Vault, with more events to come throughout the year, before the restaurant settles in a permanent home. The English-born chef began his career in the burger vans of Northampton, and arrived in New Zealand via London’s Michelin starred Foliage. Somehow, he’s amassed a list of Auckland favourites that include some of our old favourites as well as an impressive number of local secrets we knew nothing about.

1. Kura

The thing I love most about Japanese food is that I haven’t been trained in it, I haven’t studied it down to the molecule and I haven’t worked in any Japanese restaurants. So when I walk down the stairs through a door easily missed off Queen Street and enter a bustling restaurant like Kura, I know I’m going to relax and have a good time. Easily my favourite restaurant in Auckland.

2. Obsidian Montepulciano 2010

Wow. What a wine! Even better than that, what a place to buy it from. I love anything that involves Waiheke Island. I’m a council estate boy from the middle of England; places like this only exist in your dreams or on TV where I come from. Highly recommend taking a bottle down to Hekerua Bay and watch the sun go down. If you’re lucky you might get to see a pod of orcas, too.

3. Depot by Al Brown

Awesome place for a flat white. Great coffee, great staff, great atmosphere. People are busting out on to the road in the evening. Reminds me of the bars in London, packed to the rafters with people enjoying the social side of life.

4. Nasturtium

One of my favourite herbs meaning ‘peppery to the nose’ in Latin. This wild herb grows everywhere in Auckland! Next to train tracks, up walls, in fields, gardens, car parks, under bridges. Literally everywhere. When I was working in London, using flowers and wild herbs was just coming into fashion and were readily available. However, a punnet of nasturtium flowers was £15 ($30). Crazy. It’s everywhere here and it’s free.

5. Clevedon Oysters

Clevedon oysters are hands down my favourite supplier. When I was working at Bracu they openly invited our whole team down for the day to look around their warehouse, shucking systems, grading machinery and storage facilities. They took us out on a boat to the oyster beds and we were eating them fresh from the sea. They taught us how they produce their product and all the different techniques involved.

6. Resurrection at Galbraith’s Alehouse

Galbraith’s Alehouse do a lovely pint. As a lover of real ale I highly recommend this one. It makes me giggle after a few and would put any burly geezer on his arse at around 8%.

7. Mercer Cheese

This little cheese shop is definitely worth a detour off the motorway. Albert Alferink has been making his legendary Gouda for some time now and just to prove its quality they have recently run out of wall space in the shop for all their gold medal certificates. Last time I was there they were joking that they would have to start turning the awards down (or invent their own). And if you don’t like Gouda, try the creamy walnut, or the feta, the stinging nettle, the blue, the edam, the parmesan…

8. Pukekohe Market

Not the most attractive of markets it has to be said. It sometimes resembles a car boot sale. However, this is my type of market. No frills, down to earth, multicultural, good, honest produce mostly grown around the Franklin district. I go to Pukekohe market every week with $20 and buy a bounty of produce. From bitter melons to mini cucumbers, multiple varieties of fruits, Asian greens, punnets of herbs, rhubarb that looks forced, fresh eggs, cheese… the list is endless. Each week is a surprise. As a chef it’s a dream come true: constant seasonal inspiration and at a fraction of the price of other markets, and more importantly than the all-too-convenient supermarket (or the suppliers that can’t be bothered to make an effort).

9. Gypsy Tea Room

This place is just cool. They haven’t had to do much to achieve that – it’s very unpretentious, in a great location, with brilliant atmosphere, wine, olives to nibble… When sitting with a nice glass of red I feel like I’m back in Soho. There aren’t many places I’ve been to that have made me smile like my first time here.

10. Orua Bay, Awhitu Peninsula

In the Awhitu Peninsula, Orua Bay is my number one favourite place in Auckland, possibly the planet, as it’s where my daughter, Alice, had her first paddle in the sea. Scenery that words can’t describe and the Sky Tower very much on the horizon letting you know that the hustle and bustle of life is at a safe distance.

A beautiful place for a picnic with all the ingredients picked up from Pukekohe Market on Saturdays or Awhitu Market on the occasional Sunday. If you want an ice cream from the shop, make sure you take cash as Eftpos is a foreign entity in this neck of the words.
 
G
#22 ·
Is this it ?




* The Mercer cheese is extremely good (try the nettle cheese!). * I love going over to Waiheke and enjoy a glass of syrah while taking in the view of the city - heaven. * To anyone who likes the Wine Cellar at St Kevin's Arcade, you'll probably like Newmarket's Lucha Lounga too with their quirky Mexican wrestler theme and solid "indie" music playlist. * Tanuki's Cave. Nuff said.
Thanks for the tips, these are places that I have not heard of :cheers:
 
#21 ·
* The Mercer cheese is extremely good (try the nettle cheese!). * I love going over to Waiheke and enjoy a glass of syrah while taking in the view of the city - heaven. * To anyone who likes the Wine Cellar at St Kevin's Arcade, you'll probably like Newmarket's Lucha Lounga too with their quirky Mexican wrestler theme and solid "indie" music playlist. * Tanuki's Cave. Nuff said.
 
G
#23 · (Edited)
Delineator Nat Cheshire can take credit for the interiors of many of Auckland’s newest and most exciting restaurant developments – District Dining and Cafe Hanoi included. As well as all that, he’s a bloody nice guy with a knack for excellent conversation and a passion for food.

1. New Flavour and Barilla, Dominion Road, Balmoral

I seem to find myself on 1am flights back into New Zealand every other month. New Flavour sits invitingly on the route from airport to home, its fluorescent lights drawing me like a lazy, red-eyed moth. Crunching my way through cucumber with chilli while tables of eight still trickle in through the doors, I thank the stars once again for Asian immigration. Barilla is even better, but you need to go at a more humane hour.

New Flavour, 541 Dominion Road, Mt Eden, ph 638-6880

Barilla, 571 Dominion Road, Balmoral, ph 638-8032

2. Bhana Brothers

I grew up in Freemans Bay, in a time when houses like ours cost the equivalent of a year’s high school teacher’s salary. A couple of years after I was borne gang set up its head quarters across the road, making us safer than we’d ever been, or are now. Bhana Brothers was there then. It’s still there now. It’s the same, but better. The people are the same, but there are more of them. They still have moustaches. When I left home to live in the city, Bhana Brothers is the one store I wished could take with me.

Bhana Brothers, 129 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby

3. Cafe Hanoi

Admittedly I designed this place: it is my first restaurant and am proud of it like my friends are proud of their actual, human babies. It is run by good people, the cooking is done by good people, and the food is just what the city needed: bright, fresh, juicy Vietnamese staples at a reasonable price. The architecture’s not bad…

Cafe Hanoi, Cnr Galway & Commerce Streets, Britomart, ph 302-3478

4. Coco’s Cantina

I love this place like nothing else. On a lazy summers evening the two of us can dawdle up here, plant ourselves on the sidewalk, and know that by dinnertime, we’ll have a table of ten. The food is good, and hearty. It just feels like home, and I love them for making it this way. Wonderful women.

Coco’s Cantina, 376 Karangahape Road, Newton, ph 300-7582

5. IE Produce

Actually, I never really liked this place. It feels vaguely like the nineties in here, in the same way that English television does. But if you want pomegranate molasses, they have it. If you want good organic fruit and veges, they have them all. Artisan this, biodynamic that: IE is a Mecca for Birkenstock-wearing cooks. Just for goodness sake don’t make your kids eat carob.

IE Produce, 1 Barrys Point Road, Takapuna

6. Ken Yakitori Anzac

There was a time when we came here every Friday night. We’d get home from our studios and collapse side by side, exhausted, beat, spent. A few hours later we’d wake, and wander silent and bleary-eyed across the city to Ken’s place. Dark, carefully improvised interiors, a mental emoti-pop-techno-trance soundtrack and a collection of chainsaws and enthusiastic slogans made us feel like we were back in Shibuya’s back streets. We’d drink Kirin, eat garlic, edamame, crispy-soft teriyaki tofu, and hold hands. By the time we left, we had remembered who we were, and why food was so damned important.

Ken Yakitori Anzac, 55 Anzac Ave, CBD, 379-6500

7. Mezze Bar

Cities need places like the Mezze Bar. I think its best measure is the breadth of its clientele: from teenage hipsters through thirty-something champagne-swillers, middle-aged bohemians, aged hippies, and elegant elderly theatre-goers. The food is luscious and substantial: Spanish tapas and meals since before the trend, when filling your guests was still in a restaurant’s job description. Comfy sofas, timber tables, warm colours and softly glowing Nelson lanterns add up to a room that feels something like a Spanish restaurant is 1960s LA. This is where you go on Monday night, on Friday night, when it’s raining, when there’s no-one around, when the city is heaving, when you just want to curl up in the corner with a cup of tea. Just make sure it’s a corner with a good view of the old Electric Power Board building across the road: it makes you feel like Auckland’s a real city.

Mezze Bar, 9 Durham St East, CBD, 307-2029

8. Sheinkin

We lived opposite Sheinkin for seven years, and it become our dining room. There was a terrifying moment sometime in the middle when it sold, and the new owner sacked everyone and staffed it with what I guess was his family. Sheinkin was too special to too many people for this to go unpunished; within a couple of days it went from bustling to empty, within a couple more the old staff were hired back, and by the end of the week it was full again. It has been its usual perfect self ever since. The lovely Junior still churns out the best cafe food in the city, the coffee is good, and the space simple and elegant in the way a busy city cafe ought be. This is the sort of place where everything looks good, but the first thing you ever order is so perfect you can’t ever bring yourself to try anything else.

Sheinkin, 3 Lorne St, CBD

9. Takapuna Beach Cafe

This place is the future. The food is good, the gelato great, and the drinks even better. The chocolate gelato smoothie (extra thick please) is so good it’s stupid. What really makes this cafe brilliant is that all this quality plays out in a sun-lit pavilion on our harbour’s edge. You did remember we had a harbour, right? The view is a pitch-perfect mix of green stuff – grass, trees, water, volcano – and action – cars, boats, kayaks, windsurfers, strollers, runners, strutters. Everyone has a dog. They’re all fit, or trying to get fit. The kids are sandy-haired and happy. It’s sickening, but also kind of nice. On or two days a year you can nibble gnocchi here, while watching surfers sliding along behind back-lit pohutukawa trunks, and imagine what Auckland might be like if every bay had a spot like this.

Takapuna Beach Cafe, 22 The Promenade, Takapuna
 
#25 ·
Auckland's best vintage and designer bargain stores​

To me, clothes shopping in Auckland's CBD has traditionally meant popping into a chain store in my lunch break for an unimaginative staple, or browsing the High St designers and wondering who pays $450 for a casual frock. Until a few weekends ago. I dragged a friend into the city to visit my secret source for interesting new clothes - the City Designers Market on High St. I also wanted to try out a cheerful and girly vintage boutique on the city side of Britomart called Coucou, as well as the new Workshop Outlet and a few other vintage stores, both venerable and new. The list started getting long. And then it struck me. Some time over the past few years, the CBD has become a destination for affordable designer and vintage clothes shopping in its own right. And I'm talking south of the long-standing vintage hotspot of K Rd.

Our quick shopping trip turned into an epic day of bargain hunting, and even then we didn't get to all the stores on the list, and I ended up returning later to complete my mission. (Next time I'm saving up, clearing the weekend and booking a hotel.) When I later mentioned to Ute Bohnert, the owner of High Street vintage store Emporio U, that I was writing this story, she laughed and thanked me. The fashion journalists around town, she said, keep assuring her that they'll keep her their little secret. I can see this would be most beneficial for their wardrobes, but perhaps not so good for Bohnert's bottom line. So maybe I'm breaking an unwritten rule and I'll be frozen out at the next media launch, but for the benefit of the bargain hunters among you, here is my list of 10 of the best spots for designer and vintage bargains in the CBD.

Tango
Little High St, 55 High St, ph (09) 300 7165, open Mon-Thurs 10am-6pm, Fri 10-8, Sat 10-5, Sun 12-4pm.
There is a trinity of vintage and second-hand clothing stores along High St that have been quietly plying their fashionable trade for the past decade or two. Tango is the glamour puss among them. This is the place to go if you have a big occasion coming up and you want to make an entrance - with a guarantee that no one else in the room will be dressed the same. On this visit, I fell in love with a shimmery, slinky Diane von Furstenberg gown (certainly not a mere "dress"). Unfortunately, the only "gown" that my current lifestyle demands is of the cotton bathrobe variety, so as far as I know it remains on the rack. At this atmospheric store on Little High Street you'll find anything from Victorian and Edwardian pieces to glamorous treasures of the 1990s, including costume jewellery and coats that look like they've emerged fresh from Hollywood's Golden Age.

Smoove
Little High St, 55 High St, ph (09) 307 2799, open weekdays 10am-6pm, Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 12-4pm.
Also one of the High St trinity, and a few steps from Tango, is Smoove. Owner Matt Lark calls it "an alternative eclectic wonderland; like Willy Wonka for clothes", but the clothing here is more wearable than that might make it sound. Lark finds promising vintage numbers on overseas buying trips and has them reworked into cool and interesting retro pieces to suit the local market. He also stocks new clothes that have a vintage attitude. I picked up a fun reworked dress that I decided was somewhere in between 1980s Rendells checkout chick and Sandy from Grease, and a sweeping, clingy, dotty, black-and-white number. (Audrey Hepburn meets Rachel from Glee, maybe?) Total bill: $150. I also resolved to direct the husband here to check out the men's retro section.

Emporio U
Basement, 9 High St, ph (09) 356 6985, open weekdays 11am-5pm, Saturdays 11am-2pm.
You'll never be tempted to buy designer knock-offs again once you've taken the stairs down to Emporio U, at the Shortland St end of High St. The longest-standing of the High St trinity, 17-year-old Emporio U sells clothing and accessories from big overseas designers at small local prices. We're talking Miu Miu, Marc Jacobs, Prada, Armani, Burberry, Lanvin - in many cases selling for two-digit dollar amounts. Some even still have the four-figure original price tags attached. Owner Ute Bohnert says, somewhat enigmatically, that she has good sources in New Zealand and overseas - fickle shoppers who buy clothes from the biggest-name designers and hardly wear them (if it all) before tiring of them and flicking them off.

Coucou
30 Customs St, ph (09) 366 1694, open weekdays 10am-6pm, Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 11am-5pm.
When it comes to clothes shopping, the Britomart Quarter is dominated by big names and big prices. And then there's Coucou. Tucked around the side in Custom St and adjoining its higher-end sister store Made, Coucou arrived last spring and immediately brightened up the quarter, and lowered the average price tag. It's a girly-girl's paradise, from the red polka dots on the walls to the colourful and feminine clothing on the racks. You'll find new items from European stores such as Top Shop, Zara and H&M as well as carefully selected vintage dresses, skirts and tops.

City Designers Market
Corner of 1 Freyberg Place and High Street, ph 021 711 710, open Fridays 9am-6pm, Saturdays 10am-5pm.
I find it impossible to leave the City Designers Market on Freyberg Square without a little (or large) brown paper bag filled with locally made wearable goodies, often bought from the designer herself. With the wares of six up-and-coming contemporary local designers crammed into the indoor market every Friday and Saturday, the bargain-to-square-inch ratio is seductively high. I found a gorgeous Oriental-style red satin dress, but upon stepping out of the changing room I discovered my taller, slimmer friend was wearing the same one. Needless to say, I let her have it, and instead bought a cute and cosy blue merino top that I've worn almost every day since. Sign up to the emailing list to get the heads-up on sales - they're well worth the trip into the city.

Recycle Boutique
Darby St, ph (09) 379 8891, open Mon-Thurs: 9am-5.30pm, Fri 9am-8.30pm, Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 11am-4pm.
My most fashionable friend by far has been frequenting the Recycle Boutique since we were first-year students - and that's (gulp) almost two decades ago. Her downfall is that whenever she goes in with a pile of clothing to sell for a bit of extra pocket money, she goes out again with a pile of different clothing. You'll find plenty of good-quality chain-store and designer clothing and accessories, and a bit of vintage. Check out the $4.50 rack - the store sells items on behalf of the owners of the clothing, and anything that hasn't sold within six weeks and isn't collected again gets hung here.

Tatty's
47 High St, ph 09 373 3126, open Mon-Thurs 10am-6pm, Fri 10am-7pm, Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 11am-5pm.
A Ponsonby Rd fixture since 2006, the upmarket second-hand clothing store Tatty's opened a city outlet about 18 months ago in the former World store on High St. It's a shop to take a bit of time over, with great designer finds stashed in every corner. After reluctantly passing on a divine but tiny baby-pink cashmere jumper, I stumbled upon a seemingly unworn Keith Matheson wrap-around dress. (Designer: tick. Vintage: tick.) At $40 I figured it would be perfect for both the school run and the odd dinner out. It was only when I got it home that I found the original price tag attached. Turns out I bought myself a $450 designer dress from High St after all.

Workshop Outlet
Shed 4, Cnr Wellesley and Nelson Sts, ph 021 0272 4882, open weekdays 10am-6pm, 10am-5pm Sat-Sun.
The newest arrival on our list, the cavernous and cool Workshop Outlet store opened in an old warehouse off Wellesley St a couple of months ago. You'll find a table stacked with their signature jeans at cut prices, and racks of samples, seconds and end-of-line women's and men's clothing, from floaty silk dresses to stylish winter coats and shoes. It's a bit of an uphill hike from High St and has free parking right outside, so pop in on your way in or out of the city.

Peachy Keen
Inside Real Groovy, 438 Queen St, ph (09) 377 2337, open daily 10am-6pm.
Located inside Real Groovy, vintage store Peachy Keen is well worth the wander up from High St. The unofficial slogan is "from deco to disco", with most of the clothes here sourced from the United States and dating from the 1920s to the 1980s, plus a few modern pieces. The owners aim to stock something for every budget and style, from cool slogan T-shirts for as little as $5, to cowboy shirts and boots, to elaborate 1950s and 60s gowns costing up to about $300. A great place to come if you have a dress-up party to go to - owner Jill Peterson (who also owns Corseterie in St Kevin's Arcade) has a formidable knowledge of vintage fashion.

Cassette Super Markets
Cassette Nine, 9 Vulcan Lane, first Saturday of every month, 11am-4pm.
Once a month of a Saturday afternoon, the uber-cool Cassette Nine bar on Vulcan Lane becomes a low-lit and cosy little market, selling a bunch of interesting stuff, including hand-made accessories and second-hand clothing, mostly dating from the 1980s. I left wearing a cute scarlet crocheted hat, made by the girl who sold it to me. (And, fittingly for the theme of the day, eating a retro-style perfect pink macaron, which I think was made by the same girl). It's the kind of place where you'll never know what you'll find.
 
#28 ·
Fancy a drink? Here's a spot for every day of the week

No matter the occasion or the day of the week, there's always somewhere in town to make it a memorable moment.


MONDAY

It's the start of the week and the perfect time to catch up with a close friend or work colleague in intimate surroundings for good conversation and good wine.

Head for: The chic and stylish House Bar at Hotel DeBrett on O'Connell St. With its cool blue vibe, sit at the bar and have the bartender talk you through the top shelf and help you lubricate conversation. For something laid-back, High St's Rakinos is warm and mellow. It's a bar that prides itself on being unpretentious and friendly. There's a well-thought-out wine list and generous servings of good food until 9pm. Join the fun at the Monday pub quiz at the Bluestone Room on Durham Lane. This Monteith's bar is another establishment renowned for its hearty bar food.

TUESDAY

Heading out to the movies or the theatre? Make the most of the night and meet friends for a pre-show drink and tapas.

Head for: Bellota on Federal St. This stylish bar was designed by leading architect Andrew Lister and is run by illustrious chef Peter Gordon.

Grab a booth and a good rioja, and you'll feel like you've been transported to Spain. At the Mezze Bar on Durham Lane, there is always a positive vibe as people gather for dinner or a tasty antipasto platter (have to love those meatballs). Rub shoulders with the city's actors and theatre lovers, enjoy a glass of wine or two and soak up the pre-show frisson at Q Theatre's Lounge on Queen St.

WEDNESDAY

Woo hoo, it's mid-week. Time to get together with a group of friends, catch up on news and plan the upcoming weekend.

Head for: The top floor and balcony at Snapdragon at the Viaduct. Overlooking the yachts, this place is relaxed and friendly. Downstairs you can book a table for dinner. Mix it up with pizzas and jugs of planters punch or winter mulled wine at the Britomart Country Club. Nestle back into comfy couches and the vintage vibe of the Library Bar on Pakenham St East at the Viaduct, and nibble on the scrummy pumpkin and feta balls or treat yourself to a mid-week cocktail or two.

THURSDAY

The unofficial start of the weekend (just one day to suffer at work if it turns into a biggie). We're thinking big bars where there's plenty of space for your group to grow as you make new friends.

Head for: Tyler Street Garage at Britomart. Grab a seat upstairs on the roofbar or tuck into their pulled pork sliders and the classic Tyler Street hot dog. Across the square is Mexico, great for shots of tequila - they have 20 varieties - and tasty quesadillas to munch on. This place hums with a young crowd. The garden bar at Sale Street in Freemans Bay attracts a more mature crowd at this time of the week, with the garden bar being the most popular spot. Likewise near-neighbour, the sprawling La Zeppa at Victoria Park allows for plenty of people-watching as you tuck into hearty tapas.

FRIDAY

Friday night and is it after-work drinks - that roll into the night - or home to freshen up first before hitting the town? Either way, the bars and clubs of the inner-city come alive.

Head for: Red Hummingbird on Federal St. This place pumps after work, thanks to its relaxed vibe. As does the Northern Steamship on Quay St with its funky upside-down lamps and hearty bar food. At the nearby Brew on Quay nab one of the "cells" for your own private party. Fort St Union is another pub that appeals to those who like a few beers after work and they have a new woodfired pizza oven worth putting to the test. For something a little more elegant Everybody's at Imperial Lane is light and airy and attracts the stylish set. You can get so comfortable here you will want to stay for dinner.

SATURDAY

Saturday night and the inner city is the place to head to dine and dance the night away. Bars and clubs are tucked away down laneways and underground. There's something for everyone.

Head for: Agents and Merchants down at Britomart is a great place to grab a bite to eat before heading next door to Racket Bar, where there is a regular roll-call of DJs. Between the two, the courtyard alleyway with its fireplace is a popular spot to grab a table. Cassette Nine, upstairs on Vulcan Lane has DJs with tunes that can range from dubstep to house and techno. 1885 Britomart is a bar/club with a range of zones, and DJs.

As the night rolls on, you might want to downsize at Tabac on Mills Lane. This discreet bar is intimate and oozes a sophisticated vibe. Play your cards right and you'll find a live band performing. For the wee, small hours, tiny Mo's Bar on the corner of Wolfe and Federal Sts is the place to chat to the bartender - or the stranger on the bar stool next to you. Have them mix you a cocktail or two.

SUNDAY

It's time to kick back and enjoy the afternoon sunshine.

Head for: Wynyard Quarter and check out the host of restaurants and bars at North Wharf. Grab an outside table at Jack Tar and people-watch.

At the nearby Fish Markets, expand your wine knowledge at Big Picture Wine - a "multi-media and multi-sensory adventure" where you can taste and learn about New Zealand wine. For elegance, Soul Bar & Bistro at the Viaduct is the perfect place for indulging in some clean crisp, local white wines and a seafood lunch.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/news/article.cfm?c_id=6&objectid=10822092

I can attest to the quality of most of these places. Although they did miss out Suite which has the best cocktails in town.
 
G
#33 ·
Being Kiwi: Lifestyle beats money

Quality of life in 'safe little haven' chosen ahead of economic factors in parallel surveys .... Lifestyle defines New Zealanders' sense of national identity and most of us want to stay here - even if we could earn more overseas. In-depth interviews with 91 people in five communities, marking the Herald's relaunch in a compact format, found that all except seven people were glad to live in this country. A parallel DigiPoll survey of 750 New Zealanders found 66 per cent would choose to live here if they had a choice of anywhere in the world. The Herald's in-depth interviews, reported in a week-long series starting today, reveal that Kiwis of all ages define the typical characteristics of New Zealanders in positive lifestyle terms such as "sporty", "outdoors", "adventurous" and "friendly" .... MORE

If you had a choice, where would you choose to live?
New Zealand 66.1%
Australia 11%
Europe 10.8%
US/Canada 3.4%
Pacific Islands 3%
Asia 1.6%
Middle East 1.4%
Africa 0.4%
South America 0.3%
Caribbean 0.3%
Don't know/refused 1.7%
 
#34 ·
What I love about Auckland right now... It's coming into springtime and not only is the (slow) change to more agreeable weather putting a smile on people's faces, there's also this growing sense of optimism about the changes the city is going through.

There's a multitude of new places and spaces popping up - the kind of places Sydney and Mr Kiwifruit hunt down and take photographs of :) - that at first sight create an expectation of pretentiousness... and happily fail to deliver in this regard... Yay!

(This may sound silly - I think I've caught springtime fever today)
 
G
#37 ·
I will definitely agree with the sentiment of growing optimism. Almost everybody that I talk to is very excited about the direction that the city is heading in - long may it continue so :cheers:
 
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