Kylie B.'s
Best Coffee
- 130Espresso WorkshopAuckland CentralFor one of the most bad-**** brews in town, I can't go past a coffee at Britomart's Espresso Workshop. Today, I nestled in with a killer Ethiopian single origin flat white with nut mylk from awesome local brand Carew Kitchen and read the paper. This Britomart cafe is a homage to caffeine fiends. Don't miss their cold brew too - it's a speciality.
- 218Goodness GraciousEden TerraceI’m such a big fan of Goodness Gracious’ signature blend of espresso that I’ll travel across town to pick up a brew from this awesome uptown bagel spot. The brew is full of depth but with a smooth, clean finish. I love the fact that local owner Greg is so committed to serving up the best coffee in Auckland that he’s taken the time to create a Goodness Gracious blend.
- 342Humbug CafeGlen EdenIt can be hard to find the divine brew that is Millers Coffee in West Auckland, which is why Glen Eden’s Humbug Cafe is one of my favourites. Millers have been brewing from Cross Street in town since 1988 and the blend has remained unchanged because it is honestly that good. Humbug Cafe is a great spot to go in the morning to catch the sunshine and sip on a smooth flat white.
- 42Amano Bakery & ReataurantAuckland CentralAmano is an awesome addition to Britomart and my working neighbourhood. With its farm-to-table philosophy firmly in place thanks to the fact this Auckland bakery is part of the ever-evolving Hip Group, everything is made from scratch on site. The flour is milled out back, the sourdough starters nurtured and the delicate pastries created by some of the most passionate local bakers in the business. I love the fact that Amano offers dairy free milk options - delivered via a tap nonetheless - in the form of buffalo and macadamia milk for my morning coffee. Awesome to see a real working bakery downtown.
- 53Kombi CoffeeTakapunaI visited Ben Story at his digs in Takapuna's sweet precinct Fortieth and Hurstmere recently to check out his awesome Havana coffee served out of a Kombi. Ben's a coffee aficionado, travelling to Auckland by way of the The Lyttleton Coffee Company and a stint spent in the cafe capital of New Zealand, Welly. I love the fact that he's also brought his passion and refinement for the art of coffee with him to Takapuna. I'd indulged the night before too so he served me up a delicious cold-pressed juice of carrot, lemon and a whole lot of other goodies. It certainly put a pep in my step.
Kylie B.'s
Winter Fun For The Family
- 163Rainbow's EndManukau CityThere's so many cool thrills and spills to enjoy at Rainbow's End. I love the Classic Corkscrew Rollercoaster because rollercoasters have always been a favourite ride of mine. I rode them at this awesome Auckland theme park when I was younger as I'm sure have most Kiwi kids because a school holiday trip to Rainbow's End is a real rite of passage. Today, the rides are more thrilling than ever before with Fearfall - an 18-storey, 80km drop - and the fast-paced, head-spinning Invader.
- 25Aotea Square Ice RinkAuckland CentralI love that the Aotea Square Ice Rink has brought a winter wonderland to Auckland's CBD. There's nothing more magical than heading up to the rink on a Friday night after work, slapping some skates and making like you're in the Olympics. I always dreamt of being a professional ice skater and thanks to this awesome Auckland initiative, I get to live out my dreams in the winter.
- 31Waitakere DamWaiataruaI used to live a stone's throw from this fantastically untapped trail that winds down into the depths of the verdant bush of Auckland's rainforest - the Waitakere Ranges. Even though you need to be prepared for a hike back up the hill, the road down into the Waitakere Dam is tarsealed so is great for walkers and kids on bikes. Don't miss the side trail halfway down that takes you to the largest Kauri tree in the whole of the Ranges - you can even see this big daddy from the ridges of Piha and Karekare because he's so massive. I also believe that mystical forest fairies like to live in and around his gnarled, gigantic roots. If you're looking for a whole day of activity instead then use this 1.4km walk as your starting point and head either across the top or below the rushing waters of the dam to connect with a host of trails that take you either to Bethells Beach or down into the jaw-droppingly beautiful Cascade Kauri Park, which is one of the only areas of unlogged forest left here. This kind of walk makes you realise why New Zealand is so special!
- 459Auckland DomainGraftonWithin the Auckland Domain lies one of the city's most tranquil hidden gems - the Winter Gardens. I love holing up in the glasshouse on a blustery, gusty day and watching the rays of winter sunlight illuminate the exotic plant life within. When I was a kid, I used to pretend I was a lady keeping court while marveling at the outside lily pad. Whenever I have visitors from out of town, one of my favourite cool season activities is to come for a visit to these gardens.
- 51Sounds Of SeaAuckland CentralI've lived in Auckland all my life and until today I never knew how cool this art installation at North Wharf truly is. It's all about showing Auckland's history, as well as being a spot where you can create art and sound by speaking into the installation. Look for the big, silver sculptures sticking out of the ground and then have a play. I hid in one and scared a friend as she walked past. Awesome fun!
Kylie B.'s
Delicious Dumplings
- 12Love DumplingsEden TerraceA local in the know has shared with me a little secret about where to find the best-value dumplings in Auckland and you need to go no further than Love Dumplings in Symonds Street. This amazing little Chinese restaurant serves up 25 dumplings for just $12 and you can even take frozen ones home for cheaper - yep, if you DIY dumplings you'll get 30 dumplings for just $10. It's the kind of spot that makes you realise you can never judge a restaurant by its decor and instead should look to the food and local recommendations to make your decision. Don't miss the pork and leek dumplings... they're divine!
- 27Mr Zhou’s DumplingsNew LynnI have a friend that can’t go drive past Mr Zhou’s Dumplings in New Lynn without stopping - so good is this west Auckland dumpling joint. Created by the same owner who brought the legendary New Flavour Dumplings to Dominion Rd, Mr Zhou’s is already the stuff of New Lynn legend. It’s always busy so go early to get a table.
- 346Barilla DumplingsBalmoralNo best of Auckland’s dumplings list would be complete without referencing the amazing Barilla Dumplings of Dominion Rd. This Chinese restaurant is fabled for a very good reason because they still do make some of the best dumplings in town. I like to wait until I’m famished before I head here because I always eat one dumpling too many, so good is this offering.
- 43Xiao Dan Restaurant and BarPonsonbyIf you’re looking for a sweet deal on dumplings, head to this little-known Ponsonby Rd restaurant on a Tuesday to indulge in a massive dumplings feast. You can get 20 dumplings for $8. So, so good!
- 59XuxuAuckland CentralFor gourmet dumplings, I love to head to Xuxu in Britomart. The cousin of Cafe Hanoi and just across the street, it’s a haven for gorgeous handmade dumplings accompanied by even better cocktails. I highly recommend the chicken potstickers, which are fried dumplings with shiitake mushrooms. A winner every time.
Kylie B.'s
Local Experts
- 13Reliance Financial GroupAuckland AirportIf you need financial advice or one of the best mortgage brokers in Auckland, go no further than Reliance Financial Group. Their team know how to get you the best deal so you can pay off your home loan faster. Suresh and Suman are also experts in mortgage refinancing and commercial and business loans. I love the fact that Reliance Financial Group have lots of long-standing clients, who trust them because they know how to make your dollars go further.
- 26Immigration Law ExpertsPapatoetoeVineet and his team are not only experts in the field of immigration law but they are amazing at helping their clients settle into New Zealand society. I love that this immigration services business was born out of a desire to help vulnerable migrants settle into a Kiwi way of life. Vineet is a trusted advisor that is well-loved by his South Auckland community and deserves every support because Immigration Law Experts operate with loyalty, integrity and ethics. Awesome!
- 36Love the innovation and creativity that the laser cutting services Newton Cutting Forme Services provide. They are the country's best in intricate packaging and design and are able to turn design dreams into reality. Nick and Mel are awesome Avondale business owners and I highly recommend the work they do.
- 410Kevin PaintingSomervilleKevin is a master painter and excellent at renovations for home improvement. In fact, he specialises in renovations because he loves to see the end result of a beautiful makeover. Created out of his passion for painting, Kevin Painting is a painting and decorating business that comes highly recommended by his local customers. With most of his work being obtained through "word of mouth", he comes with excellent referrals. I would hesitate to hire Kevin Painting to make my house look great!
- 52The Generalist PRHerne BayThe Generalist PR is owned and operated by the very talented Rebecca Purdy - one of the most experienced local public relations consultants in Auckland. I have been personally dealing with Rebecca for 10 years and her extensive media contact network and experience are second to none. Based in Richmond Rd, The Generalist PR have a passionate team behind them and I highly recommend Rebecca and her team to any local business looking to increase their brand awareness and profile.
Kylie B.'s
Ethical Local Fashion
- 17Kate Sylvester PonsonbyGrey LynnWe can only change the way business is done globally if we take responsibility as consumers for supporting those brands that look after our planet. I love the fact that Kate Sylvester is part of the Child Labour Free programme. Her clothes are beautifully tailored and I’m more than happy to pay a good price to know that the clothes I wear are looking after both the people who made them and our planet. Child Labour Free is a NZ-led initiative that’s ensuring responsible fashion becomes the norm around the globe. That’s why I support Kate Sylvester and am proud to wear her label.
- 25HailwoodNewtonAside from making some of the best t-shirts in New Zealand, Hailwood is one of my favourite local fashion retailers because his designs and work carries the accreditation that every part of his supply chain from fabric sourcing to manufacture is Child Labour Free. He’s one of the New Zealand designers contributing to positive change by supporting this consumer-led movement. Give him love, he deserves our support.
- 36RUBY NewmarketNewmarketAnother local fashion brand leading the way with making a positive impact on this earth, Ruby are part of the pilot programme that was launched at NZ Fashion Week last year by two Kiwi women who have created the Child Labour Free accreditation. Basically by supporting NZ designers who carry this accreditation, you’re choosing to make change in this world through your consumer dollars. Plus, who can go past Ruby’s slick, sassy and totally wearable designs.
- 42Stolen Girlfriends Club NewmarketNewmarketFrom the moment Marc Moore first debuted Stolen Girlfriends Club clothing, I fell in love. His prints are genius - my favourite culminating in last season’s show-stopping datura print. Trippy, clever and hip as all get out, this dress turns heads every time. Pretty cool then that Stolen Girlfriends Club are also Child Labour Free accredited, meaning every time you spend your dollars here, you’re creating positive change in the world.
- 52Zambesi BritomartAuckland CentralI’ve coveted Zambesi forever and am finally at a stage in my life where I can justify the investment in their fine clothing. Lucky then that these local designers also carry the mark of Child Labour Free - meaning every new season piece I indulge in is a vote for a better world.
Kylie B.'s
Beautiful Bakeries
- 12Amano Bakery & ReataurantAuckland CentralAmano is an awesome addition to Britomart and my working neighbourhood. With its farm-to-table philosophy firmly in place thanks to the fact this Auckland bakery is part of the ever-evolving Hip Group, everything is made from scratch on site. The flour is milled out back, the sourdough starters nurtured and the delicate pastries created by some of the most passionate local bakers in the business. I love the fact that Amano offers dairy free milk options - delivered via a tap nonetheless - in the form of buffalo and macadamia milk for my morning coffee. Awesome to see a real working bakery downtown.
- 214&20 BakeryRemueraAfter reading a whole lot of awesome reviews, my nose lead me to 4&20 Bakery in Remuera to try their much-raved about naturally leavened breads. They are phenomenal, especially their flax, sesame and chia sourdough. What I love most about this Remuera bakery, though, is the amount of love that goes into their delicious treats. If you're a fan of pastries, don't miss their pain aux raisins or almond croissants. Make a destination date with this place... STAT!
- 312Crafty BakerGlen EdenThanks for the amazing croissant this morning, Lee. Hubby stopped by yesterday while you were whipping up some of your amazing loaves of fresh bread and grabbed me a couple of my favourite pastries to eat on the run in the traffic with my coffee. This morning's drive to work was so much brighter because of their light, folded perfection!
- 46Paneton BakeryAuckland CentralI've been coming to Paneton for over a decade now because they do some of the best sausage rolls and filled rolls in Auckland. Well-known for their delicious, handmade bread that's so popular it can even be purchased in supermarkets to bake in your own oven at home, it's a real treat to come to the premises and indulge in their best baked goods. The sausage rolls are the perfect mix of flaky, melt-in-the-mouth pastry and good-quality chunky meat. Their sweet treats (especially anything custard) are also delicious.
- 545The Baker's CottageKingslandGo early if you want the best bakery treats from this legendary Kingsland bakery. The Baker's Cottage (or Connon's Bakery, as it's called by locals in the know) is one of my favourite places for picking up a fresh sandwich or an incredible cake. Their prices are old school bakery style (ie. you can rock up with a few gold coins in your pocket and step out with an incredible treat) but the quality is out of this world. If you're a pie lover or conoissour, go here.