Helene R.'s
Best for small bites
- 16PintxosPonsonbyFor tapas style dining with a difference we love trips to Pintxos for some Basque Region specialties, not to mention the eclectic and super affordable wine list. A great way to while away an afternoon and well into the evening.
- 26Hana Sushi - Grey LynnGrey LynnConstantly voted Auckland’s Best Sushi for a reason, Hana makes the freshest and most unique combos in town. A riot for your taste buds every time!
- 3110Mexico Auckland CentralAuckland CentralOne of our favourite places to wind up an evening out is Mexico in Britomart, where the service is always hot, the margaritas ice cold and the tacos always top notch. They are open til late and serve drinks as tasty as their food options, with particular must haves like the Mexico Fried Chicken, Three Cheese Quesadilla and Do It Yourself Guacamole usually still in stock even after a busy night. We love you Mexico!
- 410Bellota Spanish Tapas BarAuckland CentralUnlike many Auckland tapas-style establishments, Bellota below SkyCity is modern, sleek and super cool. Almost Manhattan-esque in feel, its menu is fresh and authentically Spanish, with olives and pickles and Iberian ham featuring heavily in the line up. They also serve a stunning array of Spanish cheeses that go perfectly with a glass of sherry or cava, and the most perfectly crafted churros in town.
- 523Mondial BarGrey LynnWe love Mondial for a warm and cosy catch up on cooler nights, the wine list is always inspired and the tapas is the best in town. It is big enough to handle larger groups but also has plenty of dark corners for catch ups of a more intimate nature, and you never feel rushed no matter what the hour. A Grey Lynn secret spot that has been a poorly kept secret with good reason!
Helene R.'s
Adult adventure playgrounds
- 11Hyper Stimulator NZHampton DownsA spot loved by Auckland adrenaline junkies is Papatoetoe’s Hyper Stimulator New Zealand – the home of racecar simulation in New Zealand. Hyper Stimulator offers not only real race car drivers – like fan Jonny Reid - a valid and valuable training tool, but also everyday drivers the chance to experience what it is like to be at the wheel of a V8 Supercar. A great day out for groups too.
- 24Polaris 4wd ParkHelensvilleJeep 4WD Adventure Park in Helensville lets you bring your own 4WD or use one of theirs for a two-hour extreme adventure, or all day drivers training. Guaranteed fun in any weather, you can even spend the day driving the first Hagglund Personnel Carrier ride in Auckland - the ultimate in thrill seeker’s buzz.
- 35Hampton Downs MotorSport ParkHampton DownsAround forty minutes’ drive from the city,Hampton Downs MotorSport Park is the home of driving legends, but that doesn’t mean you can’t come to stay and play too. They have regular public driving days where you can book in a few laps here and there, as well as racing experiences available depending on your badge of choice. A voucher for a trip around the track in a Lotus, Ferrari or Lamborghini makes for a great gift for the speed freaks in your life too, and definitely won’t go unused.
- 44SkyJump LtdAuckland CentralSkyCity is where you'll find New Zealand's highest jump (pictured). Called SkyJump, it is one of Auckland City's “don't miss!” experiences - leaping off Auckland's famous Sky Tower - 192 metres straight down! You'll fall very fast (approximately 85 kph) for around 11 seconds, and then it’s a smooth landing below. They also offer the SkyWalk, which let’s you walk 360 degrees around the Sky Tower with nothing but air either side of you.
- 51CanyonzSwansonLike the idea of abseiling down waterfalls, jumping off cliffs and sliding down polished rock chutes, all in a prehistoric, subtropical environment? Then a day with Canyonz is definitely for you. Blue Canyon has 18 waterfalls, ranging in height from 2 to 30 metres, and the easy part is the handy pickup from – and drop off - outside SkyCity!
Helene R.'s
Food with a view
- 123Sidart RestaurantPonsonbyThe historic Three Lamps Plaza in Ponsonby is home to Sidart, an intimate dining space and the only restaurant in New Zealand to change its menu weekly. Every Tuesday the new menu is introduced and trialled by owner and chef Sid Sahrawat, and you can even book in for the test kitchen at $80.00 per head. From Wednesday to Saturday they offer 5 courses for $95 and 10 courses for $140, wine matches additional.
- 217Cable Bay VineyardsOneroaCable Bay Restaurant is at the heart of Cable Bay Vineyards. A major hit with both Waiheke locals and landlubbers from the moment it opened its doors, it has some of the island's best views from its picture windows and a spacious alfresco courtyard from which to graze on tapas and sip a glass or two of the local produce. I also recommend taking the time to check out some of the venue’s amazing art and sculpture on display.
- 34Zomer CafeTakapunaThe sister of Herne Bay favourite Zus & Zo, Zomer is a great spot to hit Pre or Post visits to Takapuna Beach. It has a similar menu to Zus with a few tweaks here and there, and the coffee is just superb. Their yellow and white striped awning just screams Summer (as does the name, which is the Dutch name for the sunny season) but we think it’s a top place to visit any time of year.
- 422Waiheke's Mudbrick Vineyard & Restaurant has one of the island's most spectacular views back to Auckland City, and is only a few minutes from where the ferry docks at Matiatia Wharf. The on site restaurant does lean towards the pricier end of the spectrum, but a tasting at the cellar door will set you back only $5.00 for eight wines, and there are more than enough spots around their carefully maintained gardens to sit back and take in the surroundings.
- 546Soul Bar & BistroViaduct HarbourSoul Bar & Bistro is one of those establishments that feels like it has been around forever, and it pretty much has. It was one of the early spots to open on Viaduct Harbour and is still one if the best, with great bar staff, table service and cuisine. It also makes for great people spotting on a sunny afternoon, so if you have visitors with you from out of town it will never disappoint.
Helene R.'s
Beauty freaks' paradise
- 110I am a regular at both the Newmarket and CityWorks Depot branches of Dry & Tea, and not just visiting to get my hair done. They are absolutely passionate about beautiful teas too, and stock the most amazing range from T2 that includes my favourites: Liquorice Legs and Gorgeous Geisha. They even have tea-related gifts you can buy and take home, like Limoges cup and saucer sets at $199 a pop! Now THAT is every day luxury.
- 23Apotheka LimitedNewmarketGlamorpuss Cosmetics is one of Newmarket’s hidden gems and an absolute Mecca for lovers of beauty products everywhere. They stock the full range of makeup line Becca, as well as British organic Skincare line Pai and the legendary Mario Badescu - amongst others! They also do a beautiful, natural makeover if you’re off somewhere special or just looking for some expert inspiration.
- 34Bobbi Brown CosmeticsAuckland CentralA visit to the new Bobbi Brown store at Britomart is like walking into heaven on earth for a beauty junkie like me, I could literally spend all day in there. The products are naturally amazing, and the staff are so approachable and knowledgable that you learn something new about the global mega brand every time you pop in. It is the perfect place to spend some time having a bit of a winter makeover too - let the experts work their magic and then hit the town!
- 41The Face Place Med Spa - Auckland CentralAuckland CentralThe Face Place Med Spa in Vulcan Lane is definitely not for those just looking for a quick exfoliation and a new moisturiser - they deal in serious skin solutions. They have treatment menu that covers everything from medi facials and peels to Botox and fillers, and they stock doctor only Skincare ranges that will make serious changes to the health of your skin if you’re ready to take the extra step. Their staff are amongst the most highly trained in the country too, so you know you’re in good hands.
- 51FaceworksRosedaleDr. Teresa Cattin at Faceworks is New Zealand’s most highly respected cosmetic doctor, with a fine line in all manner of needles. She is a spokesperson for the use of Botox and fillers here and around the world, and is a fountain of information if you’re in the market for a little rejuvenation. Her Albany clinic is also incredibly discreet - if discretion is what you’re after!
Helene R.'s
Great places to find good reads
- 16Dear ReaderGrey LynnI’m famous for more often than not gifting books on all manner of special occasions, and one of the places I always hit first is Dear Reader in West Lynn shops. They have an amazing selection of publications for book lovers of all ages and tastes and never fail to gift wrap with panache, and the fact that they are most next to Monterey Cafe means you can pick up a cup to go after a visit. Love this place.
- 235Time Out BookstoreMount EdenMount Eden is home to the legendary Time Out Bookstore, which has been supplying loyal customers with eclectic, beautiful and noteworthy titles since 1988. It also has a fantastic and vast selection of children’s books. I dare you to pop in for a browse and leave empty-handed.
- 338Unity Books LimitedAuckland CentralBook shops are my happy place, and Auckland has some amazing literary destinations that are a hell of a lot more fun then staring at an e-book. One of my favourites is Unity Books in High Street, where you’ll find the best of new international releases as well as a brilliant selection of local publications. Their staff picks are always spot on too, so if you need a little extra inspiration keep an eye out for them dotted around the store. Perfect lazy Sunday activity at its best!
- 49Mag Nation - PonsonbyPonsonbyMag Nation is one of my happy places, and judging by the stock that flies off the shelf there each week I am clearly not alone! They simply have the biggest, best and most inspiring selection of magazines in town, as well as some of the most informed and affable staff. And if you can’t find it there they can usually help you find out why not and where you can, or even order it in for you if at all humanly possible. A top spot for a reason!
- 513The Women's BookshopPonsonbyThe much-loved Women's Bookshop was awarded Penguin New Zealand Independent Bookseller of the Year in 2011. They stock a carefully edited selection of great fiction and non-fiction, as well as some beautiful children’s books. In recent years they have become one of New Zealand’s leading specialists in therapy and counselling books too.
Helene R.'s
The perfect places to get fresh, healthy Asian food
- 1101Ponsonby International FoodcourtPonsonbyPonsonby Central may have some great foodie residents in the house, but for tastiness coupled with value - and speed - you can’t go past the original purveyor or amazing international cuisine at incredible prices. The Ponsonby International Food Court is pretty much always bustling with locals and visitors alike, and the fare is varied and delicious. We love the Vietnamese for its fresh spring rolls and lemongrass chicken, whilst the Massaman curry is the best tasting in town and the fresh juices from the fully licensed bar always appeal. You can’t visit Ponsonby without a trip to the Food Court and definitely won’t leave hungry.
- 216Ken Yakitori Bar AnzacAuckland CentralKen Yakatori serves up fresh, fast and always extremely good Japanese food cooked yakatori style and is a favourite for before and after movie or show dinners. The gyoza also come highly recommended, along with the yummy green tea ice cream dessert.
- 36Hana Sushi - Grey LynnGrey LynnConstantly voted Auckland’s Best Sushi for a reason, Hana makes the freshest and most unique combos in town. A riot for your taste buds every time!
- 446Barilla DumplingsBalmoralA phenomenon so hot that it even had its own Twitter hashtag for a while, Barilla Dumpling turn out what are widely believed to be Auckland’s finest Sichuan dumplings. Reportedly over 37 varieties of dumplings at that, all from a petite premises on the legendary Dominion Road.
- 550Bian Sushi & DonburiNewtonBian Sushi & Donburi on Symonds Street is constantly being voted in the top three in town when it comes to great sushi, and with good reason. Their offerings are always freshly prepared, affordable and just damn delicious, and the queues at lunchtime speak for themselves. They also create awesome party and catering platters that are always ready on time, and service comes with a smile.