Anitra N.'s
Good pubs
- 113The Clare InnMount EdenThe Clare Inn is your typical English/Irish style pub - quite old school with old paintings and drawings on the walls and serving up Guinness to every second man who walks up to the bar. Very authentic Irish! The two occasions I visited this place were quite pleasant. For one it was a leaving party which was held upstairs because you are able to hire that bit out exclusively. The food served was delicious, I actually think I sat by a plate of food all night and didn’t really socialise. Also the wine being served was very nice (Pinot Gris). There was a live band on downstairs but you couldn’t really hear it that bad from upstairs which was good and there was just some of my friends own music playing upstairs. All in all it is a nice, quaint bar.
- 224Tony's Original Steak & Seafood RestaurantAuckland CentralTony’s restaurant is located in the handy city central spot which makes it a great place to meet up with friends or family if you’re like me and live at the opposite ends of Auckland from most friends. On this occasion I ordered the chicken breast which I had with mashed potato and salad. A simple dish but it was really good, I love pub food. The restaurant itself is great, it is very old fashioned pub-like/steakhouse (surprisingly as that what it is) with wooden walls and brick walls. Makes you feel like you are in an episode of Coronation Street but without those hearty accents.
- 322The KingslanderKingslandLove this place! Went here with my friends after boot camp one night and (not at all sticking to diet) got the salt and pepper squid rings and a few drinks. We all had a really great chilled time sitting outside chatting and watching the weird Kingsland folk go by. The squid rings were amazing by the way, HIGHLY recommend them. Extremely cheap and really filling for some reason, I had to take the rest of mine home in a napkin because there was no way I was wasting those bad boys. This is the perfect bar to go to catch up with friends and have a casual drink on a Friday afternoon as the vibe was really relaxed and pleasant.
- 46The ShakespeareAuckland CentralI came here for some leaving drinks for a friend who often frequents this place for after work drinks. It was my first time here and I thought it was a really great little venue. It has the usual delicious pub food served like fish and chips etc, sadly I didn’t get anything though as this night had a strict drinks only regime. The atmosphere in here is really chilled out then as the night progresses and the drinks tallies are stacking up you are finding your voice level getting higher and higher to match every other drunk patron. Standard bar experience! Great place.
- 527Northern SteamshipAuckland CentralProbably my favourite of the lot, this place is located in Britomart amongst all the other swanky bars and what not so it is good to come here if you don’t want to stay in one place the whole night and mix it up a bit as the others are in a very close proximity. The dance floor here is big but gets very crowded still, and if you are thinking you can escape to the bar then it is probably worse there, but personally I prefer a place to be crowded rather than desolate. Love the crowd here, it’s a little bit older so you aren’t dealing with 18 year olds.
Anitra N.'s
Best BYO
- 164Canton CafeKingslandAh, BYO spirits. I feel this is the only thing you need to know upon visiting here. End of review. No but seriously this place is the best, and any person aged 20-25 who enjoys drinking and eating simultaneously will tell you this. I could talk for well over the word limit about each particular dish that I love here so I will try and simplify it. Top three dishes have got to be – sizzle beef with black pepper, BBQ egg fried rice and the chicken with black bean sauce. If you go on a Friday or Saturday night firstly you must book well in advance and secondly prepare yourself for rowdy youths pre drinking.
- 25Monsoon Cafe RestaurantDevonportI am a huge lover of Thai food and I love to come here when I am out on the shore. I come here when visiting my friends that live in Bayswater and we come here to catch up. It’s a great little place and the BYO definitely sways my decision to come here. It’s pretty versatile that they have a "for the less adventurous" menu with options such as fish and chips and chicken salad for little kids or those boring types that don’t appreciate a good cultural dish. I love the prawn and cashew nuts dish, and my friends favourites are the pad thai and the prawn mee goreng. The service is always very friendly here and they don’t mind how rowdy my friends and I get which is always a plus.
- 319Bangkok Restaurant and BarAuckland CentralBangkok is a fantastic Thai BYO restaurant that not many people seem to know about. On the singular occasion I went here, I had a great experience. Firstly we ordered the money bags (always a winner) and the chicken satay. Moving on to the mains I can’t remember exactly which curry it was but it was served in a pumpkin, yes a pumpkin, SO novelty. However lately I have heard that they have stopped this particular menu item which is slightly crushing. So after a few (i.e. many) drinks we accidently smashed a couple of glasses and the manager was not happy about this. He told me that due to people like us he was stopping the BYO license soon, but upon checking the website it is definitely still BYO. I admire his firmness though.
- 423Thai Me UpPonsonbyThai Me Up is an old favourite for BYO drinking before town for numerous reasons, firstly because it is located in Ponsonby so it is close to town, secondly because their delicious food is great to line your stomach with (rice works wonders for soaking up alcohol) and lastly because if you’re lucky, they turn your rice into a little man with a carrot shaft. I don’t think there’s anything left to say here, that pretty much sums up the amazingness of this place.
Anitra N.'s
Best op shops
- 16SaveMart NorthcoteNorthcoteSave Mart is right up there in the authentic thrift shop world, none of this fake Ponsonby type pretend op shops which sell stuff for prices you would find in a normal store. Prices are cheap as chips as they should be! Set aside a couple of hours for your visit here as there are rows upon rows of stuff and you really have to search hard for the gems, and it is better for people with slightly alternative style because everything is very thrifty like 90’s attire. All I care about is that the prices are cheap and the clothes are legit, and I always make an effort to come here. The stores themselves are low budget factory type establishments with a whole lot of stuff in it basically. Although they have separated the clothes into different categories which makes things very easy to find.
- 26Finders KeepersNewmarketFinders Keepers used to be located in Newmarket but it wasn’t one of those op shops you find in Ponsonby that claim to sell vintage, discounted, second hand clothes then charge as much as any other shop along that road. It is genuine vintage clothes with genuine op shop prices. Admittedly there is a lot of average stuff to go through but I have found countless numbers of pieces in here that have served me well. You just have to look, as with most other op shops.
- 36There are many Salvation Army stores around so you are bound to find one nearest to you to go get your op shopping fix. There is more than just clothes here so there is heaps of stuff to look through - there’s books, childrens toys, homewares, the list goes on. So be sure to set aside a few hours to rummage through the piles to find your gems!
- 419Recycle Boutique Auckland CityAuckland CentralI find something every time I visit this place, but be sure to set aside at least an hour if you really want a good search because this place is filled to the brim. The majority of it is pretty average (depending on your style of course but personally this is how I feel and I consider myself to be pretty sassy) The stuff here is pretty mainstream though not so much vintage as you would find with op shops on say K road. But there are still some really great finds to be had here!
Anitra N.'s
Where to get your hair did
- 110I came to Morgan and Morgan because my sister gave me a $100 voucher and she goes here often and says it is really good. I was wary of changing my salon but I thought I may as well since I got the voucher and I was not disappointed. It is very high class here and definitely more on the expensive end so be willing to splash out, for a cut with a trainee is $60 and prices keep going up the most experienced the person cutting your hair is but it is all very worth it because they are extremely professional and you definitely pay for what you receive (good quality). I just got a cut and blow wave and came out looking pretty lush if I say so myself.
- 25Rodney Wayne Shore CityTakapunaAnother one of the higher end hairdressers, you definitely pay for the good talent here as all the hairdressers are extremely skilled and trained to be the best. I just got a trim and blowwave when I came here and I was very happy with the result but it is hard to mess up a trim after all. But friends I know that have come here for more elaborate things like colour and styling have come out looking really great which is why I came here, because they said that it is one of the best.
- 37Servilles TakapunaTakapunaYet another higher end salon, Servilles is best to go to for colouring as I have established with my experiences of hearing about it. I came here once to get my hair done for a ball and they did a lovely job even though I only got it curled and paid a lot I would rather get it done by someone who knows what they are doing and I feel like I am in safe hands as I am not about to risk looking horrific for a ball. Many of my friends have come here to get their hair coloured, mainly to get their blonde roots redone or to go from brunette to blonde because that requires someone with skill and the finished job has always looked really good. So best to come here for the more intricate of hair desires.
- 44Kess is a walk-in salon that is affordable and easy. I actually came here once when I was in a rush before going out one night and I needed a trim so just came in here because I usually come here to get my eyebrows threaded and they always do an amazing job so I just hoped that would translate into other areas of their store. Luckily for me it did and they did a nice job and I am quite judgemental about haircuts so they did a good job considering they are a low budget, to the point hair dressers/beauty therapist. The haircut was only about $30 and I got what I wanted.
- 52The Sharing Shed - Sylvia ParkMt WellingtonI used to come here because my friend recommended a certain stylist to me who worked in this store and she was the only one I would see for about 2 years until she left, I didn’t trust anyone else. The store is basic and is another low budget walk in one. Always see lots of parents taking their kids here so it must be good for that. I would only ever get trims when I came here although once I did entrust my hairdresser to give me a fringe. Prices are about $35 for a long hair cut for women so definitely very good compared to the other higher end salons.
Anitra N.'s
Places to stay in Auckland
- 12Nomads Fat CamelAuckland CentralMe and 2 of my friends stayed in this backpackers one night after town. It was about $30 for the night. We stayed in a 6 bed girls only dorm with 2 lovely Dutch girls. We got ready here before town then drank for a bit at the attached Nomad’s Fat Camel bar downstairs. The place was decent and very sociable, and everyone was extremely friendly as tourists seem to always be. Had I actually been a tourist and wanted to utilise all of the facilities on offer it would of been great! They have a sauna, free WIFI, and arrange jobs and daily activities around Auckland for you to do! Very accommodating.
- 27The Rendezvous Hotel AucklandAuckland CentralThe Rendezvous first came across to me as cheap and someone you would go if you were having an affair just because of the name. But this certainly led me astray because Rendezvous is one of the nicest hotels I have been in and I have travelled the world. The high end fashion/accessory stores and Louis Vuitton bags placed decoratively around the lobby set the vibe for an extremely classy and elegant hotel. My friend and I only got a standard room but it was still very nice and came with full use of the pool and gym which were huge and beautiful. The Rendezvous Grand Hotel is definitely not somewhere to take your mistress, it’s too nice.
- 312Stamford Plaza Auckland HotelAuckland CentralThe Stamford is a 5 star hotel for those wishing to indulge in a bit of luxury. When you walk into the hotel you immediately wish/expect you were attending a ball in a floor length gown. It is elegantly and lavishly decorated and definitely worth the 5 stars it holds. The bedroom prices vary from what type of room you get and what dates you book, the prices go up and down dramatically based on these just like any other hotel I guess. There are also packages you can buy to enhance your stay such as a romance package that includes a late check out and other cute deals like that.
- 41The Oaks AccommodationWarkworthThe Oaks are serviced apartments in Auckland’s Central City. The room in which we stayed overlooked the Ports of Auckland which was really cool at night. It had two balconies, one that overlooked the Port and one that looked out onto Fort street area. The people at reception were always really friendly and really helpful whenever I asked for anything, more towels etc. It was a relatively good price to stay here when you put together the great service, the clean and decent room, the great views. But again you can choose different room and view types for cheaper or less if you wish.
- 536Cordis, Auckland by Langham Hospitality GroupAuckland CentralThis is another 5 star hotel for those of you who can afford to splash some pennies about. The Langham is where many celebrities visiting New Zealand tend to stay and the likes of Justin Bieber and One Direction have temporarily resided here. If that does not sway your decision in a positive way then all you need to see is some photographic evidence of the aesthetics of this place. It is extremely high class and definitely on the more expensive side of things. The hotel also hosts the well-known restaurant Eight which is a seafood lovers dream. The public are also welcome to have high-tea here which all makes for an extremely classy outing. Best put on your best fake British accent to fit in here!
Anitra N.'s
Cheap places to get a drink
- 15Shadows BarAuckland CentralShadows is the official bar of The University of Auckland. All that really needs to be said about this place is: student bar. Sums it up nicely. But I shall elaborate for you…. there’s always something going on here whether it be karaoke night, quiz night, special guest djs, up and coming bands or just great drink specials there is something for every student’s tastes. I have had a few amazing nights at this place, but it’s never going to be as good as the glory days. Nowadays it is filled with fresh faced first years who make me feel like a mature student. Also, the last time I was in here catching up with a friend a guy spewed onto his table. Not the nicest of all my experiences but hilarious to laugh at him nonetheless.
- 25Globe BarAuckland CentralGlobe bar is definitely a backpackers bar. Filled to the brim with exotic (mainly) men looking for a female to grind upon. But in saying exotic that suggests that they are sexy and mysterious, well generally they are not. It is a tough call deciding whether to come here, it just depends how desperate you are for the free drinks. This place is always fun to go to strictly for a laugh, do not go with high hopes on meeting someone or just generally wanting a better quality crowd because you will not find it here, purely cheap drinks is key in this instance.
- 33Shooters SaloonKingslandI went here for my friend’s flatmates 21st. What an experience. As Shore girls, we are used to prissy 21sts with cupcakes and girls that think they are princesses. This 21st was quite the contrary. In what was previously a brothel, Shooters looks like an old school Saloon from those old cowboy movies. This would be cool but the stripper pole and mechanical bull are slightly ridiculous and by ridiculous I mean hilarious. There is a 100 year old fish in a tiny tank by the bar which stares at you and makes you feel dirty. I feel that is all one needs to know… Oh and any 10 drinks for $50. Boom.
- 42Nomads Fat CamelAuckland CentralThis is your classic tourist bar - very casual vibe with a load of different mix of people from all walks of Earth and drink specials at certain times with cheap drinks. It certainly does not blend in to the rest of the bars in Auckland Central that is for sure. This one is very, VERY casual and because basically everyone are tourists they aren’t as, well, unfriendly as Aucklanders tend to be. Lets be honest. This bar is set in a handy location with all the rest of Auckland City bars and clubs at your finger tips. This place is usually a handy place to start with their great happy hour deals.
- 51Chances Sports BarGlenfieldChances is definitely, definitely a man’s bar. Even just walking past as a woman I feel like I am intruding on planet testosterone. This is a great place to come with your mates (I’ll restate now - If you are a guy) to watch live games and to play some pool as there are multiple pool tables by the front of the bar and the drinks here are really cheap. To my knowledge you are able to bet on games here as an onsite TAB system which is both a good and bad idea for when you get drunker and drunker at the bar and your dutch courage/judgement calls are hindered. The type of people this place attracts is interesting to say the least, mostly older men who look like they’ve been part of a gang at any time in their life. The general Glenfield area is known to be a bit rougher but I’m sure they are harmless really anyway it’s all fun and games and worth it for the great drink prices.