Best restaurant for dinner with friends?
I’ve had some of the best evenings with friends sharing kai and sipping cocktails at Inca in Ponsonby Central. Good vibes, a delicious Peruvian and Japanese fusion menu and lovely staff.
The place to take a visitor?
First up: Escape Masters on Queen St. An hour to complete mind-wrecking puzzles while extremely over-stimulated and feeling less smart by the second? Yes, please. Though we are going to need to regulate our nervous systems after that, so out into nature we go with a walk up Maungawhau. It’s truly a special place with breath-taking views across Tāmaki. Fun Fact No 1: prior to colonisation, it was a living settlement for thousands of people. FF No 2: you can still see the terraces carved into the side of the maunga where they built their whare and stored their kai. FF No 3: it’s also the magical setting of our play, Constellations.
Best spot to finish a night out?
All the best nights (begin and) end with karaoke. Anywhere really. But ACE KTV is a goodie.
Best coffee?
I don’t drink coffee but love a visit to Dear Jane in Mt Albert. I can recommend the sweet-and-spicy smoothie. Ooh, and beware the date scones – they are very addictive (and therefore always sold out).
Favourite fish and chip shop?
Green Jade in Avondale is a favourite (the chip portions are massive). And there’s Tīpene’s in Morningside for when my northern English-raised taste buds demand gravy with my chips… and deep-fried chocolate bars.
Best hike?
For a gentle hīkoi, Ōwairaka is another beautiful maunga with stunning views across Tāmaki. There’s even an off-leash dog area up there so you can get your steps in whilst also patting all the cute pups. Another kid-friendly, dog-patting walk is at Heron Park in Waterview. It has a great playground at the top and is an awesome place to fly a kite on a windy day.
Venue for a gig?
Basement Theatre is a must-visit little venue that sits on the edge of a carpark in the city. On any given night you can expect plays, dancing, comedy, music or poetry, followed by a drink and catch up with mates outside on the stoop. A short walk from there is the nearly 100-year-old Civic Theatre. My favourite time to visit is during the Cabaret Festival where your ticket gets you front-row seats to some of the most incredible voices and talents of Aotearoa.
Best spot for a bargain?
Moana Fresh in Avondale is a delicious feast of art, jewellery, ceramics, clothes and books celebrating Māori and Pacific artists. It always feels like a treat to spend some time (and money) there and support the kaupapa.
For second-hand finds, I like wandering around Central Flea Market on a Sunday morning, having a nosey through all the fun stalls – you never know what you’ll come across. I’ve even held my own stall there a couple of times – it’s such a fun and easy way to have a clear out at home and make some pocket money (which you then immediately spend at all the other stalls of course).
See Renaye Tamati in Silo Theatre’s production of Constellations, on at Q Theatre until July 19. For more information and to book tickets, visit silotheatre.co.nz/show/constellations.