Lily in Devonport is top tier: Great coffee, next-level food, awesome staff and lots of dogs visiting on weekends.
Favourite restaurant for dinner with friends?
Federal Delicatessen. Their chicken salad sandwich is the best.
Favourite place to take a visitor to?
Maungawhau Mount Eden for the lookouts, and Cornwall Park for a walk among the trees and pasture.
Favourite spot to finish a night out?
Mezze Bar in town. I’m not much of a club-goer, but I’m always at Mezze before or after going to Basement or Q Theatre. Best chocolate cake I’ve ever had.
Favourite place to get coffee?
Kinship in Takapuna has wonderful coffee and a true Takapuna laidback vibe. They also have a shelf of books to peruse while you sip.
Favourite fish-and-chip shop?
The Fish & Chip Shop in Sandringham.
Favourite trail for a hike?
Tiritiri Matangi hands down. The most peaceful place in Tāmaki.
Favourite venue for a gig?
I am not a huge music fan so my usual gig is theatre, comedy or improv – all the best stuff is at Basement Theatre.
Favourite place to find a bargain?
Hospice op shops. The best.
Rose Herda stars as Margaret in ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ at Auckland Shakespeare in the Park from January 16 to February 14, 2026. Tickets at pumphouse.co.nz