Best restaurant for dinner with friends?<\/p>\n
I\u2019ve 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. <\/p>\n
The place to take a visitor?<\/p>\n
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\u2019s truly a special place with breath-taking views across T\u0101maki. 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\u2019s also the magical setting of our play, Constellations.<\/p>\n
Best spot to finish a night out?<\/p>\n
All the best nights (begin and) end with karaoke. Anywhere really. But ACE KTV is a goodie.<\/p>\n
Best coffee?<\/p>\n
I don\u2019t 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 \u2013 they are very addictive (and therefore always sold out). <\/p>\n
Favourite fish and chip shop?<\/p>\n
Green Jade in Avondale is a favourite (the chip portions are massive). And there\u2019s T\u012bpene\u2019s in Morningside for when my northern English-raised taste buds demand gravy with my chips\u2026 and deep-fried chocolate bars. <\/p>\n
Best hike?<\/p>\n
For a gentle h\u012bkoi, \u014cwairaka is another beautiful maunga with stunning views across T\u0101maki. There\u2019s 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.\u202f<\/p>\n
Venue for a gig?<\/p>\n
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.\u202f<\/p>\n
Best spot for a bargain?<\/p>\n
Moana Fresh in Avondale is a delicious feast of art, jewellery, ceramics, clothes and books celebrating M\u0101ori and Pacific artists. It always feels like a treat to spend some time (and money) there and support the kaupapa.<\/p>\n
For second-hand finds, I like wandering around Central Flea Market on a Sunday morning, having a nosey through all the fun stalls \u2013 you never know what you\u2019ll come across. I\u2019ve even held my own stall there a couple of times \u2013 it\u2019s 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). <\/p>\n