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Blink and you might miss this cafe that is a favourite among locals in this lowkey Auckland suburb. Out in the residential streets of Ellerslie, this place is a savour for those who are wanting a decent coffee without having to mish it across town.

In the industrial area of Takapuna, you’ll stumble upon Blind Basket. The white and bright café knows a thing or two about serving up delicious—not to mention nutritious—dishes. The menu has a Japanese-influence with sushi, bento boxes and ramen all starring on the menu. You’ll also discover dishes such as house-made muesli, green eggs bene (Dr Seuss fans rejoice) and a divine soft shell crab burger. Wash down your meal with a perfectly brewed Supreme coffee and grab one of their delish sweet treats from the cabinet before you leave.

Balance Kitchen is all about livin' la vida healthy and has all sorts of yummy meal options to help you do just that. Open seven days, this organic and paleo-friendly cafe serves breakfast that will help you kick-start your day along with lunch to re-fuel! You can even build your own breakfast or lunch meal here by choosing from a bunch of meat, veggies and carbs options to create your perfect meal. Of course, you can wash all of this down with a freshly prepped espresso or squeezed coconut water juices!

The Sawmill Brewing Company is the perfect addition to the beautiful Matakana village. Just when you thought this small town, famous for its farmer’s market and organic ice cream couldn’t get any better, we now have a boutique brewery in the mix. Originally located in Leigh on the site of an old timber mill, the Sawmill team have been in the business since 2004. The new brewery (which took eight months to make) comes complete with a beer garden to enjoy great food, conversation and, of course, really good beer. Stop by on the weekend for flounder with mandarin and watercress straight from Leigh’s waters, smoked sardine pate or the miso and seaweed-smoked goat. The menu showcases the best of Kiwi produce and has been matched to compliment Sawmill’s beer. 

Corner Burger have opened up a second joint in Mt Eden and we are not complaining. The burger line-up is a pretty tasty one, with the Classics and (more lavish) Icons menus providing options that will have you struggling to pick just one. An impressive selection of sides are also available, with the option to load your fries with the topping of your choice (pulled pork's our pick, just sayin').

Skin Boutique in Browns Bay is your go-to for specialist beauty therapy and skin rejuvenation treatments. The caring therapists are dedicated to providing the best in service and individual care. In fact, if you can't seem to find a treatment that suits your needs,  your Master Therapist will create the perfect treatment just for you. All areas of beauty are covered—from personalised facials to the usual grooming admin—and are provided by highly trained therapists who are dedicated to delivering the uttermost in care.

Located in the heart of Mairangi Bay, you’ll find FaceTime Skin Clinic. The oh-so modern salon specalises in all things skin, offering treatments to reverse premature skin aging as well as managing problematic skin. They have a range of facials and skin treatments (think corrective peels, dermal skin needling and light therapy) as well as classic beauty services.

Show your nails a bit of love with a visit to Verdo Nails in Parnell. Book in for a quick shape and polish or treat yourself to a 60-minute deluxe spa manicure—go on, you deserve it! The boutique salon also offers eyebrow waxing and tinting, eyelash tinting and spray tanning. We’re particularly fond of their four-week make-up courses that teach you the basics of getting your make-up looking amazing. 

If you need to up your lash game, call on the friendly team at Lash Noir. Located in City Works Depot, this salon is dedicated to all things lashes—perming, tinting and lash extensions—as well as brow services. One of their popular treatments is ‘feather touch brows’ that involves tattooing small hair flicks to transform your brows from drab to fab—it’s perfect for those with over-plucked brows.

In the heart of Mt Eden Village is a little brick building that is home to luxurious beauty therapy and skincare treatments. With more than a decade of experience in the beauty industry, owner and founder Lisa Morris is committed to providing the best in beauty. Loft Beauty Boutique has a wide array of treatments on offer including customised facials, waxing services, microdermabrasion, eye treatments, massage, spray tans, skin peels, manicures and pedicures. You can expect Individualised service, superior technologies and forever-evolving treatments, all in a warm and friendly environment. Loft Beauty Boutique has got all your beauty needs down pat.

If you a) love cupcakes and b) live on the Shore, you’ll be pleased to hear that Petal Cupcakes has found a home in Takapuna. Having built up a rep for making delish cupcakes out of their Newmarket store, Petal Cupcake’s expansion will make it even easier to get your cupcake fix. With flavours such as salted caramel, lemon tart and balsamic strawberry, and delivery within three hours of ordering, Petal Cupcakes Takapuna is a great addition to the shore. 

While most of us shudder at the thought of waxing, the promise of pain-free, quality waxing at Bare Waxing & Skin Centre in Belmont has us thinking otherwise. Using the best waxes available, Bare is dedicated to providing clients not only with great results but also a relaxing waxing experience from start to finish.

Aotea Square just got a whooole lot cooler and tastier. Auckland’s legendary square is now home to Aotea House, a gastropub that’s a mighty legend in its own right. This place dishes out hearty pub food with a distinctly kiwi twist using plenty of local ingredients—we’re talking smoked eel croquettes, sautéed paua with gnocchi and raw fish and good ol’ hokey pokey ice-cream. Of course, being the epic gastropub they are, Aotea House has plenty of top-notch drops on hand. From fresh tap beers to local liquors and wines from both NZ and over the globe, there’s no reason for your glass to be empty here. It’s the perfect place for a pre show tipple or casual group get together.

Mt Albert’s own slice of Italy comes in the form of Sal Rose, a buzzing restaurant with a focus on welcoming hospitality and hearty, home-style food. Start your Sal Rose journey with antipasti (calamari fritti, bruschetta and chicken liver pate) before getting amongst the risotto, pasta and pizza dishes. Their marsala mushroom veal scaloppini is something special as is the Mamma Mia Pizza. Round things off with a tiramisu, just as any good Italian meal should. 

Since 1999, Blitza Pizza has been serving pizza, steak, pasta and seafood to the people of Birkenhead. This buzzing restaurant will have you feasting on Mediterranean delights such as souvlaki, moussaka and scaloppini alongside their gourmet pizzas. Our pick is the Blue Vein Tropicana—smoked chicken, red onion, mango and blue vein cheese or get amongst a big bowl of creamy fettuccine. Whatever your taste buds gravitate to, you’ll be impressed with what Blitza Pizza has to offer. 

Urban Soul is, in our opinion, quite the place to be in Manukau. There’s a plentiful morning menu full of tasty dishes that are sure to help you kick your day off just right. If you’re on the hunt for a brekkie crepe, a fry up or some quality eggs then look no further than here! As for your lunching needs, they have you covered for this too—there’s all kinds of things that will be sure to make your belly very happy from the classic BLT to salads, soups and burgers. This place is super kiddie-friendly too, with a super selection of tasty little morsels that our little buddies will love. Better yet, it’s open seven days so you can get a mean feed errday of the week.

Sheds are a dime a dozen out in the country but when one is bright red and immersed amongst a stunning garden setting, you know it's not your usual. Red Shed Palazzo, an award-winning café in Karaka, gets its namesake from the shed it operates from and offers a dining experience you just won't get in the big smoke. Both dog and kid friendly, the eatery is the perfect place to relax if you have a furry friend or little one in tow.

Smack bang in the middle of Manukau’s industrial district is The Artisan, an unexpected but welcome gem. Quirky decor, homemade food and consistently friendly staff make this place is a favourite amongst Wiri’s working folk and it’s not hard to see why.

It was time Atomic had their own base in our beloved Ponsonby, and what has appeared is nothing short of a caffeine addict's dream come true. The store has been designed with the chrome styling of the Rocket espresso machines as muse and the Atomic brand identity comes through the sleek black interior thought up by the Izzard Design team. Good coffee isn't the only thing on the menu though, with a stocked-up cabinet giving coffee connoisseurs more reason to grab a table and take five rather than getting their flat whites to go.

Manukau’s much-loved Urban Soul café has become so popular that they’ve open a second site in Karaka. The homely café and bistro has everything you love about the sister site—and more! It’s the kind of place you could quite happily spend a few hours. Expect to find a fireplace, comfy banquette seating, walls lined with art and a cosy mezzanine area.

Taking inspo from the backstreet tapas bars of Spain, Tasca will send you on a culinary adventure to The Mediterranean. Come for breakfast and feast on baked Moorish eggs and arroz con leche—a Spanish vanilla rice pudding with apricots and pistachios. Lunch is all about Casablance mussels and pizza, while dinner offers flavoursome mains and an extensive range of tapas—think patatas bravas, panfired chorizo, dolma and grilled haloumi. Visit on a sunny day at wine and dine the hours away in the gorgeous courtyard. 

Melba Manukau is the latest addition to the Melba family and this joint does not disappoint. The massive glass windows that line the walls and high ceiling create a light, open space and complete with sleek wooden and metal interior, Melba oozes a modern charm that will make you make you feel right at home.

From the man who brought us Ebisu and Lucky Lucky Dumplings, comes Yukio Ozeki’s new venture, Azabu. Located at the K-Road end of Ponsonby Road, Azabu also boasts a saké and cocktail bar by the name of Roji—the perfect place to sink a few bevvies before sitting down for a meal. The menu combines Nikkei flavours (a fusion of Japanese and Peruvian cuisines) with Tokyo-style dishes. 

Sitting pretty between Longroom and BurgerFuel on Pons Road, Santos café has morphed into a new and improved spot: Long Shot. The same excellent coffee wil be served but you’ll now find classic breakfast and lunch dishes with a sprinkling of oomph. There’s a brilliant Scotch Egg, badass wagyu burger and other dishes made for sharing. We think it’s going to be a goodie. 

With her products available in more than 1000 stores worldwide, there seems to be no stopping Karen Walker. Luckily for us, one of our most successful fashion exports has her own spot on one of our favourite shopping strips in town and oh my, she's a wee beauty.

At the Harbour Bridge end of Westhaven Marina, you'll find Buoy cafe—your go-to venue when you want to a bite to eat with spectacular views. The bright and breezy venue serves up simple, healthy and fresh breakfast and lunch. Enjoy their wholemeal buttermilk crepes with baked apples, vanilla creme, caramel sauce and toasted walnuts or for lunch options include seafood chowder, soup of the day or fish in Lion Red Beer batter fish and chips the tartare sauce. Or, if you're in a rush grab a bite from the fridge.

This Grey Lynn gastropub is is on the home run to becoming the local go-to watering hole. Previously Malt Bar, Malt Public House is now revamped and refurnished with a brand-spanking new interior that oozes a perfect combination of cosy and classy. Offering classic pub feeds with a sophisticated touch, there’s everything here from light grazing to hearty mains. You’ll find the likes of polenta chips and Peruvian style ceviche to start you off, as well as a selection of hearty burgers and perfectly grilled meats. Oh and did we mention there’s a rotating pie of the week!? You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to selecting a fresh pint or glass of wine and the friendly and oh-so-knowledgeable staff are happy to help you make the perfect pick. Offering lunch, nibbles and dinner 7 days a week from 11 until late, there’s no reason not to pop by Malt Public house for a fabulous gastropub experience.

Relive the joys of your trampoline days at Avondale’s Uptown Bounce. This supersized trampoline park has more than 50 interconnected trampolines—some of which are angled so you can literally bounce off the walls. You’ll also find a trampoline dodgeball area, Olympic trampolines, rock climbing wall and a battle beam where the loser falls into a foam pit. Book in for a one-hour session or sign up for one of their trampoline exercise classes (yes, it’s a thing).  

Herne Bay is starting to up its culinary game and Jervois Road Wine Bar & Kitchen is one of the key players. Sitting along (you guessed it) Jervois Road, this neighbourhood bar aims to provide a relaxed place for locals to drop in and catch up over sharing plates of cured meats, mini burgers and chicken liver parfait, curated wines, beers and tea-based cocktails. Leading the charge is Benjamin McManus who injects his love for all things food and beverage into this venture. 

Quintessential Indian dining can be found at iVillage in Victoria Park in Auckland. This restaurant takes you through a journey of Indian cuisine starting with tandoori, chilli scallops and kababs before progressing to the main course. There you’ll be treated to Goan fish curry, handi paneer (cottage cheese) and lamb saagwala as well as their special raan mussallam—a marinated leg of lamb in a spicy masala prepared and cooked over a 24-hour period.  

The people of Auckland take their early morning coffee fix very, very seriously and that’s why coffee joints such as Criminal Grinds exist. Open Monday to Friday, this hole in the wall caters to the CBD working folk looking for caffeine and tasty takeaway food. There’s homemade treats (muffins, slices and biscuits), chia pods, bagels, pies and sammies as well as great coffee. 

To barbecue or not to barbecue? That is the question at Korean barbecue joint Faro. And, in our humble opinion, we vote barbecue. Choose from a selection of raw meat (the marinated soy sauce chicken is a fave of ours), seafood and veggies to cook on your very own grill. If you’re not so much into barbecuing, there’s a range of prepared dishes including a stir-fried kumara noodle dish as well as spicy pork and tofu kimchi soup. It’s a dining experience unlike any other and it’s not to be missed.

The Food Truck Garage is all about fast food with a healthy twist. Starting as a reality TV series showing how delicious and nutritious fast food really can be, this buzzing concept has now opened its second restaurant location in Wynyard Quarter. Their specialities lay in a large array of healthy goodness, from classic burgers and tacos to superfood salads. It's perfect for popping in for a quick and guilt-free lunch and their fresh cold pressed juices are something you'll end up raving about. 

The colour white symbolises new beginnings and that’s what White Spa + Float Lounge in Herne Bay strives for. With a focus of facials, waxing, massage, organic tans, tints and nails, this spa believes in mindful, holistic therapy solutions including their insanely relaxing flotation pods—you’ll get hooked on them! There’s tailored treatments for fellas, combination therapies and of course, the opportunity to float away your woes. White Spa + Float Lounge even do late nights (9.30pm from Tuesday to Thursday, and Saturday and Sunday) so you can get your fix after work hours.

First it was Fort Greene then it was Bestie and now, Lebanese eatery, Gemmayze St (named after the bustling restaurant-heavy street in Beirut) has joined St Kevins Arcade tribe of unique, slightly hidden eateries. Gemmayze St is lead by Samir Allen, a taleneted Kiwi chef with Lebanese roots. The fit out transports you straight to Lebanon with Arabic script lining and monochrome photos. The walls have accents of copper dotted throughout the restaurant. Food wise, expect a trip for the taste buds with beautifully presented mezze dishes. 

One of Parnell’s heritage buildings is now home to ASC, an innovative hair salon specialising in expert colouring (taking place upstairs in the airy, tranquil loft) and sleek cutting and styling. ASC is run by husband and wife duo Stephen and Andrew Cockle who have over 40 years of local and international experience. Sip on craft beer or boutique tea and coffee as you let them work their hairdressing magic on your locks. 

Cocktails are best enjoyed with a view and no one knows this better than waterfront bar Sardine. The funky little bar sees patrons packing in like sardines—hence the name. Here you’ll find wine, beer and a whooole lot of cocktails. You can have your fave cocktail custom-made or opt for one of their delicious creations—we’re all about ‘the prior’ with kiwifruit, vodka, honey, Tail basil, egg white and house-made aloe vera soda. Curb your hunger with a selection of dishes from White + Wong’s and Burger Boy menus.

If your beauty bag is looking a little empty, it’s time to pay the team at Mecca Cosmetica in Ponsonby a visit. Here you’ll find more than 40 of the world’s best beauty brands such as Nars, Stila, bareMinerals and Chantecaille (swoon!). Aside from make-up, they’ve also got skin and hair care as well as fragrances. If you need some expert advice, their resident make-up artists and skincare specialists will point you in the right direction. Warning: there’s a high chance you’re gonna want to buy ALL the things!

Once-upon-a-time a horse stable, The Oakroom has been transformed into an airy and beautiful restaurant and bar in Victoria Park Market.  The outdoor space has stunning views and the menu is perfect for sharing with friends – small plates and all the cheesy goodness of pizza. The Oakroom staff are oh-so friendly, and make a mean cocktail to boot. 

In the world of interior and homeware, some stores have well and truly got it going on. Crave Home in Birkenhead is one of these stores. You’ll find gorgeous bits and bobs from prints, cushions and textiles to ceramics, planters and lighting—basically everything you could need and want for your home. Crave Home also stock toys, décor and adorable rompers, booties and sweaters for bubbas. 

It’s no secret the ladies in this city are spoilt for choice with places to be preened and polished. However the guys aren’t quite so lucky—enter The Grooming Lounge. Tucked away in the CBD, The Grooming Lounge is an exclusive men’s grooming lounge with a wide range of services more luxurious than most. With massages and premium styling products only being part of the line up, this is the place to go for guys who want the best grooming experience in town.

Situated in Britomart, Ryder Salon is one of the best hair salons in Auckland. The beautiful designer interior, which includes art from sculptor Michael Parekowhai, sets the perfect scene for when you want to get your locks chopped, curled or coloured. The staff are super-friendly and extremely talented, so you can be assured that you’ll leave looking and feeling like a million dollars. It’s is also committed to sustainability and every product they sell in their retail zone is Paraben and Sulphate free. Ryder Salon is a true luxury hair salon experience.

When you're looking for a place to dance the night away, then head to twentyone, for a night to remember. Situated in the SKYCITY building, there's always an epic DJ on hand to keep you grooving as you enjoy some of their epic cocktails—the Bad Shirley goes down a treat. When the munchies strike, twentyone serves up some seriously good burgers, amongst other bites. The interior is luxurious, the staff fantastic and the experience epic. Get amongst. 

Sitting on a corner in the CBD, Mo’s Bar is a friendly joint where people pop by for after work drinks and catch-ups. It only has room for around 20 people but once you’re in, there’s great cocktails, beer, wine and cigars to fill your night with. Mo’s even gives you corn chips and salsa to nibble on—how’s that for hospitality?! 

Pocket Bar & Kitchen is an awesome neighbourhood bar in Grey Lynn that keeps locals happy with an excellent range of food and bevvies. The bar has a glass roof that lets in the sun and locks in the heat—a cosy pozzy for evening drinks and a bite to eat. We’re fans of their Northern African spiced lamb chops, warm kumara and caramelised leek salad, and teriyaki chicken salad. Make sure you try a cocktail or two—they’re crafted from seasonal produced and matched with spirits. 

With the biggest rooftop bar in Mission Bay, Rickshaw Eddy's is one of Auckland's best spots for enjoying a beer in the sun. Relax in one of their arm chairs, or grab a pozzy on a stool and enjoy the nostalgic, family feel (kids are welcome here).  The menu is all the faves you'd expect from a pub, such as classic nachos and beef sliders as well as a variety of pizzas and burgers. If sweet is more your thing, they have toasted waffles, and pineapple trifle pina colada (with FLOSS) on offer too. Yum. 

Located on Nuffield Street, Tasca is the perfect place for a pit stop when the shopping bags are weighing you down. Having taken inspiration from the backstreet tapas bars of Spain, the eatery’s ambiance is awesome and the widespread menu is nothing short of tasty. If you’re wanting to expand your palette’s horizons, have a look at the tapas list or if you’re feeling a bit shy, the main menu have some old favourites with a European twist. Whatever you decide upon, Tasca is always a good idea.

If you’re in need of somewhere to shake your tail feather this weekend, Cassette Nine is the place to do it. The legendary Auckland bar is always pumping with local and international bands and DJs. You’ll also find their equally legendary teapot cocktails—served in a teapot, of course. The bar prides itself on attracting people of all walks of life and, no matter how terrible your dancing may be, Cassette Nine will welcome you with open arms. Be sure to check out their Bitchin Bingo nights and their food menu—especially their chilli dog and New York-style cheesecake.

Nothing feels as good as a sweet yoga sesh. Lucky for us, Yoga West has set up shop in Titirangi and is spreading peace and good vibes all around town. Let’s start by talking about their impressive selection of yoga classes: they’ve got Vinyasa for an energising kick, Yin for a chill stretch and Slow Flow for something calming. Not to mention pregnancy yoga for those mumma-to-bes out there! Staying in theme with helping people keep healthy, zen and happy, Yoga West also offers meditation sessions, health and wellness consultations as well as massage therapy. Yoga West is the ultimate destination if you’re wanting to bring bliss and balance into your life.

Epic Training Studios is, err, truly epic and unlike any gym you’ve experienced before. There’s no such thing as one size fits all here. Instead, the friendly folk will assess your movement to identify any imbalances, weakness and strengths to create safe and effective training programmes suited to your needs and ability. They’ve got a range of options for you to try from strength and cardio training to heart rate training and recovery routines. Their signature workout is 30 minutes of high intensity interval training so brace yourself for some serious sweating. They also offer nutrition and lifestyle advice to help you achieve your #gymgoals. 

Northern Arena offers all kinds of exercise options in one complete membership to get your heart pumpin’ and your bod sweating. This Auckland gym has swimming pools and swim classes for anyone looking to make a splash while they get active. There’s a full gym of equipment to use as well as more than 115 of group fitness classes per week. The group sessions range from yoga and circuit training to aqua fitness and boxing—there’s something for everyone. For you active parents, there’s even a supervised play area where you can leave your sprogs while you get busy breaking that sweat!

Located in Rosedale, CrossFit Auckland was established in 2008 with a second gym opening more recently in Ponsonby. As the name might just give away, CrossFit Auckland specialise in 60-minute CrossFit sessions designed to strength and condition your bod. If you're short on time, they offer a 30-minute QuickFit high intensity workout—the perfect lunchtime workout. With other workout options such as Barbell Club and XLR8 outdoor training, CrossFit Auckland is the perfect place for a killer workout.

Xtend Barre has made its way to Auckland and found a home in Ponsonby. The fitness craze merges pilates and dance together to create an adrenaline-filled workout that strengthens, lengthens and chisels the body. With each class featuring an elegant yet energetic array of movements that enhance flexibility, improve balance and challenge the core, Xtend Barre will have you dancing in no time—if you can move the next morning that is. 

Located in Parnell and Auckland Domain, Shape In The City have bootcamps for all fitness levels. With a simple mission to help you achieve your fitness goals, these guys will whip you into shape. The three bootcamp offerings include HIIT IT, Bikini Body and Express 30 HIT and all promise to be energising, fast-paced and motivating, all to help you achieve those fitness goals.

Located in the heart of Ponsonby Central, you’ll stumble upon Ceres Fresh Market. The market store stocks fresh local produce and has an on-site juice and smoothie bar. Here you’ll find seasonal fruit and veggies of every colour of the rainbow. The best part? Everything is organic so you can rest easy knowing no chemical nasties are on them apples. There is also a grocery section stocking organic and environmentally conscious brands.

Vietnamese on-the-go? Look no further than Hello Mister on Hardinge Street in the CBD. Hello Mister is the brainchild of Mike Lee and Jason Kit who have combined traditional Vietnamese flavours with the growing need for lunch to be quick and easy. Pop in a pick up a couple of Mister Rolls filled with your choice of lemongrass chicken, crispy pork, peking duck, crumbed fish or prawns, or get your sammie fix with a banh mi. The pho is guaranteed to warm your cockles and the Vietnamese iced coffee will be a refreshing caffeine hit come summer. 

It’s true, Bluebells makes Auckland a better place. The Hillsborough café is the brand's first, and has since grown to include those in both Kingsland and Commercial Bay. Step inside this bright and light space and you’ll stumble upon the prettiest treats you ever did see. Bluebells is a sweet-tooth paradise, specialising in cupcakes, slices, doughnuts, macarons and—of course—cakes! Pop in for a treat and a cuppa or check out their website and get a cake delivered to your loved one.

Is it a pancake? Is it a taco? It’s neither—it’s a paco! Project Paco is a food truck specialising in what can only be described as taco-shaped pancakes. Whether you’re into sweet or savoury, the friendly folk have your back. The menu features the likes of ‘chef’s favourite’ (chorizo, scrambled egg, red onions and sweet chilli sauce) and ‘berry chiacake’ (berry chia compote, whipped cream and smashed biscuit). You’ll be pleased to know Project Paco are all about fresh, ethically conscious food and source all their ingredients locally.

On the corner of the Clevedon roundabout is the aptly named The Corner Kitchen & Bar. It’s a laidback, welcoming spot perfect for a lengthy feast, well-deserved drink or just a quick pitstop. The chefs pull inspiration from what’s available at their doorstep and are dedicated to showcasing local ingredients in everything that comes out of the kitchen. The bar also keeps to the local theme with a selection of New Zealand beer and wine on the drinks list.