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The only thing better than an epic meal, is an epic meal with an epic view. It’s fair to say waterfront restaurant Grangers has both bases well and truly covered. Located at an arm’s reach from Half Moon Bay’s marina, the bustling taphouse and kitchen has a menu that is earning them a reputation around town (the good kind).

If you like your cafes with a whole lot of heart, pay the friendly team at Craft Kitchen a visit. Nestled on Ponsonby Road, the café makes its dishes with love and serves them with a smile. Here you’ll find wholesome eats, including an entire menu catering to paleo folk. Pick up a treat from the cabinet (anyone for organic blueberry custard tarts or paleo-friendly gingernuts?) and enjoy with a perfectly brewed coffee served in the cutest takeaway cups you ever did see.

Just off Jervois Road, is a hidden gem, Blake St Café. They serve up delicious breakfasts—from gourmet savoury mince with fried eggs and grain toast to the full Kiwi breakfast that everything you could want, including that ol’ fave, baked beans. There is also plenty of variety on their lunch menu. We love the pulled pork served in a toasted bap with pickled cucumber, coleslaw and homemade BBQ sauce. Wash it all down with one of their smoothies, or, because it’s licensed, opt for a lunchtime vino or beer.

Tucked away behind the Parnell shops you’ll find Blue Elephant. This hidden gem serves some of the best Thai cuisine in Auckland with exceptional service to boot. The extensive menu features all the classics (tom yum, panang curry, pad Thai), as well as some more innovative dishes. We can’t go past their ‘chubby young blue elephant’ dish starring lightly battered chunks of Hapuka served with stir-fried veges in a flavoursome chilli sauce. Enjoy a table for two at the cosy restaurant or round up your squad and opt for a banquet dinner.

Nestled in the brick Saatchi & Saatchi building on The Strand, Huckleberry is Parnell’s go-to spot for everything healthy and delicious. Whether you’re looking for organic ingredients, a nutrient-loaded juice or fresh produce, Huckleberry is stocked with everything you could possibly want and need. They also have organic coffee from Kokako for caffeine fiends. 

What used to be a humble coffee cart is now a fully-fledged café in Karangahape Road’s Saint Kevins Arcade. Bestie is owned and run by partners Tane Williams and Emma Lyell, who churn out Eighthirty coffees and serve up a scrumptious food selection. The café itself is a rad space with lots of natural light and greenery and is a welcome escape from the frenetic pace outside—perfect for stopping by for a bite to eat or to do a bit of work for the morning. Bestie does mighty fine waffles and plenty of food to grab on the go. Stop by, you’ll be hooked on the first visit. 

Grey Lynn’s Richmond Road is now home to Lokanta, a family-run Turkish restaurant serving up rustic, homemade delights. Lokanta is decked out with emerald green tiles, mismatched chairs and old black and white photos. It’s the kind of place where you feel like you’ve stepped out of New Zealand and into a restaurant in the other side of the world. Food wise, Lokanta offers a range of small plates from smoky eggplant dip and creamy taramasalata to fresh chargrilled seafood as well as mains of Aegean island goat and slow cooked beef shin. Make sure you order their flatbreads and try the Turkish beer. 

If you’re looking for a cosy spot to pass the day/evening away, Stafford Road Wine Bar is the place to be. The Northcote restaurant boasts a unique wine list as well as a carefully curated craft beer selection. As for food, the menu changes seasonally with ingredients sourced from local suppliers. Expect to be served beautifully presented dishes starring the likes of duck liver, beef brisket, prawn and crab. Situated directly across the road from The Bridgeway Cinema, Stafford Road Wine Bar is the perfect pozzy to grab a bite to eat before watching a flick #datenightinspo.

If your wardrobe is in need of some new trends, pop into Ponsonby Road’s Tanya Carlson and get yourself sorted with some gorgeous garments. The boutique fashion store stocks Kiwi designer Tanya’s stunning outfits and Nineteen//46 knitwear. Expect to find ’70s-inspired florals, statement pieces as well as classic coats and blazers. Whether you’re after an elegant going-out outfit or something more casual, you’ll find what you’re after here.

A taste of Naples in your neighbourhood, Spacca is one of the best Italian restaurants in Auckland. Nestled on Remuera Road, it has a range of pasta dishes, including the Ragu Napoletano, which has traditional Napolitan meat sauce cooked over six hours, pizza, as well as antipasto options. When it comes to choosing dessert at Spacca, we can’t go past the tiramisu. 

Ellerslie is home to Gasket Espresso Kitchen, a funky café with a focus on all-day brekkie and freshly roasted coffee. There’s salmon open omelettes, a healthy breakfast salad and your classic eggs and toast, as well as a steak sirloin sammie and Hanoi chicken crepe. Sweet tooths, you won’t be disappointed: past creations include salted caramel chocolate mud cake, peanut butter cookies and lemon, passionfruit and yoghurt cake. As for coffee lovers, Gasket Espresso Kitchen make one of the best brews in town. 

If you like both a) cooking and b) books, Cook the Books is the store for you! The Grey Lynn bookstore specialises in books about—you guessed it—cooking! Allow plenty of time to browse the treasure trove of books and  take a seat in one of the store’s many comfortable chairs as you flick through the stunning recipes. Can’t find what you’re looking for? The friendly folk are only too happy to order it in for you. They also offer free gift wrapping and gift vouchers, making it the perfect spot to pick up a gift for your foodie friend.

If your walls are looking a little drab, get down to Ponsonby’s Endemicworld to pick up some prints. The store specialises in all sorts of prints: screen prints, letterpress prints, stencilled prints, photographic prints… You get the picture (pun intended). We’re big fans of their extensive Kiwiana collection from New Zealand creatives. Check ’em out at their Ponsonby Road shop or buy online.

Escape the city and treat your lungs to some salty air at The Piha Café. This local café is known for its simple yet delicious breakfast and lunch menu, pizza and tasty cabinet food. Go for a stroll along the beach before stopping by for a Kiwi fry-up and coffee. They also stock some great craft beer—the perfect companion to one of their pizzas. If you’re in a rush, The Piha Cafe also have fresh salads, slices, sammies and homemade sausage rolls to take away. 

Locally sourced goodness is what the Good Grocer on Kohimarama Beach is all about—everything at this grocery store is strictly New Zealand grown and made. You’ll find freshly baked loaves of bread, a cabinet of 18 flavours of freshly-churned house-made Milse gelato as well as a fruit and vegetable from the company’s farm in Kumeu. The Good Grocer also has an on-site butchery selling cuts such as wagyu, aged T-Bones, Tomahawks and more. But wait, there’s more! There’s also a deli with cured meats, salamis and a cheese cabinet either made or sourced by the Good Grocer’s cheesemaker. 

Great news for our Shore buddies! Fish Fish Burger Burger has launched in Takapuna, a duo of goodness all under one roof. Half of the space is designed as Burger Burger and the other half is (you guessed it) Fish Fish. The former serves up a menu of beloved burgers, bunnaces and sides, as well as scrumptious desserts and an ice cream bar. Meanwhile, the Fish Fish menu highlights the amazing breadth of fresh seafood available in New Zealand and will change with the seasons.

Ex-pat American’s and those who just lurve all things American, Martha’s Backyard is here to meet all your needs. Situated in Ellerslie, you’ll find some fashion and homewares and allll the food you stock up on when you head to the States. There’s lollies, Swiss Hot Chocolate, original Cheerios, Twinkies, Cheetos and so much more that will satisfy that craving. Ya’ll come back now, ya hear?

Situated on the beautiful island of Waiheke, Mudbrick Vineyard & Restaurant is a stunning spot for a long lunch, wedding, wine tasting or an afternoon strolling through their gardens. Mudbrick, a family owned and operated vineyard, was purchased in 1992 and has grown into one of the best places to drink wine and eat fine food in Auckland. The restaurant offers an impressive degustation with wine matches or round up your wine enthusiast friends and tuck into the a la carte menu with the likes of duck liver mousse, grilled angus eye fillet and a delicious black forest dessert matched with sherry. A trip to Mudbrick is a must for every Aucklander. 

If you’re a gal who’s all about classic yet pretty style, then chances are twenty-seven names dominates your wardrobe. Made with high-quality materials, the timeless pieces will stand the test of time and keep you on-trend for seasons to come. You can stock up on all things TSN at the pretty as a petal boutique store in Newmarket. There’s no such thing as clutter at the gorgeous light-filled store, making it a relaxing shopping experience. The hardest part will be narrowing down your purchases—you’ll want it all!

Calling all book lovers! If you haven’t already, make sure you pop on in to Novel Bookshop in Herne Bay. You can easily pass away the hours away as your browse the store’s selection of both fiction and non-fiction books. Novel Bookshop is known for it’s mighty fine collection of coffee-table books—there’s something for every home! 

With CrossFit in the name this gym might sound a little intimidating, but fear not. CrossFit Kia Maia’s main focus is to create a safe and friendly environment for its members. Specialising in CrossFit, group fitness, personal training, Olympic lifting, gymnastics, strength, conditioning and overall fitness, the CrossFit Kia Maia team are fully committed to getting the best results for their clients.  

There’s nothing better than hitting the road (or ferry) and heading to New Zealand’s oldest riverside tavern, The Riverhead. It has a lot to offer, depending on your needs. The Landing Restaurant serves up brunch, lunch, dinner and dessert, The Portage is your neighbourhood bar, serving good old fashioned pub grub, and The Boat House is available for functions for that all important next event. 

There’s nothing quite as good as being at a party or work event and the pizza from Toto arrives. After closing the doors after 21 years to Toto Restaurant, the team decided to focus on their famous pizzas. These pizzas are made for sharing—at a metre long, there are classic, modern and gourmet options to choose from, or you can order 50/50 if the decision is just too damn hard. If that gap in your belly still needs filling, there are delicious sides to add to your Italian happiness. Don't go past their amazing tiramisu and crunchy cannoli if you're looking to top off the perfect slice of gastronomic heaven.

The Women’s Bookshop has been promoting women’s writing since 1989. They originally set up shop in Mt Eden but relocated to Ponsonby in 1999 and have continued to sell plenty of great reads in a range of subjects. Whether you’re after history, fiction, poetry or cuisine, you’ll find a book to reel you in at The Women’s Bookshop. 

If there’s one thing the team at Point Chev’s Nomad are passionate about, it’s food. The restaurant specialises in Mediterranean eats with cuisine from the likes of Italy, The Middle East, Morocco, Spain and Turkey. They’re all about the shared dishes, making it the perfect pozzy to visit with your crew.

Located in a stunning brick building at the top of Symonds Street is Erban Spa. The boutique day spa specialises in all things massage and beauty. Pop in for a pampering facial, relaxing massage or beauty treatment—they do brow and eyelash treatments, waxing, tanning, manicures and pedicures. We’re pleased to report the friendly team use Antipodes skincare products, made from organic and natural ingredients. Erban Spa is the place to go to indulge, unwind and relax.

If that sweet tooth needs a fix, then head along to Ellerslie’s Mint Cakery for a spot of handmade happiness. Here you'll find the talented Michelle Bevan serving up brioche, mini loaves and of course what she’s known best for—baby cakes. We guarantee one visit won't be enough.

Whether the hunger kicks in at breakfast, lunch or dinner, Vikki Lane Bar & Kitchen will fill your belly with their delicious Melbourne, New York and London inspired offerings. Their menu is full of all sorts of snacks, small plates, big plates, stone baked pizza and an impressive selection of Grey Lynn Butchers’ sausages. Get your hands on the pork belly pizza or tuck into the delicious dish of butter fried scallops paired with a great New Zealand wine, of course. 

We get it. Not everyone loves working out. If you’re looking to add a bit of fun to your fitness regime, Uptown Bounce in Grey Lynn is the place to go. This indoor trampolining hub lets you bounce your way to health with connected tramps, basketball hoops, dodge balls, jelly pits, bounce walls AND vaults. Uptown Bounce also has a bounce fitness class every Tuesday and Wednesday. It’s a low-impact way to tone muscle, improve co-ordination and have a bunch of fun while you’re at it. They also have toddler time sessions Monday to Friday—so you can settle in with a coffee while your little one bounces about. 

Say hello to your new after-work haunt and music venue…Underpass! Taking inspo from the Berlin bar scene, the former carpark has been transformed into an inner CBD bar specialising in after-work drinks and eats as well as late-night entertainment. Music is at the heart of the underground bar with an events’ calendar packed with live music acts and DJs. In terms of eats, Underpass has a street food-esque menu with dishes such as Asian-spiced chicken satay skewers, pork shoulder tacos, fish sliders and Kiwi fave paua fritters. The best part? All dishes are priced under $10! Wash your meal down with one of the many craft beers on offer and you’ll be away laughing. 

Take a step back in time and head to the Puhoi Pub Hotel and Stables for a wonderfully unique experience. Sit back and relax with a cool beer before selecting a dish from their delicious bistro menu. There are plenty of options for seating—choose indoors, the balcony or one of the big shared tables out the front.

Ever wanted to run away and join the circus? The Dust Palace in Penrose is your chance to release your inner cirque star without going too far from home. This studio specialises in physical and circus theatre but also offers classes that will have you dabbling in all sorts of fancy acts: silks, trapeze, aerial hoop, rope, adagio, acrobatics and handstands, to name a few. Not only that—a class at The Dust Palace will help you build confidence, strength and build up your co-ordination, no matter whether you’re a wee tot or adult. They also run shows if you’d rather sit back and watch someone else do the tricks. 

Say hello to your new inner CBD hideaway. Nestled away on Durham Street West, you’ll stumble upon Kushi. The Japanese restaurant is known for their delicious lunch menu starring all your Jap faves: cute-as-a-button bento boxes, sushi, nigiri, sashimi and tempura. Their dinner menu turns things up a notch with the addition of hot pots and teppan dishes such as okonomiyaki Japanese pancake and grilled eel. Kushi also boasts a mighty fine selection of Japanese beer, sake and wine. If you're in a hurry, there’s a takeaway option next door.

When you’re looking to get your hair did in a friendly, skilled environment, make your way to MECA Hairdressing in Westmere. They’re committed to delivering exactly what you want using their amazing skills and talents. MECA will glam you up before a night out, give you a full-blown style and colour makeover or give your hair a healthy trim. They also have a makeup artist on hand! 

One the best places to get your hair done out west, Tegan & Beau has created a relaxing and stress-free salon. From brilliant colouring to blowdrys and chops for both me and women, Tegan & Beau will sit down with you to discuss your hair needs, dreams and dramas before working their magic on your locks. 

Casa Hair & Makeup is a warm, friendly salon in Northcote. They create beautiful locks without you having to break the bank—exactly what everyone wants from a hair salon! Whether you’re after a quick job or a massive colour makeup, Casa Hair and Makeup listen to what you want and will make your hair dreams a reality. They also do special occasion hair and makeup, express blowaves and makeup lessons for those you are looking to paint their face like a pro. 

Located in the heart of Three Lamps is Servilles Ponsonby and taking inspo from classic French cafes, this oh-so fancy salon will have you feeling like a true Parisian as you get your hair did. Whatever your hair needs are, the team have your back—or should we say hair? Opt for a cut, colour, treatment, blow wave or hair-up and sit back and relax as the Ponsonby team work their magic. 

Servilles Newmarket is located a hop, step and a jump from some of Auckland’s best boutique fashion stores—how convenient. For all things hair, the team have you sorted. Reinvent yourself with a stylish new haircut or go all out and get your locks coloured. We’re big fans of their keratin blow-out treatment that gives you softer, smoother and silkier locks—yes please! 

When our hair is in need of some T.L.C., our first point of call is Servilles Takapuna. They’re all about indoor-outdoor flow here with a glass wall exposing the salon’s lush surrounds. Enjoy the view as the friendly folk transform your hair from drab to fab. Whether you’re after a mop chop, hair colour, hair-up or just a simple blow wave, the team have you covered. 

Lusting for those seamlessly blended, wavy locks you see all over Instagram? Amiee Marie is your girl. Working out of her boutique studio in Beach Haven, Amiee specialises in blonde and balayage, and the proof is in the pudding. Her gram is dotted with her natural, healthy looking hair creations, which you swear could have been pulled out of the depths of Pinterest. Amiee's studio is open based on appointments and can often be booked out weeks in advanced so get in early! 

Wining and dinning is fun and stuff but sometimes you just want a good ol’ serve of fish’n’chips. Hillsborough’s The Chipper serves up ya classic Kiwi fish’and’chips in style. At the upmarket takeaway joint you’ll find fresh beer-battered fish (alternatively choose to have yours Panko crumbed or grilled) and chunky, hand-cut fries. Their mouth-watering range of burgers are better than your average with toppings such as avocado, streaky bacon, beetroot and jalapeno. And, rest assured, the menu also features everyone’s favourite pineapple fritters.

Lauded as one of the best fine dining restaurants in Auckland, The French Cafe is a must if you appreciate beautiful food in a beautiful setting. Situated on Symonds Street, this restaurant is unassuming from the outside but features a sunny, stylish space within.

With its neon lights, retro beach umbrellas and funky communal tables, this is not what you’d expect from a restaurant smack dab in the middle of Balmoral. Kiss Kiss brings the vibes of a bustling Thai dining hall, so you can experience Chiang Mai without even stepping on a plane. 

If you’re after a lil something-something to gift to your mother, brother or lover, look no further than Ponsonby Road gift shop Iko Iko. We could quite happily spend hours browsing through the store’s delightful nick nacks, homewares and stationery. Here you’ll find everything from New Zealand-shaped cookie cutters and tiki salad servers, to inflatable flamingos and Justin Bieber posters. We guarantee you’ll leave the store with not only a gift for your loved one, but also a little treat (or two) for yourself.

Ain’t nothing better than sinking some of New Zealand’s finest craft beers at Hallertau Brewery & Restaurant. Located in the heart of Riverhead, the popular spot is known for its delicious dishes made from scratch—often using produce from the on-site garden. This is also where Hallertau’s much-loved beersies are brewed so you can rest easy knowing your drink is as fresh as can be! The venue boasts a large biergarten (that’s German for beer garden), children’s playground and an event calendar pack with live music. 

Located in an historic building set in the oh-so pretty Cornwall Park, you’ll find the aptly named Cornwall Park Bistro. The restaurant serves a mouth-watering range of entrees and mains. Here you’ll find the likes of beef tartare, smoked eel and perfectly cooked eye fillet steak. Pop in after a leisurely weekend stroll through the park and re-fuel with their delish brunch menu. Cornwall Park Bistro also serves high tea on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday afternoons.  

This little dessert parlour tucked away down brick lane in Parnell is your one-stop shop for all things sweet and delicious. Casa Del Gelato Parnell’s waffles, mega shakes and ice cream have built up quite the rep in Auckland, and for good reason, too. They make everything from scratch and aren’t afraid to push the dessert boundaries. Gather your sweet-tooth friends and head to Casa Del Gelato for an afternoon of sweet indulgence. After all, life’s too short to not eat dessert.

Located in Ponsonby Central, Boar & Blade can be found pushing creative boundaries while respecting old-school barber values. It’s set up with vintage barber chairs, cowhide rugs, and stocked with plenty of music, beers, and banter. The Boar & Blade lads will give you a snazzy new style, a quick clipper cut, beard trim or hot towel shave in the comforts of their barbershop. With bookings essential, be sure to get in quickly as spots are filling up fast. 

If it’s a comforting bowl of ramen your heart desires, look no further than Ponsonby’s Ramen Takara. Originally operating solely from their Brown’s Bay site, the eatery’s popularity lead to a second location opening on Ponsonby Road in 2015. You’re spoilt for choice with 10 ramen offerings as well as an extensive range of other Japanese dishes. We love their crispy lotus chips and their pork belly spring rolls served with Japanese mustard are not to be missed—yum!

Meaning ‘the heart and soul’ in Japanese, Coroco in Ponsonby aims to deliver a top-notch dining experience—and that they do. Their dinner service offers three different course menus—degustation, sushi sashimi and the signature course. Eat your way through fresh seafood, flavourful soup and tender meat. The courses can be paired with sake or wine for the ultimate Japanese dinner. 

When it comes to pilates, Reform Fitness do things a little differently. Forget that holistic, soul searching stuff. Reform Fitness are all about body enhancing, muscle trembling dynamic reformer pilates. Their full-bod workouts promise to provide a euphoric experience and enhance your body. They have a range of classes catering to all skill levels as well as—our favourite—a cardiolates class that combines high intensity interval training with pilates.

Sitting pretty on High Street is Unity Books. The bookstore is a delightful oasis from the hustle and bustle of the CBD. Allow yourself an hour (but more likely more), to browse the treasure trove of books. Whatever books you’re into, we guarantee you’ll leave the store with a brown paper bag filled of goodies to feast your eyes on. 

On the corner of Manukau and Empire Roads, you’ll find Little Jimmy. The bustling part-restaurant, part-bar is all about supporting the little guy with their entire menu showcasing New Zealand produce and beverages. Here they whip up a delicious brunch and dinner menu. Visit in the morn and treat yourself to the likes of superfood muesli, waffles and a baked breakfast with all the trimmings. Feast on one of their signature sourdough pizzas for lunch and, come dinner, you’re spoilt for choice with sliders, meatballs, ribs and lentils all making appearances. 

You can dance, you can lift, you can boogie or you can do the best of them all—flow. The Flow Academy of Motion in Highland Park focuses on modern flows including parkour, free-running, breakdancing, martial arts, tumbling, circus acro and more. Flow Academy runs open sessions staffed by pros and give you the freedom to train alone or be guided through different skills. 

If bold, bright hair is what you’re after, Live & Let Dye is exactly where you need to go. Not ones to stick to the boundaries, this Mt Eden salon will give you the kinda locks you want, no questions asked. From edgy pixie cutes to long elegant layers and creative colours, the Live & Let Dye team can make things work for all lifestyles and budgets. All their dyes are eco-friendly and will leave your hair in top condition. Sounds like a dream to us! 

We love a good excuse to get our nails done at The Nail Studio. With over 30 years of nail industry experience, you know you’re in good hands—literally. The Nail Studio provides bespoke manicures and pedicures offering both natural and enhanced nails using ethically-sourced products. The studio is set in a private home-based studio in Three Kings. It’s the perfect little escape for a bit of well-deserved pampering!

Escape the hustle and bustle of Auckland’s CBD with a visit to Quay Street’s Oaken. The restaurant and wine bar is the perfect escape with cushioned seating, stunning timber furnishing and tranquil artwork lining the walls. They know a thing or two about delicious eats here. Visit over breakfast and choose from 10 egg dishes (who even knew eggs could be cooked in 10 ways?!) or seasonal fruits and cereals. For lunch we can’t get enough of their cheesy toasted jaffles and their evening menu is perfectly complemented with an extensive wine list.

PSA: Kcöre Pilates is now part of the Reform family—Reform Victoria Park. 

If you’re after a truly impressive yet not too stuffy fine dining experience, then Phil’s your man. This Kingsland restaurant has a constantly revolving, seasonal menu created by Phil and his team. Some of Phil’s Kitchen’s creations include maple cured kingfish ceviche, smoked loin of beef, and chocolate parfait with salted caramel and roasted hazelnuts. However, expect to be lured in by the specials—they’re always too delicious to resist. 

Maloney’s Barber Shop has been making Auckland lads look fresh for more than 10 years. Whether you’re after a cut, shave or just a simple trim of the ol’ beard, Maloney’s has you covered. If you’re feeling brave, book in for a traditional hot towel shave with a cut-throat razor—don’t worry, the friendly folk here promise not to pull any Sweeney Todd antics on ya!