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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!

Galbraith’s Alehouse is an iconic brewpub in Eden Terrace, pouring their own brews (been doing so for 19 years) and serving up hearty nosh. Their food menu consists of pub grub favourites—burgers, pies and fish ‘n chips—as well as more sophisticated fare. You’ll find prawn linguine, beetroot and goats cheese tacos and marinated grilled tofu salad. However, if you’re feeling game, go for the massive beef wellington and a pint to wash it down. 

Set in a New York loft-style space in the heart of downtown Auckland, Room 104 specialises in men’s grooming, making lads look as dapper as can be. Whether you’re looking for a quick wash and cut or a complete grooming experience, Room 104 lets you have a drink, read a mag and unwind. Unlike most barbers in town, their booking system means that you don’t have to wait or rush. 

This K'Road salon will give you exactly what every owner of locks wants—killer hair. Whether you’re after expert colouring, perfect 1920’s curls, a decent chop or a bold, bright makeover, your hair will be in good hands with the Killer Hair team. Pop by for a Big Blow Out or if you need to be in and out quick smart, the Fast & Fabulous style is the way to go. 

Takapuna is now home to one of Auckland’s best South East Asian restaurants, TOK TOK. Owned by the same team from Le Vietnamese Kitchen, TOK TOK is a casual spot for delicious, flavour-packed food. Whether you’re after a fresh papaya salad or a warming curry, you’ll find something to tickle your fancy at TOK TOK. We can’t go past the beef brisket buns and duck pad thai. 

This Mt Wellington pub promises to provide “good times, great beer and tasty food”. We can vouch that The Flying Moa excels at all three. In terms of good times, they host quiz nights, live bands and daily food and drink specials (anyone for $1 wings?!). As for drinks, they have a wide range of wines, beersies, cocktails and non-alcoholic offerings (including milkshakes!). The food menu stars your fave bar food: burgers, fish’n’chips and a grill menu.

Quite literally fitness with a twist, Powerhoop in Howick takes the art of hula hooping to a whole new level. A 45-minute class will trim your waist, flatten your tum, strengthen your core and have you working up a sweat in no time. Powerhoops are weighted, starting from 1.6kg to 2.1kg and can help with lower back pain and poor posture. And best of all? It’s a fun way to get fit. The Howick studio is open based on class timings so head here for details. 

You can’t call yourself a true Aucklander until you’ve dined in the much-loved Tanuki’s Cave. Literally located under Queen Street, the Japanese yakitori and kushiage bar dishes up some of the best skewers in town.

Operating from a hole in the wall is Vulcan Lane Bagels. It’s your one-stop shop for a quick and easy breakfast or lunch when you’re on the run. There’s no such thing as average bagels here. Instead you’ll find the likes of pulled pork with apple slaw and chipotle beef with tomato salsa. They also have a selection of cheese melts, cream cheese ‘schmears’ as well as bagels with ya standard preserves and spreads. You’ll also find a cabinet full of tempting pastries and coffee to takeaway.

Homestead is a cafe located in the stunning Wallace Arts Centre in the Pah Homestead. The beautifully refurbished heritage home boasts views of the sweeping lawn and neighbouring Monte Cecilia Park. The cafe is the brainchild of Connor Nestor and Charles Williams (Ceremony cafe co-owners) and Sam Mannering (Kiwi chef and writer). Here you'll find an all-day breakfast menu and an extensive lunch menu that features the likes of bruschetta, salads and a range or small and large plates. 

Degree is a gastrobar and nightclub conveniently located in the Viaduct Basin. If it’s good times you’re after, Degree is your go-to. No matter what day you visit, there’s always something going on with weekly drink deals such as wine time Tuesdays, Wednesday jam jars and Thursday mojitos. There are also meal deals throughout the week with a steak night on Tuesdays, Wednesday ribs and a pizza night on Thursdays. 

East and West come together in fusion of delight at White + Wong's. Brought to you by the same people behind Harbourside and Botswana Butchery, this newly opened restaurant is right on Quay St, overlooking the harbour. Bright, light and colourful, there are plenty of menu options—we love their dumplings, wok fried chicken wings and for dessert the caramel, milk chocolate and peanut parfait. There's also 'feed me' menu option or two banquets to choose from—the lotus and the grand. And, if you're looking for a private dining space to celebrate, White + Wong's have six spaces to choose from. This is one spot you'll be returning to again and again. 

Dig out your activewear and do a stroll around Cornwall Park before settling down to breakfast at the café here. Cornwall Park Café has a superb all-day breakfast menu featuring your breakfast favourites: house-made muesli, toasted bagels and a hearty big breakfast with all the trimmings. They also have a strong cabinet game with fresh muffins, scones, cakes and sandwiches on offer. Where possible, the café uses ingredients sourced from Cornwall Park’s farm and their herb gardens. Pro tip: be sure to order a deconstructed hot chocolate.

Burger fans, listen up! Burger Boy is Auckland’s newest burger joint, flipping tasty, fuss-free burgers within the heart of the city. Situated on Quay Street, Burger Boy’s creations include The Good Boy, Bad Boy, Mama’s Boy, plus crispy skinny fries and dranks. They’re open 11am ‘til late, so whenever you need a burger fix, just holla at yo boy. 

The hip and industrial Scullery Café on K Road sets itself apart in its conscientious commitment to minimising their environmental impact. The menus are printed on recycled paper, the straws are biodegradable and the idea is to limit the waste to one rubbish bag a week. It’s that kind of environmental consideration that puts Scullery in a league of its own.

For healthy (and absolutely delicious) meal, look no further than Ponsonby-newcomer Pintu. The eatery specialises in sandwiches and salads, giving you the option to create your own combination or choose from the carefully created menu. There's something for everyone with the menu offering all the goodies: Angus beef, pulled chicken, prawn, halloumi and more! Pintu also has a mouth-watering breakfast menu with cacao muesli, coconut chia pudding and ricotta hotcakes all available for the taking. 

We first encountered Deadly Ponies on our hunt for the perfect handbag—functional yet fashionable and made of smooth, butter-like leather. And boy, Deadly Ponies didn’t disappoint. 

Working with contrast, texture and colours, Chaos & Harmony create design-led stylish footwear that let’s face it, is TDF. 

Céline Rita’s part store, part showroom and part workroom in Newton is off the beaten track (a.k.a. Pons Road) but well worth the trek over Newton Bridge. 

The newly opened Ingrid Starnes boutique on Ponsonby Road is the stomping ground of discerning shoppers who can’t get enough of her signature prints, structure styles and detailing. Designed and made in New Zealand, Ingrid’s classic collections will make you share her love of quality fabrics and celebrate her contemporary take on vintage accents. 

ilabb have been carving up the extreme sports scene since 2007—first with decals and now with decent threads for lovers of pushing the boundaries. At their Grafton flagship store you’ll find seasonal collections and collab ranges with like-minded brands, athletes and musicians. Pop in to pick up a selection on the best sports-style fashion in Auckland. 

This spot on the corner may be on the smaller side but it's reputation for serving up some of the best coffee in Grey Lynn is large. Fitted out as if it were in the 50s, Charlie Boys is a go-to for many regulars who rely on the café's takeway coffee to get them through the working day. However if you need a bit more fuel in the tank you're in luck as the cabinet is stocked up with all the lunchtime classics such as pies, cakes and muffins.

Staple & Cloth might just be Ponsonby’s best kept secret. The label was created out of the need for the perfect white shirt, and because the founders couldn’t find one, they made one. Since then they’ve been producing seasonal collections and selling coveted labels such as Salasai, Sol Sana, Mooi, Nyne & Silk & Steel (just to name a few) through their self-named Ponsonby Road boutique.

Just enter Augustine's Ponsonby boutique and you’ll be dreaming of sundowners somewhere tropical. Established in 2008 by Kelly Coe, the brand consecutively creates colourful collections that will blow your resort-wear and going-out attire out of the water—all at affordable prices. After a trip to Augustine, getting ready will be the highlight of your day. 

I Love Ugly is the brainchild of a group of like-minded people who share a love for all things creative—beyond the realms of just fashion. Since starting out in a closet back in ’08, the I Love Ugly team have been consistently producing top-notch quality collections across menswear and accessories. Check out the Auckland flagship store in Mt Eden for the ultimate Ugly experience. Who knew Ugly could be so good?

Gorman on Nuffield Street is the Australian fashion label’s first foray into the New Zealand market and we’re welcoming them with arms WIDE open. Designed and created by Lisa Gorman, the label has become famous Down Under thanks to her distinctive handwriting, signature prints and daring colour palettes. Head to the Newmarket store and shop up a storm—it is definitely one of the best fashion stores in Auckland. 

Juliette Hogan’s Britomart boutique is in prime location for a lunchtime jaunt. Saturated in an abundance of natural light, you’ll feel relaxed as you browse through the racks of modern-designed pieces that accommodate for everything you need, and nothing you don’t. Juliette sums up her collections perfectly with the simple phrase—contemporary simplicity—and we couldn’t agree more.

A staple on the Auckland fashion scene, Andrea Moore has been kitting Kiwis out with structured, colourful and fashion-forward garments since opening in Wellington more than 15 years ago. If you’re looking for locally-produced threads and black isn’t your everyday go-to then the Milford boutique should be your new local. 

The British gastro pub has come to Auckland in the form of The Spotted Pig. Located on Eden Terrace, The Spotted Pig prides itself on its laid-back environs, tasty grub and quality drinks list. Order their schnitzel and see what all the fuss is about, or warm up in winter with a lamb madras curry. There are plenty of nibbles—think bacon and manchego croquettes, caprese salad, and pork meatballs—and a solid selection on New Zealand wines. From quiz nights to steak specials and schnitzel Thursdays, The Spotted Pig has all based covered. 

Princes Wharf is now home to The Culpeper, an eatery and bar with an emphasis on seafood and BBQ from all corners of the globe. Headed by Executive Chef Gareth Stewart, The Culpeper whips up irresistible sharing plates such as crab and kimchi hushpuppies, Peking duck, Wagyu beef short ribs and bits on the side. We recommend you order a feast and go to chow town. On the drinks front, you’ll find ‘smashes’—think bourbon and peach, mint julep, and rhubarb and strawberry fizz.