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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. 

You're guaranteed a good night out at Revelry. The Ponsonby bar prides itself on being the perfect combination of comfy and unpretentious yet sexy and intimate. And yup, it's fair to say they've got the balance down pat. Revelry has an extensive drinks menu featuring specialty cocktails, craft beers and wine from all four corners of the globe. Party here on the weekend or visit mid-week for the perfect date night with bae. Cozy up on the velvet couches as you work your way through the tapas menu—cute! 

Whenever a sporting event happens, this iconic Kingsland pub gets packed to the gunnels with punters looking to watch the action. Luckily, sport is exactly what The Kingslander caters for. You’ll find plenty of beer, hearty food plus pool tables and darts to keep you occupied before and after the game. Their extensive menu features burgers, pizza, grazing plates including sliders, pulled pork and cheese quesadillas. The Kingslander is also available for functions and they put on a mighty fine spread. 

The Poi Room Ponsonby is a Māori-owned Retail Art Gallery currently supporting over 100 local artists. The gallery specialises in Aotearoa-made goods including prints, Māori arts, glass, paintings, ceramics, sculpture, jewellery, books and stationery, homewares, and beauty and is one of the best Pounamu stores in New Zealand. In addition to their online and Ponsonby stores, you can find their original gallery at 17 Osborne Street in Newmarket. 

If you’re ever in need of a burger in the wee hours of the morning, Andy’s your man. Located in SkyCity, Andy’s Burgers is open a whopping 24/7 so burgers fans can get their fix at any time. We can’t go past the cheeseburger or lamb burger served with smoked tomato mayo, charred sweet corn salad and feta cheese. While green beans aren’t something you’d often order at a burger joint, Andy’s Burgers douses theirs in garlic, lemon, smoked butter and crushed peanuts and they’re totally worth a try. 

IKA (pronounced ‘eeka’) is all about things from the sea. The Mt Eden seafood bar and grill prides themselves on serving up fresh, generous dishes that are not only delicious but also easy on the wallet—score! While the menu is ever-changing, you’ll often find the likes of scallops, oysters and fresh whole fish available for the taking. FYI they also do a bad ass chargrilled steak. 

If you’re after cocktails and Asian-inspired food on K Road, Madame George is your best bet. This eclectic yet welcoming bar is a spot quickly gaining traction for its delicious food, seasonal cocktails and friendly atmosphere. Serving crispy taro crisps, Taiwanese popcorn chicken and a warming, flavourful laksa, we’re sure Madame George will be a popular drinking den come winter. 

Papatoetoe’s Halo Hair Design has been around for more than two decades so the team here really know their stuff. Pop in for a haircut or a pampering wash and blow dry. If you’re after something more dramatic, opt to get your hair coloured or chemically straightened. Alternatively, show your hair some love with a keratin treatment. Whatever you’re after, the team will transform you from drab to fab and give you the pampering you deserve! 

Situated in Matakana (where the weekend markets take place) is The Village Bookshop, a boutique, independent bookstore with a wide selection of books, wrapping paper, cards and other bits and bobs. From New Zealand literature to eclectic and international reads, The Village Bookshop is the perfect place to pop into after hitting up the markets or grabbing a bite to at the Matakana Market Kitchen. Owner, Tracy and her staff will be more than happy to make a recommendation. 

If your hair is in need of some T.L.C., pay the friendly team at Kohimarama’s Schnips a visit. You’ll be treated like royalty at the modern neighbourhood salon as you sit back and enjoy a complimentary hot drink. Reinvent yourself with a stylish new haircut or go one step further and get your locks coloured. We’re big fans of their keratin services—especially their luxurious Kerasilk treatment that leaves you with smooth and voluminous hair that lasts up to 10 washes.

This hidden lane sandwiched between Queen Street and Fort Lane has cemented its title as a great place for coffee, food and after-word drinks in Auckland over the past few years. Imperial Lane is a welcome escape from the business of the city, offering breakfast, light bites and hot dogs. Pop in for a breakfast crumble or your classic scramble in the morning, or for evening nibbles and vino. 

Situated in Wairau Valley, Coffee Lab is a great café for really good coffee and a quick bite to eat. The focus here is the coffee. They roast their own beans and turn it into lattes, long blacks, drip coffee—you name it, they’ve got it. Coffee Lab’s food menu is small, featuring bacon butties, chia pudding, eggs bene and seasonal salads. A primo place to get your caffeine fix. 

Sunnynook’s best kept secret, Fact-Tree Café is a dinky eatery offering fuss-free, scrumptious fare seven days a week. Whether you’re an eggs bene fan, pancake person, or like to keep things fresh with salt and pepper squid, Fact-Tree has something for everyone. Don’t leave without trying one of their smoothies and grabbing a sweet treat!

If you’re looking for a casual bite to eat in Newmarket, Shaky Isles is a one of your best bets. This light, bright café on Kingdon Street offers a number of brunch and lunch item as well as a great selection of cabinet food. The haloumi bruschetta is always a standout, washed down with a smoothie for the ultimate midday meal. 

This café screams ‘Wellington’ more than Auckland and is a welcome retreat from the city madness. With books and mismatched picture frames lining the wall, Remedy Coffee gives off unpretentious vibes and makes an excellent flat white (they recently made the switch to Red Rabbit beans). They’ve also got free wifi and board games, so settle in for a while and munch your way through their delicious menu. 

Nestled down High Street, The Shelf is a trendy café offering refuge from the busy city. You’ll find all sorts of delicious fare including waffles, open sandwiches, salads and pasta as well as iced coffees, ‘ades’ and juices. It’s a great spot for freelancers or students to work for a couple of hours. 

For your suburban coffee fix, look no further than Brick by Brick in Onehunga. The neighbourhood café makes a deelish brew of Allpress coffee with a mouth-watering all-day-breakfast menu to boot. If you’re after something stronger, they also have a fine selection of wine, beer and even Japanese sake! Owner, Soichiro Hara, has Japanese origins and this can be seen in the menu with offerings such as chicken katsu, teriyaki salmon and shogayaki ginger pork.

The Fridge is renowned for their pies but they are foodie experts in so much more. This Kingsland café offers scrumptious breakfast, brunch and lunch fare, and is one of the best places to pop in for a bite to eat in the area. Tuck into eggs benedict on potato hashcakes or go for an ol’ favourite—savoury mince on toast. The Fridge also has a irresistible cabinet of salads, sammies, slices and other tasty treats. 

If you like to add a little variety to your exercise regime, head along to Studio 3 for a trio of your fave exercises—yoga, pilates and barre. This includes Xtend Barre™, which fuses dance, pilates and sculpting exercises at the ballet barre for a toned body—fast. Hop to!

For an oasis in the central city, head to Abundance for total nourishment of your mind, body and soul. Offering yoga, pilates and barre beautiful classes, all within a beautiful environment, Abundance is truly an escape from the busyness and stress of modern life. 

The Auckland Yoga Academy is a great location for both students and teachers alike. For overall health and wellbeing, unwind and de-stress with ashtanga and hatha yoga. There are also meditation/mindfulness classes and chanting. If you’d prefer a little more privacy, there’s also one-on-one session and if yoga is seriously your thing, you can even train as a teacher. 

If you’re big on all things meat, then make sure you pay Wildfire a visit. The legendary Auckland restaurant specialises in Brazilian churrasco (translation: their dishes are cooked to perfection over glowing coals). For one set price you can eat until your heart’s content. Expect to be served cuts of beef, chicken, lamb, pork and seafood and a variety of side dishes. If that’s not your thing they also do an à la carte menu featuring a selection of platters and burgers. 

There’s no need to venture far and wide to experience the flavours of Africa. Overlooking Murrays Bay, you’ll find Serengeti African restaurant. The friendly folk here pride themselves on dishing up divine food with generous portion sizes. We can’t go past their mixed grill featuring flame-grilled boerewors, steak and a lamb chop served with pap and chakalaka. If you’re big on ribs, visit on Tuesday, Thursday or Sunday for their all-you-can-eat special. 

An oldie but a goodie, The Empire has been around since 1875 so they’re guaranteed to know a thing or two about being a local watering hole. Situated on Victoria Street West, The Empire plays host to a number of gigs, quiz nights and open mic evenings. On the food front there’s the Empire Staples— nachos, lamb gnocchi and fettucine, or opt for couple of tasty small plates and a pizza or two. If you’re just looking for a beverage, The Empire has plenty of beer, wine and cocktails to keep you hydrated.  

This institution has been the beating heart of Ponsonby’s bar scene for years, and judging by its unwavering popularity, Chapel is definitely worth checking out. Situated in a sunny spot on the corner of Anglesea Street, Chapel focuses on refreshing bevvies and fuss-free bar food—platters, burgers, pizzas and other delicious nibbly bits. Chapel is the dream pozze for a cheeky Sunday sesh or after-work thirst quencher. 

Escape the hustle and bustle of Auckland CBD at Hotel DeBrett Housebar. The art deco bar specialises in classically inspired cocktails, local wines and boutique beer. They have a strong bar food game with a delectable selection of platters and cheeseboards. Housebar is cosy and oh-so romantic. It’s your next date night go-to.

The friendly folk at The Village Winery in Mt Eden Village know a thing or two about wine—and beer, for that matter. The independent, family-owned alcohol store only stocks the best of the best. In order to make it on their shelves, their hand-picked wine must be of exceptional quality, value and character. They also stock an impressive collection of single malt whiskey and specialty beer. Cheers, The Village Winery!

Calling all wine lovers. Bacchus Upland Village is your one stop shop for fine wines, spirits and beers. The Remuera store stocks an extensive collection of fine wines from New Zealand, Aussie and further afield. They’re also big on spirits—especially Scotch single malt whiskey. Visit on the weekend and get amongst their free wine tasting.

There’s no need to venture far for delicious fare and great cocktails—in fact, you can get your fix in the heart of Mt Eden Village. Scarlett Slimms & Lucky is a gastropub with swag. The drinks list is divided into chapters with quirky titles such as ‘I could murder a drink’ and ‘cocktails to die for’. You can trust us when we say the Caribbean rum punch, featuring spiced rum, fresh lime and candied orange is—indeed—to die for. There’s a range of delicious eats including an extensive grazing menu and mouth-watering mains. Recruit your crew and devour their slider degustation in their conservatory-like terrace. 

Hello Friends + Allies is a buzzing café nestled down busy Great South Road in Epsom. With a focus on brunch, lunch and tasty takeaway food, Hello Friends + Allies is the perfect spot to pop in for a quick bite to eat or a lazy afternoon treat and coffee. The café is bright and airy, decorated with local artwork, old school Vogue’s and serves Coffee Supreme and fresh, modern Kiwi fare. 

For pastries that look just as amazing on the plate as they taste in the mouth, look no further than Parnell’s Vaniye. Known for creating some of Auckland’s best and most beautiful pastries, Vaniye brings a feeling of Paris to the streets of Parnell. This is a perfect place to pick up a piece (or three) for a special treat, or perhaps a deserved reward at the end of a walk through the domain or rose gardens. 

Paradise Indian Food is a firm Auckland favourite. Constantly bustling with people, the Sandringham Road restaurant and takeaway store specialises in cuisine from Hyderabad, India. Dine in the restaurant and feast on their signature rice biryani dishes or play it safe with their flavoursome butter chicken. We can’t go past their onion pakora (it’s the best in town!) and chicken madras. There are some more unusual dishes on the menu including a range of Indian Chinese dishes and their popular deep fried lollypop chicken. The adjoining takeaway store extends its hours by half an hour in the morning and evening, being open from 11am to 10pm.