116 Kitchener Rd, Milford, Auckland 0620 Mon – Sun 7am – 4pm A bustling café on the main road of Milford, Bread and Butter will never disappoint. New to Milford, this café offers an extensive menu of traditional and healthy breakfast and lunch options. If you’re looking for something a little sweeter search no further than the cabinet filled with fresh donuts and tarts. Shared tables and cozy outdoor seating gives you the choice of where to enjoy their mouth-watering food. The coffee quality and service is as immaculate as the food. Children and puppies always welcome!

Through a rocky pathway, past beautiful homes and crashing waves you will find Minnehaha Beach; a cove for the tan and beautiful. This intimate swimming spot boasts a body of clear, blue water and enough sand to perch on with a group of friends or family. Overhanging tree branches provide spots to shade from the beaming sun and you’re bound to bump into someone you know. Minnehaha appears secret in it’s location though popular with it’s visitors. A beach offering space to play, sunbathe and wallow in the waters. Indulge in yourself, bring your beach towel and spend an afternoon here.

2 The Strand, Takapuna, Auckland 0622 Mon – Sun 10am – 5pm Tosca & Salome is a new addition to Takapuna and it has certainly bought something different. With the gorgeous colours, feathers and beads on every shelf, it encapsulates summer for you. This is the perfect little shop for gifts or treating yourself. Despite the enchantingly small size the shop offers a decent variety of bikinis, bags, dresses and jewellery! Each of the pieces with a different pattern for a different occasion, Tosca & Salome is a sweet, little shop with prices and styles to keep every customer happy. For a little summer colour in your life make sure to visit Tosca & Salome while on the North Shore.

10 Northcroft St, Takapuna, North Shore 0622 Mon-Weds 9am – 5pm Thurs 9am – 7pm Fri-Sat 9am – 5pm Sun 10am – 4pm Three stories high of clothing, beauty and coffee, The Department Store might be your one-stop shop. Supporting local brands such as Karen Walker while also indulging in the gorgeous patterns of brands like Tigerlily, The Department Store has you covered for shopping. While it caters mostly to a younger, expensive taste, there’s never any harm in window-shopping! There are layers of silk hanging next to the small beautician area where you can get organic shellac or a relaxing massage. With each floor you will fall in love again, the first being the coffee at Coffee General on entrance. The Department Store boasts a large variety of brands, Stephen Marr hairdressing services, beauty products/services and drool-worthy coffee and snacks.

Treat yourself at Little and Friday! A cozy eatery away from the hustle and bustle, Little and Friday is the perfect place for an afternoon delight. Each flower and fairy light works towards a rustic and romantic feeling. You might like to sit down with a healthy breakfast meal or a cup of tea and a take-away salted caramel donut. Either way the variety of cabinet food and healthy meal options will make sure everyone leaves happy. You can choose whether to sit among the fresh baking inside or bathe in the sun on the outdoor seating. This little bakery is bursting with character, perfect for small children or even a date!

40 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna, Auckland Mon – Sun 7.30am – 4pm This espresso bar nestled away in the lanes of Takapuna is not to be missed. A coffee shop inside an old Kombi van, just the decor is worth going for. Serving Havana coffee, you can only expect the smoothest of blends for your take-away or have-here caffeine fix. Behind the kombi van enchanting fairy lights and seating give you a chance to enjoy snacks you’ve picked up from the cabinet. Kombi Coffee sits among the new hospitality centre of the North Shore. Perfect for a quick coffee stop between beach and shopping!

Providing the tides are kind, this walk between Takapuna and Milford is absolutely stunning. Along rocks, past luxurious houses and between friendly locals you can make your way from Milford to Takapuna in about 90 minutes. Though slightly rocky, with caution, this is a family and dog friendly walk. At sunrise or sunset you’re bound to catch a picturesque view across the ocean. Milford and Takapuna beach are both good swimming beaches, as are the beaches you will cross through on your walk. This is the best way to get your summer exercise in while enjoying the warm sea breeze.

21 Hurstmere Rd, Takapuna 0622 Mon – Sun The Gardens: 12pm – Late Takapuna is on the uprise and The Commons fits right in. After an afternoon in the sun or a long day at work this is the place to unwind. Each cocktail made with precision, your only worry here is which to choose! While you can sit inside, the real magic is in ‘The Gardens’ outdoor seating. Vines hang from every corner, a bar is perched in the middle for convenience, it really is very relaxing. If you find yourself peckish, a grazing and dinner menu is available. The food is delicate and tasteful, complimenting the cocktails perfectly.

535 Lake Rd, Takapuna, Auckland 0622 Sunday 6am – 12pm Every Sunday from 6am the Anzac Street carpark looks much different to normal. Bursting with different market stalls there is no chance you will leave empty handed. This market is one of great variety, offering goodies from antiques to fresh fruit juice. Certainly suitable for children and animals, the market is a great way to support local businesses and produce. There is no better way to start your morning than with some live music and a buzzing atmosphere.

32-34 Anzac Street, Takapuna, Auckland Tuesday-Sunday 5pm- Late Boisterous and proud, Sakebar Nippon will greet you with banging pans and a Japanese welcome. The sake bar is a family friendly restaurant with a fun vibe. Stepping inside the sake bar emulates stepping into another world; the authentic Japanese décor is intricate, the atmosphere extremely well-executed. With platters-to-share of amazing Asian cuisine, eating at Nippon Sake Bar is a very social experience. The price is low in comparison to the high quality of food and service provided.