One of the best value geothermal walks around the Lake Taupo region. Steam geysers and boiling mud pools are all here - and much cheaper than the big attractions in Rotorua. There’s also an awesome mountain bike track here too.

Go fishing for prawns in the warm volcanic pools - and then eat some in the restaurant. Keeps the kids amused for ages, and the prawns can get really big!

Fantastic place for a splash with the kids, and much better value than some of the commercial operations. Recently reopened after an extensive refurbishment, there are indoor and outdoor pools, hot mineral pools, and two hydroslides for the kids to enjoy.

Great place in the Wairakei Tourist Park - lots of honey things to see, live bees and honey tasting (of course). Nice little cafe serves top notch ice cream too.

Kids love it - not the largest or most complex mini golf around, but well kept and great for a fun hour or so with the kids. Plus it’s right next to the lakefront and not too far away from all the cafes.

Awesome burgers in a great location, right down in the centre of town on Fort Street. Velvet Burger is a favourite burger stop of mine, and they have a mouth watering range of burger goodness on offer. The best thing is that they're open late and right near the best bars - just the thing to round off a night out. Must try: Goneburger (it's BIG...and filled with beef, chicken AND bacon)

Everyone's heard of the big Kiwi burger success story - they're expanding far and wide overseas. Still, success hasn't changed the quality of their burgers, they're still a big cut above the normal fast food fare. Fine you local outlet and get in there. Must try: Ring Burner (tasty NZ beef with jalapeño chillies, bacon and aioli). Hot :-)

My local gourmet burger joint, and home to some awesome slices of meaty goodness. There's fair few of these around, so it's easy to find some burger heaven in your neck of the woods. There's a full range of chicken as well as beef options, plus others (like vegetarian). Must try: Venison & Otago plum.

Of all the major chain burger joints, Carl's Jr stands out head and shoulders above the rest. The burgers are big enough to suit any appetite, and there's a good range of different options. Always popular, check it out. Must try: Jim Beam Bourbon Burger (comes with bacon, onion straws, and tasty bourbon sauce).

A real local hidden gem, this one. Looks like a traditional fish & chip shop, but the difference here is the awesome quality of the burgers. Everything fresh and high quality, prepared by a chef with over 25 years experience. For a real slice of local flavour, get over here and get stuck in. Must try: Big J's Super Steak Burger (with bacon and sautéed mushrooms).

When in Kingsland, there's really only one stop to make for gourmet pies - The Fridge. Recipient of many, many awards, it's righteously popular and a great place for a coffee too. Must try pie: Bacon & egg.

Muzzas Pies is an Auckland institution. Located in Howick Village, this smallish shop has one of the best range of quality pies out East. A local's favourite for many years, Muzzas is always right there on my list of top pie spots. Their slogan is "Buy one or we'll both starve!". Must try pie: Mexican style with chill.

This was my must-stop pie shop when I worked in Parnell. Ok, it's much more than pies here - awesome coffee, panini sandwiches, cakes and more - but it's the pies that kept me coming back. Must try pie: Curried lamb shank

A fairly new addition to the Auckland pie scene, it's not just the award-winning pies that are awesome here - check out the range of cakes and pastries, and the great coffee. Must try pie: Mince & gravy

My local bakery when I lived on the Shore, I never had to go far to get my hands on a great pie. A traditional local bakery, there's a good range of filled rolls and sandwiches here, plus lots of sweet treats (try the apple turnovers). Must try pie: Steak & cheese.

Epic beer on tap. ‘nuf said.

More of a garden bar than a beer garden, The Britomart Country Club brings a stylish take on drinking outside. The space is large and it right in the centre of all the action, in the Britomart dining precinct. A key advantage here is the weather-proof roof that protects you from the rain, while still making you feel that you're drinking outside.

The sister bar to the awesome Cafe Hanoi, Xuxu is one of the hottest places to come to drink great wines and cocktails. Designed with a Vietnamese theme (think bamboo wallpaper and classic stained glass lampshades), you'll get table service and an array of tasty South-East Asian bites to go with your cocktails.

Very trendy and tucked away down a side-street, Agents & Merchants is Auckland's answer to alleyway drinking. There's a good wine list here (over 200 on offer) plus tasty tapas plates until late at night. Pretty close to the Vector Arena, it's also a good stop for a pre-show drink.

Up on the first floor half way along Fort Street, this place is a good option for after-work drinks on a Friday. The outdoor area is in an enclosed part of the building with the roof open to the sky - it works quite well. They have a good tap beer selection with Tiger and Moa plus others. They also do some deals on pitchers (and bigger). Decent pizza too. Well worth a visit.

I know I've been here several times, but I struggle to remember the details. I know I've been because I can see the receipts in my wallet, but these always seem to be from late at night. Judging by the number of receipts, I always seem to come back, so they must be doing something right! Seriously though, this is a great late night spot, a bit über-trendy but they have Hallertau craft been on tap, which makes up for any Ponsnobbyness.

A great selection of quality wines, good tapas and a nice atmosphere.

A good place for a really late night and for a bit of a dance. Head there after hitting some of Ponsonby's other numerous bars as it's open really late and often has live music.

One of the better bars along Ponsonby Road, the Longroom has a large and popular courtyard as well as a bunch of tables inside. Drinks are reasonable and there is Moa beer on tap. Food is decent quality bistro-style fare. Definitely worth a stop in on any Ponsonby bar crawl.

One of Ponsonby's long-time favorites, Chapel is a great place to hang out for a few drinks with friends on a Friday night. There's a small outdoor area at the back, but many people just seem to spill out of the front door onto the pavement as well. Try out the toilet at the top for a different experience!

Auckland has needed this for ages. Bring your own growler, or buy one on site. A great selection of unusual craft beers from all across NZ  and also abroad. They have a party keg hire service too. Fill your own on a Friday for perfect after work drinks that don't suck.

Herne Bay Cellars offers a Fill Your Own facility for craft beer. Currently they have 4 taps dispensing Leigh Sawmill Pilsner & Crystal Wheat, Epic Pale Ale & Moa Original. Great to see a local place to fill up on decent beer.

These guys are truly a pleasure to deal with and go above and beyond the call of duty to make things work for you. I'd happily recommend them to anyone.

The go-to place for smart-but-not-too-pricy mens clothes. Hallensteins has been around for ages but always has a good range and regular sales. Jump onto their mailing list to get extra discounts and advance warning of sales.

The place to come for some serious car window shopping. Whether it's a Maserati, Ferrari or Porsche, you can find it here. If you're in the market for an extra special vehicle and have the wallet to back it up, this should be your first stop.