This place is my pick for stellar Pilates classes and now they have added some ballet barre to the mix. Great teacher and a killer workout.

When you pass through the doors of East Day Spa below the SkyCity Grand hotel, you could be forgiven for thinking you’ve arrived in a different country - and a far more fragrant, serene and beautiful one at that! They do a stellar manicure, wax and pedicure on site, but I keep coming back for the massage and facials, which are next level in terms of bliss. They just unveiled a selection of facials using the renowned British natural brand REN, including an anti-ageing number that involves 75 minutes of pure facial massage. Incredible.

I am a regular at both the Newmarket and CityWorks Depot branches of Dry & Tea, and not just visiting to get my hair done. They are absolutely passionate about beautiful teas too, and stock the most amazing range from T2 that includes my favourites: Liquorice Legs and Gorgeous Geisha. They even have tea-related gifts you can buy and take home, like Limoges cup and saucer sets at $199 a pop! Now THAT is every day luxury.

The team at Louise Gray Skin Care are amongst the most knowledgeable in the country when it comes to all things skin. They truly have the power to transform, using Dermalogica products and some of the most unique skin enhancing technology around. Their latest toy is a Hydraderm machine, a more delicate option than microdermabrasion that delivers seriously great results.

I had no idea that beauty spot Lucy & The Powder Room was open Sundays until I was offered an appointment there recently, and now I’ll never look back! Takapuna parking was plentiful and free, whilst the Powder Room itself was sun filled and serene and there was ample time for a little shopping both before and after. The best Sunday I have treated myself to in a long time, and suggest you do the same!

One of my all time favourite restaurants to visit when there is something very special to celebrate is Clooney, which brings a little New York to Auckland and is packed with style and great food. Head chef Des Harris seems to garner one award after another with good reason, and there is even a private dining area if you like the idea of a secluded spot all your own. We love you Clooney!

The historic Three Lamps Plaza in Ponsonby is home to Sidart, an intimate dining space and the only restaurant in New Zealand to change its menu weekly. Every Tuesday the new menu is introduced and trialled by owner and chef Sid Sahrawat, and you can even book in for the test kitchen at $80.00 per head. From Wednesday to Saturday they offer 5 courses for $95 and 10 courses for $140, wine matches additional.

The charming and very talented Michael Meredith created magic in the kitchen at The Grove before opening his own restaurant, Meredith’s (pictured), a hit from the day it opened its doors. Located at 365 Dominion Road, (definitely not the ‘posh’ end), the small but perfectly formed restaurant seats a maximum of 40 people in three intimate dining rooms (bookings are essential). On Friday and Saturday evenings you will be indulged with the nine-course degustation menu, with wine matches if you choose. Other evenings and Friday lunch offer either a six or eight course tasting menu or the nine-course degustation.

The French Café is one of Auckland oldest, much loved and much awarded dining establishments. Serving up stellar modern French cuisine, the restaurant offers a nine-course chef’s tasting, a six course tasting that includes a vegetarian option, and an a la carte menu that has been carefully designed to be enjoyed in four courses.

Since its doors opened in 2004, The Grove has secured itself as one of Auckland’s top restaurants. Head chef Benjamin Bayly offers a great degustation in beautiful surroundings, with tasting plates carrying treats like Confit alpine salmon with lardo di colonnata and Tortellini of goat's ricotta with confit dates and earl grey. There is also a vegetarian tasting menu on request and a vast wine list.

One of my favourite homewares and gift stores in Auckland is Tessuti on Jervois Road. They stock all of the beautiful brands that I wish my home was filled with, including Missoni Home, Vida Stonewashed Linen and Herve Gambs. They also share their space with the wondrous Ingrid Starnes, so you can stock up on frocks whilst shopping for gifts. An amazing collaboration.

When I go on the hunt for ‘that’ dress or ‘those’ pants (the females out there will know what I mean) one of the first places I look is TK Store on Brown Street. They constantly have new drops coming in of beautiful basics in unique fabrics and super flattering cuts, and their selection of imports is always gorgeous too. Oh, and they have some of the friendliest and most patient retail staff in town - bonus!

The new Karen Walker store in Britomart’s Pavilions is my favourite of the internationally loved Kiwi designer’s stores. The staff are absolutely wonderful, whilst the winter collection in store now makes my credit card tremble with good reason. I especially love the warm winter coats and party frock options, and she even has some perfectly designed wooly hats and scarves for when the mercury really drops. Retail heaven.

Takapuna’s The Department Store totally changed the face of the previously tired seaside suburb when it opened a few years ago, and it constantly offers some of the city’s best retail therapy. Recent arrivals include a careful edit of I Love Ugly, Sylvester and Ruby’s latest collections, as well as beautiful lingerie in The Dressing Room.

I love designer Kristine Crabb of Miss Crabb fame for both her amazing personal style and her killer use of colour. You will always get a kick out of browsing her rainbow hued racks, and most likely leave with a beautiful new addition to your wardrobe that isn’t black! The store also stocks some of my other favourite labels, including the uniquely classic Penny Sage and Curio Noir candles.

As well as having a stellar sandpit and top treats for adults, Catroux in Westmere has a great kids menu full of family-friendly treats like egg and soldiers at parent-friendly prices. Great coffee too!

For those days when Eggs Bene is just a little too much, the iconic Bistro Bambina on Ponsonby Road is my go to spot for some of the healthiest ways to kick off the day. Their bruschetta is always fresh and tasty and the breakfast salad a low carb feast for the taste buds. Great coffee is just an added extra!

Whenever I feel like a cold is coming on or have indulged a little too much the night before, I head straight to Zus & Zo in Herne Bay for some grilled goodness and a glass of their Fresh Mint and Honey drink. It settles the tummy straight away and smells and looks delicious. The Ginger and Lemon option is another fave in our house, knocking the meanest cold straight on the head.

I love a cafe that thinks outside the square when it comes to brunch and lunch options, and Ponsonby Central’s Foxtrot Parlour does just that. They don’t get much better than pulled pork Banh Mi and amazing Empire Eggs, washed down with some of the sharpest coffee in town.

Ponsonby Road institution Santos serves up fresh salads, snacks, juices and reportedly the best Eggs Benedict in town, and is one of my picks for a great lunch spot on a sunny day. The courtyard is bathed in warmth almost all day long and the people watching isn’t bad either!