One of my favourite places to go that’s not too far from Auckland but pleasantly far enough that it feels like a holiday is Pakiri Beach. As well as the horse rides and surfing to occupy your time it is close enough to Leigh to grab coffee and pizza at the Sawmill, and if you come for a weekend then you can’t pass through the Matakana markets without making a stop.

My dog loves his daily trip to Western Park, an off leash oasis in Freemans Bay that is big enough to keep everyone happy. It is perfect on hotter days when pups need a little shade along with their space, and even has a water fountain at canine level for refreshment stops.

There is always a pup party going on in the off-leash dog area at Meola Reef Reserve, where your furry friends can run wild through the bush and through the grass to their hearts’ content. It can get muddy when it rains but for dogs that just adds to the fun, and for humans it’s not too far to some stellar cafes for a brunch or coffee post-run.

On a sunny day Takapuna Beach is a great place for sunbathing or walking the dog, but during the winter months it’s also a great destination for a brisk walk or to explore the rock pools. We love the ones by the famous Petrified Forest and close to Takapuna Beach Cafe, where you can pop in for an order of fresh fish and chips to enjoy in the winter sun.

Here you can go off road or stay on the tarmac, and there are plenty of shady spots to cool off when the temperature rises. You can even take a small backpack with a picnic and make an afternoon/evening of it during the summer months - you definitely won’t be alone!

In our family visits to Auckland Zoo are a big deal and happen on a very regular basis. It is definitely one of our happy places on a sunny winter’s afternoon, when you are highly likely to see more than a few animals soaking up the warm rays along with the visitors. Check their website for animal encounter times when you can pop in and see your favourite friends up close and personal, you might even get to feed them if you’re lucky!

Ti Point Reptile Park is a huge hit with the little ones, and a great chance to learn more about these fascinating living dinosaurs. Situated in a secluded valley covered with native bush and overlooking the sea, the Reptile Park displays a unique collection of both native and exotic reptiles that will keep kids amused for hours.

Animates Mount Eden Road store is always full of beautiful, cuddly - or in the case of lizards, maybe not so cuddly - pets that my son loves to ‘check in on’ every so often. They also have SPCA animals available for adoption, so you can be sure that puppy mills and the like aren’t being supported and that the treasures in store are well loved and cared for.

Butterfly Creek is a great day out for kids of all ages, with plenty of wildlife to see and find out more about. They have a unique collection of animals, insects and critters to meet up close - including the world’s most aggresive predator, the Australian Crocodile - alongside a magnificent tropical butterfly house with over 750 free-flying tropical butterflies.

You’ll find Kelly Tarlton’s at Okahu Bay, where the unique location showcases over 30 live animal exhibits, including the world’s largest Antarctic penguin colony exhibit and amazing underwater viewing tunnels. It’s also conveniently close to Mission Bay, so a run on the beach and an ice cream is the perfect plan as a reward for good behaviour.

Jeep 4WD Adventure Park in Helensville lets you bring your own 4WD or use one of theirs for a two-hour extreme adventure, or all day drivers training. Guaranteed fun in any weather, you can even spend the day driving the first Hagglund Personnel Carrier ride in Auckland - the ultimate in thrill seeker’s buzz.

Zealandia Sculpture Garden is an artist's sculpture garden in Warkworth that makes for a great day out. The garden is open by appointment over winter and daily for limited hours during the summer months, so make sure you call in advance before making the trip.

Ti Point Reptile Park is a huge hit with the little ones, and a great chance to learn more about these fascinating living dinosaurs. Situated in a secluded valley covered with native bush and overlooking the sea, the Reptile Park displays a unique collection of both native and exotic reptiles that will keep kids amused for hours.

One of our favourite Sunday drives is to the historic Riverhead pub, which on a good day is just twenty minutes drive from the city. It is a comfortable cruise with beers, wines and stellar hot chips to reward the effort, or more bistro- type fare is available in their restaurant area. The car park is also a petrol head’s dream as it is usually packed tight with hot rods, bikes and muscle cars galore.

One of my favourite places to go that’s not too far from Auckland but pleasantly far enough that it feels like a holiday is Pakiri Beach. As well as the horse rides and surfing to occupy your time it is close enough to Leigh to grab coffee and pizza at the Sawmill, and if you come for a weekend then you can’t pass through the Matakana markets without making a stop.

Just opened but already applauded and hyped, Orphans Kitchen is worth all of the column inches - this place is great! Interesting takes on traditional dishes and a stellar, totally unique wine list get top marks from me, with the buzzing atmosphere an additional plus. This place has the wow factor and more!

This Herne Bay eatery serves up healthy, fresh Japanese food with a difference, and has a menu that belies how affordable its daily offerings are. Head chef Yatsumi is committed to using as many organic and free-range products as possible, whilst daily lunch specials like the Soy Sauce Ginger Lamb Bowl with fruits, Osouzai side dish and Japanese tea for just $13.50 have had locals surging through the door.

This new branch of Little Bird is over twice the size of the original but already buzzing with people and packed at lunchtime, so get in early to grab a seat. The daily favourites include raw tacos, an amazing falafel plate and even on occasion a raw food take on lasagne, all of which will get your tastebuds humming and your body thanking you for making the effort.

This placed opened in September and has been a runaway hit - which was to be expected with the owner of The Grove at the helm and stellar menu offerings at insanely affordable prices. It’s often called "the meatball restaurant" but is that and so much more, with amazing fish dishes, pasta and desserts also getting the big tick from me.

You’ll find this place in the basement of inner city Imperial Lane, where owners Jiahao Lin and Daming Qu create authentic, provincial Chinese fare. The menu showcases Chinese cuisine from all over, including favourites from Sichuan, Hunan and Xinjiang and Yunnan at amazing prices - and nope, it’s not all dumplings!

I love pretty much each and every collection by Zambesi that has ever come out - to say I’m a bit of a fan would be putting it mildly. I particularly love the care that has been put into every one of their garments, and the way they can be worn multiple ways and truly made your own. Their Newmarket and Britomart stores are my favourites, the staff are the best and the mirrors are forgiving!

The best place to buy the kind of fragrances you won’t find on a department store counter is World’s stores, in particular the Tyler Street and Newmarket branches, which are my favourites. They stock legendary classics from the past as well as super innovative and uniquely beautiful brands like the amazing Nasomatto and Juliet Has A Gun. For those who definitely don’t want to smell like anyone else!

The city’s best bespoke tailoring service with a smile, Crane Brothers suits can be spotted a mile off due to their fine cut, quality fabric and general air of classic cool. The staff are as knowledgable as it gets and the plethora of fabrics on offer inspiring and unique, making it the perfect place for finding the ideal suit for your needs.

A favourite with suit shoppers on the Ponsonby strip, Working Style have great styles and fabric options as well as stellar service in all of their stores. They also offer great shirts and ties to go with, and some sharp accessories to complete the picture.

For well-priced suits that are still great quality, Barkers is the best pick in town in my opinion. They look great and fit well, and are a great entry level suit that still keeps things sharp.

One of my favourite places to eat on any night of the week is Epsom dining icon Gee Gee’s. As well as great salad and seafood they have an amazing selection of what I like to call ‘comfort’ dishes on offer, with my pick being the hearty lasagne with a side of potatoes and a glass of Main Divide Pinot Noir. Gee Gee’s is also super close to the Lido cinema, making it a perfect spot for before or after a movie.

One of our favourite Sunday drives is to the historic Riverhead pub, which on a good day is just twenty minutes drive from the city. It is a comfortable cruise with beers, wines and stellar hot chips to reward the effort, or more bistro- type fare is available in their restaurant area. The car park is also a petrol head’s dream as it is usually packed tight with hot rods, bikes and muscle cars galore.

Michael Van de Elzen’s TV One show The Food Truck was a huge hit for the Auckland chef, and now the industrial style food destination that shares its name is set to do the same. Serving up his trademark delicious, healthy fast food, it is the perfect spot for a hearty lunch or early dinner on the run and thus far the burger offerings are my standout fave. They even have Hallertau beer on tap, or try the homemade honey lemonade and lavender cola for a real taste sensation.

I love a food risotto on a cold day/night, and spend most of the winter trying all I can in the search for the best out there. My latest discovery was on the specials board at Grey Lynn restaurant Delicious, and came with chicken, broad beans and a rich provolone. It was pretty damn perfect and as it was available in entree or main size could be easily snaffled for lunch. Yum.

Not a place to take vegetarian friends or when you’re feeling like a ‘light snack’, El Sizzling Chorizo specialise in hearty, delicious Argentinian barbecue feasts that will keep you full for days. Just the smell will get your tastebuds tingling, so make sure you arrive with an empty belly and an open mind.