Adorable decor. Not too far out of the way. Great place to spend an evening chatting over wine before or after catching a movie.

It feels like walking into the past when I go to Capitol. The service is great and you can always find something interesting to watch.

I love the drive out to Matakana in anticipation of enjoying their amazing cinema. Such a great space, and they place wonderful stuff.

If you’re looking for interesting arty movies in Auckland - look no further than Academy Cinema! Lovely space, such a central location. I always feel like I’m going deep into some sort of prohibition-era secret cinema when I walk down the stairs into Academy. Love it.

These guys play a great range of films. Lovely decor. Great service. An all round lovely experience.

This is my absolute favourite location for live music. Such an intimate space - the array of couches surrounding the performance area give a really inviting and personal live music experience. Pretty much all of my life epiphanies have occured while listening to amazing live acts in the back room at The Wine Cellar.

A stable of live music in Auckland. I love the versatility of this venue - I’ve seen huge international acts here as well as really intimate local gigs. The outdoor beer garden is the perfect place to step away for a few moments to get amped up for the next act.

For years I’ve wanted there to be a bar that felt like a living room. Finally it has come to exist - with The Portland Public House! Not only is there a really casual friendly vibe here - but it’s the kind of living room where people are always jamming out. Perfect.

Great location. Heaps of space. I always have fun at Galatos.

Every time I walk past the Powerstation I am blown away by the awesome acts they have coming up. I went to see Peter Hook doing Joy Division songs with my Dad here. It was totally awesome. We had a ball.

This place has so many cute little things that make for great gifts. They also have some really quality and more expensive items for the really special people in your life. Very conveniently located - I always stop in and drool.

PSA - you can buy me pretty much anything in this shop. You can find something to cater to pretty much everyone’s taste in here. From goofy gifts to classy crockery - Iko Iko has it all.

So many sweet wee trinkets and swoonworthy dresses in this place. I love all the jewellery in this place - they would all make excellent gifts. Also - extra points for having an awesome online store.

Lots of cool local craftsters have their goods in this store! Great place to get a unique & quirky gift. Worth popping in on the reg to check out what’s new!

Cosmic has so much cool stuff! I can’t go in here without buying something. From jewellery to clothing to cool bits’n’bobs! A great place to find gifts!

So many things to love about this cute american style diner. High on my list is their amazing milkshakes. I recommend pairing their vanilla thickshake with their deep fried oreos - so decadent.

If you’re looking for an amazing milkshake - look no further than Ollies. This bastion of dairy deliciousness shines out over the royal oak roundabout - taunting me every time I drive past. You can combine their exhaustive list of ice cream flavours to make some delightful concoctions.

These guys make some pretty mean milkshakes. I have to admit that the twee factor of having them served in a mason jar is kind of a huge selling point for me!

The masters of milkshakes. They always different flavours - up to and including cornflakes! Yep, you heard right. These guys aren’t messing around.

Looking for a late night milkshake fix? Do not pass go. Do not collect $200. Go straight to Denny’s and order an oreo shake. Hot damn - you will not be disappointed.

This place has saved me on so many occasions! Such a filling meal for less than $10. I usually have to pace myself so I have room for dessert! Delish!

So cheap. So good. Oh my god. So good. Their cabinets are always well stocked with delicious noms. The chargrilled vege bap is one of my personal faves.

One of my favourite things about dumplings from New Flavour is everyone making their own dipping concoctions out of all the various sauces. New Flavour dumplings are a great way to feed a lot of people for not a lot of money.

Excellent cheap kebabs. Open late. Can’t go wrong.

By the slice, Sal’s is a pretty good cheap eats option! $4 for a cheese slice and they’re a very decent size. Great to soak up the cider or to eat while soaking up the sun! Go nuts with the chilli flakes I say!

Crave has a great layout and enough space to make sure that you’ll get the most out of their free unlimited wifi. I love the decor here, so homey and inviting. Their baristas are lovely and talented. A great place to wile away an afternoon- working or procrastinating.

I love Cosset because it’s so very cosy and inviting. It’s super close to me so I love to walk down with my laptop under my arm and perch under some of their great art work and feel inspired. Free wifi. Great coffee. Excellent time.

Get in early to nab a good table and set up shop to enjoy their amazing brews + wifi. Perfect place for getting a wee bit ‘o work done or have an internet reliant business meeting!

A gem in West Lynn! Lots of space and an amazing menu - with their free wifi it’s a perfect place to find a corner and getting some writing done.

This is a classy spot in Ponsonby. Excellent for taking the paper on a weekend morning or your laptop on an afternoon to enjoy their free wifi and amazing eats.