Fancy going out to check out a live band? If you haven’t been to the Kings Arms yet then I really don’t know how you have survived in the Auckland music scene. They have an awesome outdoor area, so if you’re a smoker then you’re all set to go!

My fondest memories of live music at One 2 One on Ponsonby Road was dancing on the street while listening to The Mamaku Project. Such a relaxed environment and awesome acoustic gigs!

Live music every night of the week, better yet good old Southern live music Orleans style. If you are like me and love the blues then this is the bar for you. Grab yourself a sazerac and sit back and relax, oh and the curly fries are always a good choice if you are looking for a bite to eat.

Looking for an open mic night? Check out Grand Central on Ponsonby Road and sit beneath the gorgeous fairy lights with a glass of your favourite ale. The talent is always exceptional but don’t let that scare you off, take your guitar and show them what you’ve got!

Sometimes you need karaoke in your life and why not head along out Family Bar’s camp karaoke for a bit of a laugh. This is one of those places that is everything goes and the crowd will always cheer you on. Great for first time karaoke singers and even better when you grab a friend to head up on stage with.

OK so my idea of a casual date is heading to Video Ezy, cosying up on the couch and watching a French Film. This Video Ezy branch has an awesome selection of foreign film so make sure to check it out, I’d go with French if I were you, after all it is the language of love.

This cinema has a certain charm about it that is perfect for a movie date night. The cinemas are small and cozy, you can enjoy a glass of wine while you sit back and watch a festival film. Always a great selection of films showing and always a great cinema choice.

If you are luckily enough to see one of the International Film Festival screenings at the Civic then you will know just how amazing of a cinema going experience it is. If you haven’t had the chance yet, make sure you factor that in when next choosing your film. When you are inside make sure to look up, that ceiling is absolutely stunning!

Keen to watch a blockbuster action flick? Probably the best place around to go to is Hoyts in Sylvia Park. Amazing surround sound and huge cinemas, you’ll be right in the action. If you can get into a 3D film then I’d definately reccomend you do and experience action at its best.

Nothing beats a good old horror film on the big screen, in a big dark room with your friend sitting next to you screaming at every little sudden movement. When you are looking for a bit of an addrenline rush and you think you can handle of few nights of scary dreams, I’d grab a group of friends and head to the cinemas. Oooooh and on the way home a drive around some abandoned houses is always good.

Need a card for a birthday, new baby, engagement, graduation or just because? Well my friend this is your one stop card shop, like the name suggests, you will be amazed by the selection they have. If you are more on the fussy side I would make sure you allow yourself some time to look through the store, this isnt the type of place you come to 5 minutes before the birthday party is meant to start.

Do you need to get a birthday card for the teenager in your life that is going through some what of a rebellious stage? Well Typo has just the card for you. If you get offended easily I would suggest that maybe give this one a miss, these cards are straight to the point and a little crass. Perfect for that 18 year old who is likely to throw away that puppy themed card.

Iko Iko have a good selection of New Zealand cards if you are looking to send a present overseas. There are none of those giant fern leaf pictured cards, so don’t worry about that. Sometimes a little bit on the pricey side but definitely worth it for that extra little touch.

Get a card with a history and support fair trade at Trade Aid. There is no doubt that this handmade cards will add a sweet little sentiment to your well wishes. Trade Aid Sylvia Park is a lovely store and the staff are really friendly, pick up a fair trade gift while you are there!

Sometimes you just can’t go past good old Whitcoulls for your everyday card needs. My favourite are the novelty giant cards! Just maybe makesure that you have enough people to sign it otherwise it can look a little silly. When it’s filled to the brim its a sure fire way to make someone realise how much you care about them.

Eagle Bar is my absolute favourite bar in Auckland, it’s my local, my go-to and I without fail always have a good night out. It’s the perfect little queer bar with none of that tacky and over the top decor that you may find at other bars. It’s small and quirky and has a whole lot of personality. Pro tip: The bartenders dance on the bar when you play Tina Turner’s Proud Mary on the jukebox!

If you have been tasked with organising your end of year work party then I have your solution. Caluzzi is going to blow your mind, the queens are fabulous, the food is amazing and everyone always leaves having had a great staff night out. Get in quick because they tend to book out quickly.

Garnet Station is the little cafe with the great big rainbow flag outside, you can’t miss it. It’s the perfect place to go to for an afternoon coffee and they have just installed a wood fire pizza oven! Love this place.

So its really late at night and you want to get out there and shake your booty without the opposite sex getting way too close while you do? Family is the kind of place where you end your night, the kind of place that you often stumble out of as the sun is rising. Drag shows on Friday and Saturday nights are always great entertainment just take note: things don’t get going until after midnight so if you turn up any earlier you may not have the best time.

If you are out in South Auckland and want to spend your Saturday afternoon chilling out in a queer friendly little cafe then Pukekohe’s retro themed Cafe Kaos is just the place. The two owners are absolutely gorgeous and will look after you well. Check out their movie nights if you are wanting to find something to do on a night out in the country.

Oh yum Wagamama! Love the set out of this restaurant, with shared tables it really gives you an experience like no other. The food is really delicious, my favourite is Moyashi Sober, fried tofu and noodles in a vegetable soup. Yum.

Do you like ramen? Silly question really, how can you not?! Daikoku have the best ramen in town and the prices are really good so great if you are on a tight budget. This is a great place to bring a group of friends and grab a few smaller meals to share.

Renkon is probably my absolute favourite Japanese restaurant, in fact I would eat it a few times of week if I could. You can’t go past teriyaki tofu, it is so freaking good, it’s actually now the only thing I order. The ultimate question; what do they do to get that amazing crunchy coating??

Sushi anyone? This is where you need to go if you are a vegetarian who is looking for some really decent sushi, none of this pineapple and cream cheese flavoured sushi, I’m talking amazing tempura battered kumara and avocado sushi! So good, you should go there and try it now!

This is where to come when you want to have yourself a sake experience. Don’t be surprised if you stumble out thinking you are in Japan and attempting to speak Japanese, just go with it, at least you will know you have had a good night.

Rug up warm and head out East to Paradice Ice for some romantic skating action. OK so maybe not romantic but definitely fun and a little out of the ordinary here in snow-free Auckland. Always a good way to start a date and then head out for hot chocolates at your favourite cafe afterwards to warm up again. Smooth.

OK so my idea of a casual date is heading to Video Ezy, cosying up on the couch and watching a French Film. This Video Ezy branch has an awesome selection of foreign film so make sure to check it out, I’d go with French if I were you, after all it is the language of love.

There is nothing more romantic then strolling through a park with your loved one and having a picnic under the trees. The Auckland Domain has lots of little hidden spots to make things a little more special. Also a good destination to wander through on a clear night in the summer.

Ok so take a drive up Mount Eden on a clear night and check out that view. I could sit here for hours with my lovely and talk about life and dream of adventures. Make sure you take up some dinner because you won’t want to leave if you get peckish.

Nothing like getting a little bit competitive on a casual date! The Ponsonby Pool Hall is always a good place to head to on a night out and is great for a date night. There is a bar, so you can improve your aim and get your chat on.