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!

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.