When presented with the sizeable menu at Non Solo Pizza, it's only natural to feel overwhelmed with so many tempting choices. Don't be. You really can't go wrong here, because all decisions will lead you down a path of deliciousness. On warm evenings, the outdoor garden can't be beat. It's the perfect spot for an after-work Peroni with friends and a tasty pizza fresh out of their wood-fired oven.

For a real-deal, authentic Italian experience, you can't go past Pane & Vino in Ponsonby. Owner Tito's passion and heritage can be experienced through the food here, in particular the regional dishes from Puglia. Pane & Vino is also a great spot for groups, and vegetarians will love the range of choices that cater to their herbivoristic tastes.

Baduzzi is a fantastic all-day eatery employing traditional Italian methods and flavours in a modern context. The polpette - meatballs - are a must-try here, and they come in a number of interesting varieties such as wagyu beef and wild deer. The handmade pasta is rolled fresh daily, and their take on the traditional Tiramisu is a structural delight. True high rollers (or salumi afficionados) can even purchase their own leg of proscuitto which will be kept in a temperature-controlled room for whenever you swing by for a slice!

The drive from central Auckland to The Refreshment Room in Titirangi takes about thirty minutes, a much quicker way to experience rustic Italian food than hopping on a plane to Rome! Located on the aptly-named Scenic Drive, The Refreshment Room provides hearty and delicious Italian fare created almost entirely from scratch, incorporating local and organic ingredients, and from their own vegetable garden. Taste the difference while taking in beautiful views over the Waitakere Ranges.

Seafood lovers rejoice, for the Neapolitan menu at O'Sarracino reflects the oceanic bounty of the Mediterranean. Slurp up a bowl of the Spaghetti with clams (spaghetti alle vongole), or tuck into Zuppa di Pesce Napoletana - traditional Neapolitan soup made with fresh fish, prawns, mussels, clams. squid, garlic and prawns. Is your mouth watering yet?

Get fit and have fun doing it at Extreme Edge Rock Climbing. Catering to every age and ability level, rock climbing is a fantastic challenge and the perfect rainy-day activity when the kids are already climbing up the walls!

Head down to Parnell Library this Saturday at 10:30 for an Star Wars-themed storytime. Hosted by librarian and resident Star Wars fanatic Mini, go along to listen to intergalactic stories, meet some special guests who have travelled from a galaxy far, far away, and make some Star Wars crafts. Dress-ups are encouraged and cameras are a must!

Kids bouncing off the walls? Take them to Jump where doing so is not only safe and fun, but encouraged! As the country's first indoor trampoline park, there's something to fit every skill, fitness level and age group. Let off some steam and and have some fun!

Is there a better way to blow off steam than zooming around on a go kart (and on one of the longest racetracks in the country, no less)? There's a special track for kids too, so people of all ages and abilities can get involved.

Give the kids a taste of history with a visit to the Howick Historical Village. There are interactive guides in traditional dress to take you through the seven-acre property, with lots to see and experience.

L'oeuf has only been open for a little while and is located in Mt Albert, a little ways away from the main epicentre of cafe culture of Auckland, but despite this they've already garnered a big following for their inventive menu that is a pleasure to look at as well as eat. The name L'oeuf means "egg" in French, and here you can have your oeufs walnut-crumbed, soft-boiled and perched atop a filo pastry nest and rocket salad. A great brunch spot for the adventurous foodie.

A visit to the ever-bustling Takapuna Beach Cafe is a must for anyone serious about brunch. On any given weekend you'll find it packed to the gills (both in the cafe and in the adjacent Store) and for good reason - the food is just that damn good. The wait for a table is made enjoyable by taking a stroll along the beach, and with the cafe's unique recall system - a plastic lobster that lights up and vibrates when your table is ready! A great brunch spot with classic cafe food kicked up a notch, sprawling views over the beach and a beautiful setting.

Bambina is one of those places where you'd feel equally at ease on your own as with a group, and you do often seen regulars coming in solo for a flick through the newspapers and a strong coffee. The vibe is relaxed, the staff are lovely, and the menu is gourmet and a little bit different - great for those wishing to branch out from the usual Eggs Benedict.

For a decadent brunch experience, Eight at the Langham has the best buffet around. With an egg station offering omelettes made your way, cold cuts, Nutella crepes made to order, cheeses, cereals and fresh fruit, it'll definitely keep you going well up to dinner time. Finish the experience with a trip to their chocolate fountain!

Standing in the heart of Mt Eden Village for decades, Frasers is an oldie but a goodie and an excellent choice for brunch. The Eggs Benedict is served on their own homemade splitz and is a top-notch version of a cafe fave.

Tatty's is proof that being stylish doesn't need to cost an arm and a leg. Here you'll find racks upon racks of great-quality designer secondhand and vintage digs, cherry-picked by the discerning staff. The ever-changing stock means that every visit is a new treasure hunt to find the perfect piece at a great price. A must-stop when searching for the perfect coat.

If you have the cash, MADE is always a good bet for quality winter clothing. Coats in particular are a justifiable splurge as a great one can last you for many years, and here you'll find top brands such as APC, Karen Walker and Sessun. The quality fabrics and skilled tailoring will help you justify the price tag!

Tango is a treasure trove of authentic vintage finds, and also houses one of the most impressive collection of coats and furs around town. While you might need to bust out your piggybank for these pieces, you know that they're garments that are made to last through times and fickle fashion trends.

There's always an interesting selection to be found at Area 51. Their buyers are great at picking the best from a wide range of boutique brands. Kit yourself out in a coat by Vanishing Elephant, jackets by RAINS Denmark, parkas by Huffer or cosy knits from Sass and Bide.

Nestled in Grey Lynn is a lovely clothing boutique which houses some truly special winter garments: lovely coats, leggings, tunics, dresses and more. Handmade on Waiheke; this is a seriously passionate outfit that care about the quality, style and fit of their garments. Check out their awesome new collection for winter Vesta which is sure to bring you your new favourite wardrobe dweller.

Give the gift of a little peace, quiet and pampering this Mother's Day to someone who truly deserves it! East Day Spa has a whole range of packages to spoil your Mum, from reflexology and facials to tension-melting massages. The Piccolos & Pedis for two is a great way to bond with Mum as you both get a luxurious, 30-minute Warm Milk & Sandalwood pedicure while sipping on champagne.

What could be better than sweet treats, savoury nibbles and endless cups of tea (or flutes of champagne)? Treat your Mum to High Tea in the tranquil surrounds of the Wintergarden Cafe where she can relax, kick back and work her way through all the delectable treats on offer.

For mothers with a discerning eye in design, a piece from Mister Mister's eclectic and expertly-curated range of homewares is sure to be a welcome gift. Not sure what she'll love most? Take the guesswork out of the equation by getting her a gift card.

Thank your Mum for all those years of taking care of you, by taking care of her with a selection of divine beauty products from Isabel Harris. This beautiful gem of a store stocks a great range of heavenly-smelling products guaranteed to have your Mum feeling pampered. If you feel dazzled by the array of lotions and potions on offer, the friendly staff are always happy to help recommend their tried and true.

Say it with flowers this Mother's Day with a bouquet as beautiful as the woman herself. Wild Poppies has a fab selection of floral arrangements, from blushing peonies to vibrant tulips, that'll brighten your Mum's day. Make sure to get your order in in advance!

I always get the same thing whenever I come here - the braised pork biang biang noodles. It’s a big bowl of chewy noodles and melt-in-your-mouth pork with a hint of sharp coriander and chilli heat. It’s cool how the chef hand-pulls each order of noodles before tossing it in the wok. I love it so much that I have cravings for it when I’m away from home!

Whatever kind of mood you're in - sad, happy, angry, or hangry (the worst) - you'll only feel much better once you're seated with a steaming bowl of fragrant pho at Hansan. To borrow from that cheesy series of books from the '90s, it's chicken pho for the soul. Choose any of the varieties of pho (rice noodles are better than egg noodles), load up your bowl with crunchy mung beans, your choice of condiments for level of spiciness, and dig in. Your life will seem a whole lot better afterwards. Just don't get chilli oil in your eye, because that ish burns.

I always get the pad thai at the Thai stall here. There's a choice of chicken, beef or pork for $10, or for $12 you can get prawns. Whichever you choose, it comes with scrambled egg, tofu puffs, beansprouts and peanuts all tossed through rice noodles and their great pad thai sauce. It's better than ones I've had at restaurants, and there's usually so much I can never finish it on one sitting!   

The combination of delicious food, great prices and proximity to where I live means that Mentatz usually sees me stopping by at least a couple of times a month. Love the pork katsu don, but the ramen is also great for when I’m in a noodle mood.

I’m pretty sure this is the best laksa I’ve had in Auckland. I’d heard so many good things about this place, and when we arrived on a Thursday night we had to wait for a table as the place was packed - always a good sign. Try the roti too, so good!