Rebecca S.'s
Best second-hand and vintage shops
- 117Tatty's Designer RecyclePonsonbyTatty’s is one of my favourite places in Auckland. Not only do I buy tons of stuff there, but I sell my old clothes, purses and shoes back to them. Everything in the shop is in great condition and organized really well by colour and/or by garment (dresses, pants, coats, etc.) I love that I often find designer digs for a fraction of the price - and sometimes the items are brand new! I also spot lots of things I wouldn’t normally be able to find in New Zealand. You have to hunt around a little bit, but I almost never leave empty-handed.
- 210Antique AlleyMount EdenAs one of the only people I know who enjoys the show ‘Antiques Roadshow’, it’s no surprise that Antique Alley is a favourite shop of mine. Just walking through the shop is an experience - there’s so much cool stuff packed into one small space! Jewellery, costume jewellery, sterling silver, kiwiana, old furniture, chinaware, postcards…. an antique lover’s treasure trove!
- 34Nu to UParnellAs a self-confessed shopaholic, I’m always looking for places that will provide me with gorgeous fashion while preserving my bank account. Nu to U is a recycled clothing boutique in Parnell that’s been around since 1987. It specializes in local and international designer brands. Nu to U is not just any old used clothing store - the owner accepts only the best in stock, which is why all of the clothes are in impeccable shape. If you’re new to op shops, this is probably the perfect place to ease yourself in - you definitely won’t get that icky, old, somebody-else’s-clothes feeling here!
- 48Encore Fashion Recycle PonsonbyPonsonbyEncore is a great used-clothing store in Ponsonby that always seems to have lots of flowy skirts and hippie-chic clothing in stock. Unlike Tatty’s (where I almost never leave empty-handed), Encore is a little bit more hit-or-miss. But every once in a while I find an amazing piece for a steal of a price, which is what keeps me coming back!
- 54Fuzzy Vibes JunctionAuckland CentralIf you’re stuck in the 70s or 80s, this place is your dream come true! it’s a bit hard to find, nestled amongst the hustle and bustle of K Road with not much signage to alert you of its presence. You then have to navigate your way down a dark, steep staircase to enter the shop. But once inside you’ll find yourself in throwback utopia - tin lunchboxes, brogues, flared pants, helmet hairdryers and vintage memorabilia galore! it’s not often I’d buy something for everyday wear here, but it’s great for having a browse or scooping up an outfit for a fancy-dress party.
Rebecca S.'s
Fun ways to keep fit
- 16City DanceAuckland CentralWho doesn’t love to bust a move to good music? City Dance on Queen Street offers all kinds of different recreational dance classes including hip hop, salsa and belly dancing. The instructors are friendly and helpful and there are classes to suit all levels, from beginner to advanced. The classes are all about having fun so you don’t need to worry about embarrassing yourself, and you can fit them in around your schedule. it’s a great way to get exercise without feeling like your exercising!
- 22CITY BOXINGAuckland CentralI love boxing as a way to get all my stress out after a long day. City Boxing offers awesome and really intense boxing workouts in a convenient central location (Quay Street). The classes aren’t too big so you get lots of individual attention from the instructors, who all really know their stuff. Even if you’ve never boxed before, the instructors will take good care of you and have you feeling like a pro in no time - it’s a very welcoming environment. The workouts are no joke - you’ll leave feeling exhausted (in a good way!)
- 314Les Mills BritomartAuckland CentralI absolutely love the Les Mills classes. I almost never do my own workouts anymore, because I get bored so easily and find it hard to motivate myself to go to the gym and run on a treadmill for an hour staring at the wall. The instructors at Les Mills are all super fit and energetic and it’s hard not to get pumped up in the classes. There’s great music, lots of people and so many different classes to choose from! My personal favourites are Body Attack and Body Pump, but they’re honestly all great.
- 43Auckland PaddleboardingPoint ChevalierPaddleboarding is the most amazing ab workout! it may not look like much, but it’s a lot harder than it looks - trust me! it’s a really fun way to spend a gorgeous summer’s day and get toned and tanned at the same time. Just prepare yourself for a sore core the next day!
- 57Ferg's KayaksOrakeiDuring the summer in Auckland, I love getting out on the water as much as possible. Kayaking is a surprisingly vigorous workout and you get to enjoy the sun, the ocean and great company at the same time. You won’t even realize what a good workout you’ve gotten until you can’t lift your arms the next day! Ferg’s Kayaks do kayak rentals and lessons, and you can also sign up for excursions like the Rangitoto Adventure, which involves a kayak trip to Rangitoto followed by a hike and picnic lunch.
Rebecca S.'s
What to do on a lazy Sunday
- 177La Cigale French MarketParnellThis is a great way to spend a lazy Sunday morning. The French markets are always bursting with people and delicious sights and smells. You can wander through sampling freshly made artisan food from the different booths or sit down to enjoy coffee and crepes. When you’re done browsing, head home with a bag of homemade bread and gourmet cheese for later.
- 24YoggMission BayThe absolute perfect way to end a lazy summer’s day at the beach. Head over to Yogg in Mission Bay to make your own frozen yogurt treat. Choose your cup, fill with your choice of frozen yogurt (everything from gluten-free fruit flavours to decadent chocolate and caramel twist) and finish with toppings such as fresh fruit, nuts, chocolate fish, gummy bears, sprinkles, sauces and more.
- 332Waiwera Thermal Resort & SpaWaiweraThe ultimate way to relax - spend a Sunday soaking in the hot pools at Waiwera Resort. The pools contain 100% natural geothermal water, so you don’t need to worry about nasty chemicals and smelling like chlorine on the drive home. The resort is located on the picturesque Hibiscus Coast - you can feel the stress melting away as you drive through the gorgeous scenery. If you want to get really indulgent, cap the day off with a luxury massage.
- 46Wild On WaihekeOnetangiCatch a ferry out to Waiheke for a day of wine, beer and cider tasting in the sun. Wild on Waiheke offers reasonably priced tasting plates as well as great snack fare. If you get bored of wine-tasting (yeah right) they also offer activities like a giant chess board and archery range. There’s nothing better than a boozy Sunday lunch in a beautiful, island setting!
- 518Lululemon Athletica PonsonbyPonsonbyLululemon in Ponsonby regularly offers free Sunday morning yoga classes. If you want to get some exercise without the energy required for a full-blown gym workout, this is a great way to start the morning and meet some new people. Afterwards, might I suggest a spot of shopping on Ponsonby Road? Go on, you’re already in the area…
Rebecca S.'s
Best places to get an American-sized meal
- 126Lone Star Cafe & Bar NewmarketNewmarketThis is about as close to the typical American chain restaurant as you can get. Country-western style decor, country music and massive portion sizes. The meals are even named after American superstars like Johnny Cash. It’s reasonably priced, the food is yummy and there’s not a chance you’ll go home feeling hungry. When you order the Lonestar loaf starter, you literally get a full-sized loaf of bread with garlic butter!
- 296The Mexican CafeAuckland CentralThe Mexican Café on Victoria Street is cozy and always bustling on a Friday night. They have a great little balcony and you can order margaritas by the pitcher just for yourself. The meals are pretty big - I always leave feeling satisfied, and as someone used to American portions that’s no easy feat! They also bring you a free bowl of taco chips and salsa to start. Sold.
- 347Wildfire ChurrascariaAuckland CentralA traditional Brazilian BBQ, Wildfire is all you can eat meat and sides. What more could you want? For those unfamiliar with the Brazilian BBQ structure, you get a little token to put on your table - one side is coloured green for go and the other side is red for stop. If you leave your token on the green side, the waiters will literally just continuously come around to your table with various skewers of meat for the taking. You also get a tower of veges and potatoes (which you can refill at any time) to accompany the meat overload. It’s a bit on the pricey side, but not hard to get your money’s worth with all you can eat!
- 4101Ponsonby International FoodcourtPonsonbyI am obsessed with the Ponsonby Food Court! With 11 different restaurants from 11 different cuisines, there’s something for everyone. All of the portions are nice and big and every single restaurant has delicious food. If you get the jumbo sized plate from the Chinese restaurant, you basically get enough food to feed an entire family!
- 514Burger Fuel ParnellParnellOkay, I know it’s fast food, but we’re talking about American portions so there was bound to be at least one burger joint on the list! I am not normally a fast food person, but Burgerfuel is my one exception. Huge, gourmet burgers (that are actually made to order!), kumara fries and an L&P - the perfect hangover cure.
Rebecca S.'s
The best cocktails in town
- 14Bellini BarAuckland CentralNamed after my all-time favourite cocktail, Bellini Bar has a massive cocktail menu with over 50 different concoctions to choose from. Its location at the Hilton and chic atmosphere will have you feeling very glamorous and James Bond-esque while kicking back with your martini. The cocktails are both delicious and strong (the two things I look for in a good drink) - just make sure you’ve sorted your DD for the night, as you’ll want to try them all!
- 278Prego RestaurantPonsonbyThis Italian restaurant might not jump to mind as the best place to go for a cocktail, but believe it or not, Prego is home to my favourite cocktail in Auckland (and when it comes to good cocktails, let’s just say I’ve been around…) Their passionfruit caipiroska - made with Finlandia Vodka, 42 Below Passionfruit, Fresh Lime, Sugar and real passionfruit pulp - is, for lack of a better description, "the bomb". The delicious food doesn’t hurt either!
- 39Suite BarAuckland CentralThis sophisticated little bar on Hobson Street was apparently named by Metro Magazine as the 2009 winner ‘Best Cocktails’. The menu is very creative and all the drinks have cool-sounding names. You won’t find any watered-down slushy drinks here! Nothing but class in a glass.
- 414Toro BarKingslandMargarita-lovers have to check out Toro. It kind of looks like a little hole in the wall amongst the other Kingsland bars, but the drinks are phenomenal! They have a range of different margaritas to try and the bar has an authentic Mexican vibe, which is matched in the taste of the margaritas.
- 518Racket BarAuckland CentralLive music; rustic, candle-lit interior; open fireplace; comfy chairs; and expertly-made cocktails - what’s not to love? Racket claims to be home to NZ’s finest collection of premium rum and I don’t doubt it! This cozy little hot spot is the perfect place to sit chatting and drinking after work - and into the wee hours.
Rebecca S.'s
Where to take your sweet tooth
- 18Mrs Higgins - Queen StreetAuckland CentralMy nickname might as well be the cookie monster - I am OBSESSED with homemade cookies. I don’t even like to bake, yet I will spend hours baking cookies when a craving strikes. That’s why Mrs. Higgins Cookies is basically the answer to my prayers. Delicious, freshly-baked, warm, chewy and ready-to-go, Mrs. Higgins serves up cookies that rival my grandma’s (yes, I said it!) There are tons of different flavours to choose from - my go to is the caramel chew… I’m salivating just talking about it!
- 231Café CezannePonsonbyThis quriky café in Ponsonby has some of the most drool-worthy sweet treats in town. I used to work in Ponsonby and would go in there for lunch all the time. Despite my healthiest intentions - ordering salad and lemon water - I literally could not resist the treat cabinet on my way up to pay, often impulsively buying 4 or 5 different slices at the last minute when asked by the cashier if "that’s all for today?" I’m a sucker for a good lemon slice and Café Cezanne’s is top notch.
- 357MoustacheAuckland CentralOkay, another cookie place, I know. But honestly! Two homemade cookie joints within a few minutes of one another (and walking distance from my apartment)? My diet never stood a chance. Moustache is more of an actual restaurant, rather than a "walk-through" like Mrs. Higgins. In addition to yummy, gooey, chocolate-chip perfection on a plate, they also serve homemade milkshakes. Milk and cookies just became an acceptable (and trendy) snack for grown-ups!
- 445The Baker's CottageKingslandThis warm and inviting bakery truly does give off a "grandma’s cottage" vibe - and the baked goods won’t disappoint. With an impressive display of cakes, cookies, slices, muffins and other sweet delights, you’ll struggle to choose just one thing (so why not try them all! I know I have). My personal favourites are the chocolate croissant cake and the lemon fudge slice. The cottage makes awesome cakes for special occasions too, as well as homemade salads, pies and breads.
- 571Little & Friday NewmarketNewmarketI discovered the Little & Friday cook book first and fell in love. So you can imagine how ecstatic I was to learn that they have an actual shop in Newmarket where you can buy all of the amazing desserts from the book ready-made! It was like Christmas, my birthday and Halloween (an excuse to dress up and eat candy until you feel sick? Yes please) had all come at once. Heaven!