The first time I tried to visit Cafe 88 during the weekend I couldn't bear waiting half an hour for a table. This just made me even more determined to get into the hottest cafe in the Mount. Returning mid-week hardly changed the situation with the tables still stacked. Without blinking an eyelid the relaxed and friendly staff soon had our coffees and meals on the table. Fantastic food and it's hard to say no to one of their sweet treats in the cabinet, even after loosening my boardies after brunch!

Two words = Sidetrack tower. That's all you need to know for brunch. Although don't be afraid to branch out from their speciality as you won't be disappointed. Hearty portions across the menu and a creative cabinet selection will keep you changing your order. After your finished your coffee (highly recommended) then grab a massive muffin to go for a treat later in the arvo.

Wake up, check the surf conditions. If it's good, go out, if not then head to the main beach and pick a cafe. Either way, for 2 years my Sundays always consisted of me sitting in the sunshine at one of two cafes under the Twin Towers. Slowfish is one of those cafes. Breakfast eggs benny with a berry smoothie before relaxing with a coffee and splitting one of their freshly baked cakes. Heaven.

When a cafe is so busy that you struggle to get a table, then you know you have found a goodie. Even better is when the staff still manage to serve up amazing meals and coffee quickly with a smile. The team at Elizabeth Cafe and Larder do that every day. Creative cuisine and smooth coffee in their ultra modern open-aired dining area makes this a foodie favourite.

I wish the Hangar was just a little bit closer to work. Then it would definitely make my weekly coffee run. Unfortunately it’s just a little bit far away for my laziness. The crew here now how to serve up steaming cups of Joe on the go and it’s no surprise it’s always busy in the mornings. Maybe I need to invest in a coffee cup holder for my bike handlebars as I cycle past every day

The super friendly staff will soon have your name and order down-pat. I’ve been coming here for a week now and already they know I want my Flat White in my to-go cup. Perfect. Just remember to avoid the Telecom building rush at 10am.

This is the closest place to Boulcott Street and my office that serves up Peoples Coffee so it automatically makes the list. Also helps that their amazing salads are well worth hanging around for a newspaper read and lunchtime bite to eat.

Best flat white in town. Cafe Six Forty Six drew me into their wide open doors the first time I spotted it after being away from Whanga for a few years. It wouldn't look out of place in Wellington and it has the Gravity coffee to match the best cups of coffee down there. Love the decor inside with lots of little touches that make it standout from the rest of the cafes and restaurants in town. Plus the free WiFi is always handy.

With Dad’s old dunga tucked under my arm I used to wander down the beach to learn to surf. Now I know my way around the waves I know where the best spots are depending on the tides, winds and wave conditions. Whether it’s down at mussel rock, out at "The Bar" or just in front of the surf club, there is always something going on at the beach.

Every time I visit Mum and Dad in Whangamata I always make sure we take a visit to the Ocean Sports club for dinner. With incredible uninterrupted views across the harbour you will only be distracted by the food when it is ready to eat. HUGE portions of freshly caught seafood is the way to go. Although their lamb shanks and roast options are equally delicious. Make sure you time it for the wild food and music week in September (bookings essential) to try the best of the best boutique delicacies from around the region.

I’ve been coming to the bach in Whanga for 20+ years and can still remember being perched on Dad’s shoulders or being towed across on my boogie board to Clark Island. The days were spent clambering through the bush, playing tag on the beach and chasing crabs around the rock pools. Clark Island is simply summer.

I love that Whanga now has a Thai restaurant. Especially one that is as good as Nakontong. I spent 6 weeks living in northern Thailand and the food really does compare perfectly. Sure it may not be off a street cart, but the food is incredible. Sharing is the only option. Just order one plate each, spread them out in the middle and go nuts. If you can finish the massive meals then you have done better than me every time!

After a hard training session on Saturday morning at Scorching Bay, this is my go-to spot for brunch. Sitting next to the seaside refuelling on their coffee and eggs benny means I am good to go again.

You wouldn’t realise there is an awesome cafe in the Palmers Garden Centre when driving past but trust me, there is. And you know it’s popular when there is a queue winding its way out the door waiting for tables. If you grab the eggs benny and a gourmet milkshake then you will need to waddle out the door.

The new kid in town has become an instant hit. Located opposite the surf break in Lyall Bay, it is packed to it's open-aired rafters throughout the day. The massive amounts of seating indoors, upstairs and outside barely provides enough room for all the brunch-goers on a weekend morning. The food is worth it though and I can highly recommend the chunky eggs benny.

Elements was the first cafe I went to in Wellington when I got back from travelling overseas. I was practically (ok I WAS) drooling just thinking about the eggs benny the morning of my return. Nothing beats fresh loaves topped with crispy bacon (or ham), perfectly cooked eggs, all drizzled in hollandaise sauce.

Hands down the best gym in Wellington. Their staff are super friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. They can get you back on the fitness bandwagon with the huge selection of classes and quality equipment.

Mt Vic is the go to spot for burning off all those Christmas cakes before or after work. Jump on your mountain bike for a variety of trails (of which there are various skill levels) or huff and puff your way to the best views in Wellington at the lookout.

With the sea on one side and the CBD on the other, and no traffic in sight, you can run for several KMs without having to worry about crossing crazy busy streets. Strap on rollerblades or just go for a leisurely run to battle the bulge.

Training for a triathlon? Freyberg pool is the place to do it. Overlooking the harbour it is a beautiful spot. Pity it gets so crowded and the "fast" lane is some what slow… 33m pool in length and $5.90 per session. Recommend buying a 12 trip ticket. Also small gym upstairs.

Whenever someone encounters the peanut butter and chocolate milkshake on the menu. Peanut butter? In a milkshake? Yup. Just trust me, it works. Make sure you stir it to get the chunky bits at the bottom.

After cruising the bays on your road bike you want somewhere to sit your sweaty butt down (preferably in shorts and not lycra). Their sunny outdoor area is perfect for slurping on their chocolate-y goodness that is otherwise known as a milkshake.

There are a handful of extraordinary cafes around the Miramar peninsula and Scorch O Rama is just one of them. Even if the wind is howling outside you can still grab a sunny seat in their conservatory area and suck down on that shakes straw.

If you are willing to battle the masses for a table on a sunny Sunday then it’s worth the wait. Fantastic views across Lyall Bay, delicious cabinet cakes and treats, and coffee and shakes to wash it all down with. Always a perennial favourite on the Welly cafe scene.