Probably only need two words to describe this place, ‘Chocolate’ and ‘Everything.’ I don’t have the biggest sweet tooth but I took my daughters here and they lost their mind. Take the tour of the factory first then finish off the experience at the on-site cafe. Now there is a non-chocolate menu but let’s be honest, nobody’s got time for that when they’ve just had a tour of the factory and the only chocolate museum in the Asia Pacific region. Get educated on the chocolate making process as well as the history of chocolate and how it’s evolved over the last 3000 years then go and stuff your face, sounds like a plan. Try the famous Extreme Chocolate drink, served with chilli flakes. I have no idea why, but it works.

Those who know me know that my local spot is Mozaik in New Lynn so it was only right that I tried the latest addition to their family in Hamilton. I know they're a franchise but don't let that deter you. The Chicken and Prawn salad with Kumara chips is my pick off the menu, the curry dressing is so good. I've tried so many times to replicate it at home but it's never the same.

Owned by Phil Rudd, Drummer for ACDC. How cool is that?! Last summer I did a show in Tauranga and the following day we were taken there for lunch. Right on the Marina, the food is amazing. A must for all rock fans just to say you've eaten there.

AKA 'The Red Cup' this place is hard to miss with the gigantic red coffee cup on the roof. We were stopping at the gas station next door and decided to grab a bite before we carried on. Probably not as popular as the Cafes right on the Lake but when the food is as good as it was here, you can keep your lake views.

The cool thing about this place was Gisborne’s finest local live acts on the street who at first glance I thought were buskers and probably are on any other day when they haven’t been asked by Verve to play out front. The atmosphere was so chilled and the coffee was super good.

Now this has nothing to do with the fact that I’m booked to play there this summer… lol. A fairly new club but the owners/promoters are well known in the industry so the place has got off to a good start. Seems to have become the new ‘spot’ in town with top NZ acts every other weekend.

The ribs are so good here. Also a cool place for quiet drink or to watch the game. Later on the night there’s always something on whether it’s live acts or a DJ so there’s always the option to hang around. Good place to start your night if you’re out for a big one. Won ‘Best Meeting Place in NZ’ last year.

If you’re stuck for something to do in Hawkes Bay I’d recommend having a look at what’s on at the Municipal Theatre. There’s a box office on-site but even if you’re not lucky enough to secure a ticket to whatever is on, it’s one of the few working art deco theatres left in the world so it’s worth a look and a few snaps.

I’ve spent a lot of time in Tolaga Bay with my daughters family being from there and I’d have to say it’s one of the most laid back and beautiful towns in NZ. Just 40 minutes out of Gisborne it’s a great spot for a day trip. Even better if you’re into fishing, you can try your luck off the longest wharf in the country.

Best thing about Stand Up Paddle Boarding is while you’re enjoying yourself, you’re actually working out. Pretty cheap fun too from $25 depending if you want lessons from the approved coaches or to just hire a board and do your own thing. The Pancake Rocks are a cool spot to check out.

Iconic in The Mount. Be prepared to stand in line though as the queue get’s ridiculous in summer, but it’s well worth the wait. THE best soft serve waffle cones.

You want a challenge? Try and get through the ‘Kauotunu Killer Cone" - 5 scoops and literally about as big as your head. It beat me.

My girlfriend is a huge fan of Berry Farms, then again so is every other female. Just off State Highway 30 and a short drive from the Beach. Guaranteed brownie points.

Probably the most extensive and unique menu I’ve ever seen in a takeaway shop, it’s no wonder they were regional winners of Best Fish and Chip shop. Always have to stop off when passing through for a Paua Fritter and a scoop of their Garlic Chips.

I consider myself a bit of a chip connoisseur and can say this place almost has the best chips in NZ (coming a close second to a spot in my hometown but then again, I could be biased.)

Name says it all. Perfect place to grab some Fish and Chips and simply walk across the road to the beach to enjoy them along with the view.

Couldn’t believe the size of the Burgers here, if you have a big appetite this is a must-stop when travelling on State Highway 1.

You can’t beat Fish and Chips at Lake Taupo and this is the place to get them. Amazing burgers and the best Potato Fritters I’ve had.

A friend of mine told me next time I was in the area I had to try a Venison pie from the newly opened Hui Hut in Mangakino so I strayed from State Highway 1 to do just that. The pie was amazing, so was the place. Family owned business, great people and friendly locals, well worth the detour.

If you’ve bought a pie from a gas station or dairy you’re probably familiar with ‘Maketu’ pies. On the Bay of Plenty coast hides the tiny town where it all began and to this day where they are still being handmade every day. Sure you can buy them all over the country now, but nothing beats having a Maketu pie, in Maketu.

We used to immediately think of meat when a pie was mentioned, these days that’s far from the case. Their award winning combination of Stir Fry Veges, Roast Pumpkin, Potato and Kumara in Spinach Cream Sauce is enough to make even a carnivore drool. It’s become a ritual stop for me when leaving Tauranga.

I was once a firm believer that if Bacon was inside a pie the only thing that should accompany it was Egg. After reluctantly trying a Steak, Cheese and Bacon from this place, I was converted.

I actually stumbled (literally) across this place the morning after this year’s Raggamuffin in search of a hangover fix, and I’m glad I did. Their Chicken and Vegetable was a winner at this years pie awards.

One of the best all day breakfast spots in Auckland.

Whether you’re on a budget or just a lover of Pacific Island Soul Food. Famous for it’s Fry-Bread and Raw Fish.

For those fans of the classic Kiwi Pie for breakfast.

For those who are still partying in the morning, you’ll probably be getting up just in time for these. Food stalls from all over the world and super cheap.