These thin cut fries are better than the famous ones from the golden arches, and that’s quite a compliment! Especially when they’re served with truffle oil and their delicious green mayo, it’s different to everything else I’ve seen which makes it my absolute fav! The seasoning is a perfect balance but if you like it extra salty you can add your own from the table, they really cater for you here!

These fries are my favourite type from a bakery; crispy and piping hot whenever they come out to you. I even had these for breakfast one morning this week I was craving them so much! If it’s at an unusual hour you visit here (like my breakfast binge) it may take a few minutes of a wait but theres a table to relax at, and when you see how big a small chips is you’ll forget all about that wait time!

If chunky chips are more your scene, the Black Harp is where you need to be! They’re hand cut and made with love, they even leave the skin on which I love every now and then. When they’re served with a burger they come in a cute little fry basket that looks like it’s actually been cooked in it! It’s small touches like that mixed with a great atmosphere that keeps me coming back to the Black Harp.

Something special about this bakery is their seasoning. Not only do they include the perfect amount of salt, but they have black pepper in their fries too! I love my pepper and add it to literally everything so you can imagine how excited I was to receive these fries! They’re not soggy like some other places let theirs get like, and the potato inside is sweet but savoury!

Another patron of the chunky chip, Lone star pack them on the plate like they’re going out of fashion, but the buffalo chips are to die for so it’s okay, eat as many as you like! The crunch on these chips are on point, and the best part is that you can choose between the thick buffalo chips and the straight cut fries! Their aioli goes great with them too, really smooth and isn’t overpowered by the garlic.

Tinklebell is the local ice cream van on wheels, but damn does it taste good! I went to a wedding not long ago which had this van arrive for dessert! It was a really fun time and we could go back to get whatever we wanted. My favourite has to be the double cone with a chocolate dip and of course a flake. If you’re going to be splurging on ice cream, you may as well go all out!

Yo Get frozen yoghurt is 97% fat free and is gluten free too, something I didn’t know before! It’s a locally owned business that has an interactive culture of providing a fun, healthy, and happy way of eating! I love their original flavour the best, but sometimes I’m in the mood for something fruity like mango, or even blood orange! I really like to take advantage of the toppings here as there are over 50 of them!

The Iona Dairy is THE place to go for the biggest an best ice creams in town. I love to get a waffle cone (which only costs a little bit extra) and have a scoop of salted caramel ice-cream, with a scoop of mint chocolate chip ice-cream, you wouldn’t think they would go together but they totally do! You literally only need some spare change to get a massive treat to curb your sweet tooth!

Want some gelato to eat in the cafe, take a tub home, or even get a scoop added to your iced drink? Head to lush any day of the week to satisfy your cravings, and hey, it’s a lot healthier than what ice cream is! In summer they have their cart at the farmers market in the middle of town and that’s defiantly something to try! Come to think of it I;m really craving their chocolate gelato right now!

Not only is this place convenient because it’s in the middle of Centre City, but it’s damn tasty too! It has a range of eight flavours at any one time that changes seasonally. What I love about Yo Pick is that it has live and active cultures and probiotics for your health; so while you’re treating yourself, your taking care of yourself! I like to stack on the fruit and sour lollies!

The guys at Boot It Fitness are the real deal, they’ve had military experience and have spent time in the army, so they know what exercises are best for a bootcamp fitness class! These sessions are both indoor and outdoor so theres no excuse not to exercise in the winter anymore! Working out in a group is so much better than by yourself, it keeps the motivation up and the spirits high!

The Curves gym in Bell Block is a lovely place for the ladies out there, there’s always someone there you can have a nice chat to while you’re working out. This is definitely a place for more social exercisers as theres a circuit you follow. At the moment you can join now for only $10 (which goes to a charity), and being someone who knows how expensive join up fees can be, this is a real steal!

The TSB Hub in Hawera is the ultimate place to visit for sports, with 3 indoor courts, and 6 massive outdoor courts to satisfy all your team sport needs! This months social sport program is netball, with it changing every month (the last one was dodgeball); it’s a great way to get out of your comfort zone and meet new people with similar interests as you! Theres even a gym inside that runs 24/7!

Rampage Fitness is a locally owned gym with over 40 Les Mills and freelance classes per week. What I love about this is that there’s not just a gym on site, but a cafe, physiotherapist, hair stylist, massage and beauty therapist, AND a child care facility! That is a heck load of facilities for one gym! Their Body Balance class looks good, it combines yoga, tai chi, and pilates to learn ti control your breathing and improve flexibility!

If you really want to ramp up your exercise regime, Vigor Fitness is perfect for you, specialising in pure grit high intensity interval training. They add things like kettle balls, weights, and ropes to the exercises to work deep into your muscles. It uses a combination of cross fit, pilates, and strength & conditioning to get you fit and toned. The sessions go for around 45 minutes and a different every time which I love because doing the same routine can get pretty boring!

The Seaside Markets are more treasured than the other markets around the region as this only happens once a month on the first Sunday. Not only is it one of the biggest markets in the region, but it also have some of the most diverse stalls. From hand picked flowers and produce to home made sweet treats, crafty wood work and home decor inspired by Scandinavian design! If you’re lucky you may even manage to get into a photo, I did last time!

Although a bit smaller in scale compared to other markets, sometimes smaller equals better and more intimate! For me Hawera has always been underrated with the things it can offer, same goes with this market. What I love is that there is a little kids tent for kids to hang out so they won’t get bored while the parents have fun shopping! It runs from 10am to 3pm so get down there and soak up some sun rays.

The Farmers Market held in the Huatoki Plaza every Sunday is one of my favourite markets to visit, mostly for the food! Because it’s centrally located, there are food stalls from various shops around the CBD, such as bread from The Market Patisserie and croissants from Petit Paris! There’s also live music with people always having a good boogie, that can really perk you up along with drinking a hot coffee! In summer this market takes up half of Currie Street so get ready!

Held under bridge behind the Mill, this is one of my very first memories of markets as a child, I went with mum and bought a yellow capsicum; at the time it was the best thing ever! This is what started my love of markets, and I still go to this one and buy capsicums! Not only that but I love to purchase the baby plants they growers have propagated and watch them flourish at home, it’s like a little hobby of mine.

The Puke Ariki Art Market is another market to be held in the Huatoki Plaza, this time every Saturday morning. My favourite part is the crystal stall, they are just so beautiful and if I could I would fill my house up with them! Not only are there paintings and hand made wall decorations, there are also high quality blankets that would be perfect for those still nippy Spring nights!

It can cost as little as $5 to look into the galaxy and see millions of different stars, what a bargain! The Astronomical Society is such a fun place to be at, surrounded by like-minded people who have a love for the world we live in. In summer (because of daylight savings) it’s open from 7.30 on clear nights; and the best part is, you don’t even need to book, just turn up! Although if your planning a large group trip it’s best to book ahead!

Lilith and Alexandra are two tribal belly dancing gurus! As well as private and group classes, they also offer entertainment for hen’s nights, staff parties, and even weddings if that’s your thing! I’ve always wanted to take a belly dancing class at least once in my life and I think I’ve found the right one! They love combining a sense of freedom with skilled movements to create this dance, it’s only $10 per session or $80 for a whole term.

Technically this isn’t a night class BUT it is held in the afternoons! This is one I would personally love to do, I am a foodie and this could even be a fun date night idea (which I will definitely be trying!). The prices range from $25 to around $90 depending on what ingredients your paying for. Tickets are required to be bought beforehand, in advance if possible due to the classes being so popular!

This society is dedicated to those who love the earth and are fascinated with how it works; it has the interests of everything from palaeontology, to historical studies, to volcano enthusiasts! They also have multiple conferences, with the annual one coming up at the end of November; so now is the perfect time to join! The best part is the cost, it’s only $80 for a full year of membership, and everyone meets on the first Monday of every month.

Have you always wanted to get your body toned, or even just become more flexible? Pilates New Plymouth is your best bet to achieve your goals. Their night classes start at 6.30pm; perfect for those who work 9 to 5! I love how they have small sized classes so you can really be one on one with the instructor; you’ll also feel less intimidated with less people if it’s you fist time! Just make sure to book so you’re guaranteed a spot!

Thai House Express have the most delicious looking menu, something unique about this establishment is that they have a huge menu on their wall with pictures included so you know exactly what you’re going to get! This is one of the most long-standing thai places around because you just want to keep going back again ann; the food really is that good!

Siam Thai Fusion is the perfect mix between authentic thai food and kiwi food born and bred here. The perfect example is their famous (not to mention delicious) peanut sauce, and instead of being served with roti bread, it’s served with toast! Seriously, don’t knock it till you try it! Everything is served so well and looks beautiful on the plate, they really take care of the presentation! Their chicken kebabs are also to die for!

Thai Chef serve real thai food, and they don’t skimp on the spiciness (but if you want them to, they will!) which I’m a huge fan of when I go out to eat! My favourite would have to be their green curry, it’s so fragrant without being too overpowering! They also do a delicious pad thai, probably the best I’ve ever had, which is saying a lot as I consider myself a bit of an ethnic eater!

The Snug Lounge, it may not be thai food, but it is pretty bloody delicious Japanese inspired nosh. The food that’s included in the chow down is heavenly, but Ive tried some different dishes since last time that are divine! Their curried button mushrooms are very cute and very delicious! Also who can resist steamed edamame beans served with sea salt!? But without a doubt, every time I dine in, I ALWAYS order their asian styled coleslaw; probably my favourite thing on the menu and I will eat the whole bowl myself. I don’t share that coleslaw.

This is one of the few places in Taranaki where I can come and get real Chinese that hasn’t been sugarcoated to suit kiwi tastes, it’s authentic as hell! I’m trying myself out on tofu and this was a great place to develop the taste of it as they make it so appealing! They also have seasonal vegetables in a garlic sauce, that to me is one of my favourite things ever; give me a plate of garlic covered vegetables anyway and I’ll keep eating until I feel sick!