Kylie B.'s
Great Fishing Spots
- 11Doctor Hook Fishing AdventuresWesthaven MarinaIf you’re like me and don’t have your own boat or aren’t too confident about finding where the best fishing spots are in Auckland then I highly recommend booking a charter with Doctor Hook Fishing Adventures. They do great packages at twilight (when the fish are jumping in the harbour and out by Rangitoto Island) that consist of $80pp for four hours. This team know what they are doing and have years of experience so you are almost guaranteed to get a feed. Now that’s value for money!
- 23Rangitoto IslandRangitoto IslandThere's nothing more satisfying than casting a line in the channel and waters around Rangitoto Island, both of which make for great Auckland fishing if you’ve got a boat (or can sweet-talk someone you know who has one). Head out from Narrowneck Beach near Devonport on Auckland’s North Shore to get your fill of snapper and kahawai. Watch out for birds working to trawl through schools of kahawai. If you’ve got a dinghy, stick to the Auckland shoreline for safety.
- 32Musick Point ReserveBucklands BeachOut East near Bucklands Beach, Musick Point Reserve is a wonderful place to take the kids rock fishing. There’s lots of great rocky outcrops where you can bait up, set a line and cast out into the calm, clear waters. And if you are lucky enough to have a boat - there is one boat for every four people in Auckland, don’t you know - you can head across to Pakatoa Island where in summer the schools of fish are jumping.
- 42Rakino IslandRakino IslandEarly summer in Auckland means snapper season and in December and January there are usually schools of snapper that travel down past Rakino Island, making it one of the best fishing spots to snag this precious white-fleshed fish. If you are land-based then the fishing is best off Rakino Wharf and if you have a boat you can head out to the hole, which sits just off the wharf. One of the most remote islands in the Hauraki Gulf, yet just over a 40-minute ferry ride from Auckland, this is one place that both locals and visitors alike should have on their summer to-do list.
- 51Auckland Harbour BridgeAuckland CentralIf you want to catch snapper from land then one of the most ideal fishing spots in Auckland is under the Auckland Harbour Bridge. Known by avid anglers as one of the best places to go when the fish are biting, you are almost guaranteed to get something on the hook. Plus, it’s a really cool fishing spot to take kids because they can watch all the action on the harbour if the fish aren’t taking the bait.
Kylie B.'s
Christmas Lunch Ideas
- 160Eight Restaurant at Cordis, AucklandAuckland CentralIf you're after a truly spectacular experience this Christmas then enjoying a Christmas lunch at The Langham's superb Eight Restaurant comes highly recommended. Be aware that it is very pricey to experience lunch on the actual day itself (and it's so popular that lunch and dinner on December 25 get booked out well in advance) but what many people don't know is that you can have Christmas any day at The Langham throughout the month of December, meaning you can indulge in a big, tasty lunch and dinner with all the trimmings, for much less cost. Lunch is served for $75 per person throughout December and if you choose to eat Christmas lunch for dinner then head there between Monday and Thursday and it's just $99 per person, as opposed to the weekend when the price jumps up by $20 a head. You'll enjoy succulent Christmas ham with pineapple and whiskey glaze, potato fondant and delightful sweet treats, such as traditional mince pies and pud. Another great recommendation is to head into the swanky city hotel for a Christmas Eve meal to remember. Feliz Navidad!
- 271SnowplanetSilverdaleIf you and your family are dreaming of a white Christmas and have always wanted to celebrate in the snow then it's time to check out Snow Planet for a novel idea for Christmas Day lunch. Celebrate in sleigh-bell style with a Christmas Day buffet and then hit the slopes for some skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing. There are two sittings for the Christmas Day Buffet at 11am and 2pm and it's all about warming family fare. Plus at $68 a head for adults and $35 for children (with infants under two free!), it's a fantastic price for a winter wonderland Christmas Day the kids will never forget. Plus Santa will even make an appearance.
- 338The RiverheadRiverheadWhat could be better than sitting by the water, basking in the sun and supping on a craft brew to celebrate Christmas Day? And when it comes to the Christmas lunch on offer, The Riverhead's Landing Restaurant has an excellent multiple-course menu featuring festive traditional Christmas lunch delights such as roasted lamb rump, orange and cranberry-stuffed turkey and pan-fried salmon. You can choose any two courses for $45 or three courses for $55. Plus no decent Christmas Day celebration is worth its salt without a belly-filling dessert and that's where The Riverhead come into their own. For the big day, they are serving up a delicious homemade chocolate brownie and mini pavlovas. Or for the traditionalists, a steamed Christmas pud with custard and cream.
- 46DeBretts KitchenAuckland CentralThe restaurant at DeBretts Hotel in inner-city Auckland, aptly named Kitchen, is one of my favourite glamorous hole-in-the-wall haunts. The food is superlative and the clever decor makes the whole place light, bright and a fantastic dining experience. It was much to my delight then that I discovered DeBretts Kitchen will be serving up Christmas Day lunch and dinner with a four-course set menu. The hotel is so cool (don't miss the library) that I reckon it's worth booking a night so you can indulge all day and then just head upstairs to sleep off the festivities.
- 57Auckland's Waitakere EstateHenderson ValleyTo experience the majesty of Auckland from one of its best vista points, Christmas lunch at Auckland's Waitakere Estate is a must-do, especially if you have visitors in town. Nestled deep in the heart of the city's rainforest - the Waitakere Ranges - the estate is at the very top of one of the highest hills in the range giving you an uninterrupted view of Auckland, all the way to Great Barrier Island. The place is very kitsch and there's a blazing fire so wear your best Christmas jumper and make like you've stepped into a Northern Hemisphere Christmas. Plus, the prices are nice with the Christmas Day meal priced at $135 a head for adults and $67.50 for children (note: children under the age of five are not permitted).
Kylie B.'s
Top 5 For Smoothies and Juices
- 116East West Organics New LynnNew LynnEthos Cafe at East West Organics in New Lynn is one of my go-to stops for an excellent, health-giving smoothie or juice. I love the feeling I get when I walk through the abundant vegetable gardens out front, knowing that the ingredients in my pulped juice or smoothie creation has been picked fresh that morning by the dedicated staff. You can opt for a juice ($8.50) or a smoothie ($10.50) at Ethos and my all-time favourite pick-me-up is their Super Green creation - a tasty (and antioxidant-boosting) mix of kale, spinach, celery, broccolini, apple, ginger and lemon. It's like a health hit in a cup (and a generous cup at that!). I also love their Choc and Go smoothie when I'm feeling like a sweet treat and that's because I simply love the unusual mix of ingredients with cacao powder and banana being complemented with the omega-3 boosting benefits of hemp seeds. I feel so lucky that Ethos is in my local!
- 224Ceres FreshMarketPonsonbyA green smoothie from Ceres Fresh Market in Ponsonby Central was one of my morning rituals when I used to do an early morning yoga class in the city. I love the marketplace vibe of this fantastic fruit and vege store that's bang-smack in the middle of Ponsonby. But to be honest, it's their Liquids for Life smoothies that first brought me here and keep on bringing me back. I started a health kick two years ago and it began with daily morning green juices and smoothies. Ceres do a particularly fantastic creation they call Tropical Green - a blend of cashews, kale, coconut and mango. It tastes like something straight from the wilds of a Pacific Island paradise. Of course, Ponsonby Central is where Auckland's cool kids hang so expect to pay a little more than normal for your smoothie blast here but believe me, it's well worth the investment. I had a smoothie here once a week for a year and was never, ever disappointed. They also do great healthful juices as well.
- 321Dear Jervois CafeHerne BayA relatively newcomer to the Auckland cafe scene, Dear Jervois is flying the flag for those who like to eat out but still put their health first. It's no wonder then that if you are looking for an organic smoothie and juice bar then this is a great place to come if you are on the Herne Bay side of town. Their smoothies are some of the biggest and best-value you'll get in Auckland's most affluent inner-suburbs and I love the fact that they serve them in big, old jars with robust handles and straws - making the drinking experience so much more fulfilling. And at just $8 a smoothie, the prices are just as appealing as the liquid itself. I love the raspberry and beetroot creation because it's full of vitamins and anti-oxidants - it's like a health hit in a jar. But if you are feeling more indulgent then I suggest opting for their Superfood Peanut Butter and Blueberry signature smoothie. It's a dessert drink without the guilt - perfect for summer!
- 418Goodness GraciousEden TerraceOkay, so you might wonder what on earth one of Auckland's best bagel places is doing on the Localist ed's most popular juices and smoothies list. Well that's because this blink-and-you-missed-it gem at the top of New North Rd also smashes out excellent smoothies and juices. I get the train most mornings and my idea of heaven is to make a pit-stop on the way to work at Goodness Gracious for a liquid morning pick-me-up. Their green kale creation is a full hit of folic acid and brain-boosting goodness while their delicious berry, banana and seed smoothie is exactly that - berry, berry good! They also do super smooth 'n' strong coffee just as I like it, which makes the ideal accompaniment to my morning smoothie. As I like to say, goodness gracious the food is so good at Goodness Gracious.
- 53SproutMt AlbertDon't panic, it's organic! That's the motto at this excellent Mt Albert local, Sprout. With a wonderfully healthy menu, they serve up delicious juices in a variety of different ways and will soon be serving smoothies as well. The owner let me know that they are just currently trialling a whole lot of new recipes so I can't wait to stop in once the smoothies are in session. However, in the meantime, it still makes my list of Top 5 Smoothie and Juices In Auckland because their juices are so fresh and so clean. Sticking with my green juice craze, I do like their verdant concotion but friends tell me the other three juices on their menu are just as good. Keep up the great work, Sprout! We'll be back soon.
Kylie B.'s
Best Places To Eat in Britomart
- 118L'AssietteAuckland CentralOpen from early in the morning and into the evening, L'Assiette is a gorgeous little French cafe and bistro that does smooth and strong espresso and bakes exquisite pastries. My favourite morning kick-start is to get a pain au chocolat and this place does a very traditional, excellent version. A popular Britomart breakfast stop.
- 250Cafe HanoiAuckland CentralI’m a repeat offender when it comes to Cafe Hanoi’s green rice-coated prawns with hot chilli dipping sauce. It’s been two years since a fine-dining friend introduced me to this signature take on Vietnamese street food and whenever I have someone visit from out of town who loves Asian food, I take them here to try this tasty treat in the heart of the bustling Britomart in downtown Auckland. They never disappoint, nor does the poached chicken green papaya salad. It's one of the freshest, lightest chicken dishes I've ever eaten.
- 364TSG - Tyler Street GarageAuckland CentralThe ideal place for after-work drinks and pizzas in the sun, Tyler Street Garage has a phenomenal rooftop and is a hub for Britomart regulars because the food here never, ever fails to disappoint. On a Friday night, especially, this joint comes alive with pumping tunes that ensure you can kick your weekend off right. This gem of an establishment is one of the best local bars in Auckland.
- 445EbisuAuckland CentralPrepare to open your wallet for a night out at Ebisu but know that you will never, ever be disappointed by this smart, expansive Britomart beauty. Fusing delicate Japanese flavours with a clever European twist, this is the place to go with a group of die-hard foodies because it’s shared plate territory. The two best shared dishes served up by legendary sushi master Yuki Ozeki and head chef Murray Wiblin have to be the crisp soft shell crab with delicious orange ponzu sauce ($20) and the tuna ceviche salad with yuzu lemon dressing ($24). For mains, it’s pretty hard to go past free range teriyaki chicken with furikake rice rolls ($34).
- 554MilseAuckland CentralEvery amazing thing you've heard about Milse is entirely true. Since its arrival in Britomart it has become a sweet tooth mecca and for many delicious reasons. Let's start with the patisseries which are utterly mouthwatering and comprise so many different kinds of pastries, tarts and creative delicacies you will have great difficulty choosing just one, although do try the roasted pear, apple and frangipane tart - it's a true delight! Milse also has the best selection of fresh macarons in Auckland, incredible handmade chocolates and clever gelato blends on sticks amongst its many other treats. Everything at Milse is presented in a beautiful way and the service is also impeccable, it really is a five star dessert experience and even offers a dessert degustation menu which is out of this world. If you haven't tried it yet, find any excuse to go as it's an absolute must.
Kylie B.'s
Great Date Ideas
- 16Onetangi BayOnetangiOn a sparkling summer Auckland day, there's something particularly romantic about jumping a ferry to Waiheke Island with a picnic packed and heading to the shores of Onetangi Bay to frolic in the sun and swim in the sea. Enjoy a long, lazy day date with your lover on the white sands of this picture-perfect beach and bask in its peaceful serenity. There's lots of wonderful local food producers on the island too so if you head over early on a Saturday morning then you can make a day of it by shopping up a storm first at the legendary Ostend Markets - http://www.localist.co.nz/l/ucdzlr.
- 257If you've been with your loved one for some time, you'll know a great date night out is all about putting the pizazz and passion back into the relationship and that's why Coco's Cantina in Auckland is a true gem. A night out amidst the bon vivant atmosphere of this super-chilled yet fabulously cool cutie-pie on K'Rd is a surefire way to put spring back into the step of any long-term relationship. Plus the excellent food and wine that will inevitably flow all evening makes for the ideal accompaniment to being in perfect company.
- 39Mt Eden (Maungawhau)Mt EdenAs the sun melts slowly into the West, the best place to marvel at the true beauty of the Auckland isthmus is from the top of the City of Sails' highest volcano - Mangawhau. Make the most of that extra hour by taking a romantic ramble around this very famous cone and drinking in the views of New Zealand's largest metropolis. One of my favourite (and wonderfully classic Kiwi) date nights is to buy an excellent feed of fish and chips from The Ancient Mariner - http://www.localist.co.nz/l/nsidts - on Mt Eden Rd and then sit on the hill until the sun sets so you can watch the lights of the city come alive. This is where I went for my first date with my husband and 14 years later, we still come up here to reminisce about that day at the top of Mt Eden.
- 4121Depot Eatery & Oyster BarAuckland CentralNothing says 'I love you truly, madly, deeply' quite like indulging in freshly shucked oysters and champagne at Al Brown's awesome Auckland restaurant, Depot. It's the kind of place you go to celebrate the special moments and special people in your life. That's why it's a wonderful place for a first date, a second date or a regular date. If you are in love and haven't yet taken your beloved here then make it a priority. After all, scientific research has confirmed that raw oysters are the ultimate aphrodisiac so why eat not well and fall head over heels in love?
- 512Known as doing some of the best sweet treats in the West, Huia Beach Store & Cafe is a gorgeous little hidden gem and its food has as much personality as its staff. A really cool idea for a Sunday date is to head down the winding roads and into Huia, stopping at this store to pick up baked goods and hearty sandwiches, before embarking on a walk up Mt Donald McLean. If you haven't yet had the chance to do this trail, it is little work for great reward. In just half an hour you'll reach the summit and be rewarded with incredible panoramic views of Auckland City, the southern Waitakere Ranges and the Manukau Harbour. Fresh air and the smells, sights and sounds of New Zealand's native flora and fauna plus excellent local food is a great recipe for the ultimate date day out. Now that's amore!
Kylie B.'s
New Openings
- 15Sweat Shop Brew KitchenAuckland CentralWhat was once the home of Sale Street bar has laid the foundations for Sweat Shop Brew Bar and Kitchen. It’s a boutique brewery, with a kitchen that “never sleeps”, holding live music every Friday, with staff that claim they are “the hardest working in the city”. Plus this Halloween is their first birthday and it's going to be quite the event. There will be heaps of George FM DJs on the decks, Halloween theme, spot prizes for best dressed along with general good times and free flowing beers! The place to be this Halloween for sure!
- 22Greedy GutsAuckland CentralIf, when the clock strikes 12, you transform from normal you into a bit of a ‘hangry’, greedy guts kind of person, then Greedy Guts lunch bar will take care of you. Like a ray of light constantly shining in the CBD, this hole-in-the-wall style cafe brightens your day with the staff’s attitude and made-to-order menu. Take on the hunger busting ‘bacon sanger’ with smoked mozzarella, provolone and spicy tomato, or stay on the healthy buzz with the chicken, halloumi and orange slaw salad with root veg and raspberry vinaigrette. Though, if you’re running for the bus, grab one of their counter-top treats (sweet or savoury), ready at the wave of a HOP card, to brighten your day and get you on your way. “For the Hungry” or “For the Thirsty”, Greedy Guts is another great example of easy-to-access, top quality nosh in the CBD.
- 36MeadowMeadowbankI'm a bit of a Westie so don't often make the trek Eastside but I was pleasantly surprised when, a couple of weeks ago, I stumbled across this gorgeous little local haven in Meadowbank after visiting a good friend. It was mid-morning so I opted for the baked eggs, butter beans and tomato ragu and a powerhouse green smoothie that came with kale atop. I loved the fact that it was called a Clevedon Greens smoothie! And because they serve Allpress coffee this new kid on the block is definitely worth a visit.
- 41PeasantMount EdenBrother’s John and Simon Yip have swam against the current and made the move not from NZ to Aussie, but vice versa. The boys from Sydney, along with their friend Willie (formerly of Teed St. Larder and the Grove) have stripped what used to be Two Monkeys Vietnamese down to its skeleton, resulting in a warm and welcoming, glasshouse-like aesthetic. Staying true to their roots (and to the chefing that’s taken place in that kitchen for the past decade), the boys have designed a modern-Vietnamese menu with fresh takes on traditional items. “We use the most authentic Vietnamese ingredients we can possibly source to make the food a real as possible.” Braised brisket, pork belly with smoked quail eggs, stuffed squid, as well as house smoked salmon rice paper rolls, and black sticky rice with mango - the youthful Yip brothers get adventurous but value their heritage.
- 510Grill & ShakesKingslandMilkshakes are one of those kid things that are just as good if not better as a grown up, being of the sweet-toothed persuasion it doesn't take much to convince me to try one either. You can imagine how excited I was when I found out that Grill & Shakes has 69 flavours of milkshakes! 69! That's a mighty long list to work through and with flavours based on some of my favourite chocolates like Ferrero Rocher and real fruit ones too (who can resist a classic strawberry milkshake?) I know I will be going back again and again until I've tried a good chunk of their list. They also serve delicious food from the grill too, I loved the Garden Grazer flatbread sandwich for a healthier meal with my milkshake. Definitely add this place to your must-try list.