Kylie B.'s
Best Swimming Beaches
- 141Piha BeachWaitakerePiha - you are one of the most raw, rugged environments in the world and the dynamism of your natural beauty is like chicken soup for my soul. Whether I'm swimming out the front of Lion Rock or walking around the rocks for a low-tide dip in the blue pool, the energy of the roaring ocean and crashing waves washes away any tiredness, worries or concerns I have after a day of working in the city. And no matter where in the world I travel or how far I ramble, you will always be my turangawaewae (standing place) and the place I call home. In summer, you keep me warm as I bask in the blazing sun on the hot black sand and swim in the ocean. While in winter, your west coast moodiness inspires me to create and dream. I live on the hill above another of my favourite beaches - Karekare - yet I choose to drive down to Piha Beach to play because you are one of the most amazing places to be in all the world. I am so lucky that this is where I was born and raised and to where I've returned.
- 26Oneroa BayWaiheke IslandThere's nothing more inviting than a trip to Auckland's tropical paradise of Waiheke Island when the sun is glistening over the Hauraki Gulf. Jump the ferry and in just over 30 minutes, you can be swimming (or even wallowing) in the calm, crystal clear water of Oneroa Bay. One of Waiheke Island's Top Three most beautiful beaches, it's a quintessentially picturesque New Zealand bay, known for it's golden sand and safe, family friendly waters. Soak, relax and unwind - this is what summer is made of!
- 38Judges BayParnellOne of Auckland City's secret (and very best) inner-city swim spots, Judges Bay is one of my favourite places to swim because it's got pool steps down into the water. After stripping down to your togs and then dipping your big toe in, you can walk like a lady into the water and transport yourself back to 1914 when the nearby salt water Parnell Baths were first built and when this little hidden gem of an inlet was at its most popular as a bathing spot. And if you're like me and love to have lots of fun in the water, there's also a wooden diving platform out in the bay that's perfect for doing bombs off. In the height of summer, the water in Judges Bay can sometimes become contaminated so it pays to check the Auckland Council website before taking a day out here in early January/February.
- 49Cheltenham BeachDevonportGolden, sparkling sand, blooming pohutukawas and a still, quiet ocean with Rangitoto Island in full view, there's no place quite as good to swim on Auckland's North Shore as Cheltenham Beach. Park up, strip off, take an inflatable and rest easy as you float on the deep blue ocean. It's a great place to take someone who might be a little afraid of sea swimming and afterwards you can continue the Kiwi summer traditions by indulging in a big ice cream or feed of top-quality fish and chips from the local store.
- 57Shakespear Regional ParkArmy BayJust 50km north of Auckland's CBD lies this gorgeous, pest-free regional park that has not one but THREE fantastic swimming beaches, meaning it's well worth a summer day trip from the city. Te Haruhi Bay is a sandy strip of coastline that melts slowly into gentle, sedate waters while the better-known Army Bay is at the park entrance. Lesser known Okoromai Bay is a tidal beach, which is more ideal for hunting and gathering cockles than for swimming. Incredibly popular during public holidays, it pays to arrive at Shakespear Regional Park early if you want to secure the family a top beach spot. However, if you just want to fang up in the car for a satisfying swim then you can't go past this park as one of the best swimming spots in the greater Auckland region.
Kylie B.'s
Best Campgrounds
- 14Tawharanui Peninsula’s tendrils extend into the Hauraki Gulf, separating Omaha and Kawau Bay and, in my opinion, is the best DOC campground located within the wider Auckland region. Once a year when I was growing up, my family would make a classic Kiwi pilgrimage to this so-close, yet-worlds-away tent only DOC campground at the dropdead beautiful Tawharanui Regional Park, just north of Auckland. This is camping for the intrepid, camping for people who love the elements and the great outdoors and who aren’t afraid of getting a bit of sand in your sandwich. Take everything in and leave only footprints, that’s what my mum used to say and I’m so thankful that my time at Tawharanui has set me up for a lifelong, love affair with camping. Long, hot, idyllic summer days were spent here under the beating sun. We’d swim in the crystal clear ocean then sprint up the beach and throw our bodies face first into the warm, cosy sand dunes. I try to get up here at least once a summer for a few nights just to relive my youth and there’s a hardcore group of campers that pack up everything (and that often does literally include the kitchen sink) over the silly season and make the trip up here to bask in Tawharanui’s sheer beauty. The tent only campground is in the Tawharanui Open Sanctuary so you are advised to check your vehicle and belongings for stowaway pests before you visit. Dogs and all animals are prohibited at all times. And if you are one of those types who think camping is done best in a motorhome then Tawharanui Regional Park has options for you too with an “all modes” campground that has 80 sites for vehicles up to eight metres in length. This is located in another area further along. It pays to book well in advance for both campgrounds to secure a site over the busy summer months and bookings can be made by emailing regionalparks@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
- 24Okay, I have to confess I live on the west coast so in the summer I get to go to the beach every day. It can make it hard to find a camping spot that’s worth packing the car for a quick weekend away but my friends and I take a roadie up to Goat Island Camping and Accommodation once a year in February for a classic east coast Kiwi camping experience. I love this campground - it is everything that camping in New Zealand should be about. There’s a little general store, a common area where you can met and conversate with passing travellers and a firepit where you can take your bottle of wine at night and get to know your fellow campers. And no matter how busy it gets, there’s always a little place under the pine trees where you can tuck away to get some privacy. Plus, Goat Island Marine Reserve is one of the busiest summer destinations for snorkelling and sea kayaking but if you are staying in the campground, there’s no argy bargy for a precious carpark. You just strap your fins to your back, pack up your snorkelling mask and head down in the morning for a quiet snorkel with the whole place to yourself. My top tip is to stay out of the heat of the sun during midday by planning to hit the beach in the early morning and at dusk when it is at its least busiest. This campground also has the most divine little A-frame cabins, which are perfect for a romantic retreat. I love this place so much I wish I hadn’t let the cat out of the camping canvas, so to speak. It’s a hidden gem and you need to try it!
- 32Miranda Holiday ParkThamesIf you are an Aucklander and haven’t yet driven the majestic Pacific Coast Highway that snakes around the beautiful Clevedon coast to the hot pool haven of Miranda and en-route to the Coromandel Peninsula then you haven’t lived. Full stop. This is one of the most beautiful drives you can do and the perfect place to rest your head halfway is Miranda Holiday Park. With a wide-range of accommodation options, you can either rent one of their gorgeous little cabins or motel units or do what every good self-respecting Kiwi should and set up a tent to spend a night under canvas. There’s a guest mineral hot pool on site, which is why this place makes my Top 5 list and the facilities are spic and span. It’s well worth getting to this camping ground in the early afternoon so you can enjoy a good feed of fish and chips from the local store and then head out to the Firth of Thames for some top-quality bird watching. The wildlife in Miranda is second-to-none and just a stone’s throw from Auckland - it only takes about 90 minutes to get here yet you are a world away from the city’s frenetic hustle and bustle. Kick back, take five and book some time in the diary to take the family to Miranda Holiday Park. I promise it will be an experience you won’t forget.
- 43The tip of the Awhitu Peninsula, just south of Auckland, is an unspoilt, untapped paradise of epic proportions. Many South Auckland locals know about this idyllic little getaway yet it remains pretty much a secret from the rest of the country. Orua Bay Beach is a golden-sand spectacular and the motor camp there is reminiscent of a more slower pace of life. When you stand on the beach here after erecting your tent, you feel like there is limitless possibility about what you can do with your day, whether that’s lying under a pohutukawa and reading a good book or wallowing like a whale in the clear-blue water. Plus the bay in which this campground is located is very safe so it’s a great place for families with kids to get away from it all and enjoy a quintessential Kiwi camping experience.
- 522Takapuna Beach Holiday ParkTakapunaFor a coaster like me it may seem a little odd that the Takapuna Beach Holiday Park would make my Top 5 list but I’m constantly blown away by this retro campground, located right on the water’s edge at Takapuna Beach. It’s a great little find for anyone who is visiting Auckland and needs some budget accommodation. Just a stone’s throw from the Takapuna shops, once you step inside the park you are a world away from Auckland, yet just around the point from its bustling CBD. With views across the sparkling Hauraki Gulf to Rangitoto, you can’t beat this holiday park on a crystal-clear summer’s day with a light off-shore breeze. Plus at low tide you can walk out onto the reef and explore all the way to Milford. Check it out!
Kylie B.'s
Best Cheap Eats
- 131SeleraNewmarketI travelled to Malaysia a few years ago and fell head-over-heels for the unique melting pot of flavours that come from this South-East Asian slice of paradise. So when I came home to Auckland I began a quest - to search out the most original flavours I could find. Malaysian food is a real blend of Malay, Indian and Chinese flavours and that’s what makes it so cool. Before I stumbled across Selera in Newmarket, I thought I’d nailed it with an inner-city restaurant but for a good cheap eat, this little gem is where I go. Known for doing one of the most traditional beef rendang dishes in Auckland, their meals are steal at just $13.50 for a main. And the service is the kind of friendly hospitality you come to expect in Malaysia. What a fabulous find!
- 219Bok ChoyNewtonThis little gem is just around the corner from work and when my pockets are feeling light, I head here for lunch because I’m not sure where else in the central city you can get such a delicious, healthy meal on a budget. Bok Choy is, in fact, the definition of a seriously good cheap eat. The kitchen specialises in using fresh, seasonal produce and the meat is succulent and tasty. Their noodle boxes are usually $6.90 but if you opt for the special box of the day, it costs just $5 and it comes with FREE miso soup. What a super steal!
- 38The Flaming OnionNorthcoteI’m pretty particular about where I eat beef patties from in a burger and The Flaming Onion never, ever fails to disappoint. They grind their beef in-house and they also do pretty darn fantastic hand-cut agria fries with aioli on the side. And while there’s no denying that this is one of the best burger joints in all of Auckland, the prices at this Northcote gem are pretty darn fantastic too. Here you can arrive with just a crisp $10 note and leave with a massive burger that truly does fill your boots. Or if you are feeling particularly beefy or in need of a super cheap eat then forgo the salad and fork out just $6.50 for a Beef Jr (no lettuce required).
- 43Angelos RoastsBlockhouse BayWhen it comes to getting bang for your buck, you can't go past Angelos Roasts in Blockhouse Bay for their $5.20 crispy chicken roll. Tucked away in Blockhouse Bay Rd near the intersection of Wolverton St and Tiverton Rd, this is a suburban hidden gem that the locals go to often. The kitchen is clean and tidy and the food is very, very good value. It's their fried chicken and potatoes that they are most well-known for. And their small roast meals are also an excellent price at just $9.
- 511Tiffin Indian CuisineKingslandWafts of delicious spicy flavours engulf you as soon as you step off New North Rd and into this very popular Indian restaurant in Kingsland. With reflective mirrors and walls deep-red in colour, you are instantly transported to the East and a world of spicy delights. This is wholesome, authentic Indian food done perfectly every time. And that’s before even mentioning the out-of-this-world prices. Samosa are one of my go-to snacks when I’m on the run and Tiffin does such a clever creation of this spiced potato pastry that’s so good, I always wish for just one more bite. And at just $6.50, their samosa are some of the best value in town. It’s also a good cheap eat with friends because they do banquets that start from just $35 per person and it’s a feast fit for a king (or a queen!).
Kylie B.'s
Best Walks
- 19Mt 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.
- 236Cornwall ParkEpsomCute little lambs and bright yellow daffodils - it must be a new season in Cornwall Park, which is why I highly recommend this for a sundowner stroll. There's so many cool nooks and crannies to explore in this massive reserve and that's why you can go back time and again to make the most of those extra hours of light. I love starting at the bottom and heading all the way to the top for a good work-out and then shooting some gorgeous pictures as the sun goes down. Heavenly!
- 335Takapuna BeachTakapunaThe Takapuna to Milford Loop Walk is one of the Auckland City's secret local gems. Of course, if you have lived on the North Shore you probably know all about this stunning 6.22km loop that starts at the Takapuna Beach boat ramp and winds over the sandy shoreline and through a series of rocky, narrow paths. I love getting a good nosy at the mansions on the cliff that overlook the Hauraki Gulf and out to the majestic Rangitoto before arriving in Milford. It takes approximately 75 minutes to do so allow enough time if you are going after work and make sure you check the tides. This is a walk best down with sturdy footwear and at low tide. Plus if the seas are rough, plan a new date. This is an exceptional way to experience the quieter East Coast vibe of Auckland.
- 41Waitakere DamWaiataruaI used to live a stone's throw from this fantastically untapped trail that winds down into the depths of the verdant bush of Auckland's rainforest - the Waitakere Ranges. Even though you need to be prepared for a hike back up the hill, the road down into the Waitakere Dam is tarsealed so is great for walkers and kids on bikes. Don't miss the side trail halfway down that takes you to the largest Kauri tree in the whole of the Ranges - you can even see this big daddy from the ridges of Piha and Karekare because he's so massive. I also believe that mystical forest fairies like to live in and around his gnarled, gigantic roots. If you're looking for a whole day of activity instead then use this 1.4km walk as your starting point and head either across the top or below the rushing waters of the dam to connect with a host of trails that take you either to Bethells Beach or down into the jaw-droppingly beautiful Cascade Kauri Park, which is one of the only areas of unlogged forest left here. This kind of walk makes you realise why New Zealand is so special!
- 53Hunua FallsHunuaJust 60km from Auckland's CBD is one of the South's most beautiful, picturesque places - the powerful and picture-perfect Hunua Falls. One of the many fantastic natural phenomena in the gorgeous Hunua Ranges that flank the south of the city, these falls are very easy to get to and there is picnic and toilet facilities near by. To get the best view of the rushing white water cascading down the rock face, it's worth setting aside an extra half-hour and taking in the vista of the falls and surrounding native forest from all angles. The track is well sign-posted from the car park near the falls. However, swimming is not recommended as it can be dangerous.
Kylie B.'s
Best Fish and Chips
- 121Adey's PlacePihaI grew up on the black sands of Piha and have been a big fan of this great little fish and chip shop that is literally west of everywhere. But its since moving back home to live recently that I've really, truly fallen head over heels and that's all because of owner Adrian introducing fresh fish to the menu. With generous portions of fish of the day available either grilled, battered or dipped in panko breadcrumbs (my all-time favourite), it's the perfect Friday night takeaway. But get in quick because locals in the know reckon this is the best fish and chip shop in New Zealand and they all order up big! And that's because Adrian's background as a world-class chef has elevated the quality of their takeaway meals. My top tip is that at just $9 the fish portions are so big that if you have a small appetite you can share one carton of chips between two. That's if you are nice enough to share because their chips are legendary. And I also can't forget to let you in on a little local secret - the chips at Blairs come out different sizes so you can be assured of lots of crispy bits because many years ago one of the young surfers who worked the chipper out the back dropped a utensil in it and the chips have been coming out that way ever since. Now that's the stuff of legend!
- 23FishSmith Fish & ChipsHerne BayWhen I grilled my friends about their favourite fish and chip shop in central Auckland, FishSmith continually came in as the catch of the day. It's all because of the wide selection on offer and the fact that every time out of the gate, this chipper delivers a top-quality feed. Located in Herne Bay, it's a little bit posh, just as you'd expect. So if your palette is more refined then you can choose from a wide selection of less traditional fare. My favourites are the smoked fish pie croquette - now that's a twist on a 70s classic. Enjoy!
- 33Toby's Seafood OtahuhuOtahuhuFor quality and value for money, you can't go past one of South Auckland's tastiest fish and chip shops. If you come to visit Toby's, make sure you go all out and order a man-sized meal of fish, chips and sausages - it's some of the best dollars you will ever spend. The tender fish is encased in just the right amount of salted, crispy batter so that it doesn't overpower the freshness but still gives you that classic Kiwi fish and chip taste experience. They also do a mean fried bread. Another great reason to head to Otahuhu and check out this hidden gem. Love it!
- 44Takapuna Fish ShopTakapuna CentralA North Shore institution, Takapuna Fish Shop has been smashing out great versions of this Kiwi favourite for decades. My grandma used to take me here when I was little and load me up on their yummy fresh fish and, if I’m ever in Takapuna on summer’s day, I’ll try and stop in here for a bite.
- 526The Fish & Chip ShopSandringhamDelivering on their promise of "truly awesome food", this little chipper in Sandringham is a consistent award-winner and prized for its daily fresh fish. There is another branch now open in Westmere so if you live on the other side of town you can also enjoy their deep-fried delights. I also love the fact that the batter is so light and crispy that it never feels sinful and if you are wanting to be healthy, you can opt for your fish to be pan-fried or panko crumbed. Delish!
Kylie B.'s
School Holiday Ideas
- 113JumpEast TamakiSpring into the school holidays with one of the coolest adventures you'll ever experience with the family. Jump is a revolutionary trampoline park that's all about taking this classic Kiwi backyard activity and making it safe and exciting for everyone - whether you are a kid or, like me, a big kid at heart. I recommend taking a group of adventurous adults and children along for a school holiday outing to remember and, because you can book online and in advance, it's a great way to plan an excellent day out, no matter the weather. The brainchild of a couple of clever Kiwis who got the idea while travelling around the US, indoor trampoline parks are a hot trend taking the world and now New Zealand by storm. Kids will love the multiple trampolines and safety padding around the walls that lets them test their acrobatic skills and limits without the same dangers of a garden trampoline. Jumping on a trampoline is also proving to be a bit of fitness craze and Jump hold special Jump Fit classes at this park. So popular is the concept that there are now two other parks open in Auckland's North Shore and in Hamilton in the Waikato with plans to create many more around New Zealand. Now that makes me want to jump for joy!
- 29Action World AucklandHendersonAction World is Kiwi ingenuity at its best. This New Zealand first - an amazing blow-up park in the West Auckland suburb of Henderson - was set up by a former professional trapeze artist, who had a vision of letting kids fly through the air with the greatest of ease. With no harnesses or safety lines necessary, tots, children and teens love flipping and flopping onto the comfortable safe surfaces below as they negotiate the high wire and shoot from trapeze to trapeze. There's also huge blow-up, colourful slides that the littlies love, an inflatable rock climbing wall and a jousting bridge, which is a hit with the boys. Not only is it a great idea for a school holiday outing but it's also a wonderful way to build confidence and self-esteem. You can just bowl up on the day but space is limited and it gets packed in the school holidays so it pays to make a plan and book online.
- 31Youthtown Auckland CentralAuckland CentralIf you have to work during the school holidays, Youthtown has a series of renowned school holiday programmes for young children and teens alike - all of which are designed to delight and inspire. It pays to book early to secure your child a place in the programme of their choice with activities ranging from trips to the movies to a day visit to Kelly Tarlton's Underwater World. There's also in-house workshops that include cooking, crafts and even magic and circus skills. With programmes specially tailored for each week of the holidays, kids can enjoy it all, select the days they like best or choose what works for the family's schedule. Teens will enjoy a host of exciting activities and fun days out, including Blo-Karting (go-karting with the power of wind), a Rainbow's End visit and special Our Kitchen Rules and Amazing Race workshops. It's also a chance to make new friends and lifelong connections.
- 494Butterfly CreekAuckland AirportAn excellent day out for kids who love interesting insects, reptiles, farm animals and, of course, butterflies, Butterfly Creek is one of South Auckland's true gems. And every school holidays it comes alive with magical events. To celebrate the warmer months ahead, the attraction - which is on the way to the Auckland Airport - is throwing a special Spring Festival. Over the coming weeks, kids can get up close and personal with Butterfly Creek's new baby animal arrivals while enjoying face-painting, mice racing through a maze and craft workshops. There's also going to be barbecue action and specials at the on-site cafe to make sure every day is a fantastic adventure to keep the kids captivated. And if you haven't yet seen Butterfly Creek's amazing Dinosaur Kingdom then it's a great opportunity for a unique encounter of the reptilian kind.
- 5293Auckland ZooWestern SpringsDo you have a budding photographer in your house or an animal-mad teen who is keen to get up close and personal with wildlife? In the late September/early October school holidays, the Auckland Zoo are running a very special programme for young teens aged 10 - 14, who like to view life from behind the lens. Learning to compose images, getting confident working with different camera modes and taking photos of both people and wildlife, the programme is designed to encourage creativity, conversation and team work. The workshops will be run by a zoo photography tutor and a zoo guide so that teens can create magic images and learn about animals all at the same time. Running every day in the school holidays from 9.30am to 2.30pm, it's a great chance for your teen to get an all access pass to one of Auckland's favourite destinations, as well as being a truly educational experience. Plus, they will walk away at the end of the holidays with a clutch of great photos and even better stories.