Kylie B.'s
Great For Gardeners
- 12Awa NurseryMuriwai BeachSpring has sprung so there's no better time to indulge your green finger than now. And that's why I love getting off-the-beaten track to find unusual plants that I can beautify my garden with. It's why I highly recommend taking a day trip to Awa Nursery, which is on the road to Muriwai Beach. If you need some fresh spring ideas or inspiration for sexy yet functional garden design or just want to pick up some fantastic New Zealand natives at a great price then I highly recommend visiting this family owned and operated nursery. A lot of my friends are professional green-fingers and that's how I got onto Awa - it's the place where the big boy landscapers go for the widest range and most diverse collection of natives. And with a whole new garden being planned for my coastal property, I'll be hitting up Awa for advice on what to plant because they always know the solution for your soil - no matter how clay based it is! Thank you for loving plants as much as I do!
- 22Danny's Palms & MoreHobsonvilleHave you ever had a love affair with palms? Mine has waxed and waned over the years, mainly dependent on how well I can maintain the palm life on my property. I've tried (and failed) many times until I visited Ron at Danny's Palms with a close friend. Him and his partner swear by the advice given by these plant experts and I was delighted to discover that they grow almost all of their fine specimens on the property itself. It makes for hearty, weather-resistant palms that will flourish no matter how hard you try to kill them. And believe me I've tried pretty hard. If you love succulents like I do, you'll fall head over heels for the variety of species that Danny's Palms have. I bought a couple of beautiful Dracos here that are still going strong 10 years after I planted them in the backyard at my mum's place.
- 32Te Hana NurseriesWellsfordIf you are in the midst of a new garden design, like I am, you know how important it is to get advice from people you trust and Te Hana Nurseries do exactly that. A production nursery that supplies wholesale, I recommend calling them or taking a road trip to Wellsford for a special visit to discuss your specific needs. If Te Hana don't have the plants you need then they will source them for you from anywhere in New Zealand. I also love coming here on the way North for a camping trip when avocados are in season because you can pick them by the bucket load. Thank you Te Hana for letting everyday Kiwis like me have great gardens!
- 42Wairere Nursery LtdWaitakereCalling all gardeners who fight challenging terrain, bogged soil or soil that's too dry, high winds and dry summers, Wairere Nursery offers the solution in the form of succulents and bromeliads. Stepping out of the car at this family owned and operated nursery is like walking into a Dr Seuss book because their plants come in such epic proportions. And because the succulents and bromeliads have all been hand-raised by growers with more than 15 years experience, they are all hardy species and you can chat with the staff about the beauty (and functionality) of succulents for hours. Don't miss getting a gander at the Giant Bromeliad species - simply breath-taking!
- 52Coromandel CactiMount WellingtonNeed something strong, structural, resistant to disease and low-maintenance for your garden, look no further than Coromandel Cacti, which has been hand-raising cacti in New Zealand since 1982. I love having cacti in abundance on my property because when you get too busy to garden, these quirky guys just keep on looking after themselves (and continue to look good!). Cacti are also particularly good for planting in Auckland and Northland over the dry summer months because most varieties flourish in intense heat with little need for water. But even if you don't come to Coromandel Cacti for practical purposes, it's well worth a visit for adults and children alike to marvel at the majesty of these incredible plants.
Kylie B.'s
Top 5 Yum Cha
- 142Grand Harbour Chinese RestaurantViaduct HarbourYum cha at Grand Harbour, oh how I love you for a Friday long lunch or a great Sunday date. I love you for your steamy, flavoursome dim sums smothered in soya sauce and chilli oil-dipped goodness but most of all I love you for your bok choy with a squirt of rich oyster sauce. Could there be any better combo than crunchy, crispy greens with a classic Chinese accompaniment of delectable gooey saucy goodness? I think not. That's why whenever I come for lunch, I always make sure I scope out and accost the waiter who has the biggest tray of brassicas. It's no mean feat if you've had the joy of experiencing this ever-bustling establishment . Then I make sure that cart stays near me until I've had my fill of every last, deeply satisfying bok choy bite. Because Grand Harbour, the reason your bok choy is the best in the business is because it's all in the crunch!
- 226China Yum Char Restaurant & BarAuckland CentralFor yum cha aficionados this is where it's at in Auckland to get an authentic Chinese lunch experience at a very affordable price. For me, it's all about the spring beans and prawn spring rolls. You see, I figure that it's okay to eat my body weight in prawns perfectly wrapped in pillowy pastry parcels because I'm off-setting my fried feast by still getting my greens. Their dumplings are also good and if you are brave, try the chicken feet because they are a whole new taste sensation. I'm salviating already!
- 33Golden PhoenixBirkenheadThis is the place that North Shore locals know to go and is a secret so good it's hardly shared with anyone on the other side of the bridge. Well-known for producing exceptional yum cha and signature dim sum dishes, Golden Phoenix is also an incredible Chinese restaurant by night. A long-time Shorie stalwart, my grandma first took me here to experience the authenticity of Chinese cuisine. Now whenever I'm in Birkenhead, I pop in for a bite or pick up some takeaways. A delicious hidden gem that can't stay hidden for much longer.
- 424Sun World Chinese RestaurantNewmarketDon't be fooled by the fact that yum cha is Sun World's stock and trade and expect to wing a table here on short notice. You'll be waiting for a long time because that's how popular this Newmarket-based yum cha establishment is. And you don't want to be waiting because I guarantee that as soon as your senses are assaulted by the gorgeous smell of traditional spices, all you'll want to do is sink your teeth into one of their dreamy dim sums. They are so good in fact that after a visit to Sun World, I dream of dim sum for weeks after. Did someone say dim sum for lunch? Count me in!
- 512Star Cafe Seafood Restaurant BotanyFlat BushDumplings get in my belly! While I haven't yet had a chance to sample the delights of Star Cafe Seafood Restaurant in Botany for myself because I live so far west, my friend who has lived in the south-eastern suburbs for most of her life swears by this restaurant. She said I must include it on my picks for Auckland's top 5 yum cha because the dumplings and steamed buns created at Star Cafe Seafood Restaurant are the best in the business. She goes here at least once a month and never for a special occasion. Instead, it's all about getting her fill of these delicious Chinese delicacies. That's why it's firmly at the top of my wishlist. I look forward to seeing you there!
Kylie B.'s
Best Burgers in Christchurch
- 12Burgers & BeersSydenhamThe chips and gravy here are good but the burgers, they are bloody good, just like this quality establishment's tagline says. A sucker for good-quality Angus beef, if it's on a burger menu, I get hamstrung and can't order anything else. And if a burger joint combines this kind of beef with blue cheese then you've got me as a customer for life. That's why every time I come to Christchurch, I head here and order a Billy Beef & Blue to satisfy that craving. Oh and don't forget to be a good bugger and accompany your burger with a beer because that's what this place is all about.
- 22Cod SquadChristchurch CentralA food truck that travels around serving top quality fish and chips and fantastic burgers, Cod Squad is the passion project of new mum Jo who left her life behind in England for the love of a Kiwi bloke and ended up setting up her gourmet takeaway business in Christchurch. Personally, I fell in love with Cod Squad's hearty cheeseburger. Although a good friend of mine who lives in Christchurch also says it's the only place he goes for his fish and chips. Get into the hearty goodness - it's a great idea for a Friday night eat.
- 32Velvet BurgerRiccartonThis is one of the newer Velvet Burger establishments and it has quickly become a popular burger joint in Christchurch. I like the fact that Velvet Burger do mini burgers (about three-quarters of the size of their regular offering) so that if you have a smaller appetite, you can still indulge in burger goodness. My favourite is the mini Velvet Burger with a vension pattie.
- 42The best thing about Joe's Garage is it's right by the beach, which is always the best place to eat a burger. I don't know why but munching on a burger while breathing in the salty air of Sumner just makes the eating experience so much better. And just like its Queenstown counterpart, Joe's By The Beach does a mean bird burger. There's just something about this cafe's mix of chicken, bacon, swiss cheese and caramelised onions that's simply delicious. I always want this burger in my belly, no matter where I am in New Zealand!
- 51Burger Fuel RiccartonUpper RiccartonBurger Fuel is one of my favourite places to get a burger and even though it's somewhat of a chain store now that it's all over New Zealand, nothing seems sacrificed when it comes to quality. Relatively new, Burger Fuel in Riccarton opened its doors in early 2014 and it smashes out an incredible CN Cheese. This is the ultimate order for me at Burger Fuel - I love the way the cheese oozes into the grilled meat and creates an explosion of taste. One is always enough because these burgers are so massive!
Kylie B.'s
Best Burgers in Otago
- 13Nosh Nosh Swigs Burger RestaurantAlexandraA local in the know recommended this place as a must-stop on a recent South Island road trip. These are burgers like grandma used to make 'em - huge, filling and full of soul. Not to mention the buns, which are light, perfectly dusted in flour and oh-so fresh. Plus this hidden gem in Alexandra (on the road to Q'town) serves their burger and chunky chip combo with my favourite Kiwi fairtrade drink - Karma Cola. And make sure you leave room to try their amazing sweet sliders. Hand-crafted food at its best!
- 24Arnold's DinerQueenstownArnold's Diner is where it's at if you want that traditional all-American diner experience. And of course that means that do a lip-smackingly good, succulent prime Hereford beef burger sandwiched in a soft, chewy bun. I love the fact that they use locally sourced ingredients because fresh is always best! And although this is all about my love of burgers, I also have to recommend Arnold's legendary hot dogs - the best belly-filler after a day up the hill.
- 39FergburgerQueenstownHailed the 'best burger joint in the world' by CNN in early 2014, Fergburger continues to smash out awesomely good burgers at most hours of the day and night. In fact, so popular is this burger bar that overseas visitors have likened to stopping for a Fergburger in Queenstown as much of a compulsory experience as visiting the Eiffel Tower when you're in Paris. A cheeseburger lover from way back, I can't go past the Double Ferg with Brie because it's lip-smackingly, mouth-meltingly good. Thanks for taking Kiwi burgers to the world, Fergburger. You rock!
- 43Red Star Burger BarWanakaWhen in Wanaka make like a local and get to Red Star Luxury Burgers for an incredible taste sensation. I was game to try their wild vension burger and couldn't rate it highly enough. Plus, I got a sneak peek out back at the courtyard and noticed that Red Star Luxury Burgers also like to grow their own veges. That always gets top points from me and next time I'm in town visiting a mate who lives here, I know exactly where to go to eat! I can't recommend this burger joint highly enough.
- 54Velvet Burger George StDunedin CentralI love Velvet Burger in Auckland so when I was in Dunedin recently I had to go to its home and try my favourite burger on their menu, aptly titled Homegrown. Just as good as its younger counterpart in Auckland's North Island, the lamb creation featured the same delectable beetroot and horopito chutney that I love so much. Is it wrong that I already want to travel down to Dunedin again just to eat another one?
Kylie B.'s
Where to go for the snow
- 13Whakapapa Ski Area - Mt RuapehuWhakapapaThis is New Zealand's largest ski area and is good for inexperienced boarders like me and much more advanced riders as well. I love that the gentle slopes are well away from where more experienced snow bunnies go because I crash often! The mountain also has great ski hire facilities and fantastic instructors. If you don't go to the snow often, it's well worth the money to have an hour-long refresher lesson on your first day so you can hit it as hard as possible on the second one.
- 27Turoa Ski Area - Mt RuapehuOhakuneA winter playground, the locals say the best boarding and skiing happens at Turoa in the spring. This is when epic powder and bright, crisp, clear weather makes a day up the mountain one of the closest things to heaven possible. Long-time Ohakune resident Rodger Baker - who has lived in town for 12 seasons - recommends to head up to Turoa when there is a southerly flow to enjoy the best this ski area has to offer.
- 33The Powderkeg is the place to go to get a great brew after an epic day on the mountain. They pride themselves on their wide selection of boutique beers and create an ever-changing menu from what's available seasonally in the region. As local ski town insider and well-known Ohakune rider Rodger Baker says, "Coming down off the Maunga, it's the first stop because of its ambience. It's a local hub."
- 42The SuitcaseOhakuneWith a French chef now serving up classic meals inspired by his home country, the Suitcase Bar is not only a good place to go for a night out, now the food is also better than its ever been before. After boarding all day, my friends and I hit up this great little establishment for a feed and look at the delightfully, delicious goodness, I was served. Divine!
- 52The Peaks Motor InnOhakuneIf you want to be close to all the Central Plateau action both on and off the mountain then the place to stay is The Peaks Motor Inn. Catering for families, groups or couples, the self-contained accommodation has excellent kitchen facilities so you can fuel up before you hit the slopes. Read the weather patterns and book in advance because, when the snow is falling, this place gets full fast.
Kylie B.'s
Favourite local food producers
- 114Little Big MarketsMount MaunganuiExpert Tauranga caterer, Food By Design's Terri says she loves this market! The brainchild of enterprising couple Chris and Rachelle Duffy, Terri says it is the best place in the Bay of Plenty for a night out of good eating. It has a top selection of takeaway food traders combined with awesome stallholders.
- 241Grindz CafeTaurangaTerri says the meals never disappoint at this cafe and that’s why she's giving it so much love. She says the food is always bang on and so is the service!
- 32Informal Tea CoPyes PaIf you take your tea seriously, this is the place to go. The brainchild of two good mates Terri says she shops here for top-quality, organic tea.
- 419Tauranga Farmers MarketTaurangaFor the most seasonally fresh produce in the Bay, Terri says she can't go past this market because they always stock the best and the most exceptionally tasty fruit and veges.
- 56Flaveur BreadsMount MaunganuiWhen Terri has a hankering to indulge in the best sourdough bread in the Bay of Plenty, she make a special trip to this artisan bakery. It’s the perfect accompaniment with homemade winter soup.