My favourite spot in the CBD for coffee to go. Occasionally queued out of the door, this little cafe is popular for a reason and most definitely worth a stop.

Just across the road from The Civic, Remedy is a welcoming, cosy retreat in the heart of the bustling CBD. The perfect place to drink great coffee, read a book and forget about the rest of the world for while.

Perfect at anytime of the day to share a relaxed cup of coffee or a delicious carafe of sangria with friends. The Mezze bar never dissapoints.

If you like your coffee strong, Shaky Isles is the place to go. Friendly, cool and a little bit quirky, it's definitely one of Auckland's best cafes and not without good reason! Plus, the giant homemade Oreo's are supurb.

Just inside Britomart Place, Espresso Workshop offers a great range of coffee and a counter filled with both savoury and sweet delights. Even my Parisian friend agrees that the coffee here is some of the best she has tasted - a very high accolade indeed!

Quite possibly the most beautiful beach in Auckland, Orewa is the jewel in the crown of the Hibiscus Coast. Nestled between the Whangaparoa Peninsula and Waiwera, Orewa beach is home to sparkling blue water, huge expanses of soft sand, plenty of cute dogs and happy kids. With a wealth of cafes and bars just across the street, you can relax after a busy day and soak in the stunning views of sea and sky for miles and miles.

A relative newcomer in the heart of rapidly developing Silverdale, the Northern Union has quickly become a firm favourite with locals. The contemporary gastro pub offers a relaxed and friendly vibe, good music, great food and an impressive wine list. The deck outside is a real treat, scattered with fairy lights, bean bags and plenty of heaters. If you're up on the Hibiscus Coast, the Northern Union is not to be missed.

The perfect picnic spot! Wenderholm Regional Park is a sprawling expanse of meandering estuaries, open beach space and Pohutukawa lined parkland. Even on a busy day you won't have to walk far to find a picturesque nook cosy enough to believe you have the place to yourself. If you tire of eating, swimming or sunning, you can visit the stunning historic Couldrey House or in summer months rent a paddle board or kayak and head up the estuary towards Puhoi.

You can't go past Floosie without stopping. From the cute-as-a-button shop exterior to the Aladdin's cave of design treasures peaking through the door, Floosie is a real treat for the eyes. If you're looking for a cool gift, vintage style jewellery or offbeat homeware, Floosie won't dissapoint.

Probably the closest i've tasted to authentic Mediterranean fare in New Zealand hails from Casablanca on Orewa's seafront. Beautifully decorated with a rustic, Turkish style flair, make sure to try the grilled Halloumi, it's to die for.