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gather & hunt is an online directory, magazine and event guide about this surprisingly sweet place we live in: Auckland city.

DIRECTORY
We’ve compiled a searchable database of our favourite places to eat, drink, look and play around town, it’s called the gather & hunt directory. Have a browse, you might find something new.
SEARCH THE DIRECTORY

STORIES
We’re big fans of chatting to interesting people who are doing interesting things. We write the stuff down and put it into our stories section. Take a look, have a read, roll your eyes and smile (maybe).

READ A STORY OR TWO

NOW NOW NOW
We know better than anyone that boredom can be a problem in modern life, so we made an event guide to keep up with what’s going on (and to let us know what we could be doing).

UNCOVER EVENTS

A RANDOM SELECTION FROM OUR DIRECTORY:

Ark Coffee

A spacious, light specialty coffee roastery and art gallery hidden at one end of an unlikely arcade

Jam Organic Cafe

A popular Takapuna cafe beside Hurstmere Green. Order the signature eggs. Just do!

The Food Truck Garage

A busy, spacious garage space serving delicious, healthy versions of burgers, chips and hot dogs. Yes, really.

Kazuya

A hidden, surprising Japanese inspired restaurant where the food is an entertainment certain to make you smile

Humbug Cafe

Treat yourself with a quirky brunch at Humbug Cafe, the cozy nook of West Auckland eateries.

Milse

A tiny, cocoon-like wonderland filled with the most perfect, stunning desserts you can possibly imagine

Whoopie Nuffield Street

A cafe which matches the whoopie pie in joyous personality

Late Night Diner

A casual American eatery brimming with fun, that's open later than most.

Little King

A spacious cafe with a beautiful interior, a lengthy menu and a penchant for making delicious waffles

Eden Park

A hallowed sports ground that's witnessed many epic moments in our nation's sporting history

Best Ugly Bagels

A cafe and bagelry serving soft, delightfully chewy Montreal-style bagels with incredible toppings

Ruben

A gorgeous, green and light-filled cafe with Three Beans coffee and jaffles

Tuihana Cafe

A wonderfully warm, generous cafe with a great Kiwi menu and friendly staff

Hanoi Village

A simple, unlicensed but authentic family-rum Vietnamese restaurant with amazing beef pho

Piha Cafe

A friendly beach side cafe with famous pizzas and ice cream and a beautiful view

Bread and Butter Bakery

A spaicious, light bakery and cafe serving delicious german-style bread that you'll become addicted to

The Fridge

A bustling deli and cafe with a huge selection of fresh sandwiches and salads, and an extensive brunch menu

Citizen Park

A casual Californian-style restaurant and bar with an approachable and affordable menu

The Boiler Room

A hidden store filled with one-off designed furniture inspired by the owners' collection of industrial artifacts

Ortolana

A beautiful all day bistro serving incredible European-inspired seasonal dishes that you won't forget

El Camino

A tiny, bustling mexican oasis serving great margaritas and bright, fresh dishes

Coffee General

A cool neighborhood coffee brew bar offering beans from five different roasters, making use of every brewing method imaginable.

Conch Backyard Cafe

An independent record store with a courtyard cafe hidden out the back

Foxtrot Parlour

A breezy cafe with a great all day menu, a cabinet filled with freshness, Kapiti ice cream and Supreme coffee

Goldfinch

A cosy bar and club with a dedicated dance floor and a great cocktail menu

The Store

A food store filled with an incredible array of lunch options, a diner with a casual menu, and a wine bar at night

The Hamptons

A summery pop up bar and restaurant serving wonderful inner city picnic food for those in need of a mid-week holiday

St Heliers Bay Cafe & Bistro

An effortless, casual all-day bistro where the sheer perfection of each little detail turns your visit into a delicious, dreamy experience

Little Bread & Butter

An organic german bakery with every style of bread and pastry you can imagine, and baguettes and quiches too.

Voyager Maritime Museum

An interactive waterfront museum concerned with the nation's seaside history, free for Aucklanders

Fukuko

A Japanese shochu bar with intriguing cocktails, delicious shared plates and a range of ice creams

Beatnik

A book store and office for the ladies behind Beatnik Publishing, they sell Nice Blocks here too!

Brothers Beer

Less of a bar, more of a den, with beers brewed on site in every flavour of the rainbow

Merchants of Venice

A bright harbourside restaurant with crispy woodfire pizza, Venetian shared plates and Aperol spritz

Three Beans Roastery

A simple espresso bar and roastery serving Three Beans unique blends as well as single origin and cold drip brews

Toru

An airy, friendly cafe with a great menu, Three Beans coffee and plenty of seating room

The Tasting Shed

A beautiful eatery in the country where the food is as lovely as the scenery.

Richmond Larder

A simple, friendly neighbourhood cafe where attention is paid to all the details.

Covet

A breezy consignment store selling clothes, jewellery, art and bric-a-brac.

Zomer

A bright beachside cafe that's like stepping into a holiday.

Father Rabbit

An utterly gorgeous store filled with homewares and gifts, hidden away in a white-washed villa on a residential street

Stardome Observatory & Planetarium

A fascinating place in which to learn about the night sky, the solar system. Much more entertaining than it sounds.

Mojo Viaduct Harbour

A giant cafe catering to corporates that still manages to be warm, friendly and innovative

White's & Co.

A hole-in-the-wall with frozen yoghurt treats, eighthirty coffee and the best, healthy breakfast on the run in the CBD

Sweetie

A light-filled cafe on a happy suburban street corner with treats made on-site and Coffee Supreme

mea culpa

A narrow, beloved local bar with creative mixologists to pour your heart out to.

Raven & Cook

A lovely light-filled deli and cafe with a hearty, comforting menu and cute kid-friendly touches.

Dry & Tea

A pretty blow wave and tea bar selling T2 concoctions and sweet treats to munch on while you are beautified.

Moustache Milk & Cookie Bar

A tiny, friendly spot with giant, exciting cookies in big glass jars, Supreme coffee and milkshakes

The Refreshment Room

A cabin-like restaurant in the midst of a forest, serving tasty, seasonal dishes.

Hunter Gatherer

A hidden, whitewashed pocket of a store by these clever makers of jewellery, clothing, prints and pencils.

Eden Noodles

A tiny, busy and basic restaurant serving spicy Sichuan-style noodles and dumplings

Food Alley

A narrow, food-filled alley with a huge range of cuisines on offer for very low prices

St Patrick's Square

An inner city oasis complete with public art, a terraced waterfall and plenty of spots to sit in the sun

Orbit

The only place in Auckland where you can eat three courses and still feel on top of the world.

The Duchess

An old-school low key bakery in which it's easy to find lunch for less than five bucks

Ponsonby Road Bistro

An unassuming street-side bistro serving seasonal dishes of consistent quality

il buco

A friendly local for coffee, pizza and free-range rotisserie chooks made to order

Galbraith's Alehouse

Auckland's finest pub, in our opinion.

Cazador

A kooky, delicious and taxidermy-filled restaurant that specialises in serving game-meats

The Little Bird Unbakery

An organic raw food wonderland where the food is brightly coloured and more delicious than you can imagine

Xuxu

A stylish Vietnamese-style bar and eatery with distinct east-meets-west designs.

Hopscotch Beer Company

A warehouse selling boutique beer on tap by the litre or the keg.

The Commons

A stylish eating house offering different styles of dining from lunch until late.

Alphabet City

A community art space, studio and zine library where beautiful things are made

Ramen Do

A word-of-mouth gem where you'll find giant, comforting bowls of fresh noodles in thick, hearty stock

Celine Rita Boutique

A workshop and showroom space for Celine's romantic, timeless designs.

split/fountain

A category-defying space where you can see art and design in real life and in books

AS Colour

A t-shirt, sweats and hoodie store that's got your basics covered.

Modicum

A hole-in-the-wall cafe that'll add just the right amount of happy to your day.

Cafe Liaison

A nostalgic little tearoom in the heart of modern Ponsonby.

Sidart

A surprising restaurant that will send you on an unexpectedly enjoyable dining adventure.

Kitchen at Hotel deBrett

A beautiful, lofty and quiet living room in the bustling heart of the city

Epolito's

An eclectic but delicious New York style pizzeria on a dark street corner in Onehunga

dine by Peter Gordon

A majestic fine dining restaurant that will make you feel both elegant and indulged

Story Espresso Bar

A beautiful lightbox of an espresso bar brewing coffee that tells a story

Montage

A suburban cocktail bar in the lofty, marble-chipped lobby of an abandoned cinema

Libertine

A sophisticated bar and eatery with an impressive shared plates and a la carte menu.

Cool Food Cafe

Extra fresh, feel-good food and eighthirty coffee in a design-lovers wonderland

Olaf's Artisan Bakery Cafe

A spacious, light bakery and cafe where you'll find the love is in the detail

Hard to Find Books

A three-level booklover's paradise housing over 90,000 books on every topic imaginable

TSB Bank Wallace Arts Centre

A historic homestead housing an incredible collection of contemporary NZ art

Tin Soldier

A bright, casual bistro with just the right mix of deliciousness and nostalgia.

Bluebells Cakery

An unexpected and sweet retro hideaway filled with the aroma of freshly baked cupcakes

Coco's Barretta

A casual wine bar with good things to drink and nibble on, and huge potential for good conversations.

Ima

A warm bistro offering traditional meditteranean and Israeli cuisine for lunch and dinner.

Barilla

A no fuss plastic plate restaurant serving incredible steamed dumplings you'll go back for again and again

The Grill by Sean Connolly

A smart inner-city steakhouse specialising in tender cuts of meat and excellent seafood

Mojo Garage

A renovated industrial garage with an open kitchen and a great breakfast-brunch-lunch menu

New Flavour Restaurant

A restaurant serving beautiful fresh, handmade dumplings that make up for the lack of atmosphere.

Basque Kitchen & Bar

A restaurant that's perfected the art of tapas, and has the perfect wine to go with them.

Love Vintage & Retro

A perfect mix of vintage homewares, clothing and craft that's perfect for fossicking about in.

Sri Pinang

A little Malaysian-flavoured diamond in the K Road rough.

Kapiti Store

A cheese store where you can build the ultimate antipasto platter, followed by gourmet Kapiti ice-cream.

Collected by Leeann Yare

A beautiful, bright space filled with stunning design objects and party accessories

Farro Fresh Grey Lynn

A gourmet food store and source of culinary inspiration that champions local, artisan produce

Vaniyé

A stunning french patisserie with sweet french pastry treats that look and taste beautiful.

Eight.Two

A consistent neighbourhood local with an ever-changing menu and a great wine list.

Fatimas

For food that's fast, fresh and comes with an optional side of potato koftas (as opposed to guilt).

Atomic Cafe Shortland Street

An unexpected oasis for corporates and other coffee connoisseurs looking for a quality coffee in the city.

Depot

An all-day bistro serving incredibly fresh and heartfelt food with laid back warmth and old-fashioned friendliness.

Atomic Cafe Real Groovy

A place where good music and good coffee hold hands.

Cereal Killa

A split-level, spacious neighbourhood cafe serving amazing eighthirty coffee

Atomic Roastery Kingsland

A roastery, cafe and brew bar roasting up all kinds of delicious.

Elliot Stables

A gourmet food court that's perfect for large groups or a quick bit before a show.

Middle East Cafe

A simple yet amazing Auckland institution that's been serving delicious chawarma and felafel for decades.

Shed Five

A vast space filled with shiny motorbikes, friendly folk and good, reliable food.

York Street Mechanics

A hidden cafe that's bigger on the inside than it looks from the outside

The Engine Room

A popular neighbourhood restaurant with a reputation for incredible seasonal dishes.

Sushi Pac

A magically efficient dispenser of unforgettable sushi perfect for those whose lunch hours are more often lunch minutes.

The Roxy

A magical setting for an unforgettable, theatrical dining experience.

Bird on a Wire

A place to find good happy cooked chooks perfect for picnics and late night snacks

eighthirty

A boutique roastery dedicated to making coffee that's incredible and sustainable at the same time.

Maaike + Co

An edgy yet inviting store filled with Maiike's beautiful layered pieces and warming knits plus a careful selection of other NZ designers.

Anna Miles Gallery

A secret white-bricked space tucked away on the fourth floor of an incredible, narrow building on High Street

Whoopie

A pocket-sized wonderland filled with whoopie cakes in amazing flavours and Italian hot chocolate.

Platinum Sports Co.

A place to find attire in which to run and stretch and leap about the world in.

The Keep

A mysterious mix between store and gallery, fashion and art.

I Love Ugly

The flagship store for the popular I Love Ugly brand; specialists in simple, clean lines and sweet graphic prints.

twentythree

A friendly neighbourhood cafe reknowned for its consistent goodness

Cocoro

An unassuming spot where you'll find Japanese fine dining perfection

Imperial Lane

A gorgeous cobblestone laneway cafe by day and a romantic tapas bar by night. With mighty fine hot dogs.

Coyle Park

A beautiful grassy space perched at the end of Point Chev with a truly amazing playground and beach access

The Grassy Knoll

A bright, airy cafe with healthy food; it makes lunch feel like a holiday

Mexico

A place filled with energy, tequila and soft-shelled tacos that will make you feel as if anything is possible.

Kokako Cafe & Roastery

A bright, friendly corner cafe with organic, locally sourced goodness and incredible coffee.

Everybody's

An all-day restaurant with the grace of a classic French bistro in a beautiful urban space.

Mo's

A tiny corner bar serving the best traditional cocktails in town.

Corso de Fiori

A hidden store filled with gorgeous homewares and perfect gifts for everyone.

Monsterthreads

A cool shop with cool stuff for cool folk like you.

Passion for Paper

A little shop full of the romance and nostalgia of all things handwritten.

The Lucha Lounge

A hidden wee bar with a cool, relaxed interior and decor and food that's inspired by a Mexican wrestling style.

Sitka

A cosy log cabin of a store stocking sustainable clothing and footwear and supporting the local community.

Wise Cicada

An organic, natural, sustainable haven of goodness and a foodstore for trick and picky eaters.

Grano

A breezy cafe and tapas bar where the shared plates are so good you'll want to lick the plates clean afterward.

The Brewery Britomart

An independent micro-brewery and gastro-pub for those serious about good beer and good food.

Atico-Cocina

A delicious taste of the Caribbean right in the hidden heart of Auckland city.

Kingston Street Cafe

A corner of awesomeness with three bean coffee and delicious home-baked treats.

Elske

An breezy baking wonderland where pastry delights are created before your very eyes.

Hopkinson Cundy

A very hidden, very cool gallery that will add to your cultural Cross Street experience.

We'ar

An ethical clothing store that's selling more than just beautiful pieces, it's selling an entirely peaceful state of mind.

Millers Coffee

A cafe and roastery producing some of the most amazing coffee you'll ever try in one of the coolest spaces you'll ever see.

Bellota

A cosy tapas bar serving authentic spanish dishes that'll impress your friends and your tastebuds.

Arcade

A light and hidden store for skating enthusisasts and wearers of sweet streetwear.

Auckland Museum

A stunning building in a stunning place filled with history, beauty and memories.

Sale St

A cavernous and classy bar that's perfect for all occasions and tastes, and it's open every day too.

Merediths

A tasteful monochramatic haven offering one of the most memorable fine dining experiences in the city.

District Dining

A sleek and stylish restaurant with innovative and exciting cuisine that's made to be shared.

Cafe O

A clean, fresh and delicious cafe in an area that's been starving for one.

Recycle Boutique

A store in which you can get rid of the clothes you now find old and boring and find new and exciting pieces to replace them with.

Soto

A celebrated and zen-like Japanese restaurant serving izakaya style cuisine that's great to share

Cut Collective

A collective of artists painting the town with their unique street-art style.

Little Algiers

A relaxing spot at the quiet end of K Road serving North African cuisine at refreshingly decent prices.

Mexican Specialities

A hidden yet famous spot serving the most delicious Mexican food imaginable in a small and very very busy space.

Mimosa

A sleek and quiet cafe with quirky food and amazing light-fittings.

Takapuna Beach

A lovely long stretch of beach to run or stroll or play on.

Cornwall Park

An epic, hilly, tree-lined space with glorious trees, gambolling lambs and a rich history.

Paco Design Store

A bright, minimalist haven to brilliant South American fashion and design.

Taylor

A tranquil space where you'll find timeless pieces that you'll wear over and over again

Melanie Roger Gallery

A simple, unassuming and approachable space where you'll see a huge variety of works

Cosset

A cosy and unexpected cafe with wizards in its kitchen and a big heart on its sleeve.

Nadu

A light-filled sanctuary where you'll find coffee, fresh juice and upside-down hanging plants.

Little Shoal Bay

A gorgeous wee bay and reserve with views of the city, boardwalks and sports fields aplenty.

Coucou

A gorgeous vintage store filled with quirky internationally sourced pieces at incredible prices.

Red Hummingbird

An eclectic and mysterious inner city bar where it feels like anything could happen.

Auckland Art Gallery Toi O Tamaki

An epic and stunning gallery that showcases the best of New Zealand art and history.

Catroux

A stylish and unforgettable addition to the Westmere shops; you'll feel more beautiful after eating here.

Starfish

A label with a conscience; this is the place to find eco-friendly that you'll wear proudly season after season.

Movenpick

A beautiful land of ice-creamery goodness with freshly made waffle cones.

Nectar

An oasis-like space nestled above the Kingslander filled with tropical plants and comfy nooks to nestle in.

Widdess

A place to find beautiful and practical pieces made with stunning fabrics - you'll want to touch everything.

Winehot

An dark and mysterious bar in an unassuming spot with over eighty wines available by the glass.

Thorne Bay

An idyllic seaside spot for picnicking, playing or simply soaking up the sun.

Ginas

A chaotic Italian restaurant where you're always guaranteed a fun night out.

North Head

A beautiful reserve with an intriguing military history and a stunning outlook.

Covo

A long, narrow restaurant filled with warmth, smiling staff and incredible Italian cuisine.

Two Fifteen

An unassuming and relaxed fine dining restaurant that won't disappoint.

Cybele

A lovely boutique showcasing a unique homegrown talent famous for her feminine silhouettes and bold prints.

Miss Crabb

A unique voice in New Zealand fashion, come here to find a well-made, timeless piece you'll treasure.

Silo Park

A new public space with an epic playground, an industrial heritage and lovely views of the harbour.

1885

A great big bar with three distinctive spaces to party the night away in.

Bambina

A busy yet tranquil haven from the bustling street outside.

O'Connell Street Bistro

A small and thoughtful restaurant with an impeccable wine list to match the impeccable food.

Urban Turban

A light, airy restaurant serving street food from Mumbai and bottomless curries in a stunning setting by the sea

Look Sharp

An endless subterranean cavern of delights, perfect for costumes and bargain-hunting.

Sass and Bide

A spacious and light store filled with the distinctive pieces by the iconic Australian design-duo.

The Vitrine

A hidden expansive space in Grey Lynn filled with stunning french antiques

Jetset Bohemian

A tiny treasure of a store filled with beautiful, unique and surprisingly affordable pieces.

Chocolate Boutique

A magical wonderland filled with the wonderful aroma of Italian denso hot chocolate.

Britomart Country Club

A modern urban space in which an English summer reigns all year round.

Racket

A hair-raising, hilarious bar where you'll run into old friends and make new ones while dancing like a maniac.

Canton

A chaotic Chinese restaurant with an awesome BYO policy and fresh, generous and tasty food.

Tyler St. Garage

A modern and classy bar in what used to be an inner city car park that's taking simplicity and effectiveness to new heights.

Children of Vision

A beautiful light box of a boutique with stunning garments that'll push your creative boundaries.

Hurstmere Road Brewbar

A spacious, warm and friendly haven for everyone to relax and unwind in.

Meola Kitchen

A place of loftiness, light and food so good each dish will have a halo in your memory.

The Bread & Butter Letter

A gorgeous, bright boutique selling local craft, prints, jewellery, clothing and vintage pieces, and organic tea as well!

Clooney

An elegant fine dining sanctuary where you'll experience spectacular food and beautiful wine.

C'est Fromage

A French escape for a fraction of the price - indulge yourself with some of the gourmet deli delights you'll find here.

Ben

A place to go if you're serious about good coffee.

Pencil Boutique

A hidden wee store containing beautiful stationary that'll make you want to write a letter to someone.

Devonport Chocolates

A place to find delicate handmade chocolate of the highest quality.

The Gluten Free Grocer

A cute wee store filled with gluten free goodness.

Jason Books

A haven of library-quality silence in a semi-subterranean spot.

Harvest Wholefoods

A food lovers paradise - particularly for organic and fair trade hunters, and those with special diets.

Western Park

A vast yet hidden green space with plenty of shady spots and lovely views of the city skyline.

Kohimarama Beach

A calm and dreamy beachside spot, Tamaki Drive's quieter alternative.

The Booklover

A spacious and light independent bookstore with something for everyone.

The Little Cake Kitchen

A sweet little place serving delicious homemade baked goods with Supreme coffee.

Shanghai Lils

An eccentric lounge bar hidden down a flight of unassuming steps on Parnell rise.

Sake Bar 601

A cosy Japanese restaurant serving perfect sushi and sashimi with an extensive sake list.

Pukeko Bakery

A cosy bakery filled with the sights and smells of bread and pastry that's baked fresh every day.

MooChowChow

A restaurant with a personality of its own offering a fresh twist on Thai food, and amazing cocktails.

Mondial

A busy tapas bar that will transport you to sunny Spain the minute you set foot inside.

Little b

A hidden wee coffee bar serving a consistently amazing brew and delicious treats made fresh on-site.

Landreth & Co.

A tiny sliver of a cafe serving up simple and delicious food in simple surroundings.

La Cigale Cafe & Market

A cafe and french market that's filled with foodie options to eat there or take home for later.

The Gypsy Tea Room

A dimly lit living room with distressed wallpaper, fairy lights and an extensive wine list.

Gingerbirds

A secret space of light and baked goodness on Dominion Road.

Garnet Station

A friendly cafe with incredible sticky sweet brioche. Stop there and try it. You must.

CAC

A tapas gem hidden away in a stunning 1920's bluestone building behind Mt Eden.

Benson Road Deli

A fresh and delicious spot hidden away in leafy Remuera.

Takapuna Beach Cafe

A pretty spot with pretty chairs, pretty cakes beneath pretty glass domes, and a very pretty view.

Ripe Delicatessen

A bustling deli and cafe with some of the best-looking ready-to-eat food in the entire city.

Cafe on Kohi

A buzzing cafe that's a favourite with locals; you'll fall for the view and the food.

Rakinos

A High Street institution that's too cool to be called cool, but not too cool to hang out in.

Northern Steamship

A vast yet cosy bar that's sure to start your weekend off right.

Didas Victoria Park

A spot where old meets new and delicious meets even more delicious.

St Heliers Bay & Vellenoweth Green

A seaside escape, you'll feel miles away from the city.

Mission Bay

A park that shows Auckland at it's best, the perfect spot for a picnic on a sunny day.

Madills Farm

A park in which kids learn to ride bicycles and swing cricket bats.

Bloodworth Park

A large flat park with excellent paths for walking or running.

Mt Hobson

A volcano that will reward your exertion with beautiful views.

Albert Park

A historic and beautifully maintained park where university students go to think, read, laugh and play.

The Domain

An inner city green place to rest, play, explore, learn and relax.

Ebisu

A stark stylish Japanese restaurant in which you can gracefully over-indulge.

Hinemoa Street Organic Cafe

A bustling cafe with bright brunches made using produce sourced from the best organic and ethical suppliers.

Fabric

A place to find a new beauty for your wardrobe, or just to browse the racks and sigh.

Charlie Boys Coffee Bar

A hole in the wall coffee bar serving one of the best brews in town with a great big smile.

Black Box Boutique

A famous yet hidden store filled with inspirational pieces that are essential to your continued existence.

The Department Store

A collaborative concept store that's one of the most beautiful and inspiring places in the entire city.

Florentine Tea Room Cafe

A sweet cafe on a quiet leafy street in Epsom that would make Marie Antoinette swoon.

Village Co-op

A store beneath a striped awning offering a tempting selection of fresh bread, coffee and ice cream.

Golden Dawn

A cosy and secretive but not so secret bar on an unassuming corner of Ponsonby Road.

Federal & Wolfe

An edgy urban cafe providing the perfect remedy for the pre-work blues; delicious things to eat and a wall of plants.

Magnation

A place to get lost in the glossy wonders of the world.

l'Assiette

A bright and modern haven to French cuisine in the Britomart precinct. Go there now.

Glover Park

A perfect park for cricket, picnics, or a bit of quiet time, plus there's a stunning view too.

Taiko

A Japanese restaurant with a lively atmosphere and heavenly sashimi.

Dizengoff

A busy Ponsonby cafe that truly deserves its popularity.

Fred's

A leafy pocket-sized cafe with Supreme coffee, homemade soda syrups and excellent sandwiches.

Teed Street Larder

An unpretentious, airy cafe serving all your old favourites with a fresh twist.

Jones the Grocer

A spacious sanctuary with long kitchen tables and a huge selection of food.

Yellow Brick Road Boutique

A store that's sweeter than a freshly baked scone with cream and jam on a piece of Crown Lynn.

moochi

A kiwi design success story that's run off with the hearts and wallets of many a girl across our fair country.

La Boulange

A cafe and french grocer selling the best pain au chocolat in the Southern Hemisphere. Arguably.

Rosehip Cafe

A cafe that's so light and sweet it must be picking up tips from the flowers at the next door Rose Gardens.

Nuffield Street Trading Co.

A local that's so welcoming even non-locals feel at home.

The Elbow Room

A perfect spot from which to watch the sunset over Jervois Road on a sunny afternoon.

Domain & Ayr

A shrine to all that is fresh, organic and delicious in this city.

Gow Langsford

A gallery with a serious reputation - it's always worth popping in for a look around.

Objectspace

A community-run space showing works that blur the lines between craft, fine art, jewellery, furniture and fashion.

Starkwhite

A beautiful blank space on K Road, pop in and find some pretty thought-provoking works.

Bath Street Gallery

A perfect gallery to meander around one afternoon, you might find something seriously beautiful to take home with you.

Two Rooms

A top gallery to visit, both conceptually and experientially.

Ivan Anthony

A slightly intimidating gallery that's worth the effort.

Artspace

A non-profit artist-run space that will challenge you conceptually, visually and emotionally.

Coco's Cantina

An unashamedly casual and busy cantina serving delicious seasonal food that'll leave you wanting more.

Sheinken

An always reliable cafe in the heart of the CBD, an enduring favourite of those who work nearby.

Sue Crockford Gallery

An airy, billowy gallery with a stunning view and stunning art from some of the country's most well-known names.

Whitespace

A large and approachable space where you'll find a good mix of established artists and fresh talent.

Fingers Gallery

A space where your perception of what is precious will be challenged.

FhE

A gallery showing impressive contemporary works paired with richly historical pieces.

Tim Melville Gallery

An approachable gallery with a knack for picking artists poised on the brink of greatness.

Fox Jensen Gallery

An echoing space that's hard to find but worth the hunt.

Masterworks

A space offering objects that cross boundaries between the world of art and the world of reality and functionality.

Myers Park

A hidden, half-forgotten tropical oasis in the heart of the CBD.

Wunderkammer

A shop that's more than just a place to buy things, it's an overwhelming aesthetic experience.

Unity Books

A bookshop that'll expand your mind and steal your heart.

Tattys

A pair of fashion recycle stores for those of you love designer clothes but don't always have the budget for them.

Superette

A couple of stores in which you'll find cool things that you'll want really badly. Simple.

Simon James Design Showroom

A place to go for inspiration, and really nice things.

Millys Kitchen Store

A place to go if you're an aspiring master chef, after all, you can't expect results without the right equipment.

Made

A grungy glamorous store filled with amazing things to drape yourself in.

Juliette Hogan

A gorgeous boutique from a designer who combines simplicity, femininity and practicality to great effect.

Flotsam & Jetsam

An attic-like world filled with beautiful things you'll convince yourself you need.

Douglas + Bec

A lovely light-filled store that proves beautiful things can come in tiny packages.

Design 55

A jewel of a store specialising in extra special and rare objects to adorn your life with.

Dear Reader

A booklover's living room, except you can take one (or two) away with you when you leave.

Zus & Zo

A cafe where you'll find the perfect sandwich and maybe even make new friends.

Wine Cellar

a cosy hideaway in the depths of St Kevins Arcade where wine flows like water, and good conversation follows.

Tiffin

A family run restaurant serving what just might be the best curry in town...

The Grove

A welcoming fine dining restaurant serving beautiful, seasonal dishes that you'll savour for hours afterward

Tanuki's Cave

An underground Japanese gem that's perfect for a quick meal before a show or movie.

SPQR

A local favourite that's been around forever for one reason; it's consistently great.

smith.

A bar that exists in another world; a world where comfort and cocktails rule.

Shaky Isles Coffee Co.

A cafe that's so bright and positive and delicious you'll leave feeling as if you could take over the world.

Shaky Isles Britomart

A cafe with the kind of atmosphere that could inspire you to write poetry or paint or sing.

Satya South Indian

A BYO restaurant that dares you to step off the tourist path and experience the delights of Southern Indian cusine.

Richmond Road Cafe

A perpetually bustling cafe serving seasonal food in a relaxed space.

Queenies

A feast for your tastebuds and your eyes, this cafe is a hidden jewel in Freeman's Bay.

Prego

A friendly, reliable Auckland institution that never fails to hit the spot.

Petal Cupcakes

If there is a baking heaven it will look exactly like this.

Neighbourhood

A casual, comfortable spot that you can't go past without wanting to stop and have a beer in the sun.

Monterey Coffee Lounge

A cafe that approaches perfection via the pathway of simplicity and good taste.

Monsoon Poon

An eccentric, hilarious delicious restaurant serving modern asian cuisine with a sense of humour

Little and Friday

A wonderland of sweetness and light, the perfect spot to go when you're at a loose end and need some inspiration

La Zeppa

A place to eat, drink, chat and let the night unfold before you

Java Room

A casual restaurant serving contemporary asian cuisine within sight of Auckland Museum.

Jafa

A beautiful space with living green walls, colour breakfast and lunch options and epic milkshakes

Grind on High

A tiny espresso bar that's perfect for a mid-afternoon pick me up.

Gorgeous

A welcoming New York-style pizza bar with some of the friendliest staff in town.

Coffee Supreme Douglas St

A hidden gem for Supreme Coffee and National Geographic lovers.

Frolic

A carefree and friendly cafe within sight of Cornwall Park.

The French Cafe

A restaurant that has set the bar for fine dining in Auckland city.

Didas Wine Bar

A cosy bar with delicious tapas and a colossal wine list.

Didas Food Store

A place to go for foodie inspiration, and a jolly good lunch.

Rabbithole Cafe

A wonderland of organic food and perfectly brewed Velvet coffee in Auckland's backyard

Grey Lynn Park

A park for the suburban family complete with a paddling pool, a flying fox, and a skateboard ramp

Victoria Park

A secret green heart in Auckland city; a place to sit and look and watch and wait.

Cox's Bay Reserve

A vast park with meandering boardwalks, mangrove swamps, secret pathways and stunning views.

Delicious

A bistro-style restaurant that specialises in heavenly fresh pasta - it's called Delicious for a reason.

De Fontein

A perfect spot for enjoying a sunny afternoon and a beer, you'll fall in love with Auckland all over again.

Cafe Hanoi

An airy Vietnamese wonderland with a buzzing atmosphere and some of the brightest, happiest food you'll ever eat.

Andiamo

An unpretentious Herne Bay institution that's perfect for everything from a weekend brunch to a celebratory dinner.

Alleluya

A laid back and friendly spot with stunning views of downtown Auckland.

Agents & Merchants

A classy lunch and a crazy night out all rolled into one perfect spot.

Snapdragon

A quirky bar in the viaduct with plenty of secret spaces to lose yourself in.

FEATURED STORIES

Recipe: Duck Breast Salad

NZ food royalty Lauraine Jacobs gives us a recipe from her new book, Everlasting Feast

Lauraine Jacobs is NZ food-writing royalty. She's currently the food columnist for the NZ Listener, she's written eight cookbooks during a career spanning twenty years, and she learned her culinary skills at the London Cordon Bleu School, no less. We met her last year when she came along to our...

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Brendon Green on the Comedy Scene

Extreme fatigue, Billy T Nominees and a lack of dinner options

Oh man, it’s the last week of the Comedy Festival. Sad face. Also tired face. Also quite content face. Mostly smiley face. Also a Dolphin emoji.

I’m going to talk about something not many people have been talking about. The Billy T Nominees. They’re like a well-kept secret, a riddle...

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