August 2019

Over the past decade, Grey Lynn has emerged as one of Auckland’s most emerging suburbs, full of life and character and with secret little spots of pure New Zealand scenery, this little city nook has become a must-visit for those adventuring to Auckland. Grey Lynn and the surrounding area has the perfect small city-within a city feel to it, it’s packed with boutique shopping destinations, some of the best parks Auckland has to offer and is minutes away from some of the top swimming spots in the inner city.

Starting your day off in Grey Lynn right you need to head to Ponsonby, this suburb has gained a reputation as being the ‘high-end’ of Auckland, but really it’s a suburb priming with youthful energy and a great creative flare. If you are a shopping fiend then Ponsonby will be heaven-on-earth for you: you can find everything from high-end fashion brands, some of New Zealand’s best up-and-coming boutique brands and the hole-in-the-wall small business with the most unique designs. If you like shopping second hand then you can’t miss Tattys this boutique second hand store carries some of the best brands at bargain prices, as well as funky pieces to really give your wardrobe an extra little flare.

Once shopping has taken out of you you’re in the right location to refuel to see out the rest of your day. Ponsonby has almost every food favorite available, the street is littered with flavors from across the world and award-winning restaurants. Ponsonby central is a go-to hub if you are with a group of people who have different tastes, this food all is packed with a food-lovers paradise, suitable for all dietary needs and tastes. If you are on a bit of a budget then head to freeman and grey and nab a few of their $5 pan-fried gourmet pizzas, and pair it with a beer or wine and sit outside in the sun!

If you want to spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing, you won’t have to go far, Ponsonby features some of the best parks for relaxing in, including the famous Western park, and if you are travelling with kids, Grey Lynn park has one the best playgrounds in the entire city. But if you want to cool of or just work on the tan then head over to Herne bay and down the stairs to Sentinel Beach – a popular spot with locals, it’s the perfect place to take some fish and chips, a cool beverage and soak in the afternoon sun.

If you want to finish off the night with some drinks and a boogie, then head back into Ponsonby to their many bars, our favorites being grand central and revelry.

The whole idea of going on holiday is to treat yourself – to relax, kick back, and take in life’s pleasures and when you are visiting the big city, or even the country for the first time its always a must to take in the best food and treats the city has to offer. Luckily for us, living in Auckland you are spoilt for choice when it comes to satisfying a sweet tooth! And we have made a small list of our five favorite spots to dive into a delicious dessert.

The Dairy

Come with us now to our first delicious location, located in the hub for good food, Ponsonby. Located in Ponsonby Central, The Dairy are known for their mouth-watering toasted sandwiches and other cheesy creations, but when the day turns into night, it’s the desserts that’ll have your attention. Grab a scoop from their ice cream counter or, better yet, get on the ice cream sandwich amalgamations. The Dairy’s most famous menu item is the toasted brioche s’mores, which come with an incredible selection of flavors: dark chocolate, salted popcorn, banana, homemade marshmallow and mascarpone between toasted brioche.

Giapo

Located in the city center, this this  must-visit dessert hub has made a reputation for it’s mouth watering ice creams that are matched with out-of-this-world toppings including: doughnuts, hand-torched meringue and other mind-blowing bits and bobs. This is the kind of place that gets creative with their food, including replacing the cones with such food items as Yorkshire pudding. So if you are looking for a little invention with your food, make sure you have Giapo on your list!

Chocolate Boutique

Alright everyone, this is the crown-jewel of Parnell, it’s the little shop that’s had many international presidents and celebrities visit it of course, is the Chocolate Boutique. This dessert location takes its title seriously, when they say they are a chocolate boutique – they mean it. This little shop on the main street of Parnell is   home to hundreds of decadent chocolates, old school lollies and the kinda desserts that hit the spot and makes for the perfect date location, or a great way to spoil the kids. Beyond the chocolate theme, they also have sticky date pudding, berry waffles, chocolate fondue, banana spilt and Death by Chocolate—a chocolate dessert to rule them all.

OKO Dessert Kitchen

If you have spent the day walking around the main city, locking in some shopping on queen street and now just want to relax, then head over to OKO Dessert Kitchen for a taste of the good life. Located conveniently in Aotea Square, this delicious spot takes dessert seriously which can only benefit us all! There’s a selection of waffles, cabinet desserts, freakshakes and Chef’s Desserts. Their signature steaming volcano is also worth trying for the experience of chocolate lava alone!

August is a great month for live events, as bands and festivals begin to gain hype and traction for summer, August is a month filled with cute smaller festivals that showcase local talent! August also brings with it some international acts and attractions that can appeal to the whole family!

Here’s what’s on:

The Others Way Festival 2019

One of our favorite small festivals returns! Watch as Karangahape Road district will come to life as the annual multi-venue extravaganza returns to celebrate the best in alternative music from across the country (and a few from around the globe). The 2019 festival takes place across 12 well-known venues on this iconic stretch of road, and is always hugely successful, showcasing music from a wide range of genres!

Tickets are cheap fro what you get, which is a stellar line up and a whole day of exploring, dancing and finding new local music to support!

Disney On Ice Celebrates Mickey and Friends

But if you want to sit down and relax and entertain the kids for a few hours then look no further!  Commemorating 90 years of the famous mouse, Mickey and pals venture through the various Disney worlds sharing meaningful moments from treasured tales spanning generations to determine what their favorite memory of all time in the ultimate interactive event when Disney On Ice celebrates Mickey and Friends.

Disney on Ice is an experience everyone should go to at least once in their lives, and for children they will be swept away in the imagination and skill presented. Perfect for families and all generations, if you need a great evening to entertain the whole family – you just found it.

Red Bull: Auckland Curated by Laneway

Laneway is one of the biggest music festivals in Auckland, and this little side show looks to give a taste of summer this winter! Red Bull and St Jerome’s Laneway Festival have joined forces to present a musical showcase in Auckland, with a night of live music featuring indie favorites Methyl Ethel, Daffodils and Stink.

Grab tickets now while they are cheap and before they sell out to catch what looks to be hot acts that could be the next big thing in New Zealand!

Kirin J Callinan – Return To Center NZ Tour

Now you don’t get a more unique performer than this one, the wild and wondrous Australian treasure, Kirin J Callinan returns to Auckland to celebrate the release of his triumphant new record Return To Sender.

Following two albums of inimitable, challenging pop music that garnered global acclaim and marked Callinan as entirely unique, a singular talent, nominations for the Australian Music Prize, and support slots for everyone from Crowded House to Tame Impala. On Return To Center, Callinan’s trademark flamboyance is cut with a newfound fragility that comes curled up in an attempt to do justice to the songs he holds nearest and dearest.