I was sitting on a plane bound for Charlotte, North Carolina when the lady next to me started a conversation. “Where are you from?” was her first question after she heard me pronounce water with a ‘t’. As we talked… Read More ›
North Island
The best day out west
I’m staying in Green Bay for a few days which is just a short distance from the magnificent West Coast (it deserves capitals) and the Waitakere Regional Park. I spent the day today at Piha and Karekare. Both beautiful sweeping… Read More ›
A Walk in Wynyard Quarter
The Auckland waterfront has had its share of critics but it’s on its way to becoming a ‘must see’ destination for locals and visitors alike. There are bars and restaurants, of course, a funky little weekend market, the… Read More ›
Late night at the museum
I don’t think that there is a better place in Auckland for an evening event than the Auckland Museum. The views stretch across the city and it feels deliciously naughty to be allowed inside the building after closing time. Many exclusive occasions are… Read More ›
The Pah Homestead: art, coffee and views
It’s a thrill to discover the hidden secrets in a new city but it’s even more of a thrill when the same thing happens in the city that you call home. I recently shifted across town and suddenly found The Pah a… Read More ›
Perfect pizza
Everyone has their own idea of what makes a perfect pizza. Mine is a Margherita, paper thin, with a chewy crust, heavy on tomato and easy on cheese, smelling of fresh basil and extra virgin olive oil. I found it, my… Read More ›
Better Burgers are Better
Restaurant reviews aren’t usually the Local Tourist’s bread and butter but this article caught my eye and since I was there, in the new Vulcan Lane Better Burger two days ago, I thought I’d share this article as I thoroughly… Read More ›
How’d you like them eggs?
It’s a common enough question heard daily in greasy spoon cafes. The answer is usually related to preferences for poaching, scrambling or frying but the question took on a slightly different meaning in the Auckland War Memorial Museum recently. Lined up… Read More ›
Cruising to Kawau
You could be forgiven for thinking that time stands still when you visit Kawau Island, one of the many islands scattered around Auckland, or at least it’s having a snooze. Kawau is the largest island within easy striking distance… Read More ›
Mud Brick Perfection
Mud Brick Vineyard and Restaurant on Waiheke Island must be one of the most popular places in NZ to celebrate weddings (and other special occasions). Those who can, including visiting celebrities with a bit of downtime, arrive by helicopter and walk through a path of lavender… Read More ›
