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Takapuna offers you a 190,000-year-old volcanic story, between two beautiful beaches. The coastal track between Takapuna and Milford is a choose-your-own adventure where geology meets the sea. Want to play marine biologist in the rock pools? Done. Want to see centuries-old pōhutukawa trees and fossilised forests? Easy. Pair it all with a world-class coffee at the end and you’ve found the North Shore’s best morning out. Quick guide: Milford to Takapuna Walk Distance: 2.5km (5km return) Difficulty: Easy (some uneven rocky sections) Time: 1.5 hours (the more rock pools you find, the longer it takes) You can start at either end. The track winds through a mix of paved heritage paths and volcanic rock. While most of it is easy going, the beach-hopping sections between

Goldie’s Bar & Yard is the North Shore’s new country-inspired oasis. We’ve been in for a visit already, and can promise you it’s the hottest scene in town. We’re talkin’ cowboy hats, leather boots, peach iced tea with vodka, and fried chicken with bourbon BBQ sauce. The new Hurstmere Road bar promises to take up the mantle of The Elephant Wrestler that previously occupied the same location, with big nights, long lunches and the best of Takapuna’s party scene. “The Elephant Wrestler was an institution for Takapuna, and after many years it was time to breathe fresh life into the space,” says Star Group CEO Sam Egerton. “The inspiration for a Western bar came from a strong sense that our customers would embrace a country

This season, Takapuna is serving up a front-row seat for every kind of rugby fan. Whether you want to analyse the breakdown in crystal-clear high-def or soak up the sun in a courtyard with a cheeky eye on the score, we’ve done the scouting for you. Let’s check out the best sports bars and clubs with a great screen for the big game. The super-fan sanctuary: Cousin Scott’s This American-style sports bar is a cathedral of high-definition, boasting over 20 screens that make sure you have a great view from every stool in the house. It’s a high-energy, loud and an unapologetically sporty atmosphere.  Food: Think buffalo wings, loaded fries, and ribs.  The luck of the Irish: Florrie McGreal’s This Irish pub offers a soulful

As the seasons start to shift, autumn is one of the best times to explore Takapuna. Whether you’re looking for things to do in Takapuna for your weekend, planning a relaxed day by the beach, catching up with friends or looking for your next shopping spot, this seaside spot on Auckland’s North Shore has everything you need. Start Your Day at Takapuna Beach There’s no better way to kick things off than with a wander along Takapuna Beach. With crisp air, calm water, and those iconic views out to Rangitoto, it’s the kind of setting that instantly slows things down. Grab a takeaway coffee from Regatta Bar & Eatery or Takapuna Beach Cafe and take it beachside — or settle in and soak up the

Bubble tea is a simple concept, originally from Taiwan: fresh tea shaken with milk or fruit syrup, usually served cold with a signature oversized straw. But it’s versatile. It’s creative. You can go light and zesty, decadent and creamy or colourful and wonderfully weird. The flavour combinations are vast. And arguably the best bit: the add-ons! Tapioca pearls, coconut chunks, fruit lumps or something more exotic… there’s a whole world of flavour and texture to explore! Feeling overwhelmed at the menu? Don’t worry, we’ve got your back. Start here for your first bubble tea But if it’s your first time, we recommend the classic: Pearl milk tea. It’s the cold creamy, sweet drink that started the trend. How to order yours: Read on for some

Takapuna tastes like fresh salt-air and world-class seafood. Every morning as the sun hits Rangitoto, local boats are already hauling in the day’s best catch. When we talk about kai moana on Auckland’s North Shore, we are talking about a connection to a fertile food basket, from line-caught snapper to succulent kingfish. So, settle in for a long lunch overlooking the Hauraki Gulf, or unwrap a parcel of fish and chips on the sand.  Here are the local spots offering the best seafood. Regatta Bar & Eatery for world-class seafood with a sea view Regatta is the place to feel the pulse of the seaside with sweeping views of the ocean from a modern restaurant setting. The menu is a love letter to the ocean,

There’s been a lot going on in Takapuna to kick off the new year. Let’s get straight into Auckland’s hottest new joints. New spots to eat and drink Looking for a new evening hangout on the North Shore? Y.FY Lounge is a cool little cocktail bar and restaurant serving hot plates at Seven Hills Café in The Strand. It’s only open at night, and is giving very chill vibes. Adding to the already incredibly impressive lineup of dessert specialists in Takapuna, the latest entry is Joylato. We’re talking handcrafted, artisan Italian-style gelato in traditional and experimental flavours. Our top picks are the Sicialian Pistachio and the Black Sesame. The Dubai Chocolate gelato also goes great on a waffle! A good burger joint makes or breaks