What's Hot in Takapuna | I Love Takapuna

Your perfect date on Auckland’s North Shore

Want to treat the special person in your life to an amazing date? Takapuna is the jewel in the crown of the North Shore, and we have curated the ultimate guide to make your date unforgettable, from sunrise to stargazing. Sun’s up We hope your date is the early-rising type, because sunrise is the most magical time of day at Takapuna Beach! Grab a steamy early-morning coffee from Takapuna Beach Cafe or Coffix Hurstmere and find a cosy spot to watch the sky transform into a kaleidoscope of colours. Take a gentle beach stroll and let the ocean breeze invigorate your senses. Breakfast like champions Time to fuel up for your day. Head to Joe’s Eatery for a scrumptious breakfast for two – we massively

Takapuna’s cosy cafés and fireside hangouts

There’s no excuse for hunkering at home this winter! Nothing beats settling into a warm and cosy café or pub on a winter’s day, indulging in tasty kai, delicious beverages, and fantastic company. With some of Auckland’s best bars and eateries, here’s our guide to inviting Takapuna hangouts to visit this winter. Joe’s Eatery The first stop is Joe’s Eatery – a snug haven in the heart of Takapuna, with rustic décor and a relaxed vibe that instantly makes you feel at home. Along with scrumptious food, Joe’s provides entertainment too. Get in on fun, informal events like gin night, when the tantalising taste of botanicals takes centre stage; and wine night, when you’ll discover new favourite vino varieties. Order a signature shared platter, relax

You can still beach it in winter in Takapuna!

You think the beach is just for summer? Nah! We know you can have a wicked time on the beach on a crisp winter’s day – you just need a few more layers of clothing and an adventurous spirit. So grab your mates and whānau, rug up and hit beautiful Takapuna Beach for some winter fun. Get physical Get the blood pumping and ignite your endorphins with some energetic exercise. Rally a team for a game of beach volleyball, soccer, and the timeless beach favourite, frisbee. Lace up and go for a run along the shoreline – it’s even better without the crowds. Alternatively, indulge in a more serene tempo with beach yoga or the graceful movements of tai chi. Seize the outdoors, embrace winter

Shop and WIN a trip to FIJI this winter!

Needing an island holiday escape this winter? Shop in Takapuna for your chance to WIN A TRIP TO FIJI for two! ENTRIES ARE NOW CLOSED Congratulations to: Liz Farr, for winning the fantastic trip for 2 to Fiji! Liz shopped at Country Rd, and submitted one single entry – and out of the other 10,000 entries we received, hers was the lucky winner! We are so happy for you Liz, congratulations and we hope you enjoy your week away in beautiful Fiji Congratulations also to Sunny Yu, for winning a $1,000 Shore City Shopping Spree, for shopping at Hartley’s! And congratulations to: THANK YOU to everyone that’s shopped in Takapuna, and entered the competition – we wish there were more prizes to give away, but

Heartwarming cocktail recipes from local experts

That chill is finally here and it’s time to wrap up with a woolly blanket and a cocktail with a little kick to warm the soul. We talked to some of our favourite cocktail connoisseurs right here on the North Shore, at CarbonSix Distillery and Regatta Bar & Eatery. Read on for some hot cocktail ideas. CarbonSix Distillery – Rufus & Val CarbonSix mainly produces gin, rum and vodka. As well as their own brand Rufus and Val produce on contract for other famous New Zealand liquor brands at their North Shore distillery. They just cannot be stopped from distilling! “It’s more a passion,” Rufus says. “We just love creating interesting spirits.” His favourite is the Takapuna Black Gin, while Val is partial to a

Fiji – the Takapuna of the Pacific Islands!

When we think of Takapuna, this idyllic beachside suburb of Auckland, we think of golden sands, stunning vistas, and a laid-back atmosphere. But did you know that Fiji, a small archipelago in the South Pacific, is a fantastic holiday destination that might be just as good as our mighty North Shore beachside town? In celebration of our Shop & Win competition for a trip to Fiji, here’s I Love Takapuna’s analysis of why we think Fiji is the Takapuna of the Pacific Islands. Recreational haven You already know Takapuna is world famous for its outdoor activities, and Fiji is no slouch either. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or a laid-back beach bum, Fiji has something for everyone. Like just like the many activities available at

Takapuna’s top 5 hearty meals

As the temperature drops in Auckland, it’s time to say goodbye to summer salads and hello to some seriously delicious comfort food. We’ve scoured the best restaurants on the North Shore and come up with five hearty meals that will leave you feeling more than suitably satiated. Lobster Open Burger – Catch 21 Known for its relaxed atmosphere and groovy nautical-themed vibe, Catch 21 Eatery is the place for seafood aficionados to tuck into a good hearty lunch. Their new menu is out now, and we can highly recommend their signature dish – the open Lobster Burger, featuring a decadent garlic butter lobster tail, bread & butter pickles, tomato, lettuce, tartare sauce, onion rings, parmesan steak fries and spiced truffle hollandaise. This is the perfect

Your night out in terrific Takapuna

With fantastic bars and friendly vibes we reckon Takapuna is the best place in Auckland to unwind after a long week, celebrate a special occasion, or simply let loose and have a good time. The North Shore’s premier hotspot boasts an array of sensational bars and restaurants catering to all tastes and styles. Here’s the down-low on where to go for your next night out in Takapuna. Where to go for: Live music Love live music and dancing? Then look no further than The Elephant Wrestler, offering live music nightly from some of our best local artists. Featuring live acoustic solo sets from 6 to 9 pm weeknights, a rotating selection of excellent bands playing Friday nights, and on Saturday nights it’s time to hit

Your Auckland autumn fashion guide

We’ve said goodbye to daylight savings, and the cooler weather is upon us. That means autumn fashion time, and we’ve got a plethora of fantastic shops in Takapuna for your wardrobe refresh. Here are our top fashion picks for the 2023 autumn season. Looking for a map to the best fashion stores on the shore? Hit up our fashion directory. Whatever suits Nothing says dress for success more than a blazer or suit jacket, and classic tailoring is on-trend for autumn. Blazers are blazing every colour this year, so whatever hue you suit, there are options aplenty. Try a fitted look with this Houndstooth Double Breasted Blazer from Cue, and go bright in this cobalt blue Rouched Sleeve Crepe Blazer from Jacqui E. For a

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