What's Hot in Takapuna | I Love Takapuna

Takapuna Playground: Review & what’s next!

With a new extension coming to our amazing beachfront kids’ playground at Gould Reserve, we wanted to take a look at its history and all the cool stuff on offer at this all-ages all-abilities playground.. You should definitely bring your kids down to the Takapuna Beach Playground – and here’s why: Just visiting town? Long time admirer, first time player? Looking after someone else’s kids and need something awesome to burn off some energy? If you haven’t been here yet, you should remedy that ASAP. First thing you’ll notice is the MASSIVE tower. Kids (and adults, let’s face it) have an in-built need to be at the top of towers. Release them and they’ll be up the ladders in a flash, popping out the three

Talking sunshine & seaside dining with Andy at Regatta

Regatta Bar & Eatery is a seaside destination that doubles in size in the sunny seasons as the bifold doors open up and connect the establishment with its environment. Raised on a hill overlooking the Hauraki Gulf and Rangitoto Island, it’s got what we think is the best seaside dining view in Auckland. It’s the kind of place you can feel comfortable walking in off the beach in your jandals for a burger and a beer, then at dinner time you can get dressed up and have a proper dining experience. In celebration of this month’s Taste of Takapuna awards, we caught up with Regatta owner Andy Ruzich to talk about local food and happenings. We’re here to talk food, so can you tell us

Dine around the world in Takapuna!

Bon appetit! If you’re looking to eat your way around the world in style, you’ve come to the right place. Takapuna is home to a wicked range of excellent quality international restaurants. In celebration of Taste of Takapuna this month, let’s take a quick world tour right here on the Shore! Japan Get ready for the freshest of fresh fish and premium sake – welcome to Tokyo! Well, Tokyo Bay in Takapuna. The restaurant’s Chef Chikara Sato is one of the most skilled sushi chefs ever to have worked in New Zealand, and has the rare honour of being licensed to prepare the potentially deadly fugu blowfish. So it goes without saying the sushi and sashimi here are mind-blowingly good, but don’t miss out on

Allergy-friendly dining in Takapuna

It’s extra special when restaurants and eateries go the extra mile to accommodate your dietary needs. It makes you want to go up to your faves and hug the very building they’re in, right before you go and tell absolutely everybody you know about how great they are. So, check out how great these local Takapuna businesses are at looking after those of us with allergies and intolerances! Street Organics This little gem never met a food preference it didn’t like, so if you have one, you’re about to find a new true love. Street Organics caters for gluten free, vegan, vegetarian, paleo, keto, and even sufferers of IBS. The café specialises in fab brekkie and brunch, and the wine list is also totally organic

Shane Cortese shares his top food and coffee spots

As we launch our annual Taste of Takapuna celebration of eating and drinking around Takapuna Beach, actor and Harcourts auctioneer Shane Cortese tell us his favourite spots to grab a beer and a pizza, burgers and coffee. A NIGHT OUT “I’m a great lover of shared foods, platters and Italian. So there’s one particular place in Takapuna I go to, it’s a place called Botticelli,” Shane says. “You go in and everybody knows everyone, you walk in the door and they know what you’re ordering. After auctions, we go there on Friday night in Takapuna and have a really good time. “It’s not a massive bar, it’s a small bar. People walk by and say ‘G’day’ while you’re there. Then on the other side of

Your Takapuna spring fashion guide

Spring has well and truly sprung out there, and with warmer days and lighter evenings, you may well be thinking it’s time for a wardrobe refresh. Celebrate leaving hibernation by getting some sun on your skin and your knees in the breeze. Here are our top fashion picks for the 2022 spring season. The short and short of it No matter who you are, shorts are one of your absolute warm-weather-wear essentials. Comfy, versatile, and they don’t blow up around your ears when a frisky spring breeze swishes by. Federation’s range of bright and bold kid’s shorts brings all the joy to your next warm weekend, and we are absolutely loving the skirt-but-not-a-skirt vibes of this gem, the La La Short. Amazon’s selection ranges from

Men’s fashion with Federation’s Ben Dundas

COLOUR IT UP! Federation is an iconic Kiwi streetwear brand, based right here in Takapuna and owned by locals Jenny Joblin and Ben Dundas. We catch up with Ben to talk Federation, spring 2022 fashion, and men’s style. We’ll start with a steamy question: what are you wearing today? I’ve actually got a pair of Air Force Ones, but the’yre a pair of Women’s ones by Flea’s wife. You know, Flea, the Red Hot Chilli Peppers’ bass guitarist. They’re like a crazy colour combo. I’ve got some black cargo pants, a neon t-shirt and a plaid shirt. Just trying to keep warm but have a bit of summer fun with colour. It’s tough to find crazy colours for men! Especially in shoes. Yeah I find

Top spots to stock up on men’s fashion in Takapuna

Whether you’re the kind of guy who takes his fashion very seriously and wants to know the top shops in Takapuna, or you’re the kind of guy who shops exactly once a year and wants to make the trip as efficient as possible (or maybe you’re needing to shop for a guy on your life who needs all the help he can get) – we’ve got you covered with this definitive list of men’s fashion stores with stopping at in our corner of the North Shore. Business attire Dressing for work? Get your hands on a quality suit and tie, or a more modern look like some Chinos and an open-collar shirt. Rembrandt is a perfect balance of style and affordability, with a huge range

5 tips to de-stress this winter and spring

Winter is on its way out the door and we’re looking forward to longer days, warmer weather and a healthy body, mind and soul. These top tips will help you relax and de-stress after one of the tougher winter’s we’ve faced – and they’re super easy, too. Spend some time taking care of yourself to banish the blues. You’ll be so glad you did. 1: Candles, and lots of them You’ve probably heard of a Danish concept called hygge. It’s all about comfort, cosiness and conviviality, surrounding yourself with warm fuzzies both literal and figurative, and one of the easiest and most popular ways to add a little hygge to your life is with a little bit of candlelight. Stock up on candles, scented or

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