What's Hot in Takapuna | I Love Takapuna

Toka Puia Carpark – now FREE on weekends!

We’re excited to announce that the new 420-space Toka Puia carpark is now offering FREE PARKING on the weekends! If you’re coming in to visit the Takapuna Sunday Markets, to indulge in some retail therapy along Hurstmere Road, to spend the day with the kids at Takapuna Beach, catching up with friends or family for brunch, lunch or dinner, or planning to visit one of our fantastic health and beauty places for some well deserved self-care, or just coming in for a stroll through Takapuna over the weekends, you can now park at Toka Puia FOR FREE! With entries on both Huron and Northcroft St, Toka Puia is just a short walk away from practically anything in Takapuna – check out our calculations on this

Takapuna’s great dog walking places

Calling all dog lovers! Want to find some fantastic places to go walking with your best mate? Here’s the gen on all the best walks to take on your next Auckland tail-wagging adventure. Takapuna Beach Takapuna Beach is the ultimate spot for beach fun with your furry buddy! This is straight-up the Auckland VIP spot for dogs. Not only super dog-friendly but also one of the most picturesque beaches around. It’s a North Shore canine paradise where your pups can let loose and have a blast. Check out the off-lead hours here. Thorne Bay If you walk north along the Takapuna to Milford coastal track, you’ll find Thorne Bay – an off-leash gem of a beach with powdery white sand and crystal-clear water. Dogs adore

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

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