What’s Hot

Valentines Day treats in Takapuna V-Day is just around the corner, so what do you have in store for your special someone? If you’re yet to make plans – never fear, Takapuna is here! If you’re looking for that perfect gift, Takauna is your one-stop shop. From unique and boutique shops along Hurstmere Rd, to the more wider known stores found mostly in Shore City Shopping Centre, you’re bound to find that special treat. Check out all the retail options in Takapuna, here. If you’re after an experience to share, Takapuna also has it all. From Escape HQ, to The VR Club, from Monterey Cinema to iKoi Spa – there’s something to suit everyone’s liking. There are many things to experience in Takapuna, discover your

Town square brings Takapuna’s future closer Takapuna’s transformation has taken another big step, following a recent decision by Auckland Council to approve the layout of a large public town square. The new 3,200sqm town square will provide our town centre with a much-needed heart and place for people to congregate. It will be a place focused around people – where people share stories, quench a thirst, share food, celebrate milestones, and where kids can have fun! Repurposing the Anzac Street asphalt carpark area has not been without controversary. For nearly a decade, it has been a hot point of contention. However, multiple surveys of the public and business association members alike have consistently shown strong support for its redevelopment into a high-quality mixed-use precinct. The

The long lunch is something we often associate with the carefree days of summer – but not in Takapuna, where the year-round beachside vibe will have you feeling like you’ve taken a mini break from it all, even in the middle of winter. We’ve rounded up some of our top picks for a leisurely lunch, places where you can cosy up with warming food before a bracing stroll along the beach. Regatta The Strand, Takapuna With a laidback seaside feeling and a perfect vantage point to take in views of the water, it’s easy to relax in to a long lunch at Regatta. There’s a bounty from the ocean on the menu here, such as oysters; seafood chowder with toasted focaccia and seaweed butter; and

Part of the beauty of Takapuna is its constant holiday vibes, giving you the feeling of being on holiday at home! So there’s no need to let the back-to-work-blues settle in just yet – we have so much happening in Takapuna, we can keep your summer holiday going while the beautiful weather continues! How does lunch by the Sea sound? Regatta Bar and Eatery is the perfect location for a delicious bite to eat whilst relaxing and enjoying the sea views. While they’re renowned for their oysters and seafood, Regatta also has the perfect meal for any taste, from chicken burgers to gnocchi or delicious salads. How does a spot of retail therapy sound? Hurstmere Rd is home to many unique and boutique shops with the perfect

There’s lots going on at Takapuna’s “social kitchen” and “larger than life local” – The Elephant Wrestler. And lots more planned. Owner Steve Shute says the team has a really exciting summer coming up. New group dining initiatives will “make for some fun and affordable nights out”, and  2018 hit events like The Rib Joint Pop-Up and Lip Sync Battles will return. But before that, December is all about sharing. Menu items already proving popular are “Dragon Babies”, small plate selections, curated to be a fusion of Asian flavours. “You have to try the Coconut Chicken and the Pork Belly bites,” he enthuses. “Honestly, these are amazing dishes.” In January, you’ll find more new sharing menus (“great value menus designed for any style of light meal catch-ups”)

Zomer – a friendly local eatery Zomer is a true local eatery; a café that welcomes locals like friends, as well as catering to the many visitors attracted by the proximity of Takapuna beach. Matt Jacobi, barista, and manager Saul Stevens Manager Saul Stevens says not only is Zomer owned by Takapuna locals, it is also staffed entirely by people who live locally. Better still, it has a philosophy of returning 70% of profits to the staff, paid as a three-monthly bonus. “We’re not in a position to pay the living wage,” says Saul, “but we can do this.” As he points out, those extra dollars go back into the community in one way or another – and it means Zomer attracts and keeps a