From left: Michele A'Court, Fern Sutherland, Michael Galvin and Lukas Whiting.
From left: Michele A'Court, Fern Sutherland, Michael Galvin and Lukas Whiting.
Four celebrities reveal their favourite hideaway ... here
MICHELE A'COURT
The Classic Comedy & Bar
Going to the Classic is like going to a friend's place, rather than a bar. I'm not very good at bars. I'm too short to get served. Seriously I'll stand at the bar forever, and I'm not 22 and wearing stilettos and they can't see me. I'm invisible. And I think, I could die of thirst in a city bar.
I'm so used to going into the Classic. Everyone behind the bar completely ignores the actual punters, saying "Michele, what would you like?" There are two stools in the right hand corner and if anyone who's not a comedian sits on them, everybody stares at them. There's a secret hideaway out the back, in the Green Room, where there's a completely different atmosphere because it belongs to us. We've done so many things there apart form comedy. We've had Jeremy Corbett's wedding there -- it was festooned with silk and fairylights. We've had christenings there. But also we've had several wakes. On the day Ewen Gilmour died, we all turned up at 10am and threw our arms around each other. I hate appropriating someone else's culture but it's a bit like our marae. It's our wharenui.
If you've got a day to kill, a visit to Tiritiri Matangi is a treat. Pack sandwiches and scroggin (don't freak out, but there's no cafe, guys). Allow a 75-minute ferry ride each way and about four hours on the island. If it's your first trip, a guided tour is totally worth it. Also you'll get a bingo-style sheet for you to cross off each bird you find. If you think bird watching is lame, just give it a chance. You'll be SO into it once you start crossing off those bad boys. We managed to see everything on the list including a takahe, and a kokako, which uttered the most achingly beautiful sound I've ever heard. After all the walking you'll be thirsty so I suggest ferrying back to Auckland and hooning up to Pocket Bar in Grey Lynn for their powerful deep fried seaweed chips and impeccable wine.
I have found myself spending a lot of time recently at cat cafes: The Cat Lounge in Albany and Baristacats (pictured) in central Auckland. It's a great spot that provides a space for kids and adults who may not normally have the opportunity to cuddle and play with cats and kittens. Or for anyone who can't get enough cat love. They're a favourite for me and my daughter - she loves animals, with a special soft spot for cats. The best thing about them is that the cats are almost all rescue cats - without the cafes they may not have anywhere to live. So as well as having a great time you're helping care for defenceless animals.
Michael Galvin, Shortland Street, TVNZ2, weeknights
LUKAS WHITING
The North Head historic reserve in Devonport
is one of my favourite places to go in Auckland when I'm looking to chill out with a cracking view. As it sticks out into the harbour, and looks down on to the Rangitoto channel, it has unparalleled views of the city and its surrounds. And if you get there on a good day just as the sun is rising or setting it can be pretty peaceful. I first went there not long after arriving in Auckland and loved walking around the old bunkers and tunnels that were used as a first defence to protect Auckland harbour during both World Wars. There are also signs that give you insight into the history of the place, and how it was used over the years for different purposes. Coming from a family where both my dad and granddad served in the army, I love the opportunity to learn about those men and women who were stationed there. It's an easy history lesson close to the city. A short drive down the hill will take you into Devonport town where there are great cafes, bars and a cinema.
