My Secret Auckland: Bronwyn Bradley reveals her favourite spots around Auckland

Bronwyn Bradley stars in Auckland Theatre Company's worldwide premiere season of The Made by Emily Perkins, playing ASB Waterfront Theatre. Photo / Supplied

In this Herald on Sunday series, we ask well-known Aucklanders for their favourite spots in the city. This week, Bronwyn Bradley tells us her favourite place to go for brunch, her favourite hiking spot and where she loves to take visitors.

Favourite beach?
Whenever possible we will escape to the North to Tawharanui Regional park. We go early to beat the traffic and spend the morning with plenty of beach spaces, beautiful walks and crystal water. A stop at Matakana Oysters on the way there or back is an excellent addition to the day!

Favourite brunch spot?
Holly's Cafe in New Lynn is a warm and welcoming spot making delicious food with a Korean influence, amazing brunch meals or counter food to take home to share. Also, of course, Blue Rose in Sandringham, an always and forever family fave.

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Favourite restaurant for dinner with friends?
Gemmayze St – their Jeeb is a sharing meal and in the vibrant atmosphere of St Kevin's Arcade it is such a great way to spend a happy and delicious evening with a bunch of mates or family!

Favourite place to take a visitor to?
We love to take visitors out to the beaches, in winter a walk on a spectacular western beach, Muriwai or Te Henga, and up to Shakespear Regional Park or Wenderholm for swims on summer days.

Favourite spot to finish a night out?
At home with some great music on and an Old Fashioned in hand.

Favourite place to get coffee from?
I am loving how many new local spots seem to keep popping up over recent times and an excellent one near home for us is Young George, always great coffee, a warm welcome, and yummy sandos if you are in the mood.

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Favourite fish and chips shop?
Tipene's In New North Rd Mt Albert.

Favourite trail for a hike?
Kakamatua Inlet is more of a stroll than a hike but oh so beautiful and doggy heaven for our two pups.

Favourite venue for a gig?
I am slowly still getting used to the idea of being able to go to gigs again but The Power Station has come roaring back to life this year with a fantastic range of local and international artists in the line-up.

Favourite place to find a bargain ?
Junk and Disorderly in Balmoral and the Balmoral Flea Market which spills out across the adjacent carpark on a Sunday - bargains galore.

• Bronwyn Bradley stars in Auckland Theatre Company's worldwide premiere season of The Made by Emily Perkins, playing at the ASB Waterfront Theatre Sep 20–Oct 8. For more information and tickets visit atc.co.nz