![](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/XZQXR2LLR765D4MPR5GOM6QRY4.jpg?auth=72d5a069ad521bf7627577c8dfc25b01dc01ccda56c7be9e8d1bc61e04a5b5c8&width=16&height=2&quality=70&smart=true)
In this Herald on Sunday series, we ask well-known Aucklanders for their favourite spots in the city. This week, comedian Justine Smith takes us on a tour of her favourite places around the city, including a "weird and wonderful" spot and one of her favourite ways to spend an afternoon in the city.
Favourite beach?
Beautiful Karekare out on the wild west coast of Auckland. I lived out there for a few years and absolutely loved it. People would always question me about the long drive, but my response was always "40 minutes to paradise baby!". I especially love it in winter, when you can rug up and walk for an hour and see no one, or at night when the stars are shiny bright with no city light spill. Don't get me started on the sunsets and all the hot surfers (I was single then). I drive out occasionally now and look wistfully at the lovely old house I used to live in. Boy, we had some good parties there too.
Favourite brunch spot?
I really don't want to give this away, to be honest, because it's such an unlikely hidden gem, but the cafe at Kings Plant Barn in Henderson is really superb. We live close by so I use it for brunch, catch-ups and meetings. The food is next-level yummy, with lots of keto/low carb options for when I'm being good. Also, a cabinet stuffed with homemade slices and delights if I'm not. You are surrounded by hanging plants and lots of greenery and the staff are incredible. Why not grab a flowery plant on the way out? It's dog friendly too so the customers are delightful as well.
Favourite restaurant for dinner with friends?
I've been going to Tanuki's Cave and Kura next to the Classic Comedy Club for so many years because it's just continued to be so outstandingly good. The Cave downstairs is my favourite; I remember when people were able to smoke cigarettes in there, it was hard to see the way out through the haze. Yuck. Glad times have changed but not the legitimacy of this restaurant. I lived in Japan for a year and Tanuki's is like so many little hidden gems there, I love it. Their prawns wrapped in bacon… YUM.