My Secret Auckland: Electronic folk opera singer Calla shares her favourite spots in the city

Tāmaki Makaurau-based electronic-pop-opera artist Calla released her composition Burn Cycle last month.

In this Herald on Sunday series, we ask well-known Aucklanders for their favourite spots in the city. This week, electronic-pop-opera artist Calla takes us on a tour of her top places.

Favourite beach?

Muriwai – best place to take your friends’ babies and watch them eat sand. The sand all along this part of the west coast is beautiful and black, so jandals are a must in summer and animals need their paws covered. You can even camp overnight beside the beach for a fair rate. The water is much warmer than down south (where I am from) and great for swimming, even in the depths of winter.

Favourite brunch spot?

Little Bird Eatery. They have the most decadent and delectable cabinet of sweet treats, as well as the best range of hot drinks and filling meals, all vegan and mostly gluten-free. Essentially heaven for a coeliac like me.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Little Bird Kitchen (@littlebirdkitchennz)

Favourite restaurant for dinner with friends?

Khu Khu Eatery. High-end classy vegan dining.

Favourite place to take a visitor to?

Basement Theatre. Makes for a great night out as they always have shows on, tickets are affordable, and it’s of a high calibre. Also doubles as a bar to extend hang-outs before or after the show.

Favourite spot to finish a night out?

Duck Island Ice Cream. There’s a few around town, and they have the best home-made options with a good amount of salt to balance the sweet. There’s always new fancy flavour combinations coming out. Heaps of vegan options, and they even have gluten-free waffle cones!

Favourite place to get coffee?

Gray’s. Cute family vibe, lots of hipsters, great coffee, and a hub for local crafts and vintage wares.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Private Art Studio (@imposter_inc)

Favourite fish-and-chip shop?

My house, ideally with potatoes from the local Sunday farmers’ market in Grey Lynn and sustainably sourced fish from a friend or the local fish shop around the corner – The Seafood Collective Mount Eden. I always check Forest & Bird’s Best Fish Guide first to make sure any seafood I get is ethically sourced.

Favourite trail for a hike?

Mercer Bay Loop Track. Stunning views around Piha and Te Ahua headland. Also a beautiful way to connect with the history of the land, as it is an important pā site.

Favourite venue for a gig?

The Button Factory. A multi-purpose venue with an excellent community vibe. Very warm and welcoming, easy to book, affordable to attend. Great dance floor.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by @thebuttonfactorynz

Favourite place to find a bargain?

Kumeū SPCA Op Shop. Find the $250 designer boots that are virtually unused for proper second-hand rates. Hasn’t been fully commercialised, so you can still find a real bargain and support a good cause while you do so.

Tāmaki Makaurau-based electronic-pop-opera artist Calla released her composition Burn Cycle last month.