Florets Bakery in Grey Lynn makes the best wholemeal sourdough and has a nice range of condiments that are frequent additions to a homemade brunch.
Favourite restaurant for dinner with friends?
Spanish-leaning Alma in the CBD is fantastic and where I often go for celebrations. Wonderful tapas and sharing plates, an interesting chilli Bloody Mary and a great range of sherries.
Favourite place to take a visitor?
From the diverse maunga of Tāmaki Makaurau you can get many different perspectives on the city. My favourites; Maungarei Mt Wellington, Ōhinerau Mt Hobson and Māngere Mountain involve a good walk as well as interesting views. To get to know the cultural beat of the city, a visit to Auckland Art Gallery and then a walk to K Rd with stops at St Paul St Gallery and Artspace and the nearby dealer galleries is a must.
Favourite spot to finish a night out?
On the back deck with friends around the fire.
Favourite place to get coffee?
Daily Bread does nice strong decaf oat.
Favourite fish-and-chip shop?
Catch-a-Fish in Parnell is reliable and a bonus is that the Rose Gardens are right opposite them, so it’s easy to pick up your F&C, cross the road and choose to eat either among the flowers, overlooking Judges Bay or watching the busy port in action. Also good for wild cat spotting.
Favourite trail for a hike?
As much of the Hūnua and Waitākere Ranges are closed due to kauri dieback, we have recently been exploring other parts of the city. Churchill Park in Glendowie, which is a large working farm, was a new find and has the bonus that you can continue on to Karaka Bay and it’s good for dogs on leash.
Favourite venue for a gig?
Much of my summer will be spent on Waiheke Island as I install my sculpture, The Staircase, and attend events associated with Sculpture on the Gulf 2024. For me this is an amazing venue for a working gig and for visitors it is an amazing venue to view contemporary sculpture while strolling the beautiful Waiheke headland.
Favourite place to find a bargain?
The SPCA Op Shop in Kūmeu. This friendly op shop is close to my studio and it’s where I browse and take unneeded clothes. Lovely staff, dog friendly and supporting a very good cause.
- Natalie Guy is an Auckland-based sculptor who will be exhibiting her work at the 20th year anniversary of the world-renowned outdoor sculpture exhibition, Perpetual Guardian Sculpture on the Gulf fromFebruary 24 to March 24 on Waiheke Island.