Marilyn Boyd: My ultimate Auckland day trip

Over the last five weeks Weekend asked readers to tell us about their ultimate Auckland day trip. We are pleased to announce that Marilyn Boyd from Greenhithe's diverse itinerary is our winner.

Over the last five weeks Weekend asked readers to tell us about their ultimate day trip to be in the draw to win a perfect day out in Auckland, with up to $1,500 to spend, driving a brand-new Ford Focus Titanium.

We are pleased to announce that Marilyn Boyd from Greenhithe is our winner. Her diverse itinerary showcased a variety of attractions. The day trip will be a breeze as the Ford Focus smart technology will help her move seamlessly from the inner city to the open road.

Marilyn's day trip in a Ford Focus would involve taking her 21-year-old daughter out on a bonding day. "My wonderful partner may feel put out by that ... but I know which one is going to prefer the SHOPPING!"

1. La Cigale French Market

Marilyn Boyd's ultimate Auckland day trip would start with a drive to the La Cigale French Market in Parnell for a breakfast of French pastries and a meander through the wonderful stalls.

I would start early, driving the Focus down to the La Cigale French Market in Parnell to have a breakfast of French pastries and then meander through the wonderful stalls.

2. Lunch at Bracu

Next up would be a drive to have lunch at Bracu restaurant in the Bombays, followed by exciting activities such as claybird shooting and archery.

To get full appreciation of driving the Focus, I would head down the Southern motorway to Bracu restaurant in the Bombays for an excellent lunch and exciting pastimes such as claybird shooting and archery. I would make sure to buy one of their outstanding bottles of extra fine olive oil.

3. Buddhist temple in Flatbush

Heading back north she would stop at the Fo Guang Shan Temple in Flatbush to experience the peace and majesty of New Zealand's largest Buddhist temple.

Heading back north I would stop at the Fo Guang Shan Temple in Flatbush to feel the peace and majesty of the largest Buddhist temple in the country. The tea is refreshing at the Water Drop Vege Café, which is surrounded by lush bamboo.

4. Waterfront dining

After shopping up large at Sylvia Park, Marilyn's ultimate day trip would finish back in Auckland city for an evening of luxury city views and dinner at the Hilton Hotel on the water.

With my daughter I would shop up large at Sylvia Park, then finish back in Auckland city for an evening of luxury Auckland views and dinner at the Hilton Hotel on the water, and maybe dessert at Milse, if I can fit it in!

Car karaoke

Marilyn says Grace or Bruno Mars would sound awesome on the Focus SYNC 3 sound system, and for a good old high-spirit singalong, suggests the Housework compilation CDs.

I am sure Grace and Bruno Mars would sound awesome on the Focus SYNC 3 sound system, and for a good old high spirit singalong, you can't go past the Housework compilation CDs.