VALERIE ADAMS
(champion shotputter)
Mission Bay has to be one of my favourites, because of the wonderful view of Rangitoto Island from De Fontein restaurant while enjoying a pot of blue cheese and mussels. If you want to go out and experience the city you can ... I don't shop, I walk around and try to chill out and enjoy the city we live in.
For food: Depot at Sky City is one of the most favourite places to chill out and eat oysters. I love oysters. I like Sky City's Grand Hotel which has great service, amazing people.
LEN BROWN
(Auckland Mayor)
My favourite beach is Tawhitokino, in a regional park near Kawakawa Bay, in East Auckland. You have to walk around the rocks at low tide to get to the beach. "I love the white sand, that it's accessible only on foot, perfect for picnics and swimming. It's a truly hidden gem. My other favourites include Waiheke Island, the Civic Theatre and Auckland's various walking tracks.
For food: The Hardware Cafe, in Titirangi Village.
BOB KERRIDGE
(SPCA executive director and St James Saviours' founder)
The St James Theatre is my favourite place, of course. It's the most magical theatre and when there is a live show there, it will be just stupendous.
My second has to be the SPCA Animal Village in Mangere not because I work here but because it's a lovely place for people to come. One of the things I love about Auckland is that it has become sophisticated with its dining - there has been a noticeable improvement in five years.
I love summer in Auckland because the sea is glistening and bright and is never far from you. You can go north and find lovely beaches. It's a nice city to be outdoors in.
For food: The Grove in the city is our special restaurant - we love it. Something more casual in summer is Prego in Ponsonby and Non Solo Pizza in Parnell.
SARAH & OTIS FRIZZELL
(owners of The Lucky Taco Mexican Food Truck)
Sarah: We love Western Springs Lake. It's on our doorstep and a beautiful place to go for runs to clear our heads. It's a gem on summer days when families are there enjoying it. Ponsonby Rd is so cool when it's nice weather and the musicians play some sets. I think Auckland is becoming an exciting food and wine place ... catching up to Melbourne. Eating places are awesome in Ponsonby Rd.
Otis: My favourite 'hood is Grey Lynn and Ponsonby where I was a teenager. Mt Eden is a favourite - I always get a buzz going up there to that grand crater. Auckland looks pretty amazing from up there. It reminds you that Auckland has a centre, sprawling suburbs, beaches, mountainous landscape and everything you like is within an hour's drive.
For food: Sarah: In K'Rd, there's Coco's Cantina and Honey Trap in St Kevin's Arcade and in the city, there is Al Brown's Federal Street Delicatessen, and Asian places in Sandringham and Dominion Rd.
Otis: Dominion Rd, I call "Little China" - world-class dumplings for under $20.
