A Kiwi recommends ... the Gold Coast, Queensland

The Gold Coast Marathon is one of the best sporting events to catch in the area. Photo / Supplied

Each week, expat Kiwis tell us what they most love about living by Queensland's beaches. Today we hear from Diana Ryan from Gold Coast Martin College.

SEE

Best beach: Burleigh Heads.

Best walk: Mt Warning walk.

Best adventure: Champagne balloon rides early morning.

Best view: Burleigh Heads Hill or from the Observation Deck at Q1.

When Kiwis visit, they love: To dine at George's Paragon Seafood Restaurant, Sanctuary Cove.

Best-kept secret: The seafood dishes on the menu.

Famous for: Half-price lunches.

Best water activity: Canal cruise past all the homes of the rich and famous, whale watching and offshore fishing charter boats.

Best place to swim: Burleigh Heads and Main Beach.

TASTE

Best coffee spot: There are plenty of great coffee shops all over the Gold Coast.

Best spot to get an icecream: Wherever New Zealand icecream is sold.

Best picnic spot: Burleigh Hill.

Where's the best local produce? Miami Organic Markets on Sunday or the farmers' markets at the Marina Mirage.

Where should we eat? Mario's Italian Cafe, Broadbeach or alternatively any of the fabulous restaurants at Marina Mirage, Main Beach.

Looking for something special for dinner? George's Paragon, for seafood (an absolute must for all my Kiwi friends when they visit). Sanctuary Cove also has an extensive wine list.

Where to hang out when the sun goes down: At any number of bars at Main Beach or Broadbeach.

The view from the top of the Gold Coast's Q1 tower. Photo / Supplied

PLAY

Best places to shop: Robina Town and Pacific Fair, or go for a stroll around Tedder Ave, Main Beach or Harbour Town for some great outlet bargains.

Don't miss: A drive to Kingscliff in New South Wales for breakfast at one of the trendy cafes or a drive to Mt Tamborine for a bird's-eye view of the Gold Coast and surrounding hinterland. Worth paying for the ultimate eye fillet at Moo Moo Broadbeach, or a game of golf on one of our numerous world-class golf courses.

Be one of the first to: Book in for the 2018 Commonwealth Games - try the Gold Coast trams for local public transport.

Best sporting event to catch: GC 600 annually, Gold Coast Marathon, a Gold Coast Suns AFL Game.

Best cultural activity in the area: Gold Coast Arts Centre and Conrad Jupiters Shows or Blues on Broadbeach, Opera in the Park, jazz and rock 'n' roll festivals at Broadbeach.

STAY

Best place to rest your head: Broadbeach or Main Beach.

Highly recommended accommodation: Sheraton Mirage, Main Beach - fab food, great decor, service, ocean-front setting and ambience.

Favourite hotel near by: Marina Mirage (across the road) offers many wonderful waterfront restaurants to suit the palates of the best food critics.

RELAX

Best sunset view: Rainbow Bay, Coolangatta.

Best beach or park: Burleigh.

Best place to be pampered: Versace Hotel, Main Beach.