When Aroha Harawira isn't hosting her weekday show The Grind on George FM, the DJ spends her spare time relaxing, wining and dining at some of Auckland's most popular spots. "My typical weekend consists of some exercise, a DJ gig or two, catch ups with girlfriends over a couple of glasses of wine and waking up without setting my alarm clock," she says.
Take a look at some of her weekend plans, from where she shops, to her favourite Saturday night spots.
Mornings ... Lately I've been really enjoying Odette's Eatery in the City Works Depot. The interior is beautiful, they have a great outdoor area and the staff are attentive and friendly. Breakfast is my favourite meal of the day and if I could eat it for every meal without getting funny looks, I would. Odette's Steamed Salmon Salad with Asian greens, heirloom tomato and pumpkin seeds is amazing.
Drinking ... I can't go past Golden Dawn, it's been my favourite since it opened and I still love it just as much. It's the best spot to meet friends at for an afternoon drink in the sun and if you pop in after work by yourself you'll most likely bump into someone that you know. Their wine list is amazing and has lots of foreign and local surprises on it that I'm always keen to try.
Dining ... I go to Burger Burger in Ponsonby Central pretty frequently - it's inexpensive, fresh and delicious and I love burgers. I'm a sucker for the Beef Burger served in a "bunnice" (wrapped in lettuce, no bun).
Relaxing ... A leisurely bush walk in Piha followed by a swim is my perfect way to unwind.
Trying ... I really want to try stand up paddle boarding. I say this every year and then I get too busy and then winter rolls in. Maybe this year I'll actually be able to!
Evenings ... I'm usually DJing somewhere in Auckland city or out of town, but when I do get a night off, I love going out for dinner. Coco's Cantina is a favourite Saturday spot - for the beautiful food and beautiful people who work there.
Shopping ... I spend a lot of money at Ruby, Kate Sylvester and Hailwood, but I also love Mecca Cosmetica for their wide range of cruelty-free beauty products and makeup. Oh, and Tatty's is a great place to find a pre-loved designer bargain.
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Advertise with NZME.Anticipating ... I'm excited about the Splore festival. I've DJed at the last few, however last year I had to leave immediately after my set as I had another festival to play at the next day. This year I am going to do the festival properly and am already thinking about what costumes to wear.
Exploring ... Two of my favourite spots are Langs and Waipu Cove - ideal activities are swimming, eating, swimming and more eating.
Discovering ... The Centre Wellness and Yoga Studio in Kingsland is a great new addition to Auckland, offering a range of yoga classes and holistic therapies and treatments. Plus it's just above the Little Bird Unbakery, so you can pop in for a delicious raw treat after your class.
