Of course Auckland has big malls, but it is the niche market that impresses most in terms of New Zealand fashion. Shops in Ponsonby and Parnell, is where New Zealand's most well known deseigners vacate, the likes of Trelise Cooper and Karen Walker. However I too know the areas for outlet shopping to get great bargain via mainstream brands, such as Dress Mart situated in Onehunga.

Auckland has one of the highest eateries per capita in the world, and me being a classy Aucklander I love to dine! I would consider it a leisure activity for me, therefore I've got a great knowledge of the good places to dine. And since Auckland has a diverse array of cultures, I know the best cuisine from Mexican to Indian, to Italian, to Japanese etc.

Having lived in Auckland for many years, and being a curious explorer, I know this city like the back of my hand . . . I can show you any nook or cranny that needs to be unturned.

I wont lie to you, Auckland doesnt have the best night-life in the world, but it is very commendable. Since drinking and partying is common for most Kiwis (like me) there is some form of 'watering-hole' in every Auckland suburb, and this creates an array of places to pick from. In the CBD there are generally where the clubs are situated, but in the outskirts, you have a lot of live-music for example. Plus with Auckland being such a diverse place, there are many places with different themes catering to all the sub-cultures.

Just on the outskirts of Auckland there are great nature walks and hikes, be it: rocky walks to a waterfall near Bethells; real forest walks in the Waitakere rangers, or long walks along the West coast black-sand beaches of Piha and Muriwai.

Auckland is a real great city, with many different things to offer, being an enthusiastic Aucklander I can show you any/every happening spot available.

Maidment Theatre situated in the heart of Auckland City, next to Albert Park nestled among the University of Auckland Campus, it is the location for many professional plays that are made or are put on in New Zealand. This is one of the main Theatre Companies, yet there are others I'm aware of since I subscribe to mailing of the latest productions happening in Auckland.

Auckland War Memorial Museum is situated in the lovely Auckland Domain next to the CBD in Grafton suburb. It is New Zealand's first museum, established in 1852, and now features prominently among tourists and school children alike. According to the website it has: "It has pre-eminent Maori and Pacific collections, significant natural history resources and major social and military history collections, as well as decorative arts and pictorial collections."

There is always a band or bands playing in the Auckland area every day of the week, it just depends what type of genre of music one is looking for - Auckland will probably be able to provide it. Since I have such an Eclectic taste in music, I know things happening in every music scene!