There is fantastic food and wine at this well-known vineyard on Waiheke Island, with a spectacular view across to Auckland on the horizon.

Waiheke Island

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Forget Atomic Cafe, just a few metres down the road is the uber cool, but totally unpretentious cafe Agnes Curran.

It serves great java and sells art, antiques and homewares making it really classy and very quirky.

There's something really special about Agnes Curran. It is full of character and a real find; not only that but it is renowned for the Kiwi delicacy Lamingtons: a wedge of sponge soaked in dark chocolate, coated in coconut and served with raspberry jam and cream. The staff are lovely too. What's not to love?

181 Ponsonby Road, Auckland. Tel: 464 9 3601551

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The best eggs benedict on Ponsonby Rd, cheap and set in rather odd surroundings at the Freeman's Bay end of the street. A great place to laugh at the Sunday Star Times of an afternoon. Flat whites are excellent too.

Ponsonby Road, Auckland

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The 'hippest' bar on Ponsonby Road. Usually with a 30-something crowd but they are joined by a lot of the younger set on the weekends.
It is comprised of small rooms and is dark and comfortable.

Live music most nights - you must hear the Grand Central Band with their take on all types of music. The singer has a fabulous voice; the keyboardist used to bring his Hammond organ along (complete with Lesley) but sticks to his Yamaha these days.

Retire to one of the sofas in the back rooms to escape the crowds.

Ponsonby Road, near Richmond Road.
www.grandcentral.net.nz

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