http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/ Welcome to Been there. Your tips on the places you know - that you love, live in or have just visited - are what make this guide. http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/32275 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/32275 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31314 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31314 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/27056
At Freemans Lodge you don’t have to as for an additional €3 you can stay in a comfortable two-bed, self-contained apartment complete with lounge, kitchen, bath, shower, toilet and TV.

The popular hostel also features a comfortable lounge where you can relax and watch TV with a complimentary tea or coffee, and a spacious garden to laze away those sunny Auckland afternoons with fellow backpackers.

The lodge is located just outside Auckland's CBD, just a short stroll from the restaurant laden area of Ponsonby. The city centre is just five minutes away by bus.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/27056 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/22974
Just get the ferry from down town Auckland and you're there in about 30 minutes.

On a beautiful summer's day there's nothing better than ambling around the island drinking wine, eating food and having fun.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/22974 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/21865
This audio guide provides a more in depth experience and covers the main sightseeing and boutique shopping areas.

On a sunny day, or at least one that is not raining, Devonport is a must see place.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/21865 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19002 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19002 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18668 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18668 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18263 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18263 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17673 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17673 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16451
The beach is wild and rugged, and you walk from the car park across sand dunes and an estuary to get to the seafront. If you're not a strong swimmer you're best to stay within your depth, but the water is lovely and it's a great place for beach cricket.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16451 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15526
Our suite ($495 per night B&B [£165 approx], doubles same price), had a mezzanine lounge, and whether sitting on the expansive, comfy corner sofa or at the mosaic terrace table, the harbour across to Chelsea Bay and around the North Shore stretches across the vista. It's a sailor's dream.

Alongside period elegance and modern charm, there's unlimited internet access in the guest library, live opera/ musical performances before dinner, and extreme thought, care and attention put into everything.

It's like stepping into someone's comfortable family home, with extra touches. At night, staff come in and turn the bed down for you, put out your nightgown and slippers, leave lights on for you and light the fire if needed, and leave gifts - scented soaps and night moisturisers beautifully wrapped - for your evening comfort. Food is exquisite and the wine cellar world-class.

Mollies, in short, is faultless.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15526 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15524
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?]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15524 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15297
Ranging from creation myths to stories of love and loss, these often humorous tales will enhance your understanding of the spirituality invested in the landscape by the Maori.

Maori Myth and Legend" by A.W. Reed is a nice introduction.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15297 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15268 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15268 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15249
It is well worth the money, particularly if there is a decent breeze which will show you the kind of speeds the boats are capable of and give you a taste of the thrill of America's Cup racing. You can help work the grinders and even take the helm.

It's also a good way of seeing the harbour and getting a water-side view of the city. More than anything, I found this a rare highlight in an otherwise dull and disappointing city.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15249 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14614
There are walks from the short nature trail at the Arataki Visitor Centre, to longer tramps. If that's not enough, the market at Titirangi is recommended for arts and crafts and good coffee - as a bonus if you miss the market!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14614 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14475 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14475 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13889
Everything from fresh produce, music and goodies from the Pacific Islands, cheap tat from China, unique clothes, secondhand items and pretty much anything else you can think of.

Both have excellent, cheap food stalls too.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13889 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12831
The busy, cheery kitchen will make up a roll for you if they run out of anything. Reliable, friendly and surprisingly cheap - and it's also BYO and open at night. You can't really go wrong.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12831 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12161 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.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12161