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/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/15415
NZ has a high death toll rate, and a very high crash rate. Seeing cars coming towards you can lose its novelty quickly, and tail gating is common place. Man it can be scary! Cyclists be especially careful, the concept of giving cyclists a little extra space doesn't exist. Don't be alarmed if you see people shaving, reading, drinking coffee, using hand phones or even having their supper with chopsticks, all at over 60kmph!

These are all real examples, and there is worse. Drink driving is common. Despite all that it's a pretty place.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15415 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 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12160
Try the lamb pasanda from "A Taste of Turkey" (the proprietor is actually Iranian) for NZ$8.50 (that's £2.40 in Brit money).
The food is better than your average food hall.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12160 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12066 If you'd like to see some beautiful old villas wonder in the suburbs of Herne Bay, Ponsonby, Grey Lynn, Parnell and Mt. Eden. All these places offer a great mix of clothes' shops and cafes especially Ponsonby Road and Jervois Road.

Around Auckland:
If it's a fine day, get on the ferry to Waiheke island [only takes 20 minutes], and visit some of the famous vineyards [Stoneridge is one of my favourites]. Have lunch at spectacular Te Whau restaurant.

On a weekend, head North of Auckland and visit Warkworth, Matakana and Leigh. There is a farmers' market in Matakana on Saturday mornings from 8am - 1pm and plenty of small vineyards producing excellent wine. Stop and eat at the Sawmill Cafe in Leigh and burn it all off afterwards with a long walk on breathtakingly beautiful Pakiri beach.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12066 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11937 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11937 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/10291 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/10291