What I’d do

1to I like to ferry from Downtown

Devonport, and have a tasty Eight Thirty coffee and maybe a piece of quiche at Lily Eatery. The vibe there is really nice. I like to sit by the water — I often find Devonport super-peaceful. It’s where my mother blessed my pounamu, perhaps that’s why I keep going back.

2cravings

Afterwards I’ll satisfy my

for some zen time — a Thai massage at Golden Fingers in Kingsland will be perfect. Last time I had the Golden

Deep Tissue massage and it blew my mind, and my limbs. Being a performer requires a lot from the body so I like to relieve it from tension as often as I can. Yoga and general stretching helps but who can say no to a good massage?

3from

Time to hit the beach. I’ll drive along the bays

the port, all the way beyond St Heliers to a little gem of a beach called Karaka Bay. Lying on a pontoon and rocking gently with the water while the sun warms you is never a bad idea. I still can’t swim competently (can someone please teach me?) so I appreciate that this pontoon is not ridiculously far out — I’ve had to watch others swim out to one before and it broke my heart. 4 My little sister is getting into opshopping, so I’ll take her to the Mt Eden shops, where there are a few bargains to be found. Okra will do her a good hot chocolate (and me another coffee). My sister is 11 and I figure that if I can get her appreciating recycled clothing at a young age, perhaps the planet will thank her later.

5treat

It’s a long weekend, so I might

myself and take some mates to Ostro, a restaurant in the Old Seafarer’s building, followed by a good whiskey soda up at Seven, the rooftop bar. The view from that place goes well with the music. I like a bar that gives everyone what they need. If you want to dance, dance. If you want to sit and take part in crazy banter, great, do it. This bar is great for both.