What I’d do

Stephen De Pledge

1from Saturday morning. Just down the street my house is Petit Bocal, my favourite place for coffee or breakfast (which is sometimes the same thing, to be honest). I am slightly addicted to the mushrooms on toast. petitbocal.co.nz 2study

Saturday evening. I was lucky enough to in Paris with Yvonne Loriod, who was the wife and muse of Messiaen, one of the greatest composers of the 20th century. If you haven’t heard his Turangalila Symphony you are in for a treat — it is the ultimate immersive, earth-shattering musical experience. Auckland’s very own world-class orchestra, the Auckland Philharmonia, will give you a wild ride! Tonight, 7pm, Auckland Town Hall. apo.co.nz 3We

Weekend fun. My kids really want a dog. don’t have one (yet) but the next best thing is an evening walk along Point Chev beach, which is a real pick and mix of all canine shapes and sizes. And still warm enough for a swim if the tide is high.

Auckland is full of quirky art galleries in local communities and one of the best is Te Uru Waita¯ kere Contemporary Gallery. The village atmosphere in Titirangi has changed a lot since my mum lived there more than 20 years ago but it still exudes a whiff of the bohemian enclave. I love doing concerts in unusual spaces and I’m really looking forward to playing here on March 31 with NZTrio. teuru.org.nz

And one of the most magical spots near Auckland is Ma¯ ori Bay at Muriwai. I might channel my inner David Attenborough and watch the gannets before walking down to the beach when the sun gets low.