Located in an old factory at 28 Clarence St, Devonport, the Depot Artspace is a vibrant, dynamic community project supporting local artists of all persuasions. Open every day, the gallery is bound to have at least one exhibition to inspire and challenge you. Exhibits might be of paintings, drawings, sculpture or even textiles, and the artists might be well seasoned or complete newbies. The great thing about the Depot is that they are all inclusive and they’re always initiating new projects. As well as being an art gallery, the Depot has a recording studio, an on-line magazine giving artists voice, a community radio station and a regular forum for artists, writers and musicians. Check out all the amazing things they’re doing, including upcoming exhibitions here.

Little Shoal Bay, between Northcote Point and Birkenhead Point, is a little backwater and somewhat untouched part of the Shore. With its delapidated boat sheds, overhanging pohutukawa trees and views across the harbour to Auckland city, it’s a romantic spot to share an early evening picnic, amble around the rocks and watch the busy world from afar. Summer days are just gorgeous here and the swimming is good at high tide. There’s a playground to keep the littlies happy, or you can launch a dinghy and take a leisurely row around the inner harbour. The Harbour Bridge looks completely different and really interesting from this angle.

What better place to start this endeavour than a trip to an excellent North Shore cafe for a satisfying flat white and a bite to eat. While I’m particular about not becoming addicted to coffee, I have a passion for well executed roasting and extraction and I’m constantly on the lookout for the good stuff. Call me a snob, but when it comes to food and drink, it’s good to be fresh, tasty and produced by people who have respect for their product.

[Read more →]