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.

East Meets West - Architect Designed Home in Dairy Flat

This fine example of mid-20th Century modernist architecture, designed by highly regarded local architect Rolly Adams, owned by the same family for many years, is now for sale. Built in 1968 on its original site at Mairangi Bay beach, it has recently been relocated as the beach site was targeted by the local council for public recreation space. The home now enjoys a completely different setting – 3.2 acres of gently rolling land in the equestrian and lifestyle mecca of Dairy Flat. Placed in this new environment, the home appears a little imposing with its skin of black cedar and white trim. Extensive planting of native shrubs, grasses and specimen trees will mature over the next few years to  effect a softer landscape to nestle the structure.

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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.

Traditional brick bungalow on 944m2 northfacing land

At the top of Park Rise  Campbells Bay and brand new to the market, a 3 bedroom brick and tile bungalow on a 944m2 section is up for sale by auction. Park Rise, Campbells Bay is a very special part of the North Shore, and those who live outside the area are often unaware that one of Auckland’s largest metropolitan parks sprawls through much of this residential suburb.

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One of Auckland’s largest metropolitan parks, originally called The Takapuna Domain, Centennial Park in Campbells Bay incorporates a number of tracks, a tennis club and a golf course within a total area of 160 hectares. Weeds and exotic species are gradually being cleared from the area and more natives planted thanks to the great work being done by the Centennial Park Preservation Society. The bush is alive with birdsong and the area boasts some rare birds such as the long tailed cuckoo. You’ll see wood pigeons, white eyes and fantails and many more native and introduced birds. There are maps available from the city council, or you can view the main map at the Beach Road entrance to the park. View a map of the park on Google Maps. Read more about Centennial Park and its history here.

Sure, it’s not Coronet Peak, but the slope at Snow Planet in Silverdale (just a little north of the North Shore) is heaps of fun. This is New Zealand’s only indoor ski resort. Take the kids there for a couple of hours during the school holidays or in the weekend, and let them loose to exhaust themselves. If you’re a beginner, it’s a great place to gain your ski legs, and you can get a lesson thrown into the hire package. It can also be helpful for the more experienced skier who needs to hone their skills or get a little ski-fit before hitting the real slopes. Snowboarding is popular at Snow Planet, and it’s a safe and easy place to learn to ride. You can even try out your jumps. Snow Planet is open every day, from 10am – 10pm (from 9am on weekends, school and public holidays). Take the Silverdale off ramp from SH1, turn left and then left again at Small Road. All the ski gear is available for hire – check out the prices here.

mmmmmmm……..Fresh Baked Bread

I have (like many people) a passion for good bread. I’m excited to have Wild Wheat on the Shore now (originally in Mt Eden) and visit a few times a week to buy my bread. This is the good stuff, mainly artisan and mainly sourdough (their apple based starter is reputedly 10 years old!). If you think sourdough bread is not to your liking, put your prejudices aside and go sample some of the Wild Wheat product. It’s wonderful! I’m slowly working my way through all the flavours, and standouts for me are the fruit bread, the baguette (ooh that deep crust!) and the kumara sourdough. The breadmaking process takes about 36 hours, which helps to develop the great flavour, as well as making the bread far more digestible. It also keeps really well – just wrap it in a clean tea towel and store in the pantry. This is bread the way it used to be made and the way bread should taste. Wild Wheat Bakery also has cakes and other sweet things, and you can pick up a great sandwich for lunch, then go eat it on Takapuna Beach. Wild Wheat is located at 1/69 Lake Road, Belmont (the Takapuna store has closed down but you can buy the whole range of breads everyday at Farro Fresh in Constellation Drive. You can check out the range of products and some background information on the Wild Wheat website.