This is such a cool store, one of the go to options for when I have to buy gifts because everything…read morethere is unique. Even though it is New Zealand designed and made, there is not too much kiwiana, that makes for good gifts for tourists or people you know who are overseas but much of the store is just products created by amazingly talented people of whom Texan Art Schools bring collectively into their store. You'll find textiles, glass, ceramics, jewelry and prints here as well as what I think must be feijoa candles because the store smells of feijoas. A while back I purchased some amazing glass vases and a dish for myself and had wanted to go back and get another colour of one of the vases. It was gone. So lesson here is that you need to just buy it at the time. Stock is often limited.

The first time I saw this place, I walked past it wondering what an earth a Texan Art schools shop…read morewas doing in the NorthWest mall!? Maybe it had something to do with the 'Wild West'!? The window display sent that theory straight out the window - not a cactus in sight, a cowboy or desert-scape! Well, it turns out this place has nothing to do with Texas or Texan Art Schools - the name is simply a play on words: Tech n' Art schools. Apparently, if you say it really fast three times, you end up saying Texan Art Schools! Right, now that we've got that cleared up let's focus on what these guys specialize in! Basically, you'll find a nice range of hand-made pottery, jewelry, prints and other hand crafted items by New Zealand artists. Plenty of Kiwi motifs and themes to choose from, so an ideal place for a spot of souvenir shopping. Prices seem to be on par with other souvenir style arts and crafts stores.

I have never been a student at Unitec but I have attended events at the tech. I remember going to…read moreUnitec as part of a high school trip for some business studies group I was in. I loved the learning environment, everyone was so friendly to us plus the food served at the food courts are decent. The subway there doesn't raction out ingredients, you actually get your money's worth. Another things about Unitec is the events hosted there, sounds in the sun is the perfect example of how green and beautiful the tech is. It's away from the hustle and bustle of the city, meaning parkinf there is in abundance. First come first serve but at least it's there.

Located off busy Carrington Road in Mt Albert, Unitec is one of the leading technical universities…read morein New Zealand. Specialising the hands-on, more creative courses like Graphic Design, Filmmaking and Building, Unitec offers fantastic tertiary programmes that are now recognised and valued overseas. Though I haven't personally attended Unitec, I really wish I had. I completed a BA degree at Auckland Uni and not a day goes by that I don't consider studying film or photography at Unitec. This isn't helped by the fact that I live right beside it, and am constantly impressed by the different events that are held on Unitec's grounds. Moreover, I am constantly envious of the grounds themselves. Unlike other university campuses in Auckland, Unitec offers its students free onsite parking, and dozens of appealing outdoor, spacious areas in which to study or sun yourself during breaks. The fields at Unitec are great. Despite being located within the realm of central Auckland, when on the Unitec campus you feel somewhat removed from it all. And unlike other universities, the atmosphere at Unitec is really welcoming and relaxed. If I ever go back to study, it will be at Unitec! Tip: The Unitec carparks are a great place to learn to drive. The little roads connecting each building are relatively traffic free during the weekend so are the perfect place to get used to driving and parking!

You simply have to try this cafe. Variety of menu options and cafe atmosphere will provide even the…read moremost selective patron something to enjoy. Fun to find cafes where expectations from yelp reviews are exceeded!

I arrived at around midday for lunch at Bungalo with my partners mum and sister, with us also our…read morewee babies both under six months old. Great parking at the back of the building which is an old bungalow house converted into a cafe, of the same name! Clean and stylishly decorated inside and out, the outdoor patio/deck is perfect for a sunny warm day eating our meals. I ordered mince on toast off the menu at the counter, and was visually tempted by lovely sweet eats at the counter display- such as chocolate brownies and fruity muffins. I have to say the views out the back are lovely, looking back towards Auckland the City of Sails, and if you love a nice strong cup of smooth coffee you are sitting in the right cafe. A perfect spot to meet friends for a catch up also and they are child and baby friendly which is a plus. Delightful and Airy and sunny just a great cafe.