My Secret Auckland: Actor Bronwyn Ensor shares her favourite spots in the city

Bronwyn Ensor is back on the boards for Auckland Theatre Company’s return season of Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express playing 7-22 Feb at ASB Waterfront Theatre. Photo / Supplied

In this Herald on Sunday series, we ask well-known Aucklanders for their favourite spots in the city. This week, actor Bronwyn Ensor takes us on a tour of her top places.

Favourite beach?

I’m a bit scared of the ocean, so swimming at Piha is off the cards, but when I need a break from that inner-city-living life, I go out there. I stand close enough to the ocean that the waves coming in fill up my peripheral vision, and let myself be awed by the expanse. If you ever see a fully clothed white lady staring at the ocean at Piha for an extended period of time, it’s probably me.

Favourite brunch spot?

Honey Bones in Grey Lynn. Their Cilbir Eggs, every time.

Favourite restaurant for dinner with friends?

It almost feels cliche, but Coco’s Cantina. Perfect for any shade of hang — birthdays, tearful hand-holding rants with friends, hot dates, not-as-hot dates, a quick bite before a show, a solo happy hour pasta, group dinners. I did a “trust the chef” situation there for my birthday a few years ago with a big group of friends and it was excellent, highly recommend! Also, a shout out to their staff. I don’t know where they find these people, but hell are they good at their job. They make you feel like their best friend, while also getting the job done with professionalism and ease.

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Favourite place to take a visitor to?

I love a park. I’m a little obsessed with Western Park in Ponsonby and also the Domain. Both have deeply strange and excellent trees to marvel at. Alongside marvelling at trees, I’d take a visitor shopping and cafe-hopping in Ponsonby, or swing by the museum in the Domain and see what the latest exhibition is.

Favourite spot to finish a night out?

Circle K dairy on the corner of Mercury Lane and K Rd for an ice cream or perhaps a dusty toastie.

Favourite place to get coffee?

When I’m working from home, Mutual Friends, tucked away in Morgan St in Newmarket. Or if I’m working from the office, Bestie Cafe in St Kevin’s Arcade — a staple!

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Favourite fish and chip shop?

I’m going to pivot this and turn it into favourite takeaways: Koroko Kitchen in Grafton. My flatmates and I are obsessed with their chicken katsu curry.

Favourite trail for a hike?

Linked to my favourite beach excursion, the Maungaroa Lookout Track out at Piha. Perfect amount of cardio to get the blood pumping; beautiful, lush foliage to calm the nervous system; and stunning views at the top, especially on a clear day.

Favourite venue for a gig?

It’s criminal how few gigs I go to, but I’ll count low-fi, gloriously handmade theatre shows as gigs, so: Basement Theatre. Again, an Auckland staple!

Favourite place to find a bargain?

Opshops in Devonport. My taste in most things is way too expensive for what I actually earn, so I’ll take the castaways of people who earn more than me, thank you very much.

Bronwyn Ensor is back on the boards for Auckland Theatre Company’s return season of Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express playing Feb 7-22 at ASB Waterfront Theatre.