My Secret Auckland: Actress Olivia Tennet shares her favourite spots in the city

Olivia Tennet stars in Dynamotion’s A Christmas Crisis, on from December 10–20 at Q Theatre. Photo / Supplied

In this Herald on Sunday series, we ask well-known Aucklanders for their favourite spots in the city. This week, actress and dancer Olivia Tennet takes us on a tour of her top places.

Favourite beach?

French Bay for chilling and playing on the sand with the kid, Long Bay for swimming – pitch a beach shelter on the sand and get in and out of the water a million times.

Favourite brunch spot?

Lebanese Grocer. The falafel is unbeatable and I can never pass up the lemonade that comes in a different flavour daily. Delish.

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Favourite restaurant for dinner with friends?

Ima. I always leave here feeling nourished, cared for and with a real sense of community. A great choice for sharing dishes and getting to steal a bit of everyone’s meal which is handy because you’ll want to try it all.

Favourite place to take a visitor to?

Can I plan a whole day? We’d go for a walk in the Waitākeres, pick up a slice of pizza from Rosalia’s for lunch, spot of shopping along Karangahape Rd, dinner at Gemmayze Street or Coco’s Cantina, and finish with a gig or movie at the Civic.

Favourite spot to finish a night out?

Home?! Mama doesn’t get out much these days lol. But Goblin Bar or Nami Record Bar both look fun. God, that’s a bit tragic.

Favourite place to get coffee?

Vondel, Devonport. Love these guys. Get it to take away and walk along the beach and get some negative ions up in you.

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Favourite fish and chip shop?

Tipene’s Takeaways. Just do it.

Favourite trail for a hike?

Upper Nihotupu Dam Walk. Just up the road from us in Oratia. There are plenty of features, stops and views to keep it interesting and fun for kids. Waterfalls, rapids and a neat history – the walking trail is the metal road where the bush tram used to run when they were constructing the dam. Super cool.

Favourite venue for a gig?

Double Whammy. The venue upgrade is so good and the new space works so well. I’ll always remember Wine Cellar (RIP) fondly, but thank God it’s still a live venue, as this city desperately need them. Long live live art! It’s what makes a good city, great.

Favourite place to find a bargain?

Tatty’s Ponsonby. Their kids section is full of labels that I’d never buy full price for my son (sorry, kid!), but I’ve nabbed some absolute steals over the years. @welcomeback_slowfashion on Instagram too. Di has impeccable taste and all proceeds from sales going to a very worthy cause.

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Olivia Tennet stars in Dynamotion’s A Christmas Crisis, on from 10 – 20 December at Q Theatre. For tickets and more information, visit: https://www.qtheatre.co.nz/AChristmasCrisis