House of Travel chief executive David Coombes. Photo / Corey Fleming
In this Herald on Sunday series, we ask well-known Aucklanders for their favourite spots in the city. This week, David Coombes, travel commentator and House of Travel CEO, takes us on a tour of his top places.
Favourite beach?
So many to choose from, but for me, it’s got to be Kohi Beach. I’m lucky enough to live near it, so it’s a part of my every day - whether I’m going for a swim, walking the dog, exploring the eastern bays by paddleboard, or simply grabbing a coffee and taking in the ever-changing views. I’ve been fortunate enough to visit many cities around the world, which has given me a huge appreciation for how lucky we are in Auckland to have so many fantastic beaches on our doorstep.
Favourite brunch spot?
I can never resist Odettes at City Works Depot because there’s always something appealing and a bit different on the menu, though I’ll admit, it’s hard to go past their chilli scrambled eggs! And when in town, I always grab one of the best sourdough loaves you’ll ever get your hands on from Fort Greene on K’ Road to take home. It’s hard to leave with just one loaf!
Favourite restaurant for dinner with friends?
One of my favourite things about travelling is eating and drinking local. For the same reason, when friends from overseas come to Tāmaki Makaurau, I take them to Depot. It’s got fresh Kiwi produce, friendly hospitality, and a buzzy atmosphere, with shared plates perfect for a group of mates. Fresh oysters, melt-in-your-mouth snapper sliders and the moreish pork hock are guaranteed crowd favourites. It’s never let me down! Neither has Urbanaut in Kingsland, which is the place when craft beers and a smashburger are called for.
Favourite place to take a visitor to?
The Waitematā and Hauraki Gulf are two of my favourite places to showcase to visitors - world-class, without a doubt. If you can get your hands on a boat, do it, especially this time of year. Whether it’s to fish, island hop, take a dip, or enjoy a cold drink as the sun sets over the city skyline, it’s the perfect way to spend the day. No boat? No problem, there are plenty of ferry options. One of my favourite experiences to share with visiting friends and family is catching a ferry to Rangitoto to explore its unique landscape and walk to the summit, where we are always rewarded with stunning 360-degree views. I’ve also seen kayak tours leave from St Heliers, which I haven’t done yet but plan to this year.
Favourite spot to finish a night out?
I lived in New York for a while, so reminiscent of that city’s speakeasies is the dim-lit vibe and personally tailored cocktails of Caretaker, a favourite to finish off a night perfectly. At the other end of the spectrum is guilty pleasure Danny Doolan’s! I’d have been called out if I didn’t mention it because every visit from a certain group of friends guarantees we end up there. You know who you are...
Favourite place to get coffee?
This is a very big ask, narrowing down favourite coffee spots in a city with a fantastic, world-class coffee culture. In the interests of answering the question though, when I’m in the office, Kokako in Commercial Bay is my favourite for a caffeine hit. On weekends, I can’t go past new kids on the block at Wild Moon caravan right on the beach at Kohi. I love to grab a coffee, sit on the sea wall and enjoy the moment.
Favourite fish-and-chip shop?
I’m going to swing to places that I frequent more than the local fish and chip shop. For a weeknight catch-up with the school dads or a takeaway with my daughter, it’s the woodfired real-deal chewy, long-fermented pizza dough at The Hood in St Heliers. When my son and I feel like a burger it’s either Fat Puku’s in the city for delicious smashburgers, or Peach’s Hot Chicken in Panmure where he dares me to order the “Holy Cluck”, and usually I’m a sucker for it. I dare you!
Favourite trail for a hike?
Duder Regional Park offers different coastal and farmland walks, all with spectacular views and a Māori pā site. It’s a great spot any day, but I prefer Sundays - that way, I can stop by the Clevedon Farmers’ Market, stock up on fresh produce, grab breakfast, and then head to Duder to work it all off with a walk. By the time that’s finished I’m ready to refuel, so swing back home via Hallertau for a brew and a bite. It’s close to the city but has a casual, laid-back vibe, with a locally sourced, seasonal menu that’s both family and dog-friendly.
Favourite venue for a gig?
“Give it away, give it away, give it away now.” Over the last couple of years, I’ve re-lived the soundtrack of my uni days by going to see the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Foo Fighters and Pearl Jam, all of whom played at Mt Smart. So, my favourite venue picked itself by virtue of hosting the gigs I wanted to see for a blast from the past.
Favourite place to find a bargain?
I’m going to answer this by sharing one of my favourite quotes. It’s anonymous but applies to everyone. “Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.”