My Secret Auckland: Laura Hill shares her favourite spots in the city

Laura Hill is best known for her role as Toni on "Shortland Street".

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

Favourite beach?

For a quick dip, I nip to Pt Chev because it’s close but if I want to laze around, it’s out to Cornwallis – set up a picnic blanket under a pōhutukawa, bring some nibbles and a good book and you’re set for hours. And if it gets warm enough and the tide’s in, stroll out for a gentle dunking. If I fancy something more adventurous, it’s Karekare for some rugged beauty.

Brunch spot?

Have to represent for my local out west: Burnt Butter. Even though they have more room now, they’re still so popular there are queues out the door on the weekend. Honourable mention to the potato skins at Rosebank Kitchen.

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Best restaurant for dinner with friends?

To be honest, “dinner with friends” is usually takeout at home (shout out to the burger boys out west: Baby G and Lucky G – no relation) but if I’m venturing into town, it’s hard to go past Tanuki’s Cave, a perennial fave.

The place to take a visitor to?

I was actually really impressed last time I wandered around the Viaduct and Wynyard Quarter and I’m excited to see what the new development (Te Ara Tukutuku) will look like. Farther inland, I have a real soft spot for Mt Eden for the views, followed by a visit to the village – some shopping at Time Out bookshop and a drink and a nibble at any of the great joints there.

Best spot to finish a night out?

It’s only just opened but I know it’s going to become a fave: The Meeting Place by Tony’s on Wellesley St – a brand-new lounge bar attached to a restaurant legend. Great for a pre- or post-show cocktail, or if there’s a wait for a table next door. Love the Art Deco vibes and the details: Ice cubes with a bespoke stamp, skull heads on the cocktail sticks.

Best coffee?

I don’t drink coffee but even I know the best place is Miller’s Coffee on Cross St.

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Favourite fish-and-chip shop?

The one near my house because it means I’ll be home on the couch soon. They used to do fish, chips and a sausage for $7.50 – no more alas, but their serving of bami goreng will last you three meals easily.

Hiking trail?

If it’s not a rugged west coast beach, it’s a western bush trail. Start at Arataki Visitor Centre, or do one of the dam walks.

Venue for a gig?

A theatre. Any theatre. From the Civic to the Basement, Tapac to Te Pou. Love the live experience.

Best spot for a bargain?

Kmart. I’m keeping it real, guys. For local gifts: Moana Fresh in Avondale, Crushes on K Rd, or The Green Dolphin on Pitt St for excellently curated second-hand books.

See Laura Hill in Tadpole Productions’ The Queen’s Nanny, on at The PumpHouse Theatre, Takapuna, from May 14-24. Tickets available at pumphouse.co.nz.