My Secret Auckland: Puka Moeau shares his favourite spots in the city

Puka Moeau says Hansan Vietnamese restaurant in Panmure has always been his go-to when it comes to dining out with friends. Photo / Supplied

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

Favourite beach?

Ōkahu Bay is right next to Kelly Tarlton’s and growing up, we would go to Ōkahu Bay and tell everyone that Kelly Tarlton’s sourced all their sharks locally and that at the end of the day they would let them all out back into the harbour. It was a little bit mean but it’s a funny memory me and my brothers look back on fondly.

Favourite brunch spot?

Sunday morning market at the Auckland Netball Centre. There are sooo many different food trucks for a great brunch. I usually go with a pork and egg roll from one of the trucks and then a sugar cane juice from one of the fruit stalls.

Favourite restaurant for dinner with friends?

My go-to when it comes to dinner has always been Hansan Vietnamese restaurant in Panmure. I have never been dissatisfied. The food is great, the service is quick, and they were the first place I ever went that had the robot servers

Favourite place to take a visitor to?

Coming from the East Coast and being that most my visitors are from down there, Rainbows End is always the clear winner. There’s nothing else like it in Aotearoa. Never disappoints – but try to be there early!

Favourite spot to finish a night out?

Island Gelato Co in Mission Bay is a great place to just wind down after a night with your mates. I find that gelato instead of ice cream sounds just fancy enough to pique your friends’ interest.

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Favourite place to get coffee?

Merchants Espresso and Eatery on Apirana Ave is where me and my Dad go for a morning hot drink. Friendly. Local. What more can you ask for?

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Favourite fish-and-chip shop?

Super Wok Takeaways on West Tamaki Rd is our local shop. Honestly, I think I’ve only ever been to one other in Auckland.

Favourite trail for a hike?

Hūnua Falls was probably the best Auckland trail I ever did. The payoff of a swim at the end is the best.

Favourite venue for a gig?

My first ever gig was at Te Oro in Glen Innes so that place will always have big meaning for me.

Favourite place to find a bargain?

Martha’s Backyard is an American store on Mt Wellington Highway that has all kinds of foods you see in American movies. This might be a bit niche but there’s a reason why movies promote certain brands and when you get to see them and try them for the first time, it feels pretty cool.

See Puka Moeau in Nightsong’s The Worm, playing April 8-11 at The Pou Theatre, April 14-19 at The PumpHouse Theatre and April 25 at Māngere Arts Centre. Book at https://www.nightsong.co.nz/the-worm.