My Auckland: Mount Eden

Hannah Kaye walks her dog Biff at Kings Reserve. Photo / Richard Robinson

Hannah Kaye has adopted Mt Eden as her favourite Auckland suburb, having lived there for three years. She tells Rebecca Kamm why she likes it so much.

The thing I like about Mt Eden is that it's so leafy and green, with access to nice places like Three Kings Reserve. It has a great community feel, too - not too busy, and central enough to get around easily.

I've lived here about three years. Originally because it was close to university and there were lots of student flats. Now I'm a dance educator for the Royal New Zealand Ballet - I go out to primary schools in Auckland and run workshops. It's very satisfying, not many kids have had experience with ballet or dance so seeing their confidence grow is very rewarding.

My favourite Mt Eden cafe is Frasers. It's really popular, they have great food and these amazing macaroon biscuits which are one of the main reasons I go. There's also nice art on the walls and it has quite extended hours, so you can always go there and grab something.

There's a little independent bookstore and tea shop called Chapter, which I love too.

I eat a lot at an Indian restaurant called Simla. And there's an amazing store called the The Candyman that sells awesome international candy and chocolate.

I go to the little delicatessan next to the Salvation Army a fair bit. It's near the end of Mt Eden Rd, really tiny but they have great olives and nice things like that.

When it comes to grabbing a drink, De Post Belgian Beer Cafe is a favourite, with an excellent atmosphere and quality beer and food.

I love the Red Cross and Salvation Army second-hand stores. I go to them often and always find cool little treasures.

The Mt Eden pools are good, too. They're just before you get into the village - quite small, but there's a spa and steam room. It's really nice because it's not as busy as the Newmarket Pools - a bit of a hidden gem really.

Hannah's picks

Chapter 442 Mt Eden Rd, ph (09) 623 2319.

Simla 451 Mt Eden Rd, ph (09) 630 7306.

Frasers Cafe & Espresso Bar 434 Mt Eden Rd, ph (09) 630 6825.

Mt Eden Swimming Pool 30a Bellevue Rd, ph (09) 630 1123.

Be in to win

Weekend Life and the Royal New Zealand Ballet have a wonderful ballet experience to give away.

One double pass to The Sleeping Beauty (A-reserve tickets) valued at $170; a selection of Tamsin Cooper for the Royal New Zealand Ballet The Sleeping Beauty accessories (linen shoe bag, velvet sleep mask, silk headband and brooch); and a luxury night at CityLife (includes a deluxe suite, pre-show dinner and breakfast for two, overnight valet car parking).

We also have four consolation prizes of A-reserve double passes valued at $170.

To enter visit nzherald.co.nz/weekend, enter your details and the keywords "Sleeping Beauty" by midnight, Wednesday, November 23.

* The Royal New Zealand Ballet Meridian Season of The Sleeping Beauty will run in Auckland from November 30-December 4. Call (09) 381 9000.