A Kiwi recommends ... Australia's Gold Coast

Surfing or body boarding at Snapper Rocks in Coolangatta is a great way to spend the day. Photo / Creative Commons image by Flickr user Rob Deutscher

Each week, expat Kiwis tell us what they most love about living by Queensland's beaches. Today we hear from Kirsten Wise from Cruise Traveller.

SEE

Best beach? Rainbow Bay down at Coolangatta offers a beautiful view of the Gold Coast skyline where you can sit with a beer, watch the sun set over the hinterland and, if you're lucky, see whales breach.

Best walk? Burleigh Head National Park. It's a stunning walk with two options through rainforest or along the coast.

Best adventure? Jetboat Extreme in Surfers. You'll be surprised how fast and powerful the jetboat is.

Best view? SkyPoint at the top of Q1. It's a fast and fun elevator ride to Level 77 and you can see right up to Stradbroke, down to Coolangatta and over to Mt Tambo.

When kiwis visit, they love ... Walking through Cavill mall and on up to the beach. You really feel like you're on holiday looking at the high-rises and having your feet in soft sand and warm water.

Best kept secret? Ferry Road Market in Southport.

Best water activity? Surfing or body boarding at Snapper Rocks or Narrowneck.

Best place to swim? Broadwater Parklands has new pools which are fantastic for training, and they also have a protected area of the river you can swim in.

TASTE

Best coffee spot? Coffee Sisters in Broadbeach Waters.

Best spot to get an icecream? Movenpick has a little icecreamery in Cavill mall.

Best picnic spot? Burleigh Hill overlooking the ocean. Grassy, sunny and it is perfect for groups of friends having a picnic, or sharing a bottle of wine with your other half.

Where's the best local produce? The farmers' market at the Gold Coast Turf Club every Sunday.

Looking for something special for dinner? Hellenika at Nobby Beach is delicious. Try their banquet menu.

Where to hang out when the sun goes down? Stingray Lounge at the QT Hotel is very popular. Also, Black Coffee Lyrics which is hidden in a sneaky little alleyway in the middle of town.

PLAY

Best shop? Robina Town Centre has everything under one roof.

Don't miss ... The theme parks - they offer good value with their three-park pass options.

It's worth paying for ... A stretch limo with a group of friends and a bottle of champagne.

Be one of the first to ... See the sunrise over the ocean at 4.30am in summer time.

Best sporting event to catch? Super Rugby at Metricon Stadium is special, especially if a New Zealand team is playing.

STAY

Highly recommended accommodation? Breakfree Diamond Beach in Broadbeach is great if you have kids. For the grown-ups, the InterContinental Hotel at Sanctuary Cove is serious luxury.

Favourite hotel near by? Sheraton Mirage Gold Coast.

RELAX

Best sunset view? Helm Bar in Surfers Paradise. It's on the river and has live music and good food.

Best beach or park? Tallebudgera Creek is a beautiful spot for all ages.

Best place to be pampered? Lella Hammam Moroccan Bath & Spa in Bundall.