A Kiwi recommends ... Queensland's Sunshine Coast

Hit the water in Noosa. Photo / Supplied

Martin Duncan is the owner of Freestyle Experiences, a Sunshine Coast food ambassador and a supporter of local food producers.

SEE

Best beach? This is a tricky one because I have two favourites: Mooloolaba because there's a great fish and chippie place at the Spit. Noosa is another favourite, as I can sit on the beach with a Massimo ice-cream.

Best walk? Kondalilla Falls.

Best adventure? target="_blank">Big Kart Track.

Best view? From Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve, the view of Glasshouse Mountains is to die for.

Best kept secret? Andy Goldsworthy's cairn sculpture, deep in rainforest.

Best water activity? Paddle boarding at Noosa.

Best place to swim? Kondalilla Falls or Pumicestone Passage at Caloundra.

TASTE

Best coffee spot? La Botiga at Mapleton.

Best spot to get an ice cream? Massimo's Gelateria at Hastings St, in Noosa, or Colin James Fine Foods in Maleny.

Best picnic spot? Lake Baroon at Pocket Dam or at Mooloolaba Beach.

What's the best local produce? Mmm, I love Richard Mohan's Padron Peppers and Trevor Hart's Cedar Street Cheeserie. All produce here is amazing.

Where should we eat? Berardo's on the beach at Noosa or Spirit House at 20 Ninderry Rd in Yandina

Looking for something special for dinner? The Long Apron at Spicers Clovelly in Montville.

Where to hang out when the sun goes down? Noosa Surf Club or Mooloolaba Surf Club, Miss Moneypenny's or the Sheraton's bar, which are both on Hastings St and have a real cool vibe.

PLAY

Best shop? There are two menswear shops I love on Hastings Rd at Noosa. For food, go to Belmondos Organic Market, at Noosa, or Jeffers' Market at Yandina.

Don't miss ... The Noosa International Food & Wine Festival (May) and the Real Food Festival (September).

It's worth paying for ... Australia Zoo.

Be one of the first to ... complete the entire art gallery trail.

Best sporting event to catch? The Noosa/Mooloolaba triathlon.

Best cultural activity in the area? Noosa Jazz.

STAY

Best place to rest your head? This would be the Montville Country Cabins, which are tucked in beautiful gardens and the rainforest. Their awesome secret is rain on a tin roof - they even have a rainmaker when there is no rain. It's the best lullaby to fall to sleep to.

Highly recommended accommodation? The Outrigger at Noosa is nestled in rainforest, close to the beach and the action, yet separate enough for you to enjoy peace and quiet. Plus, they have Stephanie's day spa.

Favourite hotel near by? I love, love the Sunshine Coast Hinterland (it reminds me of NZ) and I adore both Spicers properties - Tamarind and Spicers Clovelly.

Best sunset view? At the lighthouse end of Mooloolaba Beach looking back to Mooloolaba is truly special.

Best beach or park? The Boat Shed at Cotton Tree beach with your favourite tipple ... magic.

Best place to be pampered? Clinic Aroma is my favourite place to be treated by masseuse Nida, who makes up aromatherapy oils to suit you.

Favourite spa? Casa Di Natura is simply amazing.