Travelling with children can be a daunting and tiring experience, and with airlines milking the…read moreluggage weight costs, it can be very expensive to include enough toys to keep the young ones entertained. When my sister in law and her little darling daughter came over for a three-week visit, she simply couldn't bring along Louise's toys, so we arranged to collect some from the Northcote Toy Library. The library offers a great service, and as a national body, allows parents to access toys for children without the big cash required for a purchase. This is a great opportunity to use their services when you need it, and then to donate to when you are able to give back to society. I know I will.

I know it's kind of weird to review a post shop but i've been going to this one for year and in…read morerecent years they've really picked up their game. It started when they combined forces with Kiwibank but even more recently than that they redesigned the layout and now have self service counter and a designated "greeter" at the door. My one complaint is that they don't sell single envelopes? I mean, I just want to send a letter to my nana and you are telling me I have to buy 20 envelopes....ridiculous!

This the coolest design you will find of a library, and not only do I think this, but the…read morearchitecture who designed it has won a NZ Architecture Award for Public Architecture and also other awards for sustainability and environmental design. Home to a number of favourites, such as the Plunket Birkenhead Workshop, and the best children's reading area, and outdoor play balcony I have seen yet. I appreciate that my child gets the freedom to walk around a kids zone, and have time outside inside of a library which is not common. Stunning panorama if your in the need of some time out or inspiration while you write or read or study, on the upstairs level. Exceptional librarian's staff this library and are always keen to help me find a book, a movie or log in to the free Internet. Take this opportunity to experience an excellent Auckland City Library.

This is definitely one of the best libraries I have visited in Auckland, it is modern and has the…read moremost awesome views of the city, I come here sometimes just to see the views they really are magnificent. The staff are also very friendly and helpful. I come here often to attend the Wriggle and Rhyme sessions which are quite good - more details on their website. Upstairs also has a little dedicated area for kids which is quite nice and an outdoor area so you can once again enjoy the views. In the same premises you will also find the Citizens Advice Bureau and Plunket. The library also has a cute little playground for the kids just outside.

My first visit to the Takapuna Library was for a Wriggle and Rhyme when my little boy was only a…read morefew months old. They still do I realise have the class once a week, during school term and it is a fabulous way to meet other mums on the shore, or in your area. This class takes place in the upstairs corner section where the children's books can be found. Since that visit many months ago, I have been back a few more times with the little guy as I find the children's section has a nice space with lots of great puzzles and books for my little boy to interact with. With easy access via the elevator you can take you children in with your pushchair if they are of the preschool age, always great for the mums or dads. Another plus for me, is that the library is located footsteps away from the beautiful beach, so on a sunny day I prefer to get some books and puzzles out from the library and then enjoy them down at the beach for some amazing scenery. The library has a cafe attached to the entrance as well for a bite to eat or a drink, so good to keep in mind- if your on a study break or on the go.

Takapuna Library reminds me of my school days. And I do actually feel a bit weird when I go back in…read morethere. Nothing to do with the library, it's me I think. As far as libraries go it's probably situated in one of the best locations - a one minute walk from Takapuna Beach. The Library itself is nice and open, no pokey little rooms just big, airy and light. The service is lovely. You know the standard ladies that make you feel like they are your nanas and you just want to be clutched to their bosom. It is pretty big and has a good selection of books. There is an area upstairs for the kiddies where pillows and bean bags fill a corner and you can just sit and chill the day away. There are also quiet study areas for students. The only issue I have is that some things are hard to find, but this might be me being not very good at libraries rather than their fault. There's also a little café at the entrance with good coffee. Lovely.

The Westhaven Marina adds a lot of beauty and interest to the Auckland waterfront, and helps us…read moreclaim it as a true "city of sails". The marina has a surprising number of services for yachties as well, even clothes washing machines are hidden in some of the shower/toilet blocks for the full-time residents. For those with smaller boats Pier Z has a launching ramp, as well as a busy café and a whole bunche of charter boats (mainly fishing) that go in and out all day. There is also a spiffing new shower block available for public use. If you're not a boatie, the marina still makes an excellent location for a flat, scenic walk or run close to the CBD.