The Takapuna Night Market is just a perfect opportunity to sample some tasty local food stalls and…read moresee what the crafty designers are making and selling at the stalls. I popped in early to the markets and watched them set up this afternoon as the bright fall sun beamed happily away, and could sense a real peace and serenity of the community markets. Stall owners happily chit chatted away to each other, as they completed last minute preparation of food. I walked past a organic fruit stall from Kumeu named Fruit Bros the two guys selling apples, pears, and green and purple grapes were young hip guys, and raved that they had spray free organic fruit. They gave me a free apple for my little one to have, and since I was out of fruit at home, I promised them I would return with some cash from the ATM. I love the setting, it's relaxed, and placed right on and around Hurstmere Green, you have a lot of neat natural wooden seats to chill on, and beautiful trees and plants surround the grounds. I love the variety of food as well- Indian, Mexican, European, to name a few and lots of delicious dessert stalls too, they have the Spanish Churros stall which is to die for. A perfect finish to a hard worked Thursday.

Takapuna Beach Night Markets are not to be missed!…read more Happening every Thursday night in the summer season from 5pm to 9pm, they bring together both locals and newcomers to the area to consume street food and just have a jolly good time! While day markets are cool too, night markets tend to have a completely different atmosphere. All the stalls lit up against the inky blackness, in the balmy humidity that constitute Auckland summer nights is a really cool sight to see and is popular for this very reason. Watch out for the Austrian specialty sweet treat 'Sweet Chimneys ' -so good they make me happy when skies are grey. If you choose too you could also whip down to Takapuna Beach for a night swim while your in the area too if the mood takes you!

I love craft markets and thoroughly enjoyed this one. So many unique products that are made with…read morelove. I particularly loved the little stall that offers girls' dresses. All the designs looked so sweet. Nice, high-quality products and a great atmosphere with a crafting area for kids and a small band outside in the food area. The "fine food" part of this market was also made the trip to Devonport worth it. I tried the gelato, the crumpet stall and the taco truck -- all very good. Had the Strawberries and Cream gelato and it was just so perfect -- reminds me of the ones we had in Italy. And the single scoop in a cone that I got for NZ$5 was really big! Had the chili con carne taco from the taco truck, that was very tasty and had a refreshing cilantro-lemon twist to it. It was my first time to try a crumpet so I picked the one with hummus and sun-dried tomato -- also very tasty.

This sweet handcrafted market is hosted in the Devonport Community House the last Sunday of every…read moremonth! There's children's toys and clothing, jewellery, art, beautiful soaps and candles and delicious preserves. Perfect for finding one of kind gifts or treasures for the home. Unfortunately, when I went, I didn't have much cash on me but managed to scrap together some coins to buy two small jars of chutney (mango and one that's similar to Branston) from Thelma, the lovely lady who makes a fabulous ranges of preserves, jams and chutney. Oh, and if the juices/smoothie stall is there it's not to be missed. At only $5 a pop they are an absolutely steal!

Beyond beautiful blooms. We ordered a selection of large vases and large casket topper for our…read moremother's funeral. The flowers, colours and compositions were outstanding and we were blown away by the skill and artistry from Flower Wholesalers. With gorgeous large purple hydrangea, hot pink gerberas and stock of the deepest raspberry the selection was truly impactful and WOW. Would highly recommend them to anyone who needs the best possible display.

My wife is an avid floral designer, and has recently completed a tough three week course in…read moreBrisbane. So she is all excited about getting stuck into the creation of bouquets, bunches and table displays. We normally cruise to the market to get the flowers we need, but when time is limited, then we head to Takapuna's premier florist and flower wholesaler. Their stock is limited, but there is normally enough to create a masterpiece that will bring tears to the eyes of the recipient. I like to tag along, as they can make up bunches to order, and for a guy on the move, I'm always using the visits as a good excuse to get gifts for all the staff who've done me favours in recent days. So our visit is a win win situation. The staff are helpful and friendly, and the shop is easy to access from the motorway, plus there is always parking right in front.

Davina and the team at Vida Flores is fantastic for Special Event flowers - adding that special…read moresomething without costing an arm and a leg. I used Vida Flores to do some statement "pieces" for a recent party and got a lot of comments and requests for "who had done the flowers". A very large amethyst vase/hurricane lamp from Ambiance was filled with Stocks in shades of purple and mauve, a bowl of pale mauve roses and another of Icelandic poppies were among the standout pieces. I have seen some other functions that Davina has done the flowers for and am always amazed at the creativity and the result. I would definitely recommend using Vida Flores for an event or when you want to "say it with flowers"!!

Vida Flores recently did the flowers for my mum's birthday soiree we had at home. The lovely owner,…read moreDavina personally came over the day before the event and whipped up the bouquets onsite - which, considering we live on a the shore, would have been a bit of a trek. I couldn't believe: a) how quickly she whipped up each arrangement b) how easy she made it look c) how stunning the final result was (see pictures) This will definitely be my first port of call next time i'm in the market for flowers! Oh, and apparently they also have a 'flower school' where you can learn how to make gorgeous DIY arrangements at home. Count me in!

I'm just going to put it out there - I LOVE Florists. For starters, who doesn't love being…read moresurprised with a big bunch of fresh flowers! Noone, that who. Whether is a birthday, anniversary or just to tell someone that you're thinking of them, they are perfect for every occasion. On top of this fresh flowers do wonders in a room. I genuinely find I am happier when i've got a bunch in a vase. Ok, so now that I have voiced my love of flowers, let's talk about Roses specifically. Roses is as good as a local florist gets. Firstly, their staff are super knowledgable, helpful and they listen to what you want. Secondly, they always have a gorgeous range of flowers and a couple of unique plants. And thirdly, their card range is legit! On my most recent visit I also discovered that they have those washable paper bag/pot type things, you know the ones that you see in all the trendy cafes these days. I got a white one with big black crosses and have put a large orchid in it - looks wonderful! Unfortunately, Roses is a bit of a trek for me but if you live in the area and are looking for a florist this should mos def be your no. 1 port of call.

I was organising a pageant for the African community in Auckland as part of a fundraising…read moreinitiative for the African Welfare. Everything was running smoothly until it hit me that I hadn't ordered any flowers for the winners. All I had done was write budget that included 3 bouquets of flowers for $50. With the amount I was willing to spend, I wasn't expecting anything amazing. I ended up calling Roses on Friday afternoon to arrange 3 bouquets to be picked up on Saturday at 2pm. I told the florist to surprise me and just give me what they could. On saturday, the day of the pageant I got so overwhelmed I forgot to pick up the flowers. Thankfully I got a call and when I explained I wouldn't make it to the florist before it closed, the florist offered to leave the flowers at the shop next door to be picked up and I could leave the money there. When the flowers finally arrived to the venue, they where so beautiful and I could not believe I had only spent $50.

I would just like to preface by stating that I ordered online via the Best Blooms website from…read moreacross the globe for someone very dear to me for Valentine's Day, and it was the best experience i've ever had with a florist, truly. The customer service was communicative, responsive, timely and more than anything genuine. The florists were extremely receptive to my requests, and the arrangement that was delivered was IMMACULATE! The blooms of the orchids were of utmost quality, and I could not have dreamed for a better bouquet to be in the hands of someone so dear to me. Thank you so much Best Blooms for your unparalleled service, quality and efficiency. I will certainly be using your services again, and will recommend you very highly to others! All the best from Miami Beach, Florida!

This florist is amazing! I ordered flowers off their website from Florida, and they were…read moredelivered, fresh and beautiful, literally 2 hours later. I highly recommend!

I keep forgetting about this florist, but whenever I drive by and remember, it is totally worth it!…read more They seem to have two levels of flowers - outside they have really nice flowers that are only a few dollars a bunch, and then you can take them home and do whatever you like with them - make up your own bouquet and give it to someone, or brighten up your own day. And then inside, they have fancier quality more expensive flowers that you can buy by the stalk if you wish, or buy all the pieces you want and get them to make up your bouquet. But seriously, who can pass up a bunch of fancy flowers for only a few dollars - buy them for yourself and put a smile on your face!

I've been to Britomart Florist a couple of times and would go back again…read more The first time I just wanted to pick up a little 'thank you' bouquet on the way to work, and since I take the train into Britomart everyday, it was convenience more than anything that lead me there. I was really pleased with what I got though; for around $20 I got a little self-watering bouquet, with heaps of fresh flowers, nestled into a pretty white box. It came in a really smart bag with sturdy cord carry handles, and inside that was beautifully parceled up in cellophane and ribbon, and looked amazing. For my second visit I ordered a substantial bouquet of sympathy flowers. The florist took my order really quickly and knew exactly what I had in mind without me having to really think about it. I pre-paid and the bouquet I picked up teh next day was incredible.

On the look out for a flower arrangement that suited the person I was buying for, I spied one that…read morehad all the right array of colours and brilliance. Only problem was it looked terribly sad - some of the flowers were dying. I took it to the owner and asked if she could make it up again with new flowers. She happily obliged, and speedily went to work piecing it together. She asked me what coloured paper and ribbons I would like, and made sure I was happy with the flowers. It cost me $1 extra, but I didn't mind. Her attitude impressed me. They have a nice variety here and cute additions, like teddy bears and balloons. I really like the location being in Britomart, because whether you're coming and going in the city, it takes very little out of your day to drop in and buy a bouquet for your loved one.