Designed for fun

Cairnbrae Reserve playground, at 48 Topliss Drive, Northcross, has been recently renovated with a new shade sail, updated and more interesting play equipment, better surfacing, and new plants and landscaping. It’s giving local kids more reason to head out for active fun.

Art and inspiration

As part of DEPOT's 30th anniversary programme for 2026, DEPOT Artspace presents 'Paintress', a solo exhibition by artist Jessica Pearless. Through carefully constructed surfaces, spatial interventions and textile-based works, 'Paintress' considers painting as an embodied act of making. The exhibition's title reclaims the historic term 'paintress' once used to distinguish women painters, transforming it into a contemporary declaration of artistic agency. 22 August – 3 October. Admission: Free. DEPOT Artspace, 28 Clarence Street, Devonport. depot.org.nz

Authentic BBQ

Smokeland BBQ has brought its “low and slow” cooking to the North Shore with its latest smokehouse restaurant opening in Belmont. They use real fire and wood smoke to make you those melt-in-your-mouth smoky flavours. Whether you’re craving brisket or ribs, pulled pork, burgers or loaded fries, they have you covered. Open Wednesday-Monday, 11.30am – 8.30pm, 131 Lake Road. smokelandbbqbelmont.co.nz

Craving great shopping

I’m so excited to find one of my favourite gift and homewares stores has recently opened a second location in Milford, a companion to the original store in Birkenhead. Cravehome is packed with elegant and beautiful pieces that you’ll love to own or give as a gift. From must-have accessories, gorgeous baby clothes and toys, candles, lotions and sweet scents, through to those artistic homeware pieces that add a designer's touch to your home. Weekdays 9.30am – 5.30pm, Saturday 9.30am – 4.30pm, Sunday 10am – 4pm. 150 Kitchener Road, Milford. cravehome.co.nz

The most scenic marathon

North Shore Marathon is possibly New Zealand's most scenic marathon with sections along Milford, Takapuna and Cheltenham beaches and a circuit around historic Maungauika/North Head. It’s on again on the first Sunday in September, which is also Father's Day! Options include marathon, half-marathon, quarter marathon, 5kms or kids mile. Sunday 6 September. Register to run at northshoremarathon.co.nz.

Release the stress

Stress Be Gone, a Westlake Girls Y13 business studies group, has some great ideas to relieve pressure during challenging times. Their Stress Relief Kit is designed to help you relax and recharge with a stress ball, a fidget toy keychain, joke cards to lighten up your day, and textured pencils for comfort while writing. Prettily packaged, the kits cost $12, and while originally conceived for busy students, they can support wellbeing for anyone. Contact them on Instagram to order or enquire: @_stress_be_gone