Volkswagen’s Little Legends: Cam, Oat Bros
The Volkswagen Polo is returning to New Zealand, so we’re teaming up with the Volkswagen Polo to meet some little legends of our own: the people behind the places that make Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch special. We handed each of them the keys and asked for their favourite spots.
I’m one half of the duo that run Oat Bros in Grey Lynn and Hamilton. We started it because we love being active, but we quickly realised pretty much the only food options available after training were pastries or an eggs bene. We wanted to fill that gap and make oats fun again.
What started as a bootleg trestle table setup at the beach has grown heaps, and now we’re about to have four locations! The best part has been the community that’s formed around it. Our run clubs and neighbourhood nights are a real highlight - I love the people we get to hang out with (and feed) every day.
That’s also what I like about Auckland. There’s so much going on across the city, whether you’re keen for North Shore beaches and Dom Road eateries or trying all the great stuff popping up around Karangahape Road and Ponsonby.
Between the stores and our run clubs, I’m always on the move. The Polo felt like a good fit for that, easy to zip around and super comfortable.
These are some of the Auckland spots I keep going back to.
Stand a chance to win a luxury weekend getaway in Auckland with the Volkswagen Polo by nominating your favourite local legend via the Little Legend Hub.
Pho Yen
There’s always a line, and it’s always worth the wait. Their menu only has a few options, which is part of the appeal. They know what they do and they do it well. Once you’ve been there, you’ll get it.
Amano
66 - 68, Tyler Street, Britomart Pl, Auckland
Consistently great value for money with something for everyone, any time of day. I love how you feel just as welcome walking in wearing a suit and tie or jeans and a T-shirt.
BeaBea’s Bakery
160 Garnet Rd, Westmere, Auckland
These guys make the best pie in Auckland, if you ask me. Their mushroom stroganoff is another level. No matter where I am in Auckland, this one’s worth going out of my way for.
Milford to Takapuna Walk
Can’t recommend the sunrise walk and swim along the track from Milford to Takapuna enough. Beautiful. Finish it off at Takapuna Beach Cafe and you’ve got a pretty ideal Auckland morning.
Westmere Butchery
Everything here’s around the same price as a supermarket, but it’s a true cut above. I’d go for the dry-aged tomahawk scotch steak and the biltong. They are a great example of why it’s awesome to support somewhere local that really knows what they’re doing.
Mother
I love Mother for the people. There's always a friend around who’s keen for a chat. If I'm hoping to bump into someone in Auckland, I know they’ll inevitably make it to Mother too. It’s just the place to be.
Bowler
g03/85 Daldy St, Auckland CBD, Auckland
One of the best grab-and-go lunches around. They’ve got a few locations around Auckland, and it’s a great option when you want something quick, healthy and delicious. Charles is a legend!
Bria
I love Bria for the people as much as anything else. The staff know pretty much everyone by name, remember your order and make the whole place feel really welcoming. Shout out to our Grey Lynn neighbours; we love popping in for a drink nearby.
Genki Vitality
This is one of my favourite spots, especially for a Sunday afternoon reset. I’m really into their contrast therapy sessions, and the steam sauna is great. It’s a nice way to slow things down at the end of the week.
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