Volkswagen’s Little Legends: Hohepa, Boar & Blade
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 the owner of Boar & Blade, a modern men’s salon in Auckland with a big focus on skilled barbering and great service. I also founded Micky Day after getting frustrated with not being able to find hair products that worked the way I wanted them to.
One of the best parts of the job is the people you meet and the different walks of life they come from. We’ve got a really diverse mix across our stores, both in our teams and the people who come through the doors, so there’s always a great atmosphere. No two days are really the same - I think that’s what keeps it interesting.
I love Auckland because you’re so close to heaps of great weekend spots, but there’s plenty happening in the city itself too. Good coffee, great cafés. Everyone seems to be out doing something for themselves, which gives the city a really motivating energy.
The Volkswagen Polo was smooth and easy to drive. Exactly the kind of car I’d want for ducking out of the big smoke to one of those weekend getaway spots.
These are some of my favourite spots around Tāmaki!
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.
Kohi Beach Eatery & Store
It’s right by the beach, so it’s a great spot for breakfast or coffee. There’s good cabinet food on one side and a full menu on the other. The ham hock scrambled eggs are a favourite of mine. I love heading straight across the road for a walk along the beach afterwards.
Porter James
Hands down my favourite clothing store in Auckland. The people are great, the clothing is great and the store always looks sharp. They’ve got a really strong aesthetic - everything is super simple, well tailored and high quality.
Bowler
g03/85 Daldy St, Auckland CBD, Auckland
One of my go-tos when I want something quick but still healthy. Bowls #2 and #5 are my favourites (both grass-fed beef brisket salads with different dressings and toppings). Their coffee is consistently good too.
Mother
Mother in Grey Lynn is such a good spot. Great coffee, great food, plenty of sun and a really relaxed atmosphere. Perfect if I want to get some work done or sit and catch up with mates.
Akarana Golf Course
A beautiful golf course with a great driving range and practice facilities. The grounds are always immaculate, and it feels surprisingly calm and scenic considering you’re still so close to the city.
Hotel Ponsonby
Probably my favourite place to catch up with mates. The courtyard is hard to beat on a sunny day, and for me, their chicken schnitzel is the best in town.
Homage
A really funky furniture and homewares store. They’ve got everything from really unique furniture and collectables to art, posters and heaps of other great stuff, so it’s an easy place to find something with a bit of personality for your home. There’s always plenty to look through.
Bianca
These guys do some really amazing Italian food - it’s one of those places I’m always happy to go back to. Highly recommend the lamb ragu. Delicious.
Sala
One of my favourite spots for contrast hot-and-cold therapy. The fit-out is great too, which makes the whole experience feel like a real treat. A great place to reset when I need it.
Cornwall Park
My favourite place to go and touch some grass without actually leaving Auckland. I usually take the dog there for a walk, and it’s one of the easiest places in the city to properly switch off. Particularly beautiful in Cherry Blossom season.
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