Six years ago, the quiet shores of New Zealand beckoned after 14 years living in big cities, the last six of which were spent in Sydney. Since being back, I've freelanced for Fashion Quarterly, Vogue Entertaining & Travel and Shop Til You Drop. I now work for a New Zealand food magazine called Taste.

What's your favourite thing to do on a Sunday?

Sacred Sundays include good food, friends and the outdoors. Breakfast at Takapuna Beach Café or Monterey, followed by a kayak or a mountain bike ride out at Woodhill Bike Park are ideal. The run of events depends on the tide and conditions.

How would you spend a long weekend?

The Bay of Islands, three hours north of Auckland, is an all-time favourite. Get out on a boat and wallow in the 150-or-so islands that dot the area. I've spent many summers there fishing, eating oysters off the rocks and exploring islands — lolling about at the end of the day with a vino and the salt air on your skin is unforgettable bliss.

What's your idea of a good night out?

For a laid-back Friday, dinner at Nishiki for great Japanese food, followed by a drink around the corner at Shanghai Lil's. Or just straight to SPQR, a bar-cum-restaurant and local legend, which does great food and a good time. If it's out for a drink, I'll go to Mea Culpa for the best cocktails or Gypsy Tea Rooms — the friendliest local in Auckland. For live music, it's the Kings Arms or Cassette 9.

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