Milford

Milford, located on the northern edge of Takapuna, offers a quieter alternative to the North Shore's popular white-sand beaches. At Milford Beach, you can sunbathe, jog or walk on the long stretch of sand without the crowds. During summer days, be sure to grab some delicious ice cream from the beach's ice cream truck or visit the locally-owned ice cream shop, Scrunchy Millars, in the village. The Milford Beach Reserve, located at the northern end of the beach, provides a great spot for a BBQ, volleyball or children's playground.

Take an epic day trip by grabbing a coffee from either Milford or Takapuna and cruising up the coastline. Visit the stone "giant's chair" at Thorne Bay and enjoy views of Rangitoto Island along the way. For retail therapy, check out the Milford Centre, a small complex with leading retailers, fashion stores and homeware shops. And for cafe fare, grab some eggs bene or a strong flat white from one of Milford's bustling village cafes.

Take a scenic walk around Lake Pupuke, a heart-shaped lake formed by two volcanic craters linking together, and watch windsurfers, rowers and sailors in action. Silvan Park, located at the village edge of the lake, is another prime picnic spot. For a livelier experience, catch a live performance at The PumpHouse Theatre, named after its former life as a water-pumping station. Pupuke Golf Course offers stunning views, park-like scenery and large sections of the glittering Pacific Ocean, perfect for golf enthusiasts.