A “Pist” in Auckland

Though not all the new buildings are strictly functional, the redevelopment of nine blocks of the downtown Britomart precinct is astonishing….Britomart has become a hub of cool restaurants, shops, and public art.
TriBeHyde – The Triangle Below Hyde Park

In Sydney’s TriBeHyde you’ll find a multi-function hotel, groovy coffee, an indie bottle shop and tasty tempura in an industrial oasis.
Australian Sake Festival

The Australian Sake Festival is now in its third year. For the last 2 years, in Melbourne it’s been held in winter at Victoria Markets and in Sydney it’s been held around World Sake Day – 1st October – at the Carraigeworks.
Sipping Along Smith Street, Melbourne

I’m not sure if it was because it was a quiet afternoon, or it’s general practice, though every place we visited on Smith St allowed me a little taster from the taps before I committed. Excellent for me as I am very fussy about beer and very ignorant about wine.
The Best of Burnie, Tasmania

I expected my trip to Burnie, Tasmania, to be a bleak reliving of childhood, but instead turned out to be comfortable and enjoyable thanks to the addition of the Ikon Hotel and some other treasures I found while staying there.
lyf Collingwood: Budget Serviced Apartments That Are Fit For A Goddess

lyf Collingwood – pronounced “Life” and short for “Live Your Freedom” delivers everything a goddess needs: a clean, quiet, warm, uncluttered room with a comfortable bed and a good shower all at budget friendly prices.
A Tento in Surry Hills, Sydney

We both had the Yakibuta Tantan Udon and ‘Magaki’ Pacific Oysters. The Udon’s tonkotsu (pork) stock was rich and delicious and the pork slices were thick, soft and slightly seared.
Honda Sake Bar / Mino Sake Shop: For Sake Aficionados and Newbies Alike

If you love sake or want to learn about it, it’s time to head to Honda Sake Bar / Mino Sake shop in St Leonards – the restaurant/bar and adjoining bottle shop are run by Honda-san and Yuko-san, who also manage the importing of the sake products they stock.
An Izakaya In Darlinghurst: Nomidokoro Indigo

The popular Darlinghurst restaurant, Nomidokoro Indigo name translates to “indigo drinking place”. Here friendly staff serve traditional Japanese izakaya (bar) food, sake and a favourite, Orion The Dark Okinawan beer on tap.
Airone Capsule Hotel: Your Two Cubic Metres Of Hobart

Mark Ferguson spent the night at Airone Capsule Hotel in Hobart where pod rooms are just two cubic metres and shares his experience with Holiday Goddess.
Church Bells Ringing: The Sounds of Sydney on Sundays

Listen out while you’re in Sydney for the bells and give a thought for the ringers, some who have trained for years, and even for decades, to deliver the background ambience of our urban life.