EXPERIENCE THE MUSIC
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A DJ's Guide to AucklandDick Johnson is a British DJ and music producer who’s been based in Auckland, New Zealand, for the last 20 years. From the early 1990s, he was immersed in dance club culture and held a DJ residency at the legendary Manchester superclub, The Hacienda. In 2021, he took on the role of music director for the orchestral event Synthony, which is a collision of the biggest dance tracks of all time with a full orchestra. With a very hectic DJ and production schedule, he shares his favourite places to eat and visit in Auckland in between gigs and studio sessions.
Eden Noodles Cafe
I have to limit myself to once a week, as it’s right next to my studio. The best noodles in Auckland; eat in for the full experience. It’s noisy and hot, but the food is outrageously good. Try the dumplings with spicy sauce or the Dan Dan Noodles. If you like it spicy, then choose mild!
Tāmaki Drive Coastal Path
Cycling Auckland Waterfront I try to do this 3–4 mornings a week for exercise and mental health. I usually head out of the city towards St Heliers along Tamaki Drive. If you get the timing right, you’ll catch the most amazing sunrises. Go early and avoid the traffic. Bike lanes are constantly improving along the route now too, so it’s much safer. Stop off at Kohi Café for the best Portuguese tarts!
Viaduct & Waterfront
Take a boat out on The Waitematā Harbour. When I moved to Auckland 20 years ago, the first thing I did was buy a bright orange 4M 1970s Sea Nymph fishing boat. There is no harbour in the world that is better for boating and recreational fishing. Within 30 minutes, you can be mouring up at a secluded beach on Waiheke Island or pulling in big snapper off Rangitoto Island while Doplhins swim by. It’s my happy place, and I recommend anyone visiting Auckland get out for a boat trip.
DISCOVERTHE VENUES
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Where musician Geneva AM finds inspiration in AucklandDid you know the award-winning music producer, vocalist and songwriter, Geneva AM, grew up in downtown Auckland? Now based on Waiheke Island, Geneva AM shares some special places around Tāmaki Makaurau that have inspired her songwriting.
The Wintergardens
Growing up, my mother and I would visit The Wintergardens at Auckland Domain often and I love to go here for any occasion, especially in the colder months to reinvigorate my wairua with beautiful colorful flowers, lush greens and tropical plants. For NZ Music Month, I made a site-specific mixtape journey called “Miki Rapu Waiata: Pikipiki featuring each of the Pikipiki collaborators, myself, Samara Alofa, Hawkins, Rewi McLay, Ngāsti and Mara TK.
Maunga Kiekie, Cornwall Park
I owe a lot to this maunga. When I lived close by, I would walk up here almost every morning to watch the sunrise and contemplate my goals. Everytime I reached the peak, I felt closer to the outer limits of what I could achieve, even when I wasn’t sure how or when they were going to happen. My latest single Pikipiki is about overcoming obstacles and I reference that through the metaphor of climbing the highest mountain. “Pikipiki i te maunga teitei, kia mauria te hā” “Climb up the high mountain, bring your breath (lifeforce).”
The ferry to Waiheke
On a work commute, the ferry to and from Waiheke gives me about 40 minutes of writing time each way and I feel like the movement over the water comes through in my music that I have created over the past couple of years. Sometimes if I get a bit of writers block I can walk around the vessel and admire the view outside on the deck.
The Western Motorway Walkway
I went to primary school at Newton Central and grew up with the motorway behind my house. It isn’t a glamorous place by all means but I like the access and familiarity here. It’s a nostalgic space where I can visit anytime - and it’s super useful if you want to go across the central western suburbs all the way into town. I have never taken my bike along the cycleway but maybe one day soon? I’ll probably write a song about it!
Grey Lynn
I just want to shout out my old neighbourhood Grey Lynn. It may have changed a lot over the years but I still love it. My favourite gallery Season just moved to the shops in Surrey Crescent so it’s still a place that harnesses a lot of creative energy. Everything there holds so many memories and I still remember exactly how it used to look. I can see all the houses my friends used to live in too looking so pristine now. Williamson Ave, Grey Lynn Park, ElginSt, Crummer Rd, Foodtown!
