Almighty’s Founder Ben Lenart on What Makes Him Stay in Auckland

Ben Lenart, the director of Almighty, is a Wellingtonian by birth. That minor detail, and the fact that he’s the founder of Milk Crate, a café just off Cuba Street, means he holds the capital city dear. But after being charmed by large cities overseas, he was drawn to the bright lights of Auckland. Not to mention, Auckland seemed like a pretty great spot to launch an international drink company, Almighty.

After reading Ben’s Auckland recommendations, you won’t be surprised to learn he’s an advocate for a balanced lifestyle and wants to inspire others to be, too. Almighty’s drinks are healthy and delicious, and a portion of their sales go towards education programmes to teach kids how to grow and cook healthy food.

What do you do on the weekends in Auckland?

If we are not seeing friends and fam, walks and eating are typically top of the list. We are super lucky, as there are heaps of both in Auckland. We love going to gigs and shows and visiting dealer galleries and public art spaces. I do like getting out for a run, so will usually find a trail in the bush or at a beach.

What is your favourite thing about the city?

Diversity - of people, culture, and the environment. There is such a wide mix of people and cultures in Auckland. Whatever you're into, you will find some like-minded people. I love the different pockets of Auckland that have their own energy and that usually means heaps of good eating. There are so many good outdoor activities to get to as well.

What is something people would be surprised to learn about Auckland? 

This is kind of random, but you can walk from the Pacific Ocean to the Tasman Sea in four hours along the Coast to Coast path. Start from the waterfront downtown and go through the city, the domain, around a few volcanoes and native bush, and you’ll end up at Manukau Harbour. Good little mission!

How would you describe Auckland to someone who hasn’t visited?

Diverse, sprawling, exciting.

You have friends coming to stay for a long weekend and surprise, they’ve never been to Auckland! Where are you taking them?

We’re going straight to Apéro for dinner and to K Rd after for a few drinks (where on K Rd depends who is visiting..!). If it's a late one we'll pop to New Flavour on Dominion Rd for a late night snack.

We’ll start the next morning with coffee and a pastry at Daily Bread, then to Bestie for brekkie. Afterwards, we would head out to Muriwai or Bethells Beach for a walk or something kind of active. Lunch at Hallertau is a must-do, I reckon. Next we would go to the Auckland Art Gallery Toi O Tāmaki, also a must-do. Followed by dinner on Sandringham Rd starting at the Satya Chai Lounge for a drink, then to 7 Siri, an excellent little Sri Lankan spot. 

Sunday I'll dial up the indulgence and head to Amano for breakfast, followed by a trip out to Waiheke Island, because it is spectacular. Docking back in at Auckland we'll head to Commercial Bay and likely end up at Gochu for dinner. On our last day we’ll be very lazy and spend time in Grey Lynn / Ponsonby, going to Ozone for coffee, Freida Margolis for a last evening drink, and finally to Lilian for a last supper. The food is all delicious there, but we will definitely get a few servings of the bread - if you know, you know.

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Clearly a man who values a healthy work-life balance. Thanks to Ben for sharing his recommendations and a peek into his life.