Author: Daniel Vernon

Dec19

Local Favourites in Howick

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One of the wonderful things about being tucked away out east in Howick is that you get the rare experience of having the big city feel mixed in with the small town community spirit that makes New Zealand. We are close enough to the city that you can explore all the local favourites, but also have the small town feel of markets, beaches, activities, and local food favourites. We have scoured through the net to try and find some of these local tips to make sure you get the most out of Howick

THE APOTHECARY

Any Howick local will tell you that the fifties French styles café, The Apothecary, is the go-to for any adventurer to refuel on a big day. Whether you are in need of a barista-made coffee, a delicious lunch, or after work happy hour drink – this little café has it all. We suggest splitting a couple of stretched pizza bread, or digging into a mouth-watering cheese and deli platter for two or four.

OASIS

If you are looking for food, smoothies, and treats that are bursting with local flavour, then we have the spot for you. Half smoothie bar, half café with superfood bowls, open toasts (with flavours like pear, honey, & thyme), real fruit ice creams in waffle cones, and all the breakfast classics like eggs benedict and waffles. The great coffee, picture-perfect smoothie bowls (ideal for a ‘gram), and pot planted interior will make you (and your stomach) one very happy diner.

THE GOOD HOME

Having made a reputation for their great hospitality and excellent food, The Good home’s Howick location lives up to these claims. The bar sits bang in the middle of the village and has a great vibe for a round or two of drinks. Their staff will help you choose the perfect brew and will make sure you get home in one piece. Grab a pint and watch the small town of Howick pass by.

UXBRIDGE ART GALLERY

If you are someone of an artistic mind who wants to explore and experience some local talents, look no further than Uxbridge Gallery. The gallery/theatre/workshop space has something for everyone and will keep you entertained for hours if you time your visit just right. The gallery features artists from far and wide, as well as some local gems and there’s classes available teaching everything from cupcake decorating to belly dancing to French lessons.

HOWICK MARKETS

A great way to start your weekends is by taking a stroll through the Howick Markets on a Saturday morning where you’ll be greeted by the smell of pancakes, organic fruits, and fresh ground coffee. The Howick Markets run every weekend from 8am, offering the best in Howick produce. Be greeted by the friendliest stallholders and get amongst supporting your local.

HOWICK GOLF CLUB

For those sporting types who love a good weekend at the golf course, you’ll want to visit the local Golf course for its famous stellar panoramic views alone. The peninsula offers views of the whole harbor and neighbouring suburbs, which makes it the best place to escape and sink some golf balls.

MACLEANS RESERVE

Howick is surrounded by beautiful beaches from Little Bucks to Mellons Bay, which is best experienced by foot. Explore the grounds by taking the scenic and relaxing Macleans Reserve walk. Starting up at Macleans College, the walk takes you from the top of the reserve down to Eastern Beach Esplanade and around to Musick Point if the tide’s out. Don’t forget to take a quick detour to experience the adrenaline pumping flying fox.

Dec05

What’s on in Auckland: December

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Can you believe its December already? Where has the year gone? As we approach The holiday season, event calendars become choca-block with so many offering that it can be hard to decide what is the best offering, and where to go to. With summer now in full affect you’re going to want to go out and make the most of what the city has to offer, and we have done a little research to help you find the best things running this December:

Pop-Up Globe

A major highlight every summer in Auckland is the Pop-Up Globe theatre which showcases local talented actors performing some of Shakespeare’s greatest works in the world’s first full-scale temporary working replica of one of the greatest theatres in history.

The first show this month running from December fifth through to December fifteenth is Richard III. Both a genuinely funny black comedy as well as a striking and pungent morality tale for our own uncertain times, this plays wont only leave you reflective, but also amazed at the production detail as the mixed company of actors and musicians perform in stunning Jacobean period dress.

The second show on offer is The Taming of the Shrew, a perfect fit for the globe after its earlier embarrassment of gender inequality in its casting. This play showcases a power struggle between “An intelligent, outspoken, wealthy woman and a rude, misogynistic drunkard determined to secure his fortune” – with a hook like that, this will be one not to pass up on. Taming of the Shrew runs from the sixth through to the fifteenth.

More information can be found here.

Work do

Basement’s 10th Annual Christmas Show is one that just simply cannot be missed, every year this sell-out show become a festive favorite for locals for good reason: featuring local celebrities and Christmas antics, you’d be hard come by to not have a good time.

Written by internationally acclaimed comedians Rose Matafeo and Alice Snedden this year’s show is set in 1997 at Go Away Travel agency, who are preparing for their end of year Christmas party – and of course, as expected, things will not go to plan.

Featuring a core cast of local talent and a rotating guest cast of celebrities, buckle in with a wine and prepare to be entertained. Tickets and more information can be found here.

Christmas At the Races

Got a large group staying with us in December? Looking for a festive way to let loose and have some fun in the big city? Then we have the event for you. Join the excitement of Christmas at Alexandra Park this festive season on one of their most sought-after nights of the year. And head to the races. More information here.

Nov19

Make the Most of Summer in Howick

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Summer is finally here, and if you are planning to spend some time with us out east and want to get out and enjoy the sun, then you are in a prime location! Whether it is getting active, lounging in the sun or seeing what nature has to offer, we have a list of unique ways to get out in the summer sun in East Auckland:

Catch A ferry, Enjoy the Water!

Being located so close to the ferry terminals mean that you are just a smooth ride from a lot of popular destinations, including Waiheke Island and Rangitoto. For the perfect afternoon turned evening, hop on the ferry to Half Moon Bay, where you’ll be able to stroll along the marina before grabbing a bite to eat at Grangers, one of the most popular restaurants out east!

Pack a Picnic, Take in The Views

If you are looking for a decent walk, stunning views, and a DIY lunch, then we can’t recommend starting your day strolling along the Pohutukawa Coast Trail, which wins you through most of East Auckland. This magnificent 5km walkway will take you from Whitford all the way to Umupuia, just a 10-minute walk from Clevedon. From there, we’d suggest taking a picnic and setting up under a tree at Omana Regional Park and take in the stunning views of Rangitoto and Motuihe islands. End your day by enjoying a post-meal afternoon stroll from Half Moon Bay to Bucklands Beach and if it’s a hot day, take a dip into the sun-soaked waters!

Adventure, With a Sprinkle of History

Speaking of the water, if you’re into kayaking and want to get out on the water and learn a little something on the way, we have the perfect adventure for you. Embark on the multi-day, self-guided kayaking tour along Te Ara Moana. Meaning ‘the sea-going pathway’ in Māori, this route is rich in history and was once used for traveling between settlements. The trip takes five days and will see you set off from Omana Regional Park in Maraetai and ending up at Waharau Regional Park.

Spends Some Time with the Animals Of East Auckland

A great day trip idea if you have the wee ones with you is to take them to the many places to see and pet the many animals out east! First, we have to recommend Cuesta Alpacas in Hunua which essentially a farm with 100 Alpacas which offers tours in which you can get up close with the Alpacas. If you are more of a bird watching group, then head to the bird gardens out east which is run by Blake Twigden, a talented artist and conservationist who has created one of East Auckland best-kept secrets that is home to several native and exotic birds.

Nov18

What’s On in Auckland: November

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It’s November, that means we are about to dive headfirst into summer, the skies are going to alight with fireworks and all the festivals, concerts and outdoor activities are going to come in droves – and fast.

Sometimes it’s hard to choose what to do or where to go, but luckily for you, we have scowered through some of the local listings and picked some of our favourites for you to check out:

Peter Pan Goes Wrong

If you are wanting something a little different from your theatre experience, then you can’t go past this insane twist on J.M. Barrie classic Peter Pan into a joyous master class of physical comedy and general disaster. Peter Pan goes wrong will be performed for a smalls season at Auckland’s Civic by the Mischief Theatre, which brings its triumphant disaster Peter Pan Goes Wrong from London’s West End to New Zealand. Nominated for an Olivier Award for Best New Comedy, the much-loved members of The Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society battle against technical hitches, flying mishaps and cast disputes with hilarious and disastrous results. We don’t think you’ll want to miss this one.

Yoko-Zuna Voyager Album Release Show

Praised as one of five acts leading the new wave of New Zealand hip-hop by the Sunday Star-Times, Auckland electronic hip-hop four-piece Yoko-Zuna have announces a special Auckland performance in celebration of their forthcoming album Voyager. Making waves not just for their genre-crossing arrangements, but also for spellbinding live shows that demand endless energy from the audience, you’ll want to see what all the fuss is about and catch a chance to see these local favourites live in action.

Waiuku Blast to The Past Fireworks Display

We obviously can’t have a November events list without promoting a fireworks display! And the place to be is Waiuku, the small town is once again hosting the popular “Blast to the Past” fireworks evening, featuring fresh entertainment, live music and open-air market, followed by a spectacular professional fireworks display that goes on for a whopping fifteen minutes. And with a simple gold coin donation, this event is a cheap experience for the whole family to enjoy.

They Shall Not Grow Old

Hawkins Theatre presents a remarkable film that arrives on the centenary of the end of First World War. They Shall Not Grow Old is a unique film by Academy Award-winner Peter Jackson that uses state of the art technology to restore original archival footage, which is more than a 100-years old, into high definition views of the human face. Jackson brings to life the footage through narration by the people who can best tell this story: the men who were there. This film is only screening for one day to commemorate the end of World War 1, and are expected to sell out fast, so get in quick to witness a truly remarkable look at the first world war.

Oct30

Not-Your-Usual Destination: Holey Moley

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Welcome to our new blog series, Not-Your-Usual destination which is our focus on the things in Auckland with a little flair, a little quirkiness and something extra to give you and your family a little something unique to help solidify the memory of your holiday. This series will dive deep into some of Auckland’s more hidden and unknown gems to give you a taste of what to expect if you explore the strange!

This month we look at the new bar that’s been making waves across social media and lifestyle blogs in the past months, but when we say bar, we mean that lightly as this is much more than a bar and restaurant – Holey Moley is an experience. Why you ask? Because it also doubles as a mini-golf course.

Yes, you read that right, after making waves in Australia, this playground for adults has reached the shores of the city of sales. Situated on the stunning Viaduct Harbour, next to Parasoul & Swing you will walk in and instantly stop at the bar, and don’t think for a minute that because of it’s title and makeup that this bar is lacking, because it isn’t. You’ll find a wide selection of mouth-watering cocktails—choose from the Caddy Classics or the House Signatures. They have taken what has worked in Australia and brought it over with a local twist and fresh fruity flavors that can include peach liqueur, passion fruit, lime and apple juice, decorated with such youthful wonders like a lolly kebab of jet planes and Eskimos or rainbow strips.

The nostalgia doesn’t stop there, the bar is also furnished with a Simpsons couch and Flinstone’s car, ripe for selfie-taking to show off the experience. From there its time to par the course – grab some tokens for a ball, and your mini putt and get ready to make your way through an adventure to remember!

The downstairs includes two nine-hole courses, with each hole more insane than the next. Think to try to get a hole-in-one in themes that include an Operation board, Hobbiton hole, crazy clown hole and an ET hole—you can hop on the bike with ET, or later on you can sit on a Harley Davidson. Upstairs isn’t lacking either, you’ll find another bar, Jaws, and a sitting room with images of iconic Kiwis from your childhood.

The food is also great, including some American classic like hotdog pizza, burgers, prawns and don’t worry, there is also a huge selection of vegan options available as well. Open seven days, you have no excuse to miss what will become of Auckland best new quirky attractions.

Oct29

Wet Weather Alternative – Auckland’s Best Boutique Cinemas

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Some things are just out of your control, you may have planned a great getaway to visit Auckland with many outdoor activities planned only to be met with Auckland famous bad weather surprises.

But we won’t let that stop you and we have a great back up plan especially tailor-made for you – a movie night. But since you have traveled all the way to visit us, we aren’t going to send you to just any old cinema, we have gone and done some research to bring you some of the best boutique and historical cinemas in Auckland for you to explore.

Academy Cinemas

Indie, secretive, cheap and underground are just some of the buzzwords we can use to pitch you Academy Cinemas in a nutshell. Although smaller in size compared to a lot of other cinemas, Academy’s cozy ambience has a charm like no other. The experience is intimate and this little arthouse screens some cult classics and indie gems that you need to get amongst. They also have five dollar films on Wednesdays.

The Vic

Situated in quaint little Devonport is this independently run cinema with a rich history. Established in 1912, The Vic has become a local favorite amongst locals but don’t let that ancient age make you think it hasn’t been well looked after. The Vic has everything you need from comfy seating, big screens, 3D system. And it wouldn’t be a Devonport institution without gelato – which is also available.

Bridgeway Cinema

Bridgeway Cinema is an absolute gem located on the North Shore and is renowned for being one of the most original cinemas in town! The second tiny boutique cinema on our list, Bridgeways consists of the four theatre spaces, each with their own individual flavour. Bridgeway also allows you to hire out a whole cinema room – so if you are traveling with a large group – you can make your movie viewing experience more exclusive.

Hollywood Cinema

Located in West Auckland is the nostalgia-filled, old-fashioned Hollywood Cinema. Which features old-school additions including velvet carpets and curtains and an organ, which, if you’re lucky, you’ll get to see someone actually play it.

Monterey Cinemas

Built in 1930, Monterey Cinemas has become a landmark of East Auckland, and is located in right here in Howick so you wont have to go far. Monterey Cinema provides all the things that create the formula to the ideal movie experience. They have cake and coffee on offer before you watch your movie, the staple popcorn and most importantly, wine which you can take into the cinema. Just when you thought things couldn’t get any better, wait till you see their in-house pizza menu—it is not to be missed!

Waiheke Cinema

Being located close to a ferry terminal, why not make your movie viewing experience that little more adventurous and head over to Waiheke Island to visit this cute local cinema. Make the most of your evening and taste some of the wine on offer on this island, or some of the award winning restaurants and then close it off with a movie at this iconic cinema which not only showcases the latest blockbusters, but also some documentaries made by locals on the island.

Sep09

Spring into September: What’s On In The City

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A new month brings with it a brand new season! That’s right folks, spring is upon us and if you are planning to pop down for a visit, we have all the best events of the month covered for you:

New Zealand Theatre Month

New Zealand – and Auckland in particular – is famous for its culturally diverse, and genre challenging theatre. And if you are visiting us during the month of September you will be lucky enough to be here for Theatre month which features a wide range of diverse performances from New Zealand creatives.

Theatre performances take place across the city, so don’t feel you are beholden to one part of Auckland, picking up a programme guide or visiting the website you can learn about all the different offerings and make your own list of pieces you’d like to see, whether that be off-the-wall improv, laugh out loud comedy, or a moving piece, this month has incredible theatre on lock.

The Spring Blossom Pop-up

What better way to see in spring than roof-top bar dedicated to the season? Ruby the locally renowned glass Goose, this pop-up celebrates the new season by bringing new flavours and flowers every Friday, including cookies, doughnuts, cakes, and of course the talk of the town: candy floss wine spritzer and frosé slushies.

The Chocolate Bar Ponsonby Pop-Up

The spring blossom pop-up isn’t the only tasty pop-up heading to Auckland this September, in Ponsonby Central for one week only (17^th – 23^rd) you can experience workshops and talks about chocolate, Eighthirty Coffee and Fine & Dandy Tea, and be the first to try the brand-new bean-to-bar Foundry Chocolate. Be sure to get in quick chocolate lovers, as this one is not to be missed.

Feast Matakana

Matakana is famous for its food and drink and this one-day event mixes local produces and growers with local eateries for a match made in heaven that includes celebrity lunches, Brick Bay Feast dinner and so much more! If you have been wondering why Matakana has such a high reputation, or if you are already a fan you won’t want to miss those one, running all day on the twenty first!

Listen In

This one-day festival that’s a spin-off of the Listen Out festival in Aussie comes to Auckland on September 28 at spark arena, and features artists such as Skrillex, ASAP Rocky, Skepta and Lil Skies and more. If you are a fan of electronica and hip-hop, you won’t want to miss out on this one.

Sep05

Picnic spots and secret stops part one: Breweries

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Sometimes it is hard to decide where to eat, with a pleather of options in the city it can become a daunting task. In this two-part blog, we are going to explore different ways of enjoying food by looking at some of Auckland’s hidden gems and setting that takes a bit of exploring and travel to find!

One thing this country, and city, is proud of is its breweries, so we had to dedicate part one of the blog to Auckland best secret breweries.

Sawmill Brewery

Our first one is a bit of a drive, all the way out to Matakana in fact, but trust me when I say its worth the drive. Sawmill has thrived in popularity as one of the cities greatest export, and now it can also add a mouth-watering restaurant to that list – because a good beer should always be paired with a good feed. Their free-range selection also adds a bonus wholesome reason to visit.

Hallertau Brewery

Located in the heart of Riverhead boast another one of New Zealand’s finest craft beer breweries. But trust me when I say these guys know beer, and know what to pair well with beer, as their bustling restaurant flaunts dishes made with ingredients sourced from their on-site garden, so you know you’ll be eating the freshest food and drinking the freshest beer!

But no brewery is complete without a large Biergarten (that’s German for beer garden) and while you enjoy the adult playground that is the brewery, the kids can enjoy the on-site children’s playground as well. This venue is often filled with live music and plenty of banter, so be sure not to skip out on this one.

Brothers Beer

This brewery has been said to be the best in Auckland, but we will leave that one up to you to judge and you have the choice between two locations to travel too. The first is in the heart of the city in Auckland’s city Works Depot that features eighteen freshly crafted beer on tap and over two hundred bottles of beer to choose from. The location is great to soak in those afternoon sun rays after a day of exploring and try some of their popular pizza’s while you’re there.

But that’s not your only option, if you want to avoid the hustle-and-bustle of the city centre then hidden away in an unsuspecting suburban street in Mt. Eden is the Brother Beer Juke Joint BBQ. This second location pairs the freshly brewed craft beer with mouth-watering BBQ such as pork ribs, brisket, slaw, buns and homemade sauce. And with a huge courtyard made for large groups, this is a hidden gem well worth sharing.

Jul31

Exploring South Auckland Adventure Parks

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One of the greatest things about being located out south is the handful of adventure parks hidden around the area! Many visitors may only know about Rainbows end, but today I’m going to let you in on some local favorites that the whole family can get into!

Pirate Themed Adventure Golf

Declaring themselves as New Zealand’s first adventure golf company, this pirate-themed miniature golf attraction has become the pride of South Auckland since 1997. The company remove the tediousness of mini golf and adds some excitement by curating all their courses around a pirate theme.

As you embark on the game you will have the opportunity to putt over pirate ships, past cascading waterfalls, through haunted treasure caves and past shark-infested waters. Adventure Golf appeals to all ages and is an excellent way for the whole family to get out and make the most of a nice day, have some laughs and a little healthy competition!

Lock and Load with Some Paintball

If mini golf is just a little too slow and you want a little bit more excitement in your day then look no further than Lock and Load Adventures! This adventure park features paintball in four themed courses, laser tag, and archery! Paintball is the most popular option as you get to navigate and shoot paint at your friends and family through your choice of courses including D-Day landing, Area 51 and Dawn of the Dead graveyard! Other options include bow and arrow tag (with soft arrows), laser tag battles in the arena or archery practice for all you Robin Hood’s out there!

White Water in the City

Keep the adrenaline pumping and cool off with a crazy whitewater rafting experience in the heart of South Auckland! Vector Wero is Auckland first white whitewater adventure park that features two white water rafting courses and 9,000 square meters of beautifully clear water to explore, it’s a thrill seekers playground. This is perfect for thrill-seeking families and can be enjoyed by kids as well!

There’s more than just white water rafting as well, the park also includes paddling and pizza by the lake (it’s as fun as it sounds), as well as the option to hire a hire a kayak or Stand-Up Paddleboard, race down rapids or take on the world’s highest man-made waterfall. Whether you want to get your adrenaline fix or just paddle in the water – this is one not to be missed!

Jul08

Get Out South: Four Family Activities In South Auckland

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When people commonly visit Auckland many tend to explore and stick to exploring the central business district for food and culture, head out west to the scenery and beaches, or east for the shopping. Commonly South Auckland is ignored by visitors which is a total crime as it holds some of Auckland’s best-hidden gems.

Being located so close to South Auckland we have decided to compile a list of some of the best places to explore for the whole family!

The Auckland Botanic Gardens

Located in Manurewa, this sixty-four hectares of native bush was opened to the public in the eighties and attracts more than nine hundred thousand visitors a year. There are more than ten thousand plant varieties spread across twenty-three plus themed gardens, including threatened native plants, Perennials, native forest, edible garden and African plants to name a few. This can be a great idea to kill a few hours or take a picnic.

Awhitu Regional Park

This is one of Auckland best day trip destinations and best of all, its free. This regional park offers breath-taking views across the Manukau Heads all the way to the Waitakere Ranges. There is an assortment of bush walks and biking tracks, and take a picnic to enjoy in the many parks. An assortment of beaches are also nearby if you wish to cool off, and a visit to the Manukau Heads lighthouse should also be added to any trip out this way!

Ōtuataua Stonefields

Considered one of Auckland most important historical sites, the Ōtuataua Stonefields is an internationally significant heritage and archaeological site that offer spectacular views across the harbor and rolling hills countryside. The dry stone walls that surround the park are remains from both Maori settlements and remnants from the Musket wars of the 1800’s. This is a must do for all history buffs.

The Villa Maria

For all you certified winos out there, this highlight of South Auckland is not to be missed. Established in the early sixties by one single man it has grown over the last fifty years to become a world-renowned brand. This villa comes complete with a Café and cellar door, to please the most experienced taste buds.