Blog

Apr08

A Leap of Faith: Bungy Jumping In Auckland

Daniel Vernon Activities, Blog, Uncategorized 0 comments

Farlab, The no. 8 wire fence, Pavalova, Russell Crow – these are things other countries have tried to claim from us, despite originally being invented here in New Zealand, and one other thing you may not know was originally from New Zealand is the Bungy jump, and Auckland contains one of the originals and many more for adrenaline junkies to experience!

Harbour Bridge Jump

AJ Hackett is the father of Bungy Jumping, He made bungee jumping famous, when he did the infamous Bungy jump from the Eiffel Tower in 1987, and founded the first commercial Bungy site in 1988. Now owning many of the Bungy sites across New Zealand, one of the most popular is off one of Auckland landmarks – The Harbour Bridge, which is currently the only way to experience the Auckland Harbour Bridge by foot. Climb under, around, up and over the bridge on this 1.5hour personally guided tour with extensive commentary. Custom engineered walkways provide a safe, enjoyable and easy-going experience which includes a 360-degree view of Auckland from the summit. This specific Bungy Jump is New Zealand’s only ocean touch – touch it, get dunked – it’s up to you! Equipped to offer ever Bungy Jump option, ankle tie, harness jump, tandem -You name it, they can do it.

Transport is easily provided with a custom bus running patrons to and from the city from various locations in the city; also a few minutes’ walk from the location includes many cafes and restaurants along the sprawling waterfront.

Sky Jump

Auckland just loves having people jump off its landmarks, and one of our most iconic landmarks is the Sky Tower, and as you may have guessed, yes, you can jump off it!

A little different to Bungy jumping, the Sky Jump is described as Base Jumping while attached to a wire, You’ll fall very fast (approx. 85kph) for around 11 seconds, and then come to a smooth landing in Sky City plaza below. The experience has been awarded a certificate of excellence by Trip Advisor, and you’ll be given a certificate of completion at the bottom! The sky tower also offers a beautiful dining experience at the very top to reward yourself at later, and with taxi stands and bus stops directly outside, getting to and from the location is a breeze!

Mar01

Events in Howick March 2018

Daniel Vernon Activities, Blog 0 comments

There’s a lot happening in Eastern Auckland this coming month, and if you are booked in to stay with us during this time, we have rounded up all the local events for you to check out while you stay with us!

Movies in The Parks: Feel like a movie under the stars? grab a blanket, pack a torch and warm clothes, bring a picnic and head down to Lloyd Elsmore Park and catch the DreamWorks animated family musical Trolls! Movie starts at sunset (sunset at approximately 7:45pm), with family activities from 5pm.

City Of Sails Concert: A celebration of nautical notes, salty songs and wonderful marine music from two of Auckland’s leading concert bands, the Auckland Wind Orchestra and Manukau Concert Band and a supper at the interval for a gold coin donation.

Howick Fun Walk and Run: This premier Rotary community event is a great drawcard for walkers, runners, school teams and their families to enjoy the scenery of Howick and is unique to the area. There are three exciting routes; 5.9km, 6.9km or 8.1km. At the end of the event, there is a BBQ and great spot prizes.

Auckland Brit & Euro Car Show 2018: Whether you’re a lifelong lover of classic cars, seasoned collector, or just fancy a look at some beautiful vintage vehicles, this is the event for you! With quintessential classics like speedy Mini Coopers, fierce Ferraris, luxury BMWs and dapper Bentleys on display, there’s something for everyone – whatever gets your pistons pumping. The Auckland Brit & Euro Classic Car Show is a free fun day out for people of all makes, models, and ages.

Music In Parks: Open Air Orchestra: Part of the Auckland Councils ‘music in the parks’ showcase, this event brings you a night of pop-classical cross-over under the stars. A mix of old and new popular hits, a few traditional and classical pieces and some surprises – these are songs like you’ve never heard them before. Featuring live music from a stellar cast of New Zealand’s best vocalists and musicians.

Feb11

Making the Most of Summer at Howick Motor Lodge

Daniel Vernon Activities, Blog, food and drink 0 comments

One of the benefits of staying with us at Howick Motor Lodge in the summer is that there is no lack of activities for you to make the most of this amazing weather in. being in such a prime location to parks and beaches mean that you are mere minutes away from sunbathing or cooling down!

Take a Dip!

One of the benefits of staying with us is the pool! Our outdoor pool is a fantastic way to cool off in the summer, as well as a wide-reaching deck for you to sunbathe in. but if you want to make the most of the surrounding area, it’s worth checking out many of the surrounding beaches such as the local Howick beach which has stunning views, warm sand, and a collection of shopping destinations. Buckland’s beach is a popular local destination with calm waters and features a beautiful walkway right along to Half Moon Bay as well as a few hidden beaches only accessible by small treks. Eastern Beach is famous for its popular palm-fringed beach and shallow waters, it is also home to a number of small cafes and eateries that are within walking distance of the water’s edge. Mellons Bay’s sandy beach is surrounded by cliffs overlooking the Tamaki Straight, making it perfect for exploring and tranquil relaxing.

Parks and Recreation

One of the great things about staying out in the eastern suburbs is that it’s home to a number of parks and walks – so if you are the active type, or just want to relax under some trees – look no further. Duder Regional Park is a popular local destination located on the pohutukawa-fringed Whakakaiwhara Peninsula and feels like a secluded paradise away from the rat-race of the modern world, and its 360-degree views are worth the trip alone. The Mangemangeroa Reserve track is a coastal bush walk that runs through native bush, past mudflats stretching along the estuary to Cockle Bay. If you are looking to just relax under some native trees in a park, local hotspots close to the motel include Howick Domain, Lloyd Elsmore Park and Maclean’s park which also features coastal and bush walks.

With all of these options being free and easy to drive/walk to, it’s a fantastic and cost-effective way to cool off, have fun, and explore the local area while you stay with us.

Jan20

Exploring Half Moon Bay

Daniel Vernon Activities, Blog, food and drink 0 comments

Half Moon Bay is one of Auckland’s youngest settlements, originally known as Hancock’s Bay, the construction of the marina complex in 1967 turned the once desolate area into a hub of activity – a hub that is a short drive from the motel for you to explore!

Dining in Half Moon Bay is not to be missed, if you are looking for views of the marina and a modern dining experience, look no further than Grangers. Grangers pride themselves on a menu that is designed for sharing and reflects the simplicity of great, natural produce, and changing seasons, and it features flavors everyone can enjoy from seafood, grill, bistro, and salads, this place has it all. Grangers are also known for its Taphouse which features a selection of wines, cocktails and craft beers. If you are looking for a specific flavor and something new to the area, Marina Thai is a bustling restaurant that offers restaurant quality Thai food, and a selection of drinks to make your evening special. Marina Thai is also located in the newly built promenade building close to the water and ferries.

But we can’t talk about Half Moon Bay without talking about the Marina, after enjoying a meal at one of Half Moon Bays restaurants, a stroll around the marina should definitely be on your agenda. The marina has a selection of walkways to check out the boats as well as a prime location for great views of Rangitoto.

Dec11

Waiheke Island: A day Trip to Remember.

Daniel Vernon Activities, Blog, food and drink 0 comments

Waiheke Island is a go-to destination for most travelers to Auckland, and when you stay with us, you have the benefit of being within a few minutes’ drive of the half moon bay ferry which takes you directly to Waiheke Island. The ferry itself is an experience itself, especially on a nice clear day, cruising across the water to the island is a forty-five-minute journey and has the option of taking motor vehicles to explore the island with as well. The Ferry also has facilities that include a licensed cafe/bar and viewing decks.

Waiheke is famous for its vineyards and wineries, and if this excites you, then you can pass up one of the many winery tours that take place on the island. The Waivino Wine Tour offers transport and local professional tour guides with insight and the ability to help you find your unique Waiheke experience, whether it be a 90-minute scenic tour to 4-hour wine tours with small groups of up to 10 people, Waivino Tours offers a personalized authentic connection with Waiheke Island. Waiheke Wine Tours are the original ‘Waiheke Island Wine Tours’, the first Qualmark-accredited tour, included in their fees are tasting fees for at least 14+ wines at three top vineyards, chilled bottled water, Waiheke Island of Wine Maps, transfers to lunch and then to the ferry afterward. Ananda Tours offer half and full day tours with personalized, flexible itineraries designed to showcase the best of the Island’s natural beauty, vineyards, and art culture.

But if sipping wine and sitting down isn’t for you, Waiheke still has a lot of adventure to offer, if you like hanging from trees and reaching high speeds then you have to sign up for EcoZip Adventures! State-of-the-art flying fox zip lines and an eco-immersive forest walk for nature lovers of all ages, EcoZip offers an educational and Adventurous experience and they take care of you as soon as you arrive on the island, with a complimentary pick up from the island’s ferry terminal at Matiatia Wharf! But if learning about the island and cruising around in the fresh air is what you desire, then strap on and jump into a SegWai tour! A unique way to see Waiheke Island, which lets you glide on through native bushland, wetlands, vineyards and beach environments to truly experience Waiheke.

There are also a collection of five-star restaurants and bars upon the water for you to wind up your day with, and transport options to and from the motel to the ferry, there are no excuses to not treat yourself to an unforgettable day out!

Nov11

Out and About in Howick: 4 Activities for Active People.

Daniel Vernon Activities, Blog 0 comments

If being active, finding hidden local gems that are off the beaten track, or finding your inner child is your kind of adventure, then Howick can provide! We have found the top four best activities for the adventurous to make your stay in Howick that much more memorable!

Jump: New Zealand’s very first indoor Trampoline Park, Jump offers hundreds of square meters of interlocking trampolines, from Foam Pits, Dodge Ball Courts, and Free Running Area, This spring-loaded urban playground offers something for all ages. Whether you want to relive your childhood dreams or keep the kids busy, jump is for you!

Paradice Ice Rink: Ice-skating is a fun and often hilarious activity everyone can enjoy and is surprisingly easy to pick up (even if you fall down a few times). Paradice was established in the 70’s and has become Auckland most famous ice skating rink that hosts a series of events including discos! But if getting on the ice isn’t your cup of tea, Paradice also has its own laser tag arena for you to use all the energy on – so there is no excuse to visit this activity hub!

Motorent: How about a self-guided tour on a motorbike? It’s a pretty easy sell, but what makes Motorent so awesome is that when you hire a bike from them, they come with a built-in GPS that the company customizes to feature a route and daily km based on the time you have available plus any specific places you wish to visit. This includes transfers, inter-island ferry tickets (if required), any other excursions, luggage transfer (One Way), a comprehensive itinerary booklet, and a GPS with daily routes pre-loaded.

Extreme Indoor Karts: Maybe your need for speed can be quenched through the age-old activity of go-karting? Whether you want to just arrive and drive, or enter a competitive race – extreme indoor carts are for you! If you are planning on taking a large group, the facility also has a large outdoor BBQ area so you can recharge in between races!