food and drink

Dec19

Local Favourites in Howick

Daniel Vernon Activities, food and drink 0 comments

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.

Sep05

Picnic spots and secret stops part one: Breweries

Daniel Vernon Activities, Blog, food and drink 0 comments

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.

Jul08

Get Out South: Four Family Activities In South Auckland

Daniel Vernon Activities, Blog, food and drink 0 comments

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.

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!