Activities

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

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

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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.

Jul04

Auckland On Foot: Four Great Walks In The City

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Nothing beats a good walk on a nice day, it’s a great way to keep fit, take in the natural splendor, and in most cases, practically free to do. One of the great things about being located in the outer reaches of the city is that it’s relatively easy to get to, and experience, many of the great walks the city has to offer in and around the large city limits.

So, for those who like to keep active on your holiday, we have picked four of our favorite local hotspots!

Rangitoto Summit

Auckland is built in and around about forty-eight volcanos (don’t worry they are extinct for the most part) Rangitoto being the youngest and as a result, offers one hell of a view from its peak. The walk to the summit takes about an hour, but there are also other small tracks and history to explore across the island. So, chuck on a decent pair of shoes, catch a return ferry from the city center and go climb a volcano!

Hunua Falls

This living and breathing New Zealand advertisement features a twenty-eight-meter-high waterfall and a bevy of swimming holes, and you may want to take a dip as you’ll work up a sweat on the three to four hour walk it takes to get there (there are shorter walks to enjoy, if you aren’t in the mood). Surrounded by beautiful New Zealand bush, this is one hidden Kem you won’t want to miss out on!

Coast to Coast Walk

Ranked as one of the top ten city hikes in the world by Lonely Planet, this is one you’ll want to your list of must-do walks! Plus, it’s one of the only walks in the country that links from one side of the country to the other! These sixteen kilometers walk weaves from the Waitemata and Manukau harbors, taking you on a journey through Auckland volcanos, Maori history, photogenic views and historic landmarks. This is a whole day trip so pack a bottle and decent pair of shoes – it’s gonna be a great journey!

Okura Bush Walk

Step out of the city and deep into the rich New Zealand wilderness on this three-hour hike that will take you across cliff tops and through the natural wilderness on a round track through Stillwater, a ten-minute drive out of Albany. Pack a picnic and sturdy pair of shoes and book this one in on a nice day!

Jun27

Deviate from The Norm – Four Quirky Activities to Do in Auckland

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Meal and Meows – Cat Café

We all love to eat and drink, and Auckland is famous for its bevy of restaurants and Cafes that can cater to all different food types, views, and décor. But two Cafés in the city have taken things a bit FURRther (heh) and thrown in the experience of having friendly cats surround you for company!

This may seem strange, it’s an odd marriage, cats, and food, but since opening these cafes have become extremely popular, filling out daily and making headlines across the country. And I’m not underselling the popularity here, these cafes can become so popular that sometimes booking ahead is recommended!

But down worry about getting fur and such in your food, the Cafes are separated into two rooms, one for ordering and eating, and another to visit the furry friends.

The cats are all adopted rescues as well, which adds the wholesome value!

The Cat Lounge is located at 173A Archers Rd, Hillcrest, Auckland. 0800 228 223

Barista Cats Café is located in central Auckland at 95 Queen St, Auckland. +64 9-379 8966

Get Locked in A Room and Try to Escape

Okay, hear us out on this one – it’s a lot more exciting than it seems! Many of you will be coming to the big city to take in the sights and sounds, but sometimes the weather can change our plans at the last minute, but if you are here with a group of people then a Great Escape room can be the most exciting last minute decision you can make!

The premise is simple: you and your group get locked in a room with an hour to get yourselves out by solving a series of puzzles! This is a great bonding experience for friends and family that requires creativity, common sense and a good sense of humor!

If that doesn’t already get you excited, you also have a choice of four different rooms to choose from: Prison Break, the Psych Ward, Dreams of Alice and the World War II inspired Behind the Enemy Lines.

Great Escape is located at 28 Lorne St, Auckland.

Survive a Zombie Apocalypse

Nothing brings a group of friends together than running for your lives from the undead, and that’s exactly what Auckland Can offer!

This fully immersive experience will drop you in course catered for your escape, including a stage set or forest as actors dressed in special effects makeup scare the bejeezus out of you!

Bookings are essential for this one, so get in quick!

Go for A Catered Walk

Anyone who has ever traveled will tell you that the best knowledge and experience you can get is from locals – there is just some things that travel blogs just don’t know (but do check out our blogs, we know a fair bit!).

This is why you can’t miss out on a walking tour of Auckland! This unique and fun way of exploring the city is perfect for those who want to discover the inner creaks and crevices while learning a little bit about the city along the way.

The Aucky Walky tour takes you deeps into the city showcasing many of its hidden gems including local food destinations, parks and galleries while giving a detailed history of the city including Maori settlements and how it became New Zealand’s biggest City.

This is a great experience for your first day in the city as the advice you’ll be given will help make the rest of stay in Auckland that much richer.

May09

For The Kids: Exploring Butterfly Creek

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Keeping kids entertained can sometimes be a tricky situation when traveling, but sometimes a good energizing activity during the day can be the perfect answer to wear them out so you can enjoy the night! In this blog we will look at the extremely popular Butterfly creek, a children’s paradise that’s a perfect outlet for energetic little ones.

Located by the Auckland Airport, Butterfly Creek was opened by Husband and Wife duo John Dowsett and Fiona Turner in 2003 and has since grown into a paradise that features a handful of activities that has earnt it such a renowned reputation in the city of sales.

Butterfly Creek labels itself half a zoo and half an attraction, the zoo label is not taken lightly! Butterfly Creek hosts a plethora of critters including otters, monkeys, crocodiles, reptiles, farm animals, native birds and insects and (of course) a butterfly house! There is also plenty of opportunities for children to get in and meet the many animals, with daily encounters every day. You can also travel across the park on a train, so you can take time off your feet, but still have time to take everything in!

One of the most Interesting parts of the zoo is the Dinosaur Kingdom, yes you read that right, take a trip back in time to the prehistoric times that features of sixty dinosaurs – including huge, life-size animatronic dinosaurs! The attraction is also a learning experience for children that includes facts, fossils and ample opportunities for photos!

If you are still up for adventure after Butterfly creek, then right next-door is the company’s sister attraction, Rocket Ropes, which features a handful of rope and climbing course for all ages to enjoy.

So if you want to treat the kids to an original experience that they will enjoy, and full wear them out, give Butterfly creek a visit – and reap the benefits!

Apr16

Auckland Attractions: Spookers

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Is having a relaxed holiday by the water not quite enough? Are you looking for something to get the blood pumping and hearts racing? Then Spookers might be right for you! This haunted attraction is the only one like it in the country, so don’t miss out while you are in the city!

Location

When opening a haunted theme park, location is crucial, and boy has Spookers set themselves up in prime real estate for strange happenings: The Kingseat Hospital – a former psychiatric ward and New Zealand’s #1 haunted location. The hospital was opened in 1932, it is a large building that housed both patients and staff, had large grounds and gardens and it quickly became one of the country’s most popular psychiatric facilities, at times housing over eight hundred patients. According to many various reports over one hundred people died at the facility which has apparently lead to previous staff and would-be ghost hunters claiming to have experienced varying degrees of “apparitions”, the most popular one being “the grey nurse”.

When the hospital closed in 1999 and there were many questions and ideas about what to do with the site, proposals included an equestrian facility, new residential development, and a new prison. Many members of the public wanted it to be preserved for historical purposes, but this was hindered by reports of abuse throughout the mental health sector, including Kingseat, which blackened the history of the hospital. Spookers started operating their haunted house portion of their attraction in the nurse’s home portion of the old hospital in 2005.

For the Adults (16+)

Obviously, the main nightly scare fest is intended for adults (so bring your I.D) and operates on both Friday and Saturday nights (and Halloween of course). There are a number of attractions to choose from:

The Haunted House: The original and most popular attraction is a haunted house filled with spooky sets that were co-designed by WETA Workshop, jump scares around every corner, and live action actors dressed to part!

The Freaky Forest Of Fear: The title says it all, you are set out into a forest filled with the sounds of buzzing chainsaws and live actors out in character as crazed hillbillies and mutants.

Disturbia: if you have a fear of clowns you might want to avoid this one, three-dimensional effects and black light rooms mixed with psychedelic clowns jumping out from anywhere at any point in a confined space will make any clown lover turn a new leaf.

CornEvil: a maze made of corn filled with actors dressed as every type of terrifying being alive. You might want a group for this one, as you weave your way around tight corners with surprises around each twisted turn.

For Everyone:

Being spooked may not be for everyone, and isn’t really appropriate for the kids, but don’t worry there are some parts of Spookers that everyone can enjoy.

Taste of Terror: for ages eight and up, this toned down tour is operated during the day and takes you on a tour of the facilities with an in-character actor – don’t worry, the scares are minimal.

The Amazing Maze in Maize: The largest corn maze in New Zealand, the whole family can enjoy trying to navigate this huge maze that has been cut into corn, the adventure also includes activities for kids to enjoy.