family

Oct30

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

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.

May09

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!