09 534 3079
info@howickmotorlodge.co.nz
  1. Home
  2. half moon bay

half moon bay

Jan20

Exploring Half Moon Bay

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.

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!