walks

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.

Nov19

Make the Most of Summer in Howick

Daniel Vernon Activities 0 comments

Summer is finally here, and if you are planning to spend some time with us out east and want to get out and enjoy the sun, then you are in a prime location! Whether it is getting active, lounging in the sun or seeing what nature has to offer, we have a list of unique ways to get out in the summer sun in East Auckland:

Catch A ferry, Enjoy the Water!

Being located so close to the ferry terminals mean that you are just a smooth ride from a lot of popular destinations, including Waiheke Island and Rangitoto. For the perfect afternoon turned evening, hop on the ferry to Half Moon Bay, where you’ll be able to stroll along the marina before grabbing a bite to eat at Grangers, one of the most popular restaurants out east!

Pack a Picnic, Take in The Views

If you are looking for a decent walk, stunning views, and a DIY lunch, then we can’t recommend starting your day strolling along the Pohutukawa Coast Trail, which wins you through most of East Auckland. This magnificent 5km walkway will take you from Whitford all the way to Umupuia, just a 10-minute walk from Clevedon. From there, we’d suggest taking a picnic and setting up under a tree at Omana Regional Park and take in the stunning views of Rangitoto and Motuihe islands. End your day by enjoying a post-meal afternoon stroll from Half Moon Bay to Bucklands Beach and if it’s a hot day, take a dip into the sun-soaked waters!

Adventure, With a Sprinkle of History

Speaking of the water, if you’re into kayaking and want to get out on the water and learn a little something on the way, we have the perfect adventure for you. Embark on the multi-day, self-guided kayaking tour along Te Ara Moana. Meaning ‘the sea-going pathway’ in Māori, this route is rich in history and was once used for traveling between settlements. The trip takes five days and will see you set off from Omana Regional Park in Maraetai and ending up at Waharau Regional Park.

Spends Some Time with the Animals Of East Auckland

A great day trip idea if you have the wee ones with you is to take them to the many places to see and pet the many animals out east! First, we have to recommend Cuesta Alpacas in Hunua which essentially a farm with 100 Alpacas which offers tours in which you can get up close with the Alpacas. If you are more of a bird watching group, then head to the bird gardens out east which is run by Blake Twigden, a talented artist and conservationist who has created one of East Auckland best-kept secrets that is home to several native and exotic birds.

Jul04

Auckland On Foot: Four Great Walks In The City

Daniel Vernon Activities, Blog 0 comments

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!