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Jul08

Get Out South: Four Family Activities In South Auckland

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.

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!