2 minute read
Some of our favourite Auckland things
1. Isolated swimming spots
Secluded slivers of beach dust the edges of Auckland’s North Shore or you could head to Kauri Pt Domain for its seldom visited Fitzpatrick Bay Beach. Just south of Piha, is Karekare Falls, with a fresh-water swimming hole. At Te Henga (Bethells Beach), you can slide down the sand dunes on a boogie board, landing with a splash in the stream. Sheltered Pt Chev Beach is just a 15-minute drive from central Auckland and the Pt Chev Beach Café serves delicious food and drink. When you're at the beach, please remember to swim between the flags.
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Te Henga Beach, West Auckland © Getty Images
2. Glamping
In true summer spirit, Auckland Council have embraced the glamping scene with their handful of bell tents in dreamy locations such as Wenderholm Regional Park, Orewa Beach Holiday Park and Martins Bay Holiday Park, all in North Auckland. For the ultimate, centrally-located glamping experience, book ‘Staydium’ – at the prestigious Eden Park stadium.
3. 10/10 date ideas
If you’re after full marks from the significant other, board the Shuckleferry at Scott's Landing in the Mahurangi Harbour for a cruise to Brownes Bay, one of the best Pacific oyster-growing areas in New Zealand. Once the vessel anchors, you'll get a full oyster-shucking demo, from gathering the molluscs to slinging them down your throat.
Waiheke Island
Miles Holden
4. Enriching Māori insights
The Māori Cultural Performance at Auckland War Memorial Museum is recognised as one of the best Māori performances in Aotearoa. These daily 30-minute acts include a high-energy rendition of the world-famous haka.
Whau Café is perched on the Māori ancestral mountain Maungawhau (Mt Eden) which is a 12-minute drive from central Auckland and features authentic Māori kai (food) and the Te Ipu Kōrero o Maungawhau discovery centre that details the area’s fascinating history. Additional Māori experiences include making your own taonga (Māori pendant) at the Auckland Bone & Stone Carving Academy in East Tāmaki.
Māori performance, Tāmaki Herenga Waka Festival
Tourism NZ
5. Unique foodie experiences
Experience a burger served between two giant glazed doughnuts at Sneaky Snacky or try the unique dining style at Culprit.which utilises yum cha-style trolleys laden with tiny European dishes. For a spot most locals don’t even know about, L’Atelier du Fromage is a French café offering an authentic Plat du Jour. Find it in Newmarket at Maison Vauron, the gourmet store in which it is hidden. If Waiheke Island’s on the agenda, book a bach by the beach and head to Dragonfired. This bijou food truck serves alfresco wood-fired pizzas, on the sand, in Little Oneroa.
Culprit. Central Auckland © Josh Griggs
6. Awesome parks
Madills Farm is an instant child-pleaser with basket swings, climbing net and in-ground trampolines. The Snakes and Ladders Park in Pakuranga is worth the 15-minute drive south from central Auckland for its life-size snakes and ladders’ board game complete with tunnels to slide down and steps to climb up, while older kids might like the enormous frisbee golf course at Henderson Park. Come nightfall, drive 30 minutes from central Auckland to Manurewa to find glowworms at Totara Park. In summer, Auckland Council hosts Out & About Glowworm Tours.
Snakes and Ladders Park, Pakuranga, East Auckland © Auckland Council
Main Image: Wenderholm Regional Park, North Auckland © Getty Images
