3 minute read
72-HOUR ITINERARY: Relax to the max
Come to Auckland for some R&R. From easy going suburbs to sun-drenched surf beaches, a weekend in Aotearoa’s largest region is bliss.
DAY ONE: Beachy Vibes & Island Hopping
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Grab a big gulp of coffee from the window at Cali Press in the slick retail hub of Commercial Bay and jump on the blue Tāmaki Link bus.
Weaving along Tāmaki Drive to the sea-fronting communities of Mission Bay, Kohimārama Beach and St Heliers, you’ll be at the beach within minutes. The bus departs Britomart, just opposite Commercial Bay. Active types might like to get off just shy of Ōkahu Bay Beach and hire a pair of roller blades from Fergs Kayaks. Skate your way along the esplanade to Kohimārama Beach and stop for alfresco brunch at Café on Kohi by the ocean.
Energised by the buzz of the seaside, head back to central Auckland and to the historic ferry building where the boat to Waiheke Island departs. Forty minutes later and you’ll have swapped central Auckland's glistening skyline for a bucolic landscape. Waiheke is where lush green hills meet golden beaches and rolling grape vines. Hire an e-bike, or rent a retro Italian Lambretta from Island Scoot. Pick up in Oneroa and then ride along the country lanes and esplanades. There are also double-seater scooters for duos with only one experienced driver.
Mudbrick Vineyard
Miles Holden
Come lunchtime, discover Goldie Estate, Waiheke’s oldest vineyard. Picnic amidst the vines with a wicker basket full of produce from the winery’s deli. Armed with rosé and rugs, you’ll be directed to a private picnic spot overlooking Putiki Bay.
After an afternoon of sunbathing and swimming, enjoy dinner at Mudbrick Vineyard and Restaurant while the sun sets behind the distant silhouette of the Sky Tower, then take a moonlit ferry back to downtown Auckland.
DAY TWO: Sleepy Seaside Villages
Cradled at the base of Mt Victoria and defined by well-preserved Victorian and Edwardian buildings, this pretty sea-fronting village is centred around a fabulous collection of shops, pubs and a vintage cinema. From boutique stationers to a traditional chocolatier, Devonport mixes old-world charm with seaside bonniness.
Stop at Châteaubriant café for authentic French pastries before taking a self-guided tour of North Head Historical Reserve. Ramble through military tunnels scattered between gun emplacements and fortifications dating back to 1888 and both World Wars.
Devonport, North Auckland
If you're feeling especially jaunty, a one-hour segway tour weaves through historic streets, past Victorian villas, beaches and parks, before whizzing up Mt Victoria for uninterrupted views across a shimmering Hauraki Gulf.
Ferry back to downtown Auckland and head to the charming suburb of Parnell, just 10 minutes' drive away in an Uber. As dusk approaches, dine at Pasture. Seated at the chef’s counter, only seven guests can sample the intricate multi-course menu at one time.
DAY 3: Rainforest & waterfalls
There is no ferry to catch this morning, but a scenic 45-minute drive west from central Auckland will deposit you in the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park.
Like many roads in Aotearoa, the landscape changes in ways you’d never expect. The shiny high-rises of Auckland’s modern centre soon dissolve into a wild and rugged topography of dense subtropical rainforest.
Walking in West Auckland
On your return drive to central Auckland, detour to the lively village of Titirangi. This charming township offers both suburban comforts and isolation. As the former home of New Zealand’s most celebrated artist, Colin McCahon, the artsy feel is amplified by two excellent art galleries, a theatre, and the tiny McCahon House art museum which was once McCahon’s home.
Polish off the day at iTi, a smart but casual bistro in Titirangi with a gorgeous veranda and huge picture windows nuzzling a lush, forested canopy.
